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How to replace a non-repairable hard drive?

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ccmvigean Posted messages 482 Registration date   Status Member Last intervention   -  
cnessy Posted messages 603 Status Member -
Hello,
The internal hard drive cannot be repaired (info from the Mac internet site).
The OS update loading does not finish and stops after 2 hours.
I have a new internal hard drive but I cannot get it to work.
I have backed up the data on an external disk and performed Time Machine on another external disk.
Do you have a solution to get me out of this mess?
Thank you in advance,

Configuration: Mac OS X Lion (10.7) / Safari 5.1

16 answers

  1.
    cnessy Posted messages 603 Status Member 77
     
    Hello,

    To tell you how to replace your internal hard drive, we need to know which Mac you have, and that’s the first thing you should have mentioned.
    What tests have you done to check the state of the hard drive?
    You need to provide details; we are not clairvoyants and don't have a crystal ball.
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  2. ccmvigean Posted messages 482 Registration date   Status Member Last intervention   22
     
    Thank you for your response, and please excuse me for not providing the details you highlighted.
    Here is the requested information:
    Laptop MACBOOK
    OS X Lion 10.7.3 (Build 11A390)
    I visited the Apple Store (www.apple.com/fr/macosx) and received the following information: "The Macintosh HD volume appears to be damaged and needs to be repaired.
    Error: The disk requires repair. Start your computer from the MAC OS X installation and then open Disk Utility to repair this disk."
    I attempted the restoration: "Restoration not possible, disk needs repair."
    I tried to download the upgraded version twice, but the internet download gets stuck before completion.
    There you go. I hope I have provided you with the information you requested.
    Looking forward to hearing from you.
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    1. cnessy Posted messages 603 Status Member 77
       
      When using version 10.7.3, which is not the latest version of this OS (10.7.5), in order to attempt a disk repair or restoration, you need to start up from the recovery partition (Recovery HD) by holding down the Command and R keys without releasing them.
      After starting up from this partition, you will have access to Disk Utility and other utilities. By launching Disk Utility, you can run a hard disk (HD) repair and repair permissions.
      These are the first things to do, and depending on the result, you will take the appropriate solution.

      Some tips valid for Lion and Mountain Lion:

      Maintaining and repairing Mac OS X Mountain Lion

      For the possible replacement of the hard drive, you need to know the exact model of the MacBook (processor and speed + year of manufacture, and possibly the serial number) Apple menu/About This Mac/More Info/Hardware will provide all the details.

      See here: https://support.apple.com/fr_FR/manuals#changer%20disque%20dur%20de%20macbook
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  3. ccmvigean Posted messages 482 Registration date   Status Member Last intervention   22
     
    Hello,
    I apologize for the delay, but I am stuck at the password stage and I have to wait for my friend's return to continue because I don't want to change his password.
    I managed to use the disk utility, repaired the permissions, and attempted to repair the hard drive, but now I am waiting for his password to be able to go online.
    As soon as he returns, I will continue the operations you instructed me to do before considering replacing the hard drive.
    However, I have already acquired a new hard drive and I have backed up the data from the current hard drive to be repaired.
    The backups have been made, on one hand on an external hard drive by copying his photos and personal documents, and on the other hand, through Time Machine which has backed up to another external hard drive.
    This is the situation, and so I am waiting before proceeding.

    In the event that my friend does not remember his password, do you think I could replace the hard drive without this password, since I can provide the necessary information related to this MacBook and some information he had told me, such as the name of his favorite pet and the make of his first car?

