Need data recovery for your MacBook Pro 17-inch Unibody? We carry out this work in-house at our London workshop, with a fixed quote before we start.
Data sits on a standard SATA drive, so even a 17-inch that’s completely dead from a graphics or board fault usually has recoverable data. We image the drive and extract your files, including audio sessions and photo libraries.
About this model: The 17-inch MacBook Pro (A1297) is the biggest laptop Apple has made and it still has a devoted following, especially for its high-resolution anti-glare screen. It shares the serviceable unibody layout and the same weak points as the 15-inch: GPU failure on the 2011 Radeon models and GT 330M problems on 2010.
Signs it needs data recovery
- Dead laptop, data required
- Clicking drive
- Deleted files
- Corrupted volume
How we do it
Because the MacBook Pro 17-inch Unibody keeps its data on a separate drive, a dead logic board doesn’t mean lost files. We remove the drive, clone it on write-protected equipment and recover from the clone, never the original.
A drive that clicks, grinds or won’t spin up needs physical recovery, which we quote for separately after assessment.
Whether it’s family photos, accounts, a thesis or a year of client projects, we list what we’ve recovered so you can check it before it’s copied to your new drive.
At a glance
| Years | 2009–2011 |
|---|---|
| Processor | Intel Core 2 Duo, then Core i5/i7 with NVIDIA or AMD graphics |
| Storage | Standard SATA drive |
| Memory | Socketed, upgradeable |
| Battery | Screwed in (no glue) |
| Power / charging | MagSafe 1 |
Before you bring it in
Stop using the Mac if a drive is clicking or it keeps restarting, as each attempt can make recovery harder. Make a list of the folders that matter most so we can prioritise them, and have your FileVault password ready if you