[SOLVED] Added new SSD to Macbook A1278 but won`t boot

joe thompson · Aug 5, 2017

A few years ago my old Macbook A1278 stopped working due to the hard drive being damaged. Recently I bought a new KingFast 120G SSD and replaced my old broken hard drive. However after adding the new SSD into the macbook, when I turn the laptop on all I see is a white screen with an image of a folder with a question mark fashing (same image that showed when the hard drive was damaged). Do I need to re-install mac os through usb?

McHenryB · Aug 5, 2017

Simple answer - yes, you need to install an OS.

PCMACPC · Aug 5, 2017

Yep. You installed a clean ssd, but the laptop needs an operation system.

joe thompson · Aug 6, 2017

McHenryB :

I installed macOS Sierra onto an 8 gb usb and plugged it into my laptop before turning it on but it still showed the folder with the flashing question mark. Are there any particular keys that I need to be pressing while turning the laptop on?

PCMACPC · Aug 6, 2017

http://www.idownloadblog.com/2015/09/14/how-to-start-up-mac-from-bootable-media/

joe thompson · Aug 7, 2017

PCMACPC :

So I followed the instructions and pressed the option key while the laptop was booting up and I saw an image that the usb stick was inserted in the computer and I saw that it said install mac sierra on it. However when I pressed enter, a prohibitory symbol showed up and the computer turned itself off. Does this mean that I need to install a older generation mac operating system since this is an older generation macbook A1278?

PCMACPC · Aug 7, 2017

A1278 can be from 2008, 2009 and 2010.
Which one do you exactly have?

Otherwise you should get a El-Capitan copy.

McHenryB · Aug 7, 2017

Have a look here to see if your Mac will run Sierra, and how to find out exactly which model it is: https://coolestguidesontheplanet.com/system-requirements-for-macos-sierra/

Even if your model is on the compatibility list it may need a firmware upgrade first (which is difficult if you don't have a running system). I think you are going to have to try an earlier version.

joe thompson · Aug 7, 2017

PCMACPC :

I believe I own the 2008 model

PCMACPC · Aug 7, 2017

Try El-Capitan

joe thompson · Aug 8, 2017

PCMACPC :

Do they still have it on the app store? I can`t seem to find it. If possible are there any free alternatives?

McHenryB · Aug 8, 2017

http://www.macworld.co.uk/how-to/mac-software/how-install-download-old-versions-of-mac-os-x-3629363/#toc-3629363-3

VJ_Gamer · Aug 10, 2017

You can make a clone of the old HD to the new SSD.

https://apple.stackexchange.com/questions/36184/how-can-i-copy-the-os-x-system-image-from-primary-hdd-to-new-ssd

joe thompson · Aug 10, 2017

VJ_Gamer :

I actually tried cloning my wife's 2008 MacBook by using a clone copying app but when I tried to use it on her laptop it said I needed an older generation operating sust because her laptop is ox lion 10.5

VJ_Gamer · Aug 10, 2017

joe thompson :

Which Mac OS where you using on your broken HD?

VJ_Gamer · Aug 10, 2017

You can do one thing.

Check for your Macbook and the latest OS compatibility. Check if any of your friend is using that OS. If yes then create a bootable USB using your friends Macbook.

Check the below link for creating a bootable USB.

https://support.apple.com/en-in/HT201372

Then Clean install it on your new SSD.

Good Luck

McHenryB · Aug 10, 2017

joe thompson :

10.5 is Leopard, not Lion.

In general, you can't just clone a disk from one Mac and use it on a different one (any more than you can with Windows). But, as you have another Mac, you can use it to follow the procedure outlined in my previous link to produce install media.

laptex605 · Nov 9, 2017

joe thompson :

laptex605 · Nov 9, 2017

off course you need to install OS in your SSD first. the question mark folder comes then logic board doesn't seems operating system. commonly this problem comes due to HDD cable in A1278 13" and A1286 15" inches MacBooks.

toshibitsu · Nov 16, 2017

McHenryB :

Actually... you can. When we had down time at my last IT job, we'd experiment with computers we had laying around. I had a image(clone) of a 2012 Macbook Pro w/ El Capitan on it. I had used CarbonCopy to make it. I tried "cloning" that drive to different Macbook's & iMac's and each time it worked just fine.

On top of that... I experimented further and pulled the hard drive out of a Lenovo laptop(with Windows 10) and installed it into a Macbook Pro. It booted up to Windows 10 just fine, connected to wireless just fine and even started installing updates(everything was working).

[SOLVED] Added new SSD to Macbook A1278 but won`t boot

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