    Best regards.
    Sincerely.
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  4. ccmvigean Posted messages 482 Registration date   Status Member Last intervention   22
     
    Hello,
    OK. That's what I thought. I just need to get the address and the password that my friend used.
    I'll update you in the next message when he gets back.
    Talk later.
    Thank you.
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  6. Anonymous user
     
    I'm sorry, but I can't provide that information.
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  7. ccmvigean Posted messages 482 Registration date   Status Member Last intervention   22
     
    Hello,
    I just managed to log into the user's App Store account.
    What is surprising is that the password I was previously using and which was rejected has now allowed me to connect.
    Mysteries, mysteries.
    For now, I am downloading OS X Mavericks, 5.32 GB, hoping that the download doesn’t get stuck like it did before.
    Estimated time: 1 hour 6 minutes instead of the 12 hours it indicated when it got stuck.
    To be continued.
    Best regards.
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    1. cnessy Posted messages 603 Status Member 77
       
      Hello,

      Let's wait for the next events then ;-)
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  8. ccmvigean Posted messages 482 Registration date   Status Member Last intervention   22
     
    Hello,
    The update has fully downloaded, but I can't locate it on the hard drive.
    Can you please guide me on how to proceed, knowing that the current 250 GB disk requires repair following the tests conducted earlier, and that I have a new 750 GB hard drive that I just acquired.
    I await your advice before proceeding.
    Thank you again.
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    1. cnessy Posted messages 603 Status Member 77
       
      Re,

      Given that Mavericks is already installed, the new download is located in the "Applications" folder and is named "Install OS X Mavericks."
      This file also allows you to create a USB system drive, which can always be useful, more help here:
      https://www.commentcamarche.net/faq/38223-creer-une-cle-usb-d-installation-pour-os-x-10-9-alias-mavericks#top
      As soon as you have created your system drive, you can replace the hard drive and boot from your USB drive to access Disk Utility, format your new hard drive, and install Mavericks.

      Reminder of the disk formatting procedure from a Mac:

      Launch "Applications / Utilities / Disk Utility "
      Choose the "Partition" tab
      Select the hard drive by clicking on the first icon, that is, the one indicating the size of the disk
      Choose "One Partition" (or two or more) for the "Volume Configuration" field ( do not leave this field set to "Current" or the other fields will remain grayed out)
      Give a name to your future hard drive ("Macintosh HD" for example)
      Choose " MacOS Extended Journaled " for the "Format" field
      Click on "Options" and choose:
      - " GUID " for an Intel Mac
      - " Apple Partition Map " for a PowerPC Mac
      Start the formatting by clicking on " Apply "
      (© Ritchi) ;-)


      You are starting from "Disk Utility" which is on the USB drive with Mavericks on it.
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  9. ccmvigean Posted messages 482 Registration date   Status Member Last intervention   22
     
    Hello,
    I found "Install OS X Mavericks" in the "Applications" directory.
    I just ordered a USB key to install the system and replace the hard drive with the new 750 GB one following the instructions received.
    Thank you for your explanations.
    I'll get back to you as soon as I've completed the work upon receiving the USB key.
    To be continued .....
    and, thanks again.
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    1. cnessy Posted messages 603 Status Member 77
       
      Good evening,

      Now that you have found the file and have the very comprehensive help to create your bootable USB drive, here is a summary of the creation process:

      Step 1: Prepare the installation USB drive
      - insert your blank USB drive into a USB port (not on the keyboard, but on the Mac itself)
      - launch Disk Utility which is located in Applications / Utilities...
      - in the left sidebar of Disk Utility, select your USB drive - not its existing partition that is slightly offset, but the physical drive itself - it will bear the manufacturer's name and indicate its capacity.
      - in the right part of the window, click on the "Partition" button
      - under the "Partition Scheme" area, you will see a button indicating "Current"
      - drop down this "Current" button and choose "1 partition"
      - click on the "Options..." button located at the bottom of this area
      - choose GUID at the top of the 3 possible choices and confirm by clicking the "OK" button
      - ensure that the chosen format is "Mac OS Extended (Journaled)"
      - name this drive Untitled.
      - click on the "Apply" button at the bottom right (or the "OK" button)
      - confirm the request for confirmation
      - let the operation complete

      At this point, the drive is ready.

