MacBook Pro 2016/17 Data Migration Tool? (plugs into motherboard) - Can't buy ANYWHERE :( :( :(

[MikeGuk]

Hey

First post, hope I don't make any mistakes!

So I'm looking to get hold of a Data Migration Tool/Kit for 2016/17 MacBook Pro (using the little port on the motherboard). I can't see to find one for same in the UK or the USA (was going to pay shipping to the UK!).

This is the one that plugins into the mainboard on a port, then connects via thunderbolt/usb-C to another MacBook pro to migrate data etc.

Is it available anywhere? I did try eBay, of course. UK or USA with shipping, new or used - so long as it's in working condition. Anyone know anywhere that sells them (or anyone got one for sale?!).

Cheers in advance!

 

[chscag]

Welcome to our forums.

Not sure exactly what you're referring to? Data migration can be accomplished several different ways, notwithstanding the use of a special tool kit.

And just exactly how do you intend to access the little port on the motherboard (assuming there is one)?

In order to access the motherboard on a Mac the machine would have to be disassembled.

Are you referring to a special cable that attaches from the Thunderbolt port on a MacBook Pro to another MacBook Pro's Thunderbolt port? If so, we can help you find one.

 

[MikeGuk]

Thanks for the reply and the welcome

Yer, the USB-C ports are dead, it's not charging and the batteries are dead.It's a 2017 15" MacBook Pro, so SSD is soldered on.

The 2016 and 2017 have a lifeguard port that allows to connect to this port,and the adapter then plugs into a 2nd/host MacBook Pro, and you can access the SSD. They removed this port in 2018, luckily my MacBook has one... I just can't find the tool ANYWHERE

Info :https://www.ifixit.com/Answers/View/566823/Is+This+Tool+Really+Necessary+Apple+part+#076-00236

Info: https://www.cheadledatarecovery.co....ple-mac-recovery/macbook-data-migration-tool/

Video:

- <<< This shows the device.

I've tried eBay (used to be able to get them on there) - But I can't find one ANYWHERE !

The part number, I think, is: 076-00236

Really need this data and, like an idiot, it's not backed up

Welcome to our forums.

Not sure exactly what you're referring to? Data migration can be accomplished several different ways, notwithstanding the use of a special tool kit.

And just exactly how do you intend to access the little port on the motherboard (assuming there is one)?

In order to access the motherboard on a Mac the machine would have to be disassembled.

Are you referring to a special cable that attaches from the Thunderbolt port on a MacBook Pro to another MacBook Pro's Thunderbolt port? If so, we can help you find one.

 

[chscag]

Okay, thanks for the clarification and the info regarding the tool kit. I personally was not familiar with it.

It appears that the tool kit was proprietary to Apple and the recovery done by them. Since Apple keeps things like special tools and schematics hidden away like Atomic secrets, I suspect that when the tool kit was no longer required for later model SSDs, that it's not available.

You might get lucky and find one there in the UK, but you may be better off contacting Apple to see if they will assist. Either that or you may have to rely on a data recovery service which will be expensive.

By the way, there are folks here in the US and Canada that can remove that soldered SSD by using special desoldering techniques and a desoldering station. Once the SSD is removed, the data can be extracted by using other methods.

 

[ferrarr]

See if they ship to UK,

applecomponents.com - applecomponents Resources and Information.

applecomponents.com is your first and best source for all of the information you’re looking for. From general topics to more of what you would expect to find here, applecomponents.com has it all. We hope you find what you are searching for!

applecomponents.com

 

[chscag]

$549.00! And that's not including shipping and UK VAT.

A Data Recovery service will likely be less expensive!

 

[MikeGuk]

See if they ship to UK,

applecomponents.com - applecomponents Resources and Information.

applecomponents.com is your first and best source for all of the information you’re looking for. From general topics to more of what you would expect to find here, applecomponents.com has it all. We hope you find what you are searching for!

applecomponents.com

Hmmm I checked reviews of the site - seems quite negative.

Thanks for looking though!

 

[MikeGuk]

Thanks, I'll see if anyone in the UK does a similar service for data recovery. So annoyed with myself! I tell everyone to backup constantly, I have drives for backups... but didn't backup! What a fool! Grrrr @ myself! (didn't actually realise the SSDs were soldered on! Till it was too late, still, no excuse for not backing up!).

Did hope eBay USA may have had some - I can find loads there via Google, but all seem out of stock!

Ahhhh well, will call a few recovery places tomrw

Okay, thanks for the clarification and the info regarding the tool kit. I personally was not familiar with it.

It appears that the tool kit was proprietary to Apple and the recovery done by them. Since Apple keeps things like special tools and schematics hidden away like Atomic secrets, I suspect that when the tool kit was no longer required for later model SSDs, that it's not available.

You might get lucky and find one there in the UK, but you may be better off contacting Apple to see if they will assist. Either that or you may have to rely on a data recovery service which will be expensive.

By the way, there are folks here in the US and Canada that can remove that soldered SSD by using special desoldering techniques and a desoldering station. Once the SSD is removed, the data can be extracted by using other methods.

 

[Sorina]

Thanks, I'll see if anyone in the UK does a similar service for data recovery. So annoyed with myself! I tell everyone to backup constantly, I have drives for backups... but didn't backup! What a fool! Grrrr @ myself! (didn't actually realise the SSDs were soldered on! Till it was too late, still, no excuse for not backing up!).

Did hope eBay USA may have had some - I can find loads there via Google, but all seem out of stock!

Ahhhh well, will call a few recovery places tomrw

I have the exact same problem, aaaarrrgggghh! Can you tell me if you sorted yours out? That data migration toolkit is like good dust… data recovery specialists have quoted me a min of £700 plus VAT to recover my data from my Mac

 

[Randy B. Singer]

I know that you are in the U.K., but I still highly recommend this hard drive recovery service. They are competent and extremely reasonably priced (compared to anyone else).


"$300 Drive Recovery"

$300 Data Recovery

$300 Data Recovery provides Hard Drive, RAID, SSD, and Flash data recovery services in Los Angeles & Hollywood. BBB A+/5,300+ Reviews

www.300dollardatarecovery.com

It's important to note that their name "$300 Drive Recovery" isn't a guaranty that the recovery of your drive will always only cost $300. A difficult recovery will cost more. However, in every case that I've heard of, the final cost for the recovery was drastically cheaper than any other quote that the user got from any other drive recovery service. They put a hard cap on labor at $500 max, and they will give you a flat fee estimate ahead of time. $300 Drive Recovery" offers excellent service and excellent pricing.

 

[techiesteve]

Whenever Apple introduces a new product, AASP's are expected to purchase from Apple all required jigs, test fixtures etc. Your local AASP should have the kit and be able to conduct a recovery. They should not, and will not sell the kit. From memory the kit works, but Apple recommended replacing the flex cable/s after so many insertions. The reason 2018 models onwards don't use this kit is as it is undertaken via Apple's proprietary GSX system and can only be activated on active repairs, ie when a replacement logic board has been ordered. It can recover data from seemingly dead logic boards. The discontinued 12" MacBook's never had a recovery option, if the logic board died data was lost.