Data Transfer

[df03user]

Hello all,
I recently had a 2013-15 (not exactly sure on the year, but the range is correct) Macbook Pro, which had a run-in with a spilled beverage on the laptop itself. I took this to Apple and they took the SD hard drive out and said that they could read the files on the chip, but it would cost me $400 to recover this information. I figured that I could do this myself if I purchased the right adapters to plug this into my new MacBook Pro or my PC (windows 10) to recover the data files from my now fried MacBook Pro. So I went to researching and bought a M.2 PCl3 SSD Key M to USB 3.0 External reader and a M.2 NGFF 28 pin SSD Adapter for "read SD from MacBook 2013-2015 Year in M-Key Slot". I plugged all of these into each other (together 3 items) and then plugged it into my MacBook and my PC to see if either of them would recognize the SD Harddrive. Neither has worked and after running into roadblock after roadblock, I am hoping y'all on this forum can help!

Thank you for your time in advance!

 

[MartyByrde]

I assume you mean the SSD from your "fried" MacBook Pro? If you do, is that SSD mounted inside an external enclosure? And again, if it is, how are connecting it to your new MacBook Pro?

 

[df03user]

Yes, the SSD from the 'fried' MacBook Pro. I have included photos to show you how I've used the adapters that I mentioned in my original post. I am connecting it via the USB port.

 

[MartyByrde]

Hmm, I've never seen such a device before.

So, when you plug it into a USB port, you cannot see it at all on the desktop? Similarly, can't see it via Disk Utility?

 

[df03user]

Yes, that's correct. When I tried to see if I could somehow partition it for some reason, it does show, but with 0MB with Mini-tool Partition Wizard.

Disk Utility gives me the following error message: The request failed due to a fatal device hardware error.

What kinds of setups have you seen? What can I try instead?

Thank you for your replies!

 

[MartyByrde]

What did you try to do with Disk Utility?

If Disk Utility can at least access the SSD, you could try and Repair it. But that's risky, especially if any data on the SSD is critical/important.

 

[df03user]

I just wanted to see if it would be recognized. And I read about that being risky and I do not want to lose any data at all.

Would you suggest a different setup or something else to plug this into?

 

[MartyByrde]

Would need to do some more research. But with the SSD having a hardware issue/error, could be difficult to get the data off of it.

 

[df03user]

Alright, I appreciate it. The only reason I am pursuing this more is that the Apple Tech was able to pull up the information on my SSD. There has got to be a way...

right?

 

[MartyByrde]

Alright, I appreciate it. The only reason I am pursuing this more is that the Apple Tech was able to pull up the information on my SSD. There has got to be a way...

right?

One would think so. But the software to do that could be expensive (assuming it exists).

 

[MartyByrde]

OK, had some time to get back to this. This link is useful:

5 Best Data Recovery Software for Mac in 2024

In our search for the best free data recovery software for Mac, we tested many apps and found the top 5 for 2024. Some are totally free, while others offer free trials to try before you buy. From our hands-on...

www.cleverfiles.com

From what I have seen and read, Disk Drill is the best. You can start by using the free version to do a comprehensive scan of the "problematic" SSD. But to actually recover the information, it looks like you'll need to purchase Disk Drill, for $89:

Disk Drill PRO and Enterprise for macOS – Activate Unlimited Recovery

Upgrade Disk Drill - get premium data recovery features for Mac OS X

www.cleverfiles.com

There is a "media only" version available in the App Store, for $39.99:

‎Disk Drill Media Recovery

‎Disk Drill Media Recovery is the simplest and the most efficient data recovery app on the Mac App Store. Version 4 offers a new streamlined user interface that will help you navigate, preview, sort, and filter your recoverable data with ease. Disk Drill can recover your deleted pictures and...

apps.apple.com

But that can only recover media-related files, etc.

If you decide to pay for Disk Drill, do a google search first for reviews of it. That could provide valuable information.

 

[df03user]

Thank you for your time MartyByrde,
I have downloaded these and am about to dive into them one by one, hoping that they'll recognize my unique set-up and get my files back!

Thank you again, I'll let you know how it goes!

 

[MLGochnauer]

Some MacBook Pros and Airs use an Apple-specific SSD internally. The SSDs will fit into 'ordinary' adapters but will remain inoperable.

Check this web page: https://eshop.macsales.com/item/OWC/MAU3ENPRPCI/

The list on that page is very specific. For example, the Envoy Pro enclosure works with 'late 2013' (11,1) MacBook Pros, but not with the 'early 2013' (10,1) version.

There may be some advantage to Apple proprietary version of otherwise common SSDs, but it certainly is inconvenient and costly for users. [I have had to deal with both 10,1 and 11,1 computers. The Envoy Pro drive works with the drive from the latter but not the former. And, of course, it does not work with ordinary, less expensive SSDs.]

 

[df03user]

Thank you MartyByrde, though those did not work on this. I had to go with MLGochnauer's approach and get the SSD specific adapter. I have been able to see the files, now just need to find MY files within all the folders that I see. Thank you for all your help thus far!

 

[MartyByrde]

Thank you MartyByrde, though those did not work on this. I had to go with MLGochnauer's approach and get the SSD specific adapter. I have been able to see the files, now just need to find MY files within all the folders that I see. Thank you for all your help thus far!

Darn! Sorry none of that worked for you. But hopefully you're on your way to recover the information.

Good luck!