Yes, you can easily remove and swap the hard drive on a 2011 17-inch MacBook Pro.
Yes, you can easily remove and swap the hard drive on a 2011 17-inch MacBook Pro.
I think the solution lies in the fact that everything works. I thought the battery was nonfunctional, but it actually started up. It's important to note that damaged batteries pose risks, and handling them improperly can be hazardous. Opening the unit before attempting further use appears to be the only viable path.
I understand about swollen batteries. My (quite damaged) 2011 15" MBP battery started acting weird a few months ago, wanting to inflate like a balloon. Waking up to that was unexpected. It’s disappointing how costly the batteries for the 17" MacBook Pros are.
They don’t pose serious life safety risks unless they explode. The toxic, highly flammable gas isn’t something you’d want nearby. Probably around $90 is the safest bet. It’s a budget model, but even that’s better than a basic 2-core unit. It’s so outdated it still has MagSafe and a non-keyboard layout. There’s also Thunderbolt support. Overall, a decent compromise despite the quirks. Edited November 4, 2021 by Bombastinator