User needs help restoring a MacBook.
User needs help restoring a MacBook.
Someone asked me to repair their MacBook Pro Model Nr A1286. I had limited knowledge, so I searched online and found a likely failing hard drive that kept loading at 10% progress. I tried using an old SSD I had for internet recovery, but that also didn<|pad|> to work. Eventually, the screen spun, loaded briefly, then a white screen appeared, followed by overheating and fans kicking in. Before I could act, I thought about getting advice or suggestions.
Ah okay, apparently this thing is just above too old to get internet recovery... Sad times. Is there any way to download the OS without signing in to itunes?
A1286 refers to the model of a 15-inch MacBook Pro with a chassis that fits hardware from 2008 to 2012. You can check details using the EveryMac Lookup tool at https://everymac.com/ultimate-mac-lookup/. For El Capitan, an installer is available if you need it. This model supports OS X versions from 2008 up to 2012 for A1286. I assisted someone with a similar problem by using Internet Recovery to access the OS, which helped create a bootable USB. I’m trying to identify the issue first with Internet Recovery—it would simplify things. If needed, I can also provide a DD/RAW image of the flash drive for you to flash yourself.
Hey FoxPro, that would be great. According to the instructions, once the internet recovery starts and the loading bar appears, the screen turns white and halts when full. I found a guide with screenshots showing a language selection option. Everymac matches this setup: MacBook Pro "Core i7" 2.2 15", early 2011, 2.2 GHz Core i7 (I7-2720QM). Intro. February 24, 2011 Disc. October 24, 2011 Order MC723LL/A Model A1286 (EMC 2353-1*) Family Early 2011 15" ID MacBookPro8,2 RAM 4 GB VRAM 1 GB* Storage 750 GB HDD Optical 8X DL "SuperDrive". Notably, the HDD was later swapped for an SSD, which now appears faulty (an HDD tool flags "Attention" in some SMART areas and reports errors). I’ve tried fixing an iMac with Internet Recovery—maybe it could help?
Starting with the good news, you're running the newest macOS version on your laptop. However, I'd need to reinstall the 10.13 installer since you only have 10.11 installed. You can upgrade, but you'll need an Apple ID. (Or I could download it and email the .app file to you.) The language selection isn't loading, which suggests the boot process isn't finishing. I'm unsure if Internet Recovery can help—try booting in verbose mode (CMD + V) or Safe Mode (CMD + X). Verbose will reveal what the system is doing and where it crashes, while Safe Mode mimics Windows' basic drivers for troubleshooting. If that doesn't work, create a 10.11 USB drive and use Disk Utility to check your SSD for problems. If neither option works, there might be another issue preventing the OS from booting.
I'm working with an SSD from another system. I thought the one installed was broken. The CMD+V command doesn't seem to work; after some time, the file with ? flashes appears (no OS if I remember correctly). When I got the MacBook, someone mentioned a loud noise and it wouldn't turn off. This suggests another issue might be involved. It doesn't seem to boot properly, which matches what they said. I can switch back to the previous SSD if possible, but I hope the data is saved since it's likely only backed up in iCloud. She's an older lady, but I managed to get her AppleID, which could help.
Have you ever attempted to start it using the original disk? Or did you quickly replace it with the new SSD? I assumed CMD+V would function with Internet Recovery, but it should just work. You're right about the flashing folder icon not being a bootable partition. After confirming, holding Shift will initiate a safe mode boot, CMD+V for detailed output, and CMD+S for single-user mode. It seems there might be a GPU problem—remembering that older MBP models sometimes had design issues causing GPU failures. Safe Mode won't load any graphics drivers, similar to regular Safe Mode. Since you have the original disk available, consider reinstalling it and trying again. You mentioned setting up with an Apple ID; if none existed before, iCloud integration won't be available. If possible, create a backup of that disk using another Mac or a low-level backup tool like Clonezilla to ensure maximum safety.
I attempted to recover the data but didn't try internet recovery, as I was aiming to restore it. It seems to wipe and reinstall the OS, much like Windows. I'm going to insert the original drive (which had been replaced by her son with an SSD but is functioning) and attempt a save mode. I'll share an update later.