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Macbook Pro not detecting startup disk

Hello everyone. I have a problem with my Macbook pro (2011).

I replaced the HD with a SSD drive and the drive, couple of days ago, died.

I replaced the SSD with a brand new one and it gets detected by Disk utility. Internet recovery also works and I manage to run the online installation part of the new OS X installation.


However, when the laptop reboots to perform the installation, the screen goes white with the question mark logo on the grey folder blinking.


I go back to internet recovery and check the "Startup disk" and no disk is displayed there. The SSD drive is still recognized by Disk utility and the OS X partition shows up. Clicked on verify and repair on both disk and partition but still no luck


I have also run HW diags (d) on the Macbook and diagnostics came back OK with no issues found.

I have also tried to reset SMC but again same thing...


Any help?

MacBook Pro, macOS High Sierra (10.13.4)

Posted on Apr 24, 2018 9:46 AM

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Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Apr 26, 2018 12:39 AM

I have some more details about the problem


I tried installing Windows 10 on the macbook pro and, when running diskpart it just freezes. I assume, as the hard drive is brand new, there is a problem with the HD cable, so I will take the laptop to an apple approved retailer and have it checked.


Thanks

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9 replies
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Apr 26, 2018 12:39 AM in response to Kappy

I have some more details about the problem


I tried installing Windows 10 on the macbook pro and, when running diskpart it just freezes. I assume, as the hard drive is brand new, there is a problem with the HD cable, so I will take the laptop to an apple approved retailer and have it checked.


Thanks

Apr 24, 2018 9:54 AM in response to ov3r0n

I would repartition and reformat the drive with Disk Utility booted from another disk such as an external. Or you can do this:


Locate the original Software Restore disks that came with the computer. Boot from the one containing Snow Leopard.


Snow Leopard Erase and Install


  1. Insert Snow Leopard DVD into the optical drive and restart the computer.
  2. Immediately upon hearing the chime hold down the C key.
  3. Release the key when the Apple logo appears and wait for the loading to finish.
  4. After the installer loads select your language and click on the Continue button. When the menu bar appears select Disk Utility from the Utilities' menu. After Disk Utility loads select the out-dented disk entry from the side list (mfgr.'s ID and drive size.) Click on the Partition tab in the Disk Utility’s right window. Set the number of partitions to one (1) from the drop down menu. Click on the Options button and select GUID, click OK button, set the format type to MacOS Extended, Journaled. Finally, click on the Apply button.
  5. After formatting has finished quit Disk Utility. Continue with the OS X installation and follow the directions.
  6. When the installation has finished the computer will restart into the Setup Assistant. After you complete the Setup Assistant you will be running a fresh installation of Snow Leopard. Open Software Update and install the recommended updates.
  7. If you are planning to sell or give your computer away, then do the following: After you reformat your hard drive and reinstall Snow Leopard, the computer restarts to a Welcome screen. To leave the Mac in an OOTB (Out Of The Box) state, don't continue with the setup. Instead, press Command and Q keys to shut down the computer. The Setup Assistant will guide the new owner through the setup process after he/she turns on the computer.
  8. Download and install Mac OS X 10.6.8 Update Combo v1.1. if needed. It is not needed if you are selling or giving away the computer.

Apr 24, 2018 10:00 AM in response to ov3r0n

Is this what you did?


Internet/Network Recovery of El Capitan or Later on a Clean Disk


  1. Restart the computer. Immediately after the chime hold down the (Command-Option-R) keys until a globe appears.
  2. The Utility Menu will appear in from 5-20 minutes. Be patient.
  3. Select Disk Utility and click on the Continue button.
  4. When Disk Utility loads select the drive (usually, the out-dented entry) from the side list.
  5. Click on the Erase tab in Disk Utility's main window. A panel will drop down.
  6. Set the partition scheme to GUID.
  7. Set the Format type to APFS (SSDs only) or Mac OS Extended (Journaled.)
  8. Click on the Apply button, then click on the Done button when it activates.
  9. Quit Disk Utility and return to the Utility Menu.
  10. Select Reinstall OS X and click on the Continue button.


Note:

1. To install the version of OS X that was currently installed use Command-Option-R.

2. To install the original factory version when the computer was new use Command-Option-Shift-R.

Apr 24, 2018 9:58 AM in response to Kappy

Hi Kappy, thanks for the quick response.

I have already repartitioned and reformated the SSD with no luck using Disk Utility from the Internet Recovery.


I do not have any Snow Leopard DVD as the laptop came with none. What I noticed is that after the computer reboots, if I keep the Option key pressed, I can see there is a "bootable" option there (to install OS X), but even if I manually select this option, the same thing happens: blinking folder with question mark...


This is getting frustrating...

Apr 24, 2018 10:11 AM in response to ov3r0n

Actually, not sure why, High Sierra Internet recovery started this time :S


When I follow your instructions, APFS file system type appeared, so I have now that kind of partition.

The only problem now is that when I start the install of the OS, it fails with the error "The recovery server could not be contacted" which seems a problem with Apple recovery servers.


Will try again in few minutes

Apr 25, 2018 8:02 AM in response to ov3r0n

Still the same issue here...

Yesterday I managed to get the highSierra install going but it got stuck saying "2 minutes remaining"

I left the laptop installing the whole night but when I woke up and checked it, it had rebooted and again the blinking grey folder with the question mark...


I have also tried with a USB drive with a hackintosh image (I do not have any other mac to create a proper USB) and it failed as well (as I kind of expected)


Any ideas?

Macbook Pro not detecting startup disk

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