Backing up crashed HDD

My mid 2011 MacBook Pro's Hard drive recently became corrupted, I cannot verify or repair the disk, I am also unable to clone it to an external drive. When attempting to repair the disk (in Disk Utility) all goes well, until the repair is moments away from finishing, and I am greeted with the message of "Disk object invalid or unable to serialize.". I have also tried cloning the disk (in disk utility and with the aid of "SupderDuper!" both of which yielded the same, sad, result) to no avail, I am at my wits end, and must recover this Drives precious cargo.
Thank you, for any help which can be offered.
-Todd

It sounds like you have only two alternative left, either file recovery software or data recovery service.
For file recovery software read the review at http://data-recovery-software-review.toptenreviews.com/mac-recovery-software/
If that does;t work for you the other alternative is to send the disk off to a data recovery service. If you use this alternative expect to pay big bucks for it like $$$$
Something to consider, backups are way cheaper.
Allan

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See:
Syncing to a "New" Computer or replacing a "crashed" Hard Drive: Apple Support Communities

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Time machine should have a good copy - how are you determining that it is corrupt
If you want the thumbnails as photos right click on the iPhoto library and make a copy of the data folder and then import it into a new iPhoto library - it contains your thumbnails
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many HDD companies have data recovery services such as:
http://www.seagate.com/services-software/data-recovery-services/
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http://lifehacker.com/5982339/diy-data-recovery-tricks-for-when-your-hard-drive- goes-belly-up

Can I back up the HDD and an External drive at the same time?

Hi -
I have a 250Gb HDD (tiny!), but I have just bought myself 2 x 2Gb external drives which I have now formatted.
I intend to move my complete iTunes library on to 1 of the externals and I want to use the other external as a back-up for both the HDD and the other external.
My question is: If I plug both the external drives via USB into my Mac (both then appear on my desktop - one named 'Media', the other named 'Time Machine', is it possible to use Time Machine to back-up not only the HDD, but the 'Media' external drive as well at the same time, or would this be a seperate exercise??
Thanks.

OK - upon backing up and seeing the results, I see that it has backed up both the HDD and the external, so i kind of answered the question myself...

Backing up crashes Leopard!

Since installing and updating Leopard to 10.5.1 on my G4 Mac mini, I have been unable to backup my system since any attempt to do so crashes OS X altogether. I am using a partitioned 500 GB SimpleTech USB external hard drive, partitioned into 2 equal partitions, one for this Mac mini and one for my G4 iBook (though I don't use it for the iBook anymore since getting a separate firewire ext HD for the iBook, which works well for backups). Previously with 10.4, I was able to back up the Mac mini system using the SuperDuper backup software program. Now, with Leopard installed, the Mac mini system backs up a little over half way and then OS X 10.5.1 Leopard crashes completely. This happens whether I use Time Machine or SuperDuper, and has happened repeatedly. I have repeatedly reported the crash to Apple when the screen presents the option, but have of course received no solution and therefore cannot backup my G4 Mac mini. As Time Machine backs up the first halfway or so, it indicates that I have plenty of available space on the external HD and I emphasize that backups were ALWAYS successful with OS 10.4 Tiger. Is the problem my external HD and would it help to try to erase it completely and remove the partition, since it isn't used anymore for the iBook? I find it strange to think that the external HD could repeatedly crash the Mac mini's OS X Leopard during back ups, but I'd be willing to erase it if that would help.
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JVIRANT wrote:
Yes, I did. To make sure, I just re-erased it. Also, I'm going to try backing up again, this time with Norton Antivirus AutoProtect off. I'm not sure if that will make any difference. I assume that a USB ext HD should be functional for backups rather than requiring a firewire. Thank you for your ongoing help!
While AV is a good thing, it is not really necessary for a Mac, and it certainly can cause problems with backups and recovering from a backup.
I have never used an AV on either of my MBPs and so far nothing has hit them.
Yes with the Vista and XP on my other partitions I use AVG, but that's something completely different.
I used to use Virex on my G5, but since they started charging, I let it go since they no longer support Leopard free.

