Macbook Pro a1278 - New hard drive

Question

Macbook Pro a1278 - New hard drive

Hello, I just removed the hard drive that died out of my Macbook Pro and now the issue has turned into a problem where the my computer refuses to read my OSX install discs. I know the drive is good, I literally just got the thing soo I am working on any other possibilities before going back to that one. I have performed PRAM and tried multiple cd's for installing the OS. But unfornately in the poor design of these machines I have no idea if the stupid thing is even reading my new drive. I did the AHT and no problems.

Posted on Jun 23, 2014 10:10 PM

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Answer 1

Jun 23, 2014 10:33 PM in response to Concentrated Pulp Juice

Are you trying to troubleshoot the hard drive you just bought..? Or the Superdrive?

If you are just sticking the disk in after putting in a BLANK HDD you're going to have issues most likely... After pressing the power button on your macbook, hold down the option key
Select the install disk as what you want to boot from.

Follow the instructions and install OS X to the new drive.

If the disk isn't showing up, you have a bad Superdrive or install disk.

Regards,
Noahwhite2014

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Answer 2

Jun 23, 2014 10:35 PM in response to Noahwhite2014

Again can not be the case. I just put the installer cd into my other apple computer and it read flawlessly. Again I literally just bought this hard drive so any suggestions outside of the hard drive are helpful.

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Answer 3

Cunnla

Level 6

8,263 points

Jun 23, 2014 11:14 PM in response to Concentrated Pulp Juice

You don't mention which MBP model, or operating system so this may not apply. Try Recovery mode. With your computer connected to the Internet, boot up while holding down the command-R keys. Before that, in Disk Utility, make sure your new HD is formatted as Mac OS Extended (journaled).

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Answer 4

Jun 23, 2014 11:33 PM in response to Cunnla

Again the issue is that I cannot get the install disc to now succeed in opening. I continue to get the greyed screen telling me to shut down the computer. I tested the drive on another computer and it is working. I tested the CD and it is reading as well. The MBP is part of the a1278 family it is this one

Model Family:

MacBook Pro

Processor:

2.4GHz Core 2 Duo (P8600)

Manufacturer:	Intel
# of CPUs:	1
Codename:	Penryn

Display:

Size:	13.3"
Finish:	Glossy
Resolution:	1280x800
Backlight:	LED-Backlit

Base Memory:

4GB PC3-8500 SODIMM

Max Memory:

8GB

# Memory Slots:

2

Brand:

Apple

Wireless:

802.11a/b/g/n

Color(s):

Aluminum

Original OS:

Mac OS X 10.6.3

Battery:

63.5-watt-hour removable lithium-polymer

Graphics:

NVIDIA GeForce 320M (256MB)

Base Storage:

250GB 5400RPM SATA 2.5"

Optical Drive:

8x DL Superdrive

Model Number:	A1278
Sales Number(s):	MC374LL/A
Machine Number(s):	MacBookPro7,1
Dimensions:	12.78 in x 8.94 in x 0.95 in
Weight:	4.5 lb
Production:	Apr 13, 2010 - Feb 24, 2011
Factory:	China
Production Year:	2009
Production Week:	24 (June)
Production Number:	25196

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Answer 5

Csound1

Level 9

60,063 points

Jun 24, 2014 12:04 AM in response to Cunnla

Cunnla wrote:

That is why I suggested Recovery mode, to avoid trying to use the original install disk. If you upgraded from Snow Leopard to Lion, Mountain Lion or Mavericks, that option may be available to you.

It's a new hard drive so there was no previous installation on it and 2009 Macs do not have a 'Recovery Mode' otherwise.

The original disk will be needed (or a replacement from Apple)

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Answer 6

Cunnla

Level 6

8,263 points

Jun 24, 2014 12:01 AM in response to Concentrated Pulp Juice

That is why I suggested Recovery mode, to avoid trying to use the original install disk. If you upgraded from Snow Leopard to Lion, Mountain Lion or Mavericks, that option may be available to you.

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Answer 7

Jun 24, 2014 12:18 AM in response to Csound1

I cannot just use my leopard disk from my iMac?

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Answer 8

Csound1

Level 9

60,063 points

Jun 24, 2014 12:19 AM in response to Concentrated Pulp Juice

No, it's for an iMac, not an MBP so it won't work.

Stop wasting your time, order replacement disks from Apple (if you lost the original) there is no 'workaround'

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Answer 9

Cunnla

Level 6

8,263 points

Jun 24, 2014 12:27 AM in response to Csound1

Thanks for the education.😊

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Answer 10

Jun 24, 2014 12:28 AM in response to Csound1

I guess let me just ask this. If I am trying to read the iMac cd on a mbp will i recieve a notification to shut down the computer in like 5 languages?

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Answer 11

Csound1

Level 9

60,063 points

Jun 24, 2014 12:30 AM in response to Concentrated Pulp Juice

Very likely, why not use the correct DVD (it's not a CD).

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