Damaged SSD Nightmare

[MyMacIsDead]

Hi all!

Brief summary:

I installed a cheap no-name battery in my A1466 Mac. After, the SSD has seemingly stopped working. I have checked it is seated correctly.

Using a USB stick, I managed to enter recovery, and even upgraded up to Sierra. This is where the nightmare began.

I can't upgrade to High Sierra or later on my USB.

Apparently, I can't just buy an NVME SSD and use an adapter. I've heard I need to upgrade to High Sierra or later first (something to do with file systems or firmware).

Even SSDs which have MacOS preinstalled claim I need to upgrade to High Sierra before installing, e.g., amazon.co.uk/Superpard-MacBook-2013-2017-2013-2015-Pre-Installed/dp/B0DYSDH47F

So what do I do? I'm pulling my hair out over the fact that, in order to replace my damaged SSD, I need the original SSD to install a working one.

I've seen suggestions that buying used Apple SSDs might work, but I'm not a big fan of that idea, I'd rather pay more to get something brand new.

Any suggestions greatly appreciated - I love this Mac and it has sentimental value so I feel I can't give up on it.

Thanks!

 

[Bigwaff]

Any suggestions greatly appreciated - I love this Mac and it has sentimental value so I feel I can't give up on it.

If you love the that MBA, you’ll need an Apple SSD to upgrade the Mac to its latest firmware. Once Mac firmware updated, you can most likely replace the Apple SSD. Find a used, small capacity Apple SSD. I believe this a quirk of this model MBA and a iMac model from that period.

 

[MyMacIsDead]

If you love the that MBA, you’ll need an Apple SSD to upgrade the Mac to its latest firmware. Once Mac firmware updated, you can most likely replace the Apple SSD. Find a used, small capacity Apple SSD. I believe this a quirk of this model MBA and a iMac model from that period.

Thanks for replying to my question!

I feared a second-hand SSD might be suggested, there's really no way I can just buy something new, is there?

Failing this - could I just switch to using Linux on my Mac instead to sidestep this problem entirely - or doesn't it work like that?

I checked my Mac, and I can see that my Boot ROM Version is 489.0.0.0.0 (I'm not sure what version of MacOS I was running before these problems) - I just wanted to share this in case you happen to know whether this is 'updated enough' or whether a newer firmware version is needed.

P.S. sorry I don't just google it - but AI and outdated information has had me running in circles for about the last month - so if a knowledgeable person like yourself could let me know it would be so so appreciated.

Thank you!

 

[Bigwaff]

Monterey 12.7.6 is latest macOS your MBA can support. It will install firmware version 489.0.0.0.0, so you do seem to have the latest firmware. You should not need an Apple SSD as you already have latest firmware version. I’m betting your SSD is simply incompatible. Return and buy one known or stated to be compatible.

 

[benwiggy]

To be honest, I wouldn't throw too much money on an MBA that's at least 10 years old, and can only run Catalina (7 years old) to Monterey (5 years old) at best.

You might want to consider whether other options are more viable. I appreciate that brand new Macs are very expensive, but a secondhand model in between might be better.

 

[MyMacIsDead]

Monterey 12.7.6 is latest macOS your MBA can support. It will install firmware version 489.0.0.0.0, so you do seem to have the latest firmware. You should not need an Apple SSD as you already have latest firmware version. I’m betting your SSD is simply incompatible. Return and buy one known or stated to be compatible.

Ah! So if I'm following along correctly, it sounds like, at some point, I did upgrade to Monterey.

Sorry, I think there's a bit of confusion. I only have one SSD, the original Apple one that came with my Mac (which no longer seems to be recognised by my Mac). I haven't bought a replacement SSD because I'm worried it won't work.

I've been trying to fix the Mac solely using a USB stick as my storage. Using internet recovery, I was able to install Yosemite on the USB and upgrade to Sierra.

I've tried installing Monterey on the USB, but I get the error "you may not install to this volume because the computer is missing a firmware partition".

All through this process, the original Apple SSD was inserted, but apparently not detected.

I'm not really sure what to do now - I thought it might be an issue to do with High Sierra requiring the APFS format(?) but I'm really not sure. The fact that the error says the computer is missing the firmware partition makes me wonder if there's some other issue.

Would it be a mistake to purchase this NVMe: https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B0CN3LQSBZ for use with a 16+12 pin adapter?

Worryingly, the 16+12 pin adapters I've looked at all seem to say things like "requires high sierra or later" or "doesn't support internet recovery mode" - so I'm presuming this wouldn't work?

I'm unsure where having Monterey firmware, but being stuck on Sierra, leaves me in terms of options.

I'm tempted to buy the above SSD, test it out, and if it doesn't work switch to Linux as a backup option. Would that be possible? So if the Monterey install fails, I could at least make it usable by using Linux?

 

[MyMacIsDead]

To be honest, I wouldn't throw too much money on an MBA that's at least 10 years old, and can only run Catalina (7 years old) to Monterey (5 years old) at best.