Connecting and backing up external HDD to a Time Capsule

Hi All,
Running a Macbook pro Retina. I would like to do the following things with a Time Capsule:
Physically connect an external HDD to the time capsule, put media on this external HDD and access it wirelessly on my macbook
Use the time capsule to back up (via Time Machine) the data on both my macbook's HDD and the external HDD
I would be grateful for help with the following queries:
Will Time Machine allow me to back up both the internal HDD and external HDD that is connected to the time capsule?
Does the external HDD I attach to the time capsule need its own power source, or will it take its power from the time capsule via USB?
Does the time capsule need to be turned on 24/7? Or can it just be turned on when I need to perform a back up / access the information on the external HDD?
Thanks for your help in advance. I know some of these questions may seem obvious, but having seen contradictory information online I'd like to make sure of my ground.

Physically connect an external HDD to the time capsule, put media on this external HDD and access it wirelessly on my macbook
Technically, you could do this. The question is whether you should do this. The USB 2.0 port on the Time Capsule brings new meaning to word s-l-o-w, so copies and access are going to sluggish at best. The port operates at about half the speed of a USB port on a computer.
As far as locating media on the USB drive, you would not want to locate a "working" library there, as the experts in the iPhoto and Aperture forums strongly recommend against this, as well as Apple in their support documents. An iTunes Library is going to be really slow as well if you are thinking of that, and the library will tend to get lost, so you will wind up pointing iTunes to the library on a regular basis.
I've learned the hard way that it is much better to locate media on a drive that is directly attached to the Mac. Access is much faster and more reliable, and Time Machine can back up both the Mac and the attached hard drive.
Use the time capsule to back up (via Time Machine) the data on both my macbook's HDD and the external HDD
That is not possible, since Time Machine can only back up data on a Mac, or a drive that is connected directly to a Mac.
Will Time Machine allow me to back up both the internal HDD and external HDD that is connected to the time capsule?
No, see answer above.
Does the external HDD I attach to the time capsule need its own power source, or will it take its power from the time capsule via USB?
Use a powered USB hub with the hard drive unless the drive has its own power supply. Sometimes though, you still have to use a powered USB hub with a drive, even when the drive has its own power supply. You won't know if he drive will work until you try it out.
Does the time capsule need to be turned on 24/7? Or can it just be turned on when I need to perform a back up / access the information on the external HDD?
Apple designed the Time Capsule to be "always on" since there is not even an "Off" switch on the device. Network connections will remain a lot more stable if you leave the TC on. With Yosemite, the TC has a hard enough time not losing network connections. Forcing the TC to establish new connections every time that you power it off and back on is bound to create issues.

Need help using terminal to back up failed HDD

The stock HDD on my MacBook has developed S.M.A.R.T. errors and is on its way out. I need to get all of my pictures and documents backed up before everything gets completely lost. I was finally able to get the thing fired up, and everything seems to somewhat work, except for Finder. I opened up terminal and attempted copying folders to my external HDD (1 TB Western Digital MyBook) but i can't seem to get it to work.
I'm not sure if it is best to copy just the files I need (such as the.whole Documents and Pictures folders), or to do a complete backup. What would be the best solution for when I install the new HDD and reload everything?
Can anyone provide me with any advice or the line(s) of code that ill need to get this done, starting from when i open Terminal?
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Melvin Richards wrote:
All of the files seem like they're in tact and accessable, I just can't use Finder to access them.
Create a external bootable drive.
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I have a Toshiba P10-304 and its recently been going a bit mental.
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How do I transfer my itunes from a backed up copy on a portable HDD from my dead PC into my new iMac?

