MacBook HDD defect

Hi,
since this morning my HDD is not coming up anymore. It makes clicking noises and after a while my Apple shows a folder icon with a question mark in it.
I believe the HDD is defect?
If this is the case, what is a good data recovery option? Do I go into the apple store and ask there. Any company you can recommend to get my data back?
I have 1k pictures of my family on it, it would be an desaster not to get the data bac. And yes, I havent done an data backup for quite a while...I know this is bad.
Sirko

Everything everyone has said is true. Your HD is dead. They all die eventually. But don't give up yet. You may still be able to do something. Try the following steps:
1) Connect an external drive like a Firewire, USB or maybe flash so you have a place to put your files, if you can salvage any. It would be very helpful if you could boot from this other drive.
2) Insert your install DVD and boot from it.
3) Use the installer options to change your startup disk to your external drive. If you can't boot from the external drive, use the installer to install an OS to it.
4) Once you get the machine booted somehow, the drive may be visible. If so, copy your files off of it.
5) If your drive isn't visible, use Disk Utility to try to repair it. You may have to try a few times. Your disk is certainly dead, but there is a chance Disk Utility could repair enough of it to get it to mount.
6) If you don't have another boot disk and/or you still can't get the drive to mount, try whacking the machine on the side a couple of times. This worked for me once.

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Macbook HDD reset after repair. Will autosync wipe iPod?

My girlfriend's Macbook just got back from being repaired from Apple due to a broken iSight.
In the process of her repair Apple wipe her harddrive clean and consequently her iTunes library was lost. She has all of her music on her iPod, but her iPod settings were set to autosync the iPod when she connects it to the Macbook.
I hope to use some software to take the music off her iPod back onto the Macbook HDD, but my fear is that when I connect the iPod iTunes will automatically lauch, try to sync and then wipe her iPod clean.
Is there a way to make sure this doesn't happen so she doesn't lose all of her music?

Copying from iPod to Computer threads...
http://discussions.apple.com/thread.jspa?threadID=776996&tstart=0
http://discussions.apple.com/message.jspa?messageID=3536077#3536077
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
Patrick

MacBook HDD Recommendations

Hi folks,
Looking to upgrade my MacBook's (13" Unibody) internal HDD... the factory one is good but I need more space for my iTunes library
So as the title suggests I am looking for recommendations for a replacement drive. About 3 months ago I did try an upgrade to a Western Digital Blue Scorpion - but that did not go so well as the drive appeared to be defective and results in multiple errors and file table corruption so I ended up taking it back. Thus I am a bit shy about the upgrade again and want to see what drives people have had success with.
Thanks,
Chris

I just would like to add, that Tom's Hardware have an excellent benchmarks of most popular 2,5" hard disks, where you can easily compare not only speeds, but also energy consumption:
http://www.tomshardware.co.uk/charts/2009-2.5-mobile-hard-drive-charts/benchmark s,53.html
You can easily notice that modern 7200 RPM hdds often for slightly (or even none) higher energy usage can delivery very high read/write speeds. ALso, some 5400 RPM disks can be just as fast, or sometimes fasters, than certain 7200 RPM disks...
Just have a quick look, and pick depending on your needs
Good luck!

2006 white macbook hdd

i have a 2006 white macbook and was wonting to upgread my HDD do i need to buy a (ATA) or a (SATA)

For a new hard drive try Newegg.com http://www.newegg.com/Store/SubCategory.aspx?SubCategory=380&name=Laptop-Hard-Dr ives&Order=PRICE
Or OWC http://eshop.macsales.com/shop/hard-drives/2.5-Notebook/
Here are instructions on replacing the hard drive in a MacBook with a removable battery. http://creativemac.digitalmedianet.com/articles/viewarticle.jsp?id=45088
If you don’t have the tools to open up the MacBook OWC has a set for $5
http://eshop.macsales.com/item/OWC/TOOLKITMHD/

