How to make a backup?

Question

Level 1

9 points

How to make a backup?

Hi,

since my girlfriends MacBookAir is not able to boot any more (showing a "prohibited" sign), I need to make a back up of the hard drive. IF this is possible. Running disk utility tool reveals some errors with the hard drive which cant be solved by the tool. Is it possible to access the HD to save the data? At least whats in the users folder... I tried to run the reinstall tool, but I cannot choose a HD to install!

I have a Mac too running Mountain Lion, the Air is running Lion. Does anyone know a way of not losing the data?

Cheers

Phil

Posted on Dec 20, 2012 1:07 PM

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Answer 1

John Galt

Level 10

141,296 points

Dec 20, 2012 1:12 PM in response to DaPhil

Try Target Disk Mode - depending on your Mac models, you may need an adapter.

Thunderbolt or FireWire Target Disk Mode:

http://support.apple.com/kb/PH3838

FireWire Target Disk Mode:

http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1661

If you can mount the MacBook Air's disk remotely, you may be able to retrieve its contents. If not, try Disk Utility again from the other Mac.

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Answer 2

DaPhil Author

Level 1

9 points

Dec 20, 2012 1:17 PM in response to John Galt

The Air does only have Thunderbolt and I do not have a Thunderbolt cable. My own Mac has only USB or Firewire. So I am not able to connect those two Laptops. Will I be able to copy the data from the broken Air HD when I have a proper connection cable?

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Answer 3

John Galt

Level 10

141,296 points

Dec 20, 2012 1:37 PM in response to DaPhil

If the disk is damaged you are almost certain to have lost some data already and there is no guarantee you will even get it to mount. Without a backup, your goal is to recover as much data as possible.

You can buy this Thunderbolt to FireWire adapter to connect the two Macs:

http://store.apple.com/us/product/MD464ZM/A/apple-thunderbolt-to-firewire-adapte r

... and an appropriate FireWire 800 cable.

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Answer 4

DaPhil Author

Level 1

9 points

Jan 3, 2013 3:49 AM in response to John Galt

Can I also use a FireWire to USB Cable? Using FireWire at my MacBookPro and USB on the damaged MacBookAir? Or does only the Thunderbolt adapter the job?

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Answer 5

John Galt

Level 10

141,296 points

Jan 3, 2013 6:43 AM in response to DaPhil

You must use a FireWire or Thunderbolt cable to use FireWire or Thunderbolt Target Disk Mode. USB is not an option.

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