Unfortunately that file is just a database type file that contains a list of the songs, playlists, etc. but does NOT contain the actual music files themselves. See here...
What are the iTunes library files?
http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=93732
So you may not have backed up the actual music itself yet. Since you say it is on the iPod you should be able to move it off the iPod into iTunes, but you need third party software support for that. Start with these past discussions and articles...
Copying from iPod to Computer threads...
http://discussions.apple.com/thread.jspa?threadID=776996&tstart=0
http://discussions.apple.com/thread.jspa?threadID=805256&tstart=0
http://discussions.apple.com/thread.jspa?messageID=797432&#797432
Also these useful internet articles...
http://www.engadget.com/2004/11/02/how-to-get-music-off-your-ipod/
http://playlistmag.com/help/2005/01/2waystreet/
iPod: Frequently Asked Questions
http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=60920
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i bought an external hard drive a couple of weeks ago. i thought i was being a smart computer user as i was going to use it to free up space and to back up all my important files incase my ibook were to ever crash. WELL...
after transfering my writing, my music, and my videos into my external hard drive everything was fine for about a week. then a couple of days ago whenever i plug the hard drive into my ibook to get some files a warning pops up and tells me that i have "insterted a disk containing no volumes that Mac OS X can read". i can either eject it, ignore it or initialize. when i click on initialize disk utility comes up. under the first aid i have no options available to click on.
i did check on the install disk that came with the hard drive but for mac users it basically just says that a mac will recognize it immediately and there is no installing to do, and there is nothing like this listed under trouble shooting.
does anyone have any ideas? i still have my songs and writings in my ibook but all the videos are in my external hard drive. are they lost? do i have to erase it all? i haven't had it for a month so i could return it for a refund (which i am thinking of doing) but i just wanted to see if there was any way to get my videos back out or if everything in it is lost forever. :S
the external hard drive is a comstar 250gb hard drive if that helps at all.

Hi Matt,
I did some research on Comstar and I don't have really any news. Here is what I think/foundout:
Not popular/Name Brand
I didn't find anything on Comstar the brand. It seems to me to be one of the "generic" brands that chains sometimes sell. The problem with that is I can't find a web page with information or forums from the actual company. The only people that have some information is Walmart, Best Buy, and some online whole sellers. All the information that they have, they took off the box. I can't really help you out until I know what the product specs are completely.
No one to contact
I can't tell you who to call for customer support because they have no information on the web. This could be a problem because you spent all this money and might have a problematic hard drive. Since this is a third-party drive, Apple has no responsibility on what happens to the computer or the drive.
Something Matt that you should do is to look on the box for any contact numbers or addresses. Then respond back on the web. I would love to find out more information about this company because I'm curious. Another this is Go to Utilities - System Profiler. See if on USB if you they have any S.M.A.R.T status for your drive. If it doesn't say verified you might be in some trouble. Please respond back with more information.
I hope this helps,
Jon
PS I didn't find anything after many Google searches and research, that doesn't mean its not out there.

How to get Macoffice back after crash

Hello
I have my IMAc since 5 years and never have had 1 single issue with the desktop , until last week without any reason it crashed down.
So I did instal MacOsX , Snow Leopard and my Mac office 2008 back in place.
Unfortunately I bought Mac Office 2011 online, never made a CD copy so I lost it. I don't see myself buying a new CD a second time?
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Second question, is there a possibility to find my previous folders back after a format?
a million thanks for the one who can help me.
thank you.
Annatsi

Welcome to Apple Support Communities
Respecting to Office 2011, you have to contact with the site where you purchased it or with Microsoft > http://www.microsoft.com/mac/support
When you format the hard drive, all your files are erased. Unless you have a backup of your files, it's difficult to get them back and you have to use expensive applications like DiskWarrior. Note that this app doesn't always work, so you may be wasting money.
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Hi,
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If you don't have them, you can order a replacement set of Recovery Discs using the link below.
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If you have any problem with this link, order them directly from HP.
If you live in the US, contact HP Here.
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DP-K
****Click the White thumb to say thanks****
****Please mark Accept As Solution if it solves your problem****
****I don't work for HP****
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Backing up to HDD?

Is it possible to back up iTunes to an ext. hard drive, and if so, how? I tried dragging the iTunes folder to my HDD, but wasn't able to recover the tunes.

Assuming you use the iTunes default settings where iTunes copied added items to your iTunes folder and organizes your library (meaning - everything is all self contained in the iTunes folder), then all you have to do is drag & drop your iTunes folder (not just the iTunes Music folder you find inside the iTunes folder) to the external drive and copy the entire thing.
If you want to test that it worked or would like to actually start using it from that location instead, use these instructions when you start iTunes to point it to the new location...
How to open an alternate iTunes Library file or create a new one
http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=304447
If you are just testing, then close iTunes after you verify it works, and restart iTunes again with the same instructions and point it back to your internal drive (original) location.
Back up your iTunes library by copying to an external hard drive
http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=307074
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IMac 24'' (2007) EMC 2134 - Crashing / HDD Failure?

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Test i have done:
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Booted in Normal mode, worked ok for 20 mins
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Backing up crashed HDD

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