2017 13" MBP: Target Disc Mode to the rescue?

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Level 1

8 points

2017 13" MBP: Target Disc Mode to the rescue?

Hello all,

Hope everyone is staying safe. Here's the dilemma I am facing with my a 2017 model 13: MacBook Pro, non-touch bar base model. This was belonged to my boss, who never turned it off, and gave to me to try and do something with:

When started, it only shows a flashing folder with a question mark on the screen.
I cannot get this machine into recovery mode, command-r does nothing.
I can only get it into internet recovery mode.
Once in internet recovery mode, it does not show, in disc utility, the internal hard disc drive. Only the small portion with the base system on it. I am therefore unable to erase the hard drive and re-install a fresh copy of MacOS.
I have tried SMC and PRAM resets, to no avail.
I cannot get the Mac to boot into safe mode.

My question is:

Is there anything target disc mode can do? I would need to get a thunderbolt cable to get it to connect to my late 2015 iMac at home, that does not have usb-c ports as I'm sure you're aware.

Would target disc mode be able to do anything every other method I've tried has not?

Or is the SDD in this MacBook Pro totally dead requiring an expensive repair?

Thanks in advance, and stay safe!

Dan

MacBook Pro

Posted on Apr 14, 2020 7:39 AM

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Answer 1

Top-ranking reply

HWTech

Level 9

59,954 points

Apr 14, 2020 12:29 PM in response to dantracht

While booted into Recovery Mode use launch Disk Utility and click on "View" and select "Show All Devices" so that the physical drives appear on the left pane of Disk Utility. If you do not see the SSD there, then it most likely has failed.

See if the laptop qualifies for this free Apple SSD repair program:

https://support.apple.com/13-inch-macbook-pro-solid-state-drive-service

FYI, here is the current list of all the publicly acknowledged free repair programs for various Apple products (some such as this particular laptop may have multiple programs available):

https://support.apple.com/exchange_repair

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Answer 2

dantracht Author

Level 1

8 points

Apr 17, 2020 12:04 PM in response to HWTech

Thanks for the tips. It doesn't qualify for free repair apparently as it was already serviced under that program, or so the message stated.

Also, in recovery mode, the internal HD doesn't even show when I clicked "show all devices."

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Answer 3

HWTech

Level 9

59,954 points

Apr 17, 2020 5:10 PM in response to dantracht

Most likely the SSD died then, although there is a possibility the issue could be with the Logic Board. In my own personal experience and knowing these SSDs have some issues anyway I highly suspect the SSD. I would suggest contacting Apple to see what your options are here. If you had this laptop in for the free SSD repair program, then perhaps you can convince Apple to replace it for free (never hurts to ask politely). If Apple Stores and AASPs in your area are closed, then click the "Contact Support" link at the top right of this page to see if you have the option to mail the laptop in for repair.

Good luck.

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2017 13" MBP: Target Disc Mode to the rescue?

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