Level 1

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Macbook Pro won't boot. Post includes full history

Hi everyone,

I have a scehuled call back tomorrow morning but I really need this fixed (hoping it's possible) sooner! I'll start with explaining what happened and where I think I am.

I'm using a Macbok pro mid 2010. Last year I updated the OS to (I think El Capitan)

- I was using my mac earlier and it completely locked up. So I held the power button until it shutdown.

- Upon startup the progress bar (beneath the apple logo) got to about 80% complete and then the mac would shutdown.

- On the 4th Startup attempt the apple logo wouldn't apper. Just a grey/white blank screen. This is when I began to panic 😟)

- Using my phone I tried to start the macbook in safe mode but this didn't seem to do anything.

- I then tried the mac OS recovery system (Comman R). I managed to get to the OS X recovery screen (I"m posting this via the safari link!).

- I went through the first aid option and no faults were found with the hard drive. So I tried to restart.

- Now my mac would only boot to the OS recovery screen. So I thought I'd try and boot in safe mode. Holding down the shift key will see a 50% completeion of the progress bar and then a load of text appears over the screen and the mac restarts and boots to the OS X recovery screen.

- I tried to reset the NVRAM and PRAM. Got to a select language screen and then the mac booted to the OS X recovery screen.

- I have tried the reset SMC but I'm not sure if this has worked as there appears to be no feedback.

So, thats a breif history of my evening. I have a time machine backup on an external HDD from last year made before I updated to El Capitan.

I have looked at completely reinstalling the OS (I'm correct in thinking all of my data will be safe?) however when I get to the part where it asks where I want to isntall it I only have a greyed out HDD. If I connect the external HDD I seem to be able to install the OS there.

I'm hoping some kind person can help me. Thanks in advance 🙂

MacBook Pro

Posted on Apr 12, 2018 2:06 PM

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19 replies

BearsInNeed Author

Level 1

12 points

Apr 12, 2018 4:35 PM in response to y_p_w

Thank you for your help. I really do appreciate it.

As I said to the leroydouglas, I want to rule out other possible issues before I go dismantling my mac! Is there any information I've failed to provide which can help you guys?

I'm happy to intsal a new drive but only if I have to.

If all else fails and I have no option but a new hard drive: what tools will I need to install the drive? What is the cable called I need to mount the old hard drive?

Again, Thanks for your help. This is pretty distressing but I guess I have a little hope.

leroydouglas

Level 10

199,488 points

Apr 12, 2018 4:42 PM in response to BearsInNeed

BearsInNeed wrote:

Sorry, does this mean my hard drive is definely the problem?

- Is the only way to fix this to install a new drive? (I've read about loose cables and other issues how can i rule everything out?)

- If I install a new drive is the data on the current one lost? or can i recover it myself by connecting it to a USB port via an adapter OR will I have to use a professional company?

Thanks, I do appreciate everyones help

Well from the DiskUtility report you have a problem with the Partition Map on the HD.

You can references similiar: "Problems were found with the partition map which might prevent booting"

The best you can do with out reformatting that drive (erasing all data), is get a new hardrive, install, format it from internet Recovery, and try using the setup assistant (Set up your new Mac - Apple Support) and see if it will recognize the now external drive( in an enclosure) to move your data.

If it does not recognize it you can try to recover the data yourself with software like Data Rescue. There are many and I have no experience with the success or failure.

y_p_w

Level 6

17,762 points

Apr 12, 2018 5:19 PM in response to BearsInNeed

The tools you would need are a #00 Phillips screwdriver for the case screws and the drive mounting bracket. Then you would need a T-6 Torx screwdriver to remove and reinstall the drive mounting screws located on the side of the drive. There are two on each side (four total) and the following photo shows two of them (circled in red):

https://d3nevzfk7ii3be.cloudfront.net/igi/IGYY6vrUBfXcUdQM.medium

It's relatively easy and Apple considers it a do-it-yourself job, but it's still possible to damage something in the process. These are Apple's official instructions:

https://manuals.info.apple.com/MANUALS/1000/MA1133/en_US/MBPRO_13inch_Mid2009_Ha rd_Drive_DIY.pdf

Don't worry that it says "Mid2009". The process is the same for all "Unibody" MacBook Pro models regardless of year or screen size. This is the only version of the hard drive installation instructions that Apple seems to have available. These instructions mention nothing about transferring the drive screws to the new drive, but that's an essential step.

For the old drive what you need is something that provides an interface between your old drive's SATA interface and your Mac. The most common way is to use a "USB enclosure" although it's possible to get a FireWire enclosure. There are also barebones adapters that don't have any kind of case.

This is one sold directly by Amazon:

AmazonBasics 2.5-inches SATA Hard Drive Enclosure - USB 3.0: Amazon.co.uk: Computers & Accessories

The idea is that once you have your old hard drive out, you can place it in the case (it sort of slides into the connector) where it will connect to an adapter that allows communications between your drive through USB. I have one (Patriot brand) that I've used to format, transfer, back up, etc.

leroydouglas

Level 10

199,488 points

Apr 23, 2018 3:37 PM in response to BearsInNeed

2.5" drives just plug it in, to replace the old drive. It is formatted, and fully loaded as you describe , you can successfully boot from it. Swapping installing a new SATA cable is always recommended.

Once the old drive goes into the external enclosure than you can work on getting the data off of it.

Maybe there is something helpful in here: How to create a boot clone

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Macbook Pro won't boot. Post includes full history