cannot boot mac (10.9); how to backup before reinstall

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cannot boot mac (10.9); how to backup before reinstall

Hello,

All of sudden my mac failed to boot. It stays at the gray screen with progress bar at the bottom. Half way through it stopped and shut down itself.

I did some random researches online and tried to access disk utilities - verify disk. Half way through it prompted to ask me to repair some errors detected.

However, it failed to repair with following warning screen.

I am left with the option to reinstall the system but I am worried about losing data. Is there a way to back up the files(i have external hard drive) without actually in the system(unable to mount)? I have never backed up files using time machine.

Or if you know any alternatives to fix the problem? Thank you!!

MacBook Pro, OS X Mavericks (10.9)

Posted on Jul 20, 2014 11:57 AM

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Answer 1

Melophage

Level 5

7,213 points

Jul 20, 2014 12:05 PM in response to guch0803

guch0803,

there’s no guarantee that your data won’t be lost. You can try the method on this Apple page in the “Instructions for backing up to an external hard disk via Disk Utility” section. (You can skip step 6 there, since you already know that your disk is irreparable.) Once you get your disk sorted out, I’d recommend that you purchase an external disk for use as a Time Machine backup destination, so that if a similar problem should happen in the future, it wouldn’t wipe out your only copy of your personal files.

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Answer 2

Kappy

Level 10

361,741 points

Jul 20, 2014 12:09 PM in response to guch0803

If you cannot startup the computer, then you cannot backup your files. Have you tried using Safe Mode? Do you have access to another Mac? If so then you may be able to use Target Disk Mode to transfer your files to an external drive.

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Answer 3

guch0803 Author

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Jul 20, 2014 12:17 PM in response to Kappy

Thank you for your reply.

Based on the description of the safe mode, i believe my mac automatically went to safe mode when i tried to turn it on (apple logo, spinning gear, progress bar). However, it couldnt get through it...and just shut down itself.

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Answer 4

guch0803 Author

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Jul 20, 2014 12:19 PM in response to Melophage

Thanks for the reply.

i was not able to create a new image (error - 61)...

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Answer 5

Kappy

Level 10

361,741 points

Jul 20, 2014 12:22 PM in response to guch0803

No, that's not safe mode. That's much worse: OS X- Gray progress bar appears under Apple logo during startup. I think at this point your only option for accessing your files is to try using Target Disk Mode if you have access to a second Mac. This would work as long as the drive is still accessible. If it isn't then there's little you can do without using file recovery software:

General File Recovery

If you stop using the drive it's possible to recover deleted files that have not been overwritten by using recovery software such as MAC Data Recovery, Data Rescue II, File Salvage or TechTool Pro. Each of the preceding come on bootable CDs to enable usage without risk of writing more data to the hard drive. Two free alternatives are Disk Drill and TestDisk. Look for them and demos at MacUpdate or CNET Downloads. Recovery software usually provide trial versions that enable you to determine if the software would help before actually paying for it. Beyond this or if the drive has completely failed, then you would need to send the drive to a recovery service which is very expensive.

The longer the hard drive remains in use and data are written to it, the greater the risk your deleted files will be overwritten.

Also visit The XLab FAQs and read the FAQ on Data Recovery.

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Answer 6

guch0803 Author

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Jul 20, 2014 12:38 PM in response to Kappy

I just tried the safe mode. It stopped at the same place and then shut down itself. Thanks, I will try the Target Disk Mode when I find another mac.

Also, I see there are two disks shown in the disk utilities:

Macintosh HD(the problem one) - over 300GB size

Disk 1(OS X Base system) - about 1 GB Mounted

I'm not much a tech person and not really sure which is which.. Can you tell me where is my data stored?

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Answer 7

Kappy

Level 10

361,741 points

Jul 20, 2014 12:55 PM in response to guch0803

No, you have only one disk. Disk 1 refers to either an optical DVD or a mounted recovery partition on the same drive or a volume that is no longer there and was not properly removed. It usually appears below the actual hard drive with a separation line between them.

Your data are stored on Macintosh HD.

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Answer 8

guch0803 Author

Level 1

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Jul 20, 2014 5:05 PM in response to Kappy

What is your opnions on "Archive and re-install"? It seems like some files can be preserved as long as I have enough space. Thanks!

Mac OS X 10.4, 10.5: About installation options

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Answer 9

Kappy

Level 10

361,741 points

Jul 20, 2014 5:12 PM in response to guch0803

That would work if you had a functioning drive, but you don't. Archive and Install is simply a way of reinstalling systems prior to Snow Leopard without erasing the hard drive. But to reinstall OS X that way requires a working hard drive. Furthermore, it requires that you are using Leopard or earlier which you aren't.

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