How can I recover data from internal hard drive?

[Neeznoodle]

Update: I am VERY HAPPY to say that I had set up Time Machine backups on an external hard drive that was connected to my husband's MacBook Pro and we have EVERYTHING!!! So even if the computer's hard drive has gone bad, we are okay.

***RESOLVED***

My husband has a 2012 MacBook Pro that is having problems and won't start up. When he turns it on it gets to the chime but then turns off.

He is fairly certain that the problem is caused by a hard drive is completely full. We've tried several steps that we've found online, although nothing that involves opening the computer.

So, we are in a situation where we could lose everything on the hard drive if we take it in to be fixed, and that would be devastating because he doesn't have a backup of what's on it. (Please don't offer advice on how to backup - I have a very good system but he didn't follow it.)

Would it be possible for me to remove the hard drive, put it in a case to turn it into an external hard drive, then connect it to my computer so I can access the files on the drive?

 

[doubletap]

It should be possible for you to remove the drive from the laptop. Head over to ifixit to see what's involved. Once the drive is removed, put it in an enclosure and hopefully you'll be able to see the contents as long as the drive itself isn't malfunctioning.

https://www.ifixit.com/Teardown/MacBook+Pro+15-Inch+Unibody+Mid+2012+Teardown/9515
https://www.ifixit.com/Device/MacBook_Pro_13"_Unibody_Mid_2012

If a system requires an end user to follow steps in order for things to get backed up, it's not very good in my opinion. You can't trust end users to always follow through.

Finally, if it were truly devastating to lose what's on the hard drive, there are third party data recovery companies that can possibly recover data depending on the cause.

EDIT: you will probably get more/better replies if you post this in the correct forum. This is the iOS 12 forum.

 

[Neeznoodle]

It should be possible for you to remove the drive from the laptop. Head over to ifixit to see what's involved. Once the drive is removed, put it in an enclosure and hopefully you'll be able to see the contents as long as the drive itself isn't malfunctioning.

https://www.ifixit.com/Teardown/MacBook+Pro+15-Inch+Unibody+Mid+2012+Teardown/9515
https://www.ifixit.com/Device/MacBook_Pro_13"_Unibody_Mid_2012

If a system requires an end user to follow steps in order for things to get backed up, it's not very good in my opinion. You can't trust end users to always follow through.

Finally, if it were truly devastating to lose what's on the hard drive, there are third party data recovery companies that can possibly recover data depending on the cause.

EDIT: you will probably get more/better replies if you post this in the correct forum. This is the iOS 12 forum.

Thank you!

I am VERY HAPPY to say that I had set up Time Machine backups on an external hard drive that was connected to my husband's MacBook Pro and we have EVERYTHING!!! So even if the computer's hard drive has gone bad, we are okay.

 

[doubletap]

That is really good to hear! Time Machine is nice in times like this.

 

[Mr_Brightside_@]

The 2012 13" models have notoriously flaky hard drive cables. The symptoms are the same as a failed hard drive.

 

[Neeznoodle]

The 2012 13" models have notoriously flaky hard drive cables. The symptoms are the same as a failed hard drive.

That's great to know, and his is a 13" model. Thank you!

 

[Fishrrman]

OP:

The very first thing to do:
Take the MBP to an Apple Store and have them check the SATA ribbon cable.
There -used to be- a FREE replacement program for these (the 2012 design is notorious for faulty ribbon cables).
Not sure if the free repair program is still in effect.

If it's no longer in effect, the cable is easily changed out yourself. All that's needed is a Phillips #00 driver and a TORX T-6 driver (I don't think you even need the latter to just change the cable).

Go to ifixit.com to see what's involved -- a 15 minute job.
You can get the replacement part number from ifixit.com.
You can order the cable from ifixit or find it at another online source.

A failed cable "looks like" a failed drive to the user, but of course, it's only the cable (not the drive).

MORE:
You ought to consider replacing the original drive with an SSD.
It will make the MBP "feel like new" again.
EASY to do (if you replace the cable, you already know what to do).
But that's the subject of another post.

Addendum:
Just wondering -- is this the only Mac you have, or do you have another one at home?