Wendy707

Q: Can I back up after startup file corrupt?

I know nothing about this Macbook Pro but was talked into getting it. I never backed it up. I didnt even know there was such a thing. Recently there was a spinning multicolor wheel. It wouldnt stop spinning. I tried everything to get it to stop and it didnt so I restarted the computer. After I restarted it the screen was grey and there was a picture of a file with a question mark. I called Apple and spoke to the tech. They said the main start up disk is corrupt or missing. They said that I should still have all of my files but I would need to purchase an external hard drive and save everything before reinstalling the main file. I finally purchased a 4 tb external back up. How do I save my files now? It doesnt show anything once I plug it in. I cannot access safe mode either. Does anyone have any experience with this sort of issue? I would appreciate any help please. Thank you

MacBook Pro (15-inch Mid 2012)

Posted on Apr 11, 2016 1:15 AM

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Q: Can I back up after startup file corrupt?

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  • by OGELTHORPE,

    OGELTHORPE OGELTHORPE Apr 11, 2016 4:09 AM in response to Wendy707
    Level 9 (52,313 points)
    Mac OS X
    Apr 11, 2016 4:09 AM in response to Wendy707

    Do you know the operating system that you have installed?  Is it Lion, Mt. Lion, Mavericks. Yosemite or El Capitan?

     

    Ciao.

  • by Wendy707,

    Wendy707 Wendy707 Apr 11, 2016 9:38 PM in response to OGELTHORPE
    Level 1 (4 points)
    Notebooks
    Apr 11, 2016 9:38 PM in response to OGELTHORPE

    Hi Ogelthorpe-

    I am not sure where to find this info out. It shows something about OS X but it is greyed out.

  • by OGELTHORPE,Apple recommended

    OGELTHORPE OGELTHORPE Apr 12, 2016 4:22 AM in response to Wendy707
    Level 9 (52,313 points)
    Mac OS X
    Apr 12, 2016 4:22 AM in response to Wendy707

    Wendy707 wrote:

     

    I am not sure where to find this info out. It shows something about OS X but it is greyed out.

    Is there a number displayed such as 10.11.4?  If so post it.

     

    Do you have another Mac available?  If so you can try target disk mode to transfer your data to the external HDD:

     

    https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT201462

     

    Another option is to take out the internal HDD, insert it in an enclosure, connect it to another Mac and copy the files to the external HDD.

     

    These are the safest options for saving your data assuming that it still is there.

     

    Ciao.