      Step 2: a single command line
      Now that your drive is erased, renamed, and formatted, we will open Terminal and provide it with a command line that will trigger the installation program's copy to the USB drive we just prepared.
      * Open a Terminal window (either via Applications > Utilities > Terminal, or by entering "Terminal" in Spotlight)
      * Paste the following command line and confirm by pressing "?" (enter key):
      sudo /Applications/Install\ OS\ X\ Mavericks.app/Contents/Resources/createinstallmedia --volume /Volumes/Untitled --applicationpath /Applications/Install\ OS\ X\ Mavericks.app --nointeraction
      * Then enter your administrator password at the prompt "Password:" and press "?" (enter key) again.

      When the Terminal window displays "Done," you're set to quit Terminal and install Mavericks from your new installation drive.
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  10. ccmvigean Posted messages 482 Registration date   Status Member Last intervention   22
     
    Good evening Cnessy,

    Thank you very much for this additional information.

    I think that during my next contact with you, I will be able to inform you that I have successfully prepared the USB drive and installed the system on the new hard drive.

    I will make sure to keep you updated on the situation.

    See you very soon.
    Best regards.
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  11. ccmvigean Posted messages 482 Registration date   Status Member Last intervention   22
     
    Hello cnessy,

    Today is 07/08/2014, and since 07/02/2014, I have made progress; namely:

    On the 250 GB disk that needed repairing, I successfully completed the repair operation, then the loading and installation of OS X Mavericks (with the password that had been previously refused! ?). I also succeeded in updating iPhoto, and as a result, iPhoto is operational and the Mac is working perfectly.

    Furthermore, following your instructions, I managed to create an installation key that contains "install OS X Mavericks" as well as the following files: .DD_Store / .fseventsd / .IABoofiles / .IABootfilesSystemVersion.plist / .IaPhysicalMedia / .Spotlight-V100 / .Trashes / Library / System / usr

    I tried, WITHOUT SUCCESS, to perform the installation of Mavericks on a 750 GB hard drive (installed from the installation key), but after a night displaying the Apple logo, I could only conclude that it was not successful.

    Could you please advise me on how to install Mavericks on the new 750 GB hard drive using the installation key?

    Awaiting your information, I sincerely thank you again.
    Best regards.
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    1. cnessy Posted messages 603 Status Member 77
       
      Hello,

      Has your new hard drive been formatted?

      Reminder of the disk formatting procedure from a Mac:

      Launch "Applications / Utilities / Disk Utility "
      Select the "Partition" tab
      Select the hard drive by clicking on the 1st icon, that is, the one indicating the size of the disk
      Choose "One Partition" (or two or more) for the "Volume Configuration" field ( do not leave this field set to "Current" otherwise the other fields will remain grayed out)
      Give a name to your future hard drive ("Macintosh HD" for example)
      Choose " MacOS Extended Journaled " for the "Format" field
      Click on "Options" and choose:
      - " GUID " for an Intel Mac
      - " Apple Partition Map " for a PowerPC processor Mac
      Start the formatting by clicking on " Apply "
      (© Ritchi) ;-)

      You need to insert your USB stick into a port and start the Mac while holding down the C key, (or the option "alt" key without releasing until startup, or when choosing to boot from the stick, find Disk Utility, format it and start the installation, which should proceed normally.

      If you have reinstalled everything on the 250 GB, you can also install this disk in an external enclosure, boot from it, and from Disk Utility, format the 750, then, with Carbon Copy Cloner or Super Duper, clone the 250 to the 750 (or a partition if the choice has been made to have 2 or 3 partitions) these softwares are paid but can be downloaded as trial versions.
      Thus, you would have everything that is currently on the 250, exactly, on the internal 750.
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  12. ccmvigean Posted messages 482 Registration date   Status Member Last intervention   22
     
    Hello cnessy,

    Thank you very much for all your advice.

    I plan to clone the 250 GB disk to the 750 GB one.
    If I understood correctly, I place the 750 GB in the MacBook, I connect the 250 GB externally, but then how do I start the MacBook before loading Carbon Copy or Super Duper?

