Pending OP Response Computer help

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Try this
Stick your current ubuntu usb into the usb port on the mac
hold down the option key and power on
you should get 2 drives showing.
use tab button to pick the usb - should be labelled as efi with a usb logo
press return key
it will then start to load.
It might stop - just wait a couple of mins and see if it loads
Click on the Ubuntu home icon
click on other locations
can you access the drive. - If not what is the error - take a pic
 
Did the same thing as before. I thought computer was off then just magically turned on. See photo. Do I still need to try to turn off? This is with the Ubuntu stick. Yes, I have bank USB too
20250111_193722.webp
 
I might have to sleep and pick this up tomorrow
so if bad HD, can I take apart and replace it with SSD?

also, I find this hard to believe? nothing bad ever happened. this all started because I accidentally hit update button. why would that ruin everything?
 
I am getting so bummed out and frustrated. I was trying to get photo of all black screen with about 4 choices then disappeared before I could get pictures
Here is where it sits
20250112_143016.webp
 
Depending on what the pic from post # 270 shows, it might be time to replace the hdd with an ssd.
It is pretty easy to do on this model.
You could use the ssd you purchased earlier on.
Watch this video from 3:48. It shows you what to do.
CLICK ON ME FOR VIDEO
OWC sells the parts you need.
CLICK ON ME FOR PARTS
If you decide to attempt this I advise that you watch the video to understand what to do.
The only things you need to be careful of is.
1) Static Electricity - Just earth yourself by touching something metal first or wear a wrist strap.
2) When you pull the screen forward make sure you have it well supported as it is a bit heavy
and you want to come forward just enough to get your hands in and unclip the cables.

I have done this a couple of times with this model.

If you do this then we will have the option to try and restore an Mac os from the internet or I could upload
a file for you (if you trust me) to use that we can make into a bootable usb.
 
is there a way to definitely figure out if HD is ok or not?

If I get the SSD will I still be able to put a Mac OS on it and maybe ubuntu divided HD to have both
 
mx_599 said:
computer is clicking again
Click to expand...
Sounds like HDD fail
mx_599 said:
is there a way to definitely figure out if HD is ok or not?
Click to expand...
Boot with Ubuntu and see if you can see/access the HDD
mx_599 said:
If I get the SSD will I still be able to put a Mac OS on it and maybe ubuntu divided HD to have both
Click to expand...
Yes you should be able to dual boot Mac os and Ubuntu.

There is also another option that should work well enough if you do not want to pull the machine apart.
Install the ssd into a usb caddy or use a cable (caddy is better)
Then run the computer from the external ssd.
 
yes I think it sounds like that.

I have an idea, I know everyone is getting frustrated and need this thread gone. I am feeling pressured that I am doing stuff wrong and letting you guys down because I am going slow.

I really like this computer and don't mind spending money on it. I would take it apart and do the internal stuff. But its not so easy when you do not know computers when you say what I need. I am still not clear on RAM. When I go to the OWC site above and try to bundle with a SSD drive it keeps saying 2012 to 2019 and mine is more like 2011 I think

If you can just help pin point items I need to maximize this computer with quality parts before you delete this thread it would be much appreciated

1. OWC kit
2. which quality SSD?
3. which quality RAM
4. any other items I can improve upon while computer would be apart?

thank you :giggle:
 
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