How do I recover Mac data?
Mac data recovery, and Apple Macintosh data recovery in general, is notoriously difficult, if not impossible, without the support of the brand itself. Apple controls and protects its products with proprietary operating systems, processors and hardware components.
The Macintosh personal computer range currently includes the following models: MacBook Air and MacBook Pro laptops, iMac and iMac Pro, Mac Mini. Despite Apple’s vertical ownership and production of its products, there are nevertheless solutions for intervening on Mac equipment and Apple products in the event of failure or data loss.
What’s the difference between my Mac and a PC?
What are the special features of Macintosh personal computers? How does this environment affect data recovery?
A Mac computer and a compatible PC (a kind of “classic” PC) represent two different conceptions of the personal computer, and differ fundamentally in their operating systems. Compatible PCs mostly run Microsoft Windows operating systems, designed by Apple’s main competitor, or Linux, available as open source. Mac computers and products in the Macintosh family, on the other hand, use proprietary operating systems developed and marketed by Apple.
The macOS operating system
Macintosh computers run the macOS operating system, which succeeded the Mac OS Classic series in 2001. Named Mac OS X until version 10.9, then OS X until version 10.12, the macOS operating system is now in its eleventh version, dubbed macOS Big Sur and launched in November 2020.
The HFS+ file system
The macOS operating system supports a specific file system called HFS+ or HFS extended. As a “journaled” file system, HFS+ logs changes made while the system is running. This feature makes it possible to restore the system and recover the data then being used in the event of an unexpected shutdown or computer failure.
What should I do if I have a problem with my Mac?
Mac computers, and the Macintosh family in general, have a reputation for reliability. They are said to be more stable, powerful and ergonomic than
PC compatibles governed by other operating systems (notably Microsoft Windows). In addition to their technical reliability, they appear to be less exposed to acts of cyber-malware (viruses, ransomware…) due, it seems, to a much smaller installed base on the IT market.
Nevertheless, Mac computers are neither infallible, nor less subject to the disasters, breakdowns or incidents encountered by any other computing device. Developed exclusively by Apple, they are subject to failures specific to the brand’s software and hardware.
1- Identifying the problem
Every Mac computer is equipped with either a “classic” hard disk (HDD ) or an SSD drive. It is therefore susceptible to :
- or mechanical, electronic or logical faults found in PC compatibles;
- or incidents specific to its operating system and HFS+ file system , add “or APFS” .
Before recovering Mac data, therefore, you need to make sure that there is no fault behind the loss. Recurring symptoms and warning signs may alert you:
- frequent shutdowns and restarts ;
- power supply problems, battery discharge ;
- abnormal fan, HDD or SSD noises ;
- slowdown or crash of applications ;
- initializing or formatting hard disks ;
- unrecognized information storage medium ;
2- Troubleshooting
Mac computers feature a diagnostic tool integrated into the macOS operating system: Apple Diagnostics, formerly known as Apple Hardware Test. Developed by Apple, this utility identifies problems with your computer’s internal hardware components: logic board, Wi-Fi card, memory components, etc.
If necessary, Apple Diagnostics suggests solutions or directs the user to Apple Support. Please note that this tool does not diagnose external peripherals, the operating system or software. In the event of a failure unrelated to internal hardware, it is advisable to contact Apple support or a professional laboratory.
3- Back up your data with Time Machine
Regular data backups enable you to anticipate incidents and restore your system in the event of failure – whatever your hardware! Preferable to any other curative measure, a backup strategy is the best way to prevent data loss.
With this in mind, Apple has developed Time Machine, a backup software integrated into all macOS operating systems. Time Machine makes regular, automatic backups of your Mac. It enables you to keep all your data, files, preferences, etc. in case your system ever needs to be restored.
How do I recover data from my Mac?
Mac data recovery is complicated by Apple’s proprietary strategy, particularly in the case of critical incidents where the device’s native tools (Time Machine, macOS Recovery…) are no longer sufficient.
Unlike the way PCs are manufactured, Apple designs and produces both software and hardware for its own products. This vertical production method raises two questions when it comes to maintenance or data recovery outside Apple support: product warranty and technical feasibility.
1- Using Mac tools
In addition to the Apple Diagnostics tool and TimeMachine backup software, Apple has integrated a recovery system into all its Mac computers. Called macOS Recovery, it offers applications for repairing the device’s internal disk, reinstalling the operating system, restoring Time Machine backups and more.
2- Have the right reflexes in case of breakdown
As with any other computer hardware, recovering data from damaged Mac media requires the right actions:
- stop using the Mac after a malfunction has been detected, until the nature of the fault is known;
- avoid any manual handling or intervention on the equipment (dismantling, manual cleaning of internal components, etc.);
- create a clone of your Mac computer if its condition or the nature of the fault (electronic, mechanical or software) allows it.
Whatever the breakdown or failure of your Mac computer, especially if critical data is at stake and you’re not sure you can solve the problem yourself, don’t hesitate to call on the expertise of professionals and contact a data recovery laboratory.