MacBook HDD dead; looking for a replacement if data recovery isn't possible

The HDD in one of my MacBooks has died - ticking at startup, and the file folder with the exclamation point ( ! ) on it upon boot. This just happened randomly one day, as I was watching a movie and the movie froze. I shut the computer down for the night, and the next morning this was what I was presented with upon startup.
I've tried a number of things - rebooting, cold restarting, resetting the PRAM, and booting from the OSX CD to use disc utility, nothing works. In disc utility the HDD isn't even recognized (it doesn't show up all all, only my SuperDrive). I've even removed the HDD and set it up as an external one to my second MacBook with no luck (it, again, doesn't mount, and so isn't detected in disc utility).
Now the issue that I have is, will it be possible to salvage this drive (if for nothing else than just the files on it)? The files aren't dreadfully important, and I don't want to spend a whole lot of money to recover them. I've tried using the demos of File Salvage, Data Rescue II, and Drive Genius 2 but none of them have been able to help me. Is there another way to mount the drive, so that I can access and/or recover my files?
If there isn't, I'm going to purchase a new HDD (this is under warranty, so it'll be replaced, but I want a backup/upgrade as well). What is the maximum capacity HDD that a MacBook will be able to use? I know that it's a SATA HDD, and I can easily get HDDs that are 500GB, but will those be compatible with my computer?
Thanks in advance.

It does sound as though your drive has expired...try placing the bad drive in your freezer for a while and then place it in the external case you mentioned and see if you can get it to mount....I have seen reports here that it can help the drive to mount although I have not tried it myself...
As to the size of the drive..it needs to physically fit in the MacBook...9.5 mm in height and 2.5' SATA...storage capacity is not the issue...500 GB's is fine

How do I know if my macbook is defective?

I've had so many problems with my MacBook, and I just got in mid-August. My Ethernet port was broken, and right as I was about to write a paper, my computer crashed, and I needed a new hard drive. I've had problems with my CD burner--it won't burn CDs and an error message shows up. With my MacBook turned off, I plugged it into the wall to charge it, and after a few hours of doing so, it hadn't charged at all. Another time I was using my computer while it was unplugged and after a few hours, it said that it still had 100% of battery power left. I shut it down and when it restarted, I found out that I had less than 30% left. Now, my display is completely black. I can't really describe it--the screen is completely dark and the apple on the back of the computer doesn't light up either. You can just barely see (in the right light and if you look at the computer from a certain angle) the screen, but this requires much effort and makes the computer virtually impossible to use. I have to get that fixed now too, even though I just got it back from being fixed last week.
So, is my MacBook defective? And, is it likely that I could be entitled to receiving as new MacBook as a result?
macbook

I'm sorry that you feel calling AppleCare is a waste of time. This past summer, when I was dealing with my friend's BlackBook, I went through AppleCare everytime something was wrong. In the end the computer was replaced, by a product specialist in the AppleCare division.
Maybe calling the Customer Relations dept. is a better idea, I have never dealt with them. And regarding the Apple Retail Stores, I have only had bad service there. The last time I went there, again reagarding my friends BlackBook, it was to have them back up his iTunes library onto DVDs before the replacement came in. Apple in CA had even faxed them telling them to do this, but they WOULD NOT do so unless my friend purchased an external HD. That, is very ridiculous to be treated that way.

Retina Macbook Pro - Defective Screen (white pressure mark)

After waiting 3-4 weeks I was so excited to finally receive my retina macbook pro today. To my dissapointment as soon as I turned it on this glaring white light/cloudy mark behind the screen stabbed me in the heart. So dissapointing to wait so long just to get a defective unit.
I called AppleCare and they said I could either ship it back for a refund, or I could take it into the apple store for a refund. Apple store is only 30 minutes away so instead of putting any trust in fedex I decided to just go return it in person.
So now I'm waiting up to five days for the money to be refunded so I can order again and wait ANOTHER 3-4 weeks to receive a unit because I upgraded the base model to 16GB of ram, and it may have the same exact problem when it arrives... who even know...
I saw on macrumors a few others have had this issue so I'm not alone, but I do hate that I was unlucky this time around.
Here is what it looked like:
http://i.imgur.com/AimHC.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/zUFkW.jpg
Anyone else this unlucky?

I've experienced this. I think they're called muras but I'm not certain. They weren't there when I bought the mid-2012 15" Retina MacBook Pro, they developed months later. First one, then two. I brought it in to the Genius Bar and they say both muras and replaced my display. The replacement display I got was horribly yellow tinted and muddy looking whereas my first display with the muras had brilliant colours and sharp text. Apple considers a consistently-yellow tinted display normal and refuses to replace it. The Spyder4Elite colour calibrator can reduce the yellowing but does nothing to help the muddy colour quality and blurriness.

Upgrading my macbook hdd

Hi guys,
I don't know if I am in the correct forum page, however, I do have this question to ask.
1. I wish to upgrade my macbook A1342 (late 2009) hdd to a bigger size and I do know how to change the harddisk.
2. I have a dual boot macbook with os x 10.6.6 and windows 7
My question: How do I clone my whole hard disk with 10.6.6 and win7 onto the new harddisk?
I do not want any data loss. Any help?
Thanks in advance.

1. [See the iFixit guide|http://www.ifixit.com/Guide/Repair/Installing-MacBook-Unibody-Model-A1342 -Hard-Drive-Replacement/1670/1]
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Macbook HDD into 13" MBP?

I've just got my new 13" Macbook Pro, which replaced my 2.2ghz black Macbook.
The first thing I did was pull the 320g hdd out of the MB and install it in the MBP.
Everything is working fine, the battery indicator still seems to think the 100% time is about 3 hours, but I'm thinking it just needs to "learn" the new timings, but otherwise everything is fine. System profiler seems to be correct too, so it appears all good.
I just wanted to ask if its OK to do this? Is my new MBP going to suddenly explode in the very future, or commit suicide, or some other such horrible thing, or is (as I suspect) the OS smart enough to work out what is going on and adjust itself accordingly?
Ta.

As long as the OS X version and build is the same or later than the one bundled with the computer you should be OK. i would calibrate the battery, but you may instead simply remove the relevant preference files from the /Library/Preferences/SystemConfiguration/ folder. Basically everything EXCEPT the com.apple.Boot.plist can be removed. Then restart the computer and reconfigure your Network and Energy Saver preferences.

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So I want to swap my hdd since its filling up. I bought my macbook as a tiger and upgraded it with the leopard disc. I had backup all my files to a external hard disk with time machine. I wanted to restore my data using the time machine disk instead of needing to clone the new hdd. So after swapping the hdd inside the macbook, should I put in the tiger install disk that came with the computer or put in the leopard disc I got? or what should I do?

I never had to include a disc when my mb failed, + needed new HD's. And boy did it fail

Unbelievably bad service regarding broken MacBook HDD

Hi,
first I want to say that I hope someone from Apple reads this and can help out.
I have always thought that Apple is company with superb service and support making it as easy as possible for it's loyal customers.
Here's the story:
Around christmas time the HDD broke in my MB.
Humac who serves Apple products in Denmark told me that the service would take approx. 10 days.
As I use it a lot it was too long to be without a computer, even if 10 days is reasonable. So I went and bought a new HDD the same day from the shop and tried to install it, to solve everything quickly. It wasn't as easy as I had thought.
The rubber sliders came out together with the broken HDD, probably the glue was to weak for the heat inside the computer..
After trying for hours to put the HDD in the slot together with the rubber I simply gave up. I walked with the computer to Humac and told them to fix it. It annoyed me a little since I knew it would cost more to just install the HDD than the drive had cost itself, just because of bad rubber glue..
Well, then one day this article appeared all over the net:
http://www.apple.com/support/macbook/hd/repairextension/
And this is the most important part:
"Some customers may have paid for out of warranty repairs that qualify under this program. Apple will contact affected customers with details on the reimbursement process."
I was really happy to get some of the money back, but no....
I called Humac, and asked how to proceed to get a refund. They answered me that according to their database, they have not repaired any HDD on my MB, and sort of they where right in that.. But after explaining that I have the broken HDD right next to me, he said that I could come down with it together with the computer to get it all sorted out.
I got to the shop together with my MB and the HDD, and couldn't get to talk with the repair guys, just the sales desk.
I told the story once again, and wanted to leave the 120GB HDD with even a Mac logo printed there, so that they could check that it's faulty. But NO again.
I'm informed that I would have to leave it together with my computer, again for a week!!! Even if the computer now is fixed and fully working?!?!
I really have a hard time believing that a company as big as Apple don't have the tools to test a hard-drive without the users computer.
My point is that I just think the whole thing is insane.
At this point it's not more about money, more about what I'm going to think about the companys (In this case Humac, who are authorized by Apple) service level in the future..
Regards,
Sebastian

You have not been dealing with Apple directly, so this really isn't an Apple customer service failure per se. You've been dealing with an independent company with whom Apple contracts for certain repair services. While Apple attempts to provide stringent guidelines for the behavior of these independent companies, Apple has no direct control over them.
I would first suggest that you contact Humac and insist on speaking to a manager. Then explain the situation to him/her and see if a resolution can be found.
If you can obtain no satisfaction from Human, you can call Apple via their tech support number and ask to speak with a customer relations representative. Then explain the situation to that person and see if they can work with Humac to solve the issue. Note, though, that since you attempted to replace the drive yourself, that complicates matters. Whether or not you can qualify for a reimbursement in this circumstance I don't know.
Good luck.

