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Late 08 down for the count?

O

ObuckiO

macrumors regular
Original poster
Dec 9, 2011
231
1
Ohio
Hi folks. My late 08 MBP was running fine until I was logged into Verizon and also tried to open an app from launchpad same time.
It started to beachball and run slow. I then tried to reboot, Pram, SMC reset all while it was getting slower. I was able to get to disc repair and both looked full (97%) I didn't hit erase, but I started to try and delete some programs, but then it wanted to just beachball.

After I gave up for night, next day it loaded youtube video fast then started buffering about 30 secs in...I shut it down after doing some more hints off web, it still went downhill. Now at last, It will only restart the log in bar to about 75% of the bar and shut off. Nothing more. I have an early '18 iMac as my extra computer, but nothing from MacBook is backed up in Time machine or not all in cloud.

Question: What options can possibly fix MBP or what ways of getting wanted files and stuff off MacBook to iMac(External hard drive?).
I was thinking about a new hard drive or battery replacement if that was ideal.

Thanks for any input.
 
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You can easily pull files off of the MacBook Pro's internal storage drive by disassembling the computer, (gently) pulling the drive out of the machine, then sticking it into an external SATA to USB enclosure which essentially will turn it into an external hard drive. Then, plug it into your iMac and it should read the home folder, documents, pictures etc. like normal, assuming there was no hardware failure.
 
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Zwhaler said:
You can easily pull files off of the MacBook Pro's internal storage drive by disassembling the computer, (gently) pulling the drive out of the machine, then sticking it into an external SATA to USB enclosure which essentially will turn it into an external hard drive. Then, plug it into your iMac and it should read the home folder, documents, pictures etc. like normal, assuming there was no hardware failure.
Click to expand...
Thanks for advice. Since posting I’ve read a few paths to take and yours is probably the way I’ll go. Although, this is the answer for the transfer, but I’m wondering if the issue was actually caused by age, corrupt cause or hard drive showing it was maxed out. Understanding that answer is up to me to battle at first. I just really like to get the MacBook also running with new parts if available. I also question if getting a bunch of unwanted programs and p-list files and whatever else could make it run as it did. I never noticed if the hard drive was becoming full, but the latest program I downloaded about two weeks ago was Antares auto tune.
MacBook was too old to hold program but it was still on there and I was unable to delete it.
 
macOS uses the hard drive for system operations and the one likely affecting you is paging. The rule of thumb for hard drives, and in particular the system drive, is to leave 15% or so empty.

If you take that old one out to rescue your data don't put it back in. Get an SSD and bring new life to the MBP.
 
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BrianBaughn said:
macOS uses the hard drive for system operations and the one likely affecting you is paging. The rule of thumb for hard drives, and in particular the system drive, is to leave 15% or so empty.

If you take that old one out to rescue your data don't put it back in. Get an SSD and bring new life to the MBP.
Click to expand...
That’s the help I needed. Thank you very much. After I get all parts from Micro center, I assume I plug and go(so to speak). However, I’m unsure if I use any core app(Target disc mode, Terminal, etc.), to aid in either of the fixes, but ill seek around or ask when that task is here.
Again, thanks for the direct guidance that helps out so much.
 
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EugW said:
Get your data, and then install a new SSD. Not a hard drive.

You need a minimum of 4 GB RAM for decent performance though, although 6-8 GB is highly preferred.

What specific model though? This one?

MacBook Pro "Core 2 Duo" 2.4 15" (Unibody) Specs (Late 2008, MB470LL/A, MacBookPro5,1, A1286, 2255): EveryMac.com

Technical specifications for the MacBook Pro "Core 2 Duo" 2.4 15" (Unibody). Dates sold, processor type, memory info, hard drive details, price and more.
everymac.com everymac.com
Click to expand...
I'm not sure on the direct specs, but it was the most expensive MBP there was. It is 15" has had 8 GB for years. The link you put up looks all familiar and most likely matched.
 
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Hi again, folks.
Finally continuing with this problem.
I now have the Late 08 MBP hard drive connected to newer iMac. I opened (locations:MBP hard drive) and tried to trash some unwanted applications. Nothing enters trash can.
i’m trying to free up space to get the MacBook Pro running again from me overloading it’s space. Can I get some info on what to do from here.

I was hoping “later” I could transfer any files and such I was wanting transferred over to iMac. But first, I was hoping to bring back MacBook by deleting files/apps.
thanks for help.
 
Go into the Finder's preferences and put a check mark on "Show external drives". Your external drive should then show up on the Desktop screen. Open it from there and see what you can delete then immediately back up your personal data.


