2011 MBP 8,1 SSD & EFI Plan of Action

[deo291]

So heres my issue - customer wants her 2011 MBP 8,1 repaired and an SSD added.

There is an EFI password that is unknown, and not enough proof for an apple override. This disables all boot time commands (recovery,internet recover,terminal, single user, etc) The model is too new for Ram stick NVRAM manipulation.

On hand i have:

• Original 2011 HDD, data was recovered, OsX is corrupted and unbootable
  • Can't use cmd+r to fix due to EFI lock
• New SSD
• Sata to usb3 enclosure

Here is my idea, looking for feedback and help.

Using an Sata -> USB3 i want to connect the new ssd to another machine and install osx to this new drive as if it was an external - then install the new ssd into the EFI locked MBP.

Concerns are that MBP would detect the new SSD and not boot due to EFI PW

OR

Using the same SATA->USB - find a way to recover or reinstall to the orginal 2011 HDD so we can at least boot, clone, clone to SSD, and go from there

Concern - Would this actually boot?


What do you legends think?

 

[Audit13]

I have not tried this myself but I doubt it would work because Apple plugged the way they plugged the ram trick so they probably plugged this trick too.

 

[Fishrrman]

Assuming you are able to get the customer's data from the drive...
... Your best advice for this customer is to buy a NEW (or Apple-refurbished) MacBook Pro, and also to NEVER USE A FIRMWARE PASSWORD AGAIN...