Bought 2015 pro 15 broken display no OS X, how to reinstall

[Paperpusher34]

I Got a crazy good deal on a 2015 MacBook Pro 15" with level 2 specs. The screen is cracked and useless. He said he hooked up computer to external display to wipe hard drive completely. Then he tried to reinstall osx but the computer wouldn't recognize the external monitor because no OS X. For the price I took the risk. It turns on and makes a chime but I can't tell if it works other than that. Is there someway to reinstall software in the state that it's in? Thanks

 

[0983275]

I'm pretty sure external displays works in recovery mode, try that?

 

[JTToft]

It should really work fine with an external monitor.

Do SMC and NVRAM resets for good measure if you haven't.

 

[Paperpusher34]

I'm pretty sure external displays works in recovery mode, try that?

I just tried this. I hooked up hdmi and turned on laptop in recovery mode. Nothing came up on the screen.

 

[0983275]

Hm, try mDP port if you can? It should show on monitor if it's in clamshell mode with both power and keyboard/mouse connected.

 

[Paperpusher34]

Hm, try mDP port if you can? It should show on monitor if it's in clamshell mode with both power and keyboard/mouse connected.

I think I have a mini display port to hdmi connector, I'll give it a shot. I really wanna make sure this thing works before ordering 400$ screen and lid.

 

[JTToft]

I think I have a mini display port to hdmi connector, I'll give it a shot. I really wanna make sure this thing works before ordering 400$ screen and lid.

- It needs to be in clamshell mode. If it thinks it has access to the built-in display, it may give preference to that.

 

[Paperpusher34]

I think I have a mini display port to hdmi connector, I'll give it a shot. I really wanna make sure this thing works before ordering 400$ screen and lid.

I hooked up Apple keyboard and Apple mouse. Plugged into power and had mdp to hdmi hooked up, turned it on and nothing, I then turned it off and back on in recovery mode still nothing.

 

[jerwin]

I just tried this. I hooked up hdmi and turned on laptop in recovery mode. Nothing came up on the screen.

Nothing? As in no signal?

Or a grey pattern?

If it's the latter, try booting up, then closing the macbook's screen.

 

[JTToft]

I hooked up Apple keyboard and Apple mouse. Plugged into power and had mdp to hdmi hooked up, turned it on and nothing, I then turned it off and back on in recovery mode still nothing.

- Just to be extra explicit, the machine needs to have its screen closed as if putting it to sleep. I suppose you would hit the power button and then immediately close the lid.

Also, did you do the resets I mentioned?

 

[Paperpusher34]

If

Nothing? As in no signal?

Or a grey pattern?

If it's the latter, try booting up, then closing the macbook's screen.

it just says no signal on my external.
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- Just to be extra explicit, the machine needs to have its screen closed as if putting it to sleep. I suppose you would hit the power button and then immediately close the lid.

Also, did you do the resets I mentioned?

How do I do the resets ?

 

[JTToft]

How do I do the resets ?

- Like this:

https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT201295
https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT204063

 

[Paperpusher34]

- Like this:

https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT201295
https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT204063

Ok I did this and it restarted and chimed three times total. I shut clam shell and still says no signal on my tv.
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Ok I did this and it restarted and chimed three times total. I shut clam shell and still says no signal on my tv.

Oh it worked. Lol I'm dazing off wondering what happened and it worked lol. It's showing a flashing folder with question mark and the computer seems to be getting hot really quick
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Ok I did this and it restarted and chimed three times total. I shut clam shell and still says no signal on my tv.
[doublepost=1471890342][/doublepost]
Oh it worked. Lol I'm dazing off wondering what happened and it worked lol. It's showing a flashing folder with question mark and the computer seems to be getting hot really quick

Ok I shut it down, the fan was going full speed and there was a lot of heat at back on computer after only being on one minute or so.

 

[Schranke]

If you have the tools to open the mac, then you should do that and disconnect the screen cable. that way it will always go for the external monitor and you can still use the built-in keyboard and trackpad

https://www.ifixit.com/Guide/MacBoo...y+Mid+2015+Display+Assembly+Replacement/55925
step 1-5 and step 10, remember to reconnect the battery. if you have insulation tape maybe place a little over the end of the cable

 

[sundarfun]

Thank for posting this tip. I was in the same situation Macbook Pro without an OS and a broken screen. I was able to install the OS. It appears that the Macbook Pro is sensing if the lid is almost closed. It worked for me when I had the lid almost closed - pushed my pinkie finger and pressed the power button. If I had the screen somewhat open, it never switched to the external monitor - no matter how quickly I shut it.

 

[Fishrrman]

Maybe this "deal" wasn't as "crazy good" as it looked...

 

[sundarfun]

I have disconnected the LCD display as suggested and now the Macbook Pro boots up even if the lid is fully open. Thanks for the tip.