Many people don’t realize that just because your computer doesn’t turn on, doesn’t mean that your data is lost. Often, it’s possible to recover important files, music, and photos from an old computer.

Here are some examples of issues that don’t necessarily require data recovery to get your data off the computer:

• It has liquid damage
• Broken or black screen
• Keyboard or mouse doesn’t work
• Nothing happens when you press the power button
• Graphics chip malfunctions
• The battery is dead or won’t charge
• Your friend accidentally sat on it and broke it in half
• The computer is so slow you haven’t used it in years
• You forgot your login password
• You don’t have the right cables to plug your external drive in anymore
• Error messages or popups appear when you try to turn it on

If you’ve got an old Mac that’s just sitting around collecting dust, you don’t have to pay for expensive repairs to fix the computer to get your data back. The only part of the computer that stores your information is the hard drive. If the hard drive is okay you still have options for data retrieval.

There are two ways to get files, documents, and photos off a broken Mac. The easy way, and the hard way.

First, the hard way:

You need to carefully remove the hard drive from your iMac or MacBook. This process is different for each model, and will likely require a few different electronics screwdrivers. Make sure the computer is unplugged, turned off, and the battery is disconnected before you attempt this! The hard drive may have a bracket attached to it. You want to remove the bracket. Do not unscrew or attempt to open the hard drive itself–this will permanently damage it beyond recovery.

Insert the hard drive into an enclosure or sled and plug the USB cord into a working Mac computer.
If the hard drive is functioning, you should be able to see it in Finder. If the hard drive isn’t showing up, you will have to perform data recovery procedures.

Drag the desired files off the old hard drive and onto your desktop, or use data cloning software to make an exact copy of the drive.

And now the easy way:

Bring your old or broken Mac to EliteMacTechs, and let us retrieve the data for you! We can transfer your data to an external hard drive or to another computer, usually within 1 day.

You probably know about our free, fast, and friendly 24 hour diagnosis service. We do our best to make sure that every customer gets an answer about their Mac within 24 hours, at no charge. But what about those situations when you need your laptop back right away, and you just can’t wait 24 hours? For those times when our customers are in a hurry and need their computer to be diagnosed or fixed ASAP, we offer a special Priority Rush Service.

Level 1 Rush Service

Normally, we work on computers on a first-come-first-served basis. If you’d like someone to look at your Mac right away, you’ll want our Level 1 Priority Rush Service. For an up front payment of $50, you get to jump the queue, and we will start working on your diagnosis immediately. If the computer does not need to be diagnosed, we would start working on the repair immediately. On a busy day, this could mean the difference between getting your computer back the same day vs. the next afternoon. This gives you a much better chance of getting your computer back before the typical 24 hours. For simpler Mac repairs, we might even be able to finish while you wait!

Level 2 Rush Service

If you need the absolute fastest repair turnaround possible, you want our Level 2 Priority Rush Service. For a $100 fee, you get to jump to the front of the line, and we start working on your Mac immediately and do not stop until it’s diagnosed or repaired. Your computer also gets VIP status in our workroom, so we will use our fastest transfer drives and free up any needed equipment for your repairs. Basically, we will do everything in our power to get your service done as soon as humanly possible.

Come on by!

If you’re interested in expediting your Mac repair, call us at (818) 914-2529 or just ask us at check in. Come by anytime for our Mac Repair services, no need for an appointment!
 

EliteMacTechs

11390 Ventura Blvd
STE 4

Studio City, CA 91604

United States (US)

Phone: (818) 914-2529
Email: info@elitemactechs.com

Monday	11:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Tuesday	11:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Wednesday	11:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Thursday	8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Friday	Closed
Saturday	Closed
Sunday	Closed

What should you do if you lose your iPhone?

Did you leave it at work, the store, or is it hiding under the couch cushions? Maybe a good Samaritan found it and is trying to return it to you. Maybe you just need a little hint for where to search.

Luckily, there’s an easy way to find out where you left your missing phone. Apple has a built-in solution on iCloud that uses your iPhone’s GPS signal to help you track it down. This also works if your iPhone has “wandered” off somewhere without your permission.

Finding your iDevice

First, you need to log into iCloud and select “Find My iPhone”. An easy way is to just go directly to www.icloud.com/find. You’ll need to know your Apple ID and password to log in. This is the same login that you use to buy Apps and iTunes downloads. Once you’re logged in, you should see a list of all the iDevices (iPhones, iPads, and iPods) and Macs that are associated with your iCloud account. Each device will have a gray or green dot next to it. Green means that the iPhone is online, and gray means that it’s offline. If you click on the green dot, you’ll be able to see a GPS map of exactly where your iPhone is right now!

Once you figure out where your missing iPhone is, you’ll want to make sure it’s safe. If you can’t retrieve the iPhone right away because it is stolen or far away, you can tell iCloud to remotely erase the iPhone. This will remove all of your personal data, financial information, apps, photos, contact information, emails and texts from the phone. That way, if someone finds the iPhone, they won’t be able to violate your privacy or steal your identity. Warning: this will erase everything! If you don’t have your iPhone backed up, you won’t be able to get your data back. You also have the option to lock the phone instead, if it wasn’t locked already.

Enabling Find My iPhone on your device

If you don’t see the lost iPhone you’re looking for, it’s probably because you don’t have Find My iPhone enabled on it. Here’s how to enable this feature right now. It will be ready to go when you need it in the future.

That’s it! As long as your phone has battery and signal, you’ll be able to track it down. Now you don’t have to worry about losing your iPhone.