You might want to consider whether other options are more viable. I appreciate that brand new Macs are very expensive, but a secondhand model in between might be better.

That's probably the logical thing to do, I just really enjoy this Mac, and when it did work it handled everything I needed to. It would feel like a shame to give up on it given it has sentimental value to me.

Would my idea of buying an NVMe + adapter, trying to install Monterey on it, and switching to Linux if it fails be remotely sane given the error I'm currently seeing ("you may not install to this volume because the computer is missing a firmware partition") while trying to run it solely on a USB stick?

 

[MarkC426]

Have a look here https://www.ifixit.com/Search?query=MacBook+Air+13+inch+a1466
Not sure which exact model you have.
Select your model and there are instructions for all repairs.
You may have trouble if it has a T2 chip.

 

[Bigwaff]

Would my idea of buying an NVMe + adapter, trying to install Monterey on it, and switching to Linux if it fails be remotely sane given the error I'm currently seeing ("you may not install to this volume because the computer is missing a firmware partition") while trying to run it solely on a USB stick?

W/out knowing what spend is too much to keep this MBA you love still humming along... here is reputable source for new, compatible, w/warranty SSD

480GB OWC Aura N2 SSD Upgrade for 2013 & Later Macs

For MacBook Air (Mid 2013 - 2017), MacBook Pro (Retina, Late 2013 - Mid 2015), and Mac mini (2014).

eshop.macsales.com

Even have used Apple SSD and others on clearance

Apple & Mac Warehouse Clearance Sale | OWC Garage Sale

Upgrade the RAM and storage of nearly any Apple computer at MacSales.com. We also provide refurbished Macs, external storage, docks, accessories, and more!

eshop.macsales.com

 

[benwiggy]

Would my idea of buying an NVMe + adapter, trying to install Monterey on it, and switching to Linux if it fails be remotely sane given the error I'm currently seeing ("you may not install to this volume because the computer is missing a firmware partition") while trying to run it solely on a USB stick?

Yes, running Linux is your best bet, if only because you'll likely be able to run a more recent and up-to-date version of Linux. It's certainly easy/cheap to try.

 

[Fishrrman]

It's really time to start shopping around for a replacement Mac...

 

[MyMacIsDead]

Have a look here https://www.ifixit.com/Search?query=MacBook+Air+13+inch+a1466
Not sure which exact model you have.
Select your model and there are instructions for all repairs.
You may have trouble if it has a T2 chip.

Thank you, I had a look, my model is 13-inch, early 2015, so I believe I don't have a T2 chip (thankfully!)

I noticed both SSD guides say to install High Sierra first - "most new SSDs require updated storage drivers not found in versions of macOS prior to High Sierra", which is a bit worrying, since there's no obvious way for me to do this.

I have no problems at all physically installing the new SSD, it's just the software side of things that seems difficult to solve.

 

[MyMacIsDead]

W/out knowing what spend is too much to keep this MBA you love still humming along... here is reputable source for new, compatible, w/warranty SSD

480GB OWC Aura N2 SSD Upgrade for 2013 & Later Macs

For MacBook Air (Mid 2013 - 2017), MacBook Pro (Retina, Late 2013 - Mid 2015), and Mac mini (2014).

eshop.macsales.com

Even have used Apple SSD and others on clearance

Apple & Mac Warehouse Clearance Sale | OWC Garage Sale

Upgrade the RAM and storage of nearly any Apple computer at MacSales.com. We also provide refurbished Macs, external storage, docks, accessories, and more!

eshop.macsales.com

Thanks!

$115/£86 is definitely within budget. If this SSD will actually work I will happily buy it (though I'm in the U.K., and the first results I see on Amazon/eBay here are about $210).

Is there anything special about this particular brand/SSD that is required to get it working that couldn't be repliacted with a generic NVMe + pin adapter?

I noticed in the iFixIt guide MarkC426 shared, it states:

"Finally, we strongly recommend installing macOS 10.13 High Sierra (or a later macOS) before replacing the original SSD from your MacBook Air. Most new SSDs require updated storage drivers not found in versions of macOS prior to High Sierra."

So I'm presuming the SSD you linked doesn't require this, whereas most new SSDs do?

Sorry for the rambling - but one thing that confuses me is that I appear to have firmware for Monterey on my Mac, but I'm stuck on MacOS Sierra. So I'm not sure where that leaves me in terms of the High Sierra or later requirement. Is the firmware, not the full OS, the important thing to get the SSD working?

I had considered if I could initiate it from recovery mode, because I'm able to get into the Monterey recovery screen, I just can't get it to install.

 

[MyMacIsDead]

Yes, running Linux is your best bet, if only because you'll likely be able to run a more recent and up-to-date version of Linux. It's certainly easy/cheap to try.

This definitely sounds like like a great backup plan. So I'll try for Monterey on a new SSD, if the firmware/OS etc. doesn't allow me to install, just switch to Linux. Having a working Mac again will be huge for me regardless of the OS. Thanks!

 

[MyMacIsDead]

It's really time to start shopping around for a replacement Mac...