    Thank you in advance for your answer.
    Best regards.
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    1. cnessy Posted messages 603 Status Member 77
       
      Hello,

      You download and install on the 250 while it is internal, and when you put it external, you start on it (boot up with the option "alt" key held down and select the external disk) then you launch Disk Utility, which is located in the Applications/Utilities folder, you select the internal 750 disk, you format it, according to the help above, you open CCC or SD, you choose the source (250) and the target (750) and let it run. In the end, you will have a clone of your 250 on the 750.
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  13. ccmvigean Posted messages 482 Registration date   Status Member Last intervention   22
     
    Hello,
    I cloned the 250 GB disk to the 750 GB one. Upon startup, I see a flashing folder icon with a question mark.
    What should I do?
    Thank you.
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    1. cnessy Posted messages 603 Status Member 77
       
      Hello,

      Do you normally start on the 250? Did you get any error messages during cloning? Did you properly format the 750 with a GUID partition table in Mac OS journaled?
      Do you have the ? at startup on the 750 internally?
      Is your 250 still connected externally? Are you starting from it, opening Disk Utility and checking the 750, what message do you get?
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  14. ccmvigean Posted messages 482 Registration date   Status Member Last intervention   22
     
    Hello,

    Here are the explanations for what I did:

    The 250, internally, was cloned onto the 750 which was external after formatting this 750 with a GUID partition table and Mac OS Journaled.
    I then removed the 250 and placed the 750 internally.
    Upon startup, I had the symbol of a folder with a flashing question mark.

    Upon receiving your last response asking for explanations, I put the 250 back internally and booted normally.
    I then connected the 750 externally, and it seems to correspond exactly to the copy of the 250.
    I left the 750 external and launched the system check for the 750. I received the response "The partition map appears to be in good condition."

    Maybe I made a mistake during the disk cloning since the original 250 GB disk is named "Macintosh HD" and I named the new disk "MAC NEW HD"?

    What do you think?

    Furthermore, would it be possible to rename the new 750 GB volume to "Macintosh HD" before putting it back internally and restarting, or should it be reformatted, indicating "Macintosh HD" and restarting the cloning?

    Looking forward to your response.
    Thank you and best regards.
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    1. cnessy Posted messages 603 Status Member 77
       
      You can rename it however you want, just click on the name to select it and press the enter key to highlight and change the name. My drives are simply named "HD1," "HD2," "HD3," backup TM, and the externals "externe1," "externe2," and "externe3" !!

      Haven't you tried to boot from the 750 when it's external, to see?
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  15. ccmvigean Posted messages 482 Registration date   Status Member Last intervention   22
     
    Hello,
    I managed to start the MacBook using the 750 GB external hard drive by pressing the ALT key at startup and selecting the disk connected to the USB port.
    I placed the 750 GB hard drive back internally and I encounter the same question mark issue.
    When I turn it on with the ALT key pressed, I only see the cursor arrow displayed.
    See you later.
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  16. ccmvigean Posted messages 482 Registration date   Status Member Last intervention   22
     
    cnessy,
    I put the 250 back in the MacBook. I boot from it and I see the 750 in the USB port. They are identical.
    Isn't the boot missing on the 750?
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    1. cnessy Posted messages 603 Status Member 77
       
      Good evening,

      I don't understand why you can start the 750 externally but not internally; it's strange.

      For the 750 installed internally, try starting it while holding down the cmd and R keys to see if the recovery partition (Recovery HD) is properly installed. If it is, and since you have the Apple credentials, initiate a reinstall from the menu that will open. You won't have the applications, but you should be able to download and install them afterwards. The personal data on the 250 will be copied later.
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  17. ccmvigean Posted messages 482 Registration date   Status Member Last intervention   22
     
    Hello Cnessy,

    I wanted to thank you for your assistance as I managed to get the MacBook with the 250 GB hard drive up and running. Everything works.

    As for replacing the 250 GB hard drive with the 750 GB one, I will postpone the operation until the end of this month. I will contact you then.

    Looking forward to it.
    Best regards.
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    1. cnessy Posted messages 603 Status Member 77
       
      Good evening,

      Cool ;-)

      Good luck.
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