You said, I was hoping to bring back MacBook by deleting files/apps.". I hope you don't plan on putting that old hard drive (which is likely on its last legs) back into the Macbook. SSD's are cheap. Install the appropriate capacity SSD, install the operating system, do the Apple updates, connect the old drive to the Macbook, then use Migrate Assistant to transfer your personal files to the SSD, or manually transfer your files from the backup I referred to in my first paragraph.

EDIT: I don't think a 2008 Macbook supports Internet Recovery to re-install the OS, so it looks like you'll have to do it via a USB Mac OS installer, or finding an OS disk online. Was the Macbook running El Capitan?
 
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OP wrote:
"I now have the Late 08 MBP hard drive connected to newer iMac. I opened (locations:MBP hard drive) and tried to trash some unwanted applications. Nothing enters trash can.
i’m trying to free up space to get the MacBook Pro running again from me overloading it’s space. Can I get some info on what to do from here. "

Try this:
1. connect the 08 drive to the newer iMac
2. let the drive icon mount on the desktop
3. click on the icon ONE TIME to select it
4. bring up the "get info" box for the drive icon (command-i)
5. at the bottom of get info, click the lock and enter the password you use on the new iMac
6. put a check into "ignore ownership on this volume" (sharing and permissions)
7. close get info.

Try deleting stuff on the 08 drive now.
Any better?
 
UrsaMinor said:
Go into the Finder's preferences and put a check mark on "Show external drives". Your external drive should then show up on the Desktop screen. Open it from there and see what you can delete then immediately back up your personal data.


You said, I was hoping to bring back MacBook by deleting files/apps.". I hope you don't plan on putting that old hard drive (which is likely on its last legs) back into the Macbook. SSD's are cheap. Install the appropriate capacity SSD, install the operating system, do the Apple updates, connect the old drive to the Macbook, then use Migrate Assistant to transfer your personal files to the SSD, or manually transfer your files from the backup I referred to in my first paragraph.

EDIT: I don't think a 2008 Macbook supports Internet Recovery to re-install the OS, so it looks like you'll have to do it via a USB Mac OS installer, or finding an OS disk online. Was the Macbook running El Capitan?
Click to expand...
Yes. El Capitan. I thank you a lot for the input. I reread the older posts and seen some of my question was answered. I’m using a kingwin Adapter USB to hard drive Plug in. I don’t have any apps specializing in a transfer thats not built in. I appreciate it thanks
 
Fishrrman said:
OP wrote:
"I now have the Late 08 MBP hard drive connected to newer iMac. I opened (locations:MBP hard drive) and tried to trash some unwanted applications. Nothing enters trash can.
i’m trying to free up space to get the MacBook Pro running again from me overloading it’s space. Can I get some info on what to do from here. "

Try this:
1. connect the 08 drive to the newer iMac
2. let the drive icon mount on the desktop
3. click on the icon ONE TIME to select it
4. bring up the "get info" box for the drive icon (command-i)
5. at the bottom of get info, click the lock and enter the password you use on the new iMac
6. put a check into "ignore ownership on this volume" (sharing and permissions)
7. close get info.

Try deleting stuff on the 08 drive now.
Any better?
Click to expand...
I thank you much. I’m gonna try it
 
Fishrrman said:
OP wrote:
"I now have the Late 08 MBP hard drive connected to newer iMac. I opened (locations:MBP hard drive) and tried to trash some unwanted applications. Nothing enters trash can.
i’m trying to free up space to get the MacBook Pro running again from me overloading it’s space. Can I get some info on what to do from here. "

Try this:
1. connect the 08 drive to the newer iMac
2. let the drive icon mount on the desktop
3. click on the icon ONE TIME to select it
4. bring up the "get info" box for the drive icon (command-i)
5. at the bottom of get info, click the lock and enter the password you use on the new iMac
6. put a check into "ignore ownership on this volume" (sharing and permissions)
7. close get info.

Try deleting stuff on the 08 drive now.
Any better?
Click to expand...
Following to this point. I’m dragging folder(documents) onto iMacs desktop. It’s beachballing excessively. Getting errors on many.
example: I can drag each photo one at a time with success, but I cannot drag entire pictures folder all in one.
I’m assuming there’s some corrupt files and other incompatible things that are making this difficult. I’m still glad that I’m able to drag some over even though it’s extremely time consuming. Is dragging everything to the desktop that I want OK to do, or should I be dropping these right where they belong on the new iMac?
 
Update. It is starting to work a little better. I’m able to transfer multiple items now. You all steered me in the right direction and I am very appreciative of all the great guidance from the forum.
 
For a whole folder, right click on it and select "Move to Trash". You can even do that on an individual file.
 
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