That's fair, but I don't upgrade just for the sake of it, I'm hoping I can just switch out the SSD and get it working for much less than it would cost to buy a new/used computer. Plus, I wouldn't have the heart to throw away/give away my current Mac, so it would just become clutter.

As far as I can tell, everything else is working perfectly, so I'd hate to get rid of it. It's severed me well and fast enough for my needs.

 

[benholt]

couple things nobody's called out yet that might unstick you.

That "missing firmware partition" error installing Monterey to the USB stick is because the stick is flash media — the installer refuses to write a boot volume onto anything the USB descriptor marks as "removable." A real SSD in a bus-powered USB 3 enclosure (any cheap NVMe-in-enclosure, or a Samsung T7 if you want tidy) shows up as non-removable and the installer treats it like an internal disk. Monterey installs to that cleanly and will boot the Mac.

Get bootable Monterey on an external SSD first — that puts you in a much better spot. You have a working system to plan from, and once you're actually running Monterey the internal swap is way lower risk. The Aura N2's whole reason to exist is that it appears to pre-High-Sierra firmware as a supported SSD, but if you're already booted into a modern OS from external, a generic NVMe + Sintech-style adapter also works.

 

[Lounge vibes 05]

add me to the list of people who think it’s not really worth fussing around with macOS versions that haven’t been given security updates in several years and dead SSDs.
Get an M1 Air, you could likely find one for cheaper than a new SSD at this point, and it’s going to best that MacBook you have in every single way.
Those early 2015 MacBook Airs still had the aluminum bezel, no retina display, not even a single USB C port. Even if you somehow got it booted up, it’s very likely it will not remain useful for long, depending on the tasks you are using it for.
High Sierra hasn’t received a security update in almost six years, you should not be using that as any sort of regular internet machine.
And as you stated in your original post, you are already using a no name cheap knockoff battery that somehow caused the SSD to stop working. That’s usually not a good sign for something that’s going to have significant longevity.
A knockoff battery that has who knows what types of issues, a dead SSD, and software that hasn’t received security updates in over half a decade is not exactly a winning combination, no matter how much sentimental value is attached. At some point, it’s simply just going to become more trouble than its worth.

 

[MyMacIsDead]

add me to the list of people who think it’s not really worth fussing around with macOS versions that haven’t been given security updates in several years and dead SSDs.
Get an M1 Air, you could likely find one for cheaper than a new SSD at this point, and it’s going to best that MacBook you have in every single way.
Those early 2015 MacBook Airs still had the aluminum bezel, no retina display, not even a single USB C port. Even if you somehow got it booted up, it’s very likely it will not remain useful for long, depending on the tasks you are using it for.
High Sierra hasn’t received a security update in almost six years, you should not be using that as any sort of regular internet machine.
And as you stated in your original post, you are already using a no name cheap knockoff battery that somehow caused the SSD to stop working. That’s usually not a good sign for something that’s going to have significant longevity.
A knockoff battery that has who knows what types of issues, a dead SSD, and software that hasn’t received security updates in over half a decade is not exactly a winning combination, no matter how much sentimental value is attached. At some point, it’s simply just going to become more trouble than its worth.

Added!

Out of curiosity, what's your objection to the aluminium bezel?

I just don't want a second hand Mac that's had someone's grubby little hands all over it for years. The extra hassle and cost is worth it to me. I don't have any desire for upgrades.

I'm sure if I tried a newer one, I wouldn't want to go back, but I'm already content with what I have.

 

[MyMacIsDead]

couple things nobody's called out yet that might unstick you.

That "missing firmware partition" error installing Monterey to the USB stick is because the stick is flash media — the installer refuses to write a boot volume onto anything the USB descriptor marks as "removable." A real SSD in a bus-powered USB 3 enclosure (any cheap NVMe-in-enclosure, or a Samsung T7 if you want tidy) shows up as non-removable and the installer treats it like an internal disk. Monterey installs to that cleanly and will boot the Mac.

Get bootable Monterey on an external SSD first — that puts you in a much better spot. You have a working system to plan from, and once you're actually running Monterey the internal swap is way lower risk. The Aura N2's whole reason to exist is that it appears to pre-High-Sierra firmware as a supported SSD, but if you're already booted into a modern OS from external, a generic NVMe + Sintech-style adapter also works.

Ah! That makes a lot of sense.

I like the idea of an enclosure. I have the intrusive thought "what if the new battery somehow damaged the SSD?", so getting it set up without using the internal SSD slot at first would be great. I think the NVMe option would be better for me so I can potentially install it internally in the future.

So, if I'm focusing on booting up externally for now, I don't have to worry about firmware/compatibility pitfalls?

I'll give it a shot - maybe this is too cheeky of an ask, but would you mind taking a quick look to see if these look suitable? Happy to send you a little thank you tip for all your help.

Enclosure: https://www.amazon.co.uk/UGREEN-Enclosure-External-Drive-Cables/dp/B09T97Z7DM

NVMe (250gb is fine for my light needs): https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B0CN3LQSBZ