Is my MacBook battery defective?

Hi all,
My MacBook Pro 13" late 2011 is having some battery charging problems. I don't have an apple charger, though I've been using one from eBay for over 12 months with no problems until the past month or so.
Three things happen. It either says the battery is not charging when plugged in, charges for about 10-15 mins then doesn't charge, or my computer will turn off when I move it (even with charge).
My Mum has another non apple charger for her MacBook Air mid 2011, which does the same to my computer as my charger. Both of our chargers work 100% perfectly on her computer and have never caused her to experience any problems.
According to my system report, I've had 621 battery cycles and it's in normal condition. I didn't have any problems until I updated to Yosemite.
I'd take my computer into an apple store, but the closest one to my house is over an hour away and I would only like to take it in if I have to.
Thanks everyone
-Ebony

From what can be determined from Apple's documentation on the subject:
http://www.apple.com/batteries/notebooks.html
Your New Notebook
Your new Apple notebook features advanced battery chemistry that greatly extends the battery’s lifespan. The built-in battery of your MacBook, MacBook Pro or MacBook Air is designed to deliver up to 1000 full charge and discharge cycles before it reaches 80 percent of its original capacity.
So, if yours is down to 82% health with only 166 cycles, it looks like something is wrong. Give Apple a call, and see what they say.

Cannot Erase Macbook HDD (Resource problem)

Going to switch on my Macbook this evening, I found it hanging at the Apple Logo. This being familiar from my recent iMac problems I booted from the Leopard install disc, ran Disk Utility and discovered "node errors"
Not to worry, I'd just backed up, so could restore from the Time Capsule. Checking that the archive existed I proceeded to select "Restore" from the Leopard DVD. Failed on Erase.
Restarting I tried to erase using Disk Utility. Input/Output error.
Booting as a firewire Target Disk got a different error when trying to erase. Resource Unavailable.
I've tried rebooting, erasing, repartitioning. Every time is either "Input/Output" error or "Resource" error.
Any help?

I've just run a few tests on my machine. I've been getting similar errors to yours using the hardware test. I've done some digging and I agree- probably bad memory.
I just picked up a 4gig upgrade (less than two weeks ago)- patriot memory from Fry's.
I ran the first few tests with this memory installed and that's when I get the errors similar to yours. When I pulled the memory and installed the RAM my MBP came with I get "no trouble found" on both the standard and the extended test. I guess I should have seen the trouble sooner when the new RAM didn't seem make a difference.
I'll probably take it the local Apple Store, but I think it's safe to say it's the RAM that's causing the issues.

MacBook HDD 5400 RPM or 7200 RPM

I was thinking about buying:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16822145113
or
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16822148073
does it matter if they are 5400 or 7200 RPM. Which one is better for a MacBook?
Also should I buy one now. I plan to get Apple Care. Lots of people are really negative about the quality of them and it makes me want to wait should I?

From my personal experience its hard to recommend a macbook to anyone for fear of condemning them as well. apple seems to be fixing the problem, and my RSD'ing macbook has been dealt with and is now working rather well. if you get it directly from apple you should get the latest build week which should have a lesser chance of going ape on you.
anyway, i too was thinking of getting a different HD for my blackbook, and i was considering a 7,200 RPM HD from otherworldcomputing. but i also realize that i probably wont get much out of the higher spindle speed because i dont edit movies nor do i dabble around with music editing. so unless you plan on dealing with large high capacity files such as music or video then by all means go with the 7200, if all you plan on doing is downloading web browsing and other tasks that dont really pull that much on the CPU, then you may want to go with the 5400, mostly because you can get much larger storage capacity up to 160GB as opposed to getting a max of 100GB for the 7200

Macbook HDD died?

So I was working normally like always and my Macbook froze all of a sudden. When I powered it off and back on, I got the white/grey screen with the Apple, but it wouldn't move from there. So I tried it again and then I got a grey folder with a question mark. So then I tried it one more time and all I get is the white/grey screen. I restarted once more holding down th C button and the grey folder w/ question mark comes up. But that all that happens, nothing more. Anyone have any clue as to whats wrong or how I could possibly retrieve my files? Thanks!

When you restarted while holding the "C" key down, did you have your Leopard disc in the MacBook? The "C" tells the mac to boot from CD. If you didn't, then do so, and run Disk Utility from the Leopard disc. If you can see the hard drive, then maybe run a repair permissions on it. If you can't see the drive, then yes it may be shot.

MacBook HDD defect

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