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What do you do when your MacBook Pro doesn’t start up? This can be a devastating experience, especially if you don’t have a recent backup of all your files. And you may wonder: “Is dead MacBook data recovery possible?” Short answer: YES, you can recover data from a dead MacBook.
TL; DR: There are several probable causes of a dead MacBook, such as hardware issues, software issues, malware, physical damage, dust buildup, operating system corruption, and wearout. There are various methods that you can use to recover your data as well. This blog post discusses the best ways to recover your data from a MacBook Pro and Air that won’t boot up.
Recovering data from a dead MacBook
No matter what caused the malfunction, dead MacBook data recovery is possible. By following these steps, you should be able to get back all your important files and documents.
Contact Apple support if your MacBook Pro or MacBook Air is still under warranty but not starting up.
1. Recover data from a dead MacBook through a data recovery service
Other than backups, data recovery services are the most secure way to recover data from a dead MacBook. If you realize that your MacBook Pro or MacBook Air has physical damage (you can identify this by the sounds the hard drive makes) and you have no recent backup, you must contact a reputable data recovery service.
With physical damage, such as a MacBook with water damage, the only way to access the hard drive and recover data is to send it to a professional recovery service. That’s because physical damage requires a cleanroom, in-depth knowledge and proper tools.
2. Restore MacBook files via Disk Utility using an external hard drive
To restore your dead MacBook Pro or Air files from Disk Utility, you must boot your MacBook in Recovery Mode.
To do it on a dead MacBook, you’ll need:
Your dead MacBook
A working Mac
An Internet connection
An external drive (with enough space to store all your MacBook data)
A data recovery software
1. Connect the external HDD to your dead MacBook and boot it from Recovery Mode.
Apple silicon
Turn on your Mac and hold the power button until you see the startup options window. Click the gear icon labeled Options, then click Continue.
Intel processor
Turn on your Mac, then immediately press and hold the Command (⌘) and R keys until you see an Apple logo.
2. Select Disk Utility.
Source: Apple support
3. Select your external drive from the list of devices on the left and click the Erase button.
4. Choose the Mac OS Extended (Journaled) format and the GUID Partition Map scheme.
5. Then, format the hard drive by clicking on Erase.
6. Click on your MacBook disk at the top left of the sidebar, then go to File > New Image > Image from HD.
It can have the name of your Mac or macOS.
7. Select your external HDD and choose the read/write image format.
8. Click Save to create the backup.
9. Wait for the process to end, and disconnect your external hard drive.
3. Create a macOS bootable USB disk to access dead MacBook files
To restore your files from a dead MacBook using a bootable disk, you’ll need:
A working Mac
A USB flash drive
Internet connection.
1. Start by downloading a macOS installation file into your USB drive.
Ensure your flash drive is in Mac OS Extended (Journaled) format and the GUID Partition Map scheme.
2. Then, connect the USB flash drive and boot your dead MacBook.
3. Make an image backup and open it from a working Mac using the data recovery software of your choice.
4. Remove the hard drive from your dead MacBook to recover your data
You can carefully open your MacBook and remove the hard drive from it. Then, use an external enclosure to connect it to a working Mac.
Create an image backup, back up the whole HDD, or select the folders where you wish to keep the files.
Why is your MacBook dead?
There are several probable causes for your MacBook won’t start up anymore, including a corrupt operating system, bad hardware, or physical damage.
Hardware issues
Hardware failures might cause your MacBook to turn on but not boot up. Examples of hardware damage in a dead MacBook include a bad hard drive, faulty RAM, or a damaged logic board.
Software issues
Software issues usually occur when something goes wrong with the operating system itself. Corrupted files, a virus, or an outdated operating system version could cause this.
Sometimes, a combination of both hardware and software issues can prevent your MacBook from booting up.
For example, installing an incompatible driver or application could cause problems with both hardware and software, resulting in your MacBook not starting up.
Malware and viruses
Malware is malicious software that can disrupt the normal functioning of your computer. It can prevent your MacBook from starting up and leading to data loss or file corruption.
Physical damage
Physical damage is another likely reason for a dead MacBook. This could be due to water damage to the MacBook, extreme temperatures, overheating MacBook, or other physical forces.
Dust
Dust, dirt, and other debris can clog vents and cause your MacBook to overheat, leading to hardware malfunctions or even physical damage, potentially resulting in a dead MacBook.
Operating system corruption
The operating system on your MacBook could become corrupted, preventing it from starting up or even causing a dead MacBook.
Bad sectors
Bad sectors, or bad blocks, are damaged areas on a hard drive that can no longer reliably store or retrieve data. As bad sectors accumulate, they create read-and-write errors that corrupt system files, compromise the operating system’s integrity, and increase the risk of total drive failure, ultimately leading to a dead MacBook.
Lifespan and wear-out
Finally, if your MacBook is over five years old, it could show its age. Components begin to wear out, causing the device to malfunction or not start up at all, making it a dead MacBook.
How to prevent a dead MacBook
Your MacBook is a sophisticated technology that requires careful maintenance and thoughtful use to ensure optimal performance and extend its lifespan. These preventative tips are designed to help you protect your device from common issues that can lead to premature failure, unexpected repairs, or data loss.
Regular cleaning
Keep your MacBook clean using soft, lint-free cloths to remove dust and debris. Gently clean the screen, keyboard, and ports to prevent buildup that can cause overheating or internal damage.
Software maintenance
Run macOS updates consistently to patch security vulnerabilities and improve system performance. Built-in utilities like Disk Utility check and repair disk errors and periodically clear system caches and unnecessary files to optimize storage and prevent system slowdowns.
Battery care
Protect your MacBook’s battery by avoiding extreme temperatures and maintaining optimal charging habits. When possible, aim to keep the battery charge between 20% and 80%, and avoid leaving the MacBook plugged in continuously for extended periods.
Physical protection
Invest in a quality protective case and sleeve to shield your MacBook from accidental drops, scratches, and environmental damage. Use a keyboard cover to prevent dust and liquid intrusion, and be cautious about where you place your device.
Storage and performance
You should store large files on external or cloud storage to prevent storage overload. Use Activity Monitor to monitor system performance and close unnecessary background applications to reduce strain on your device’s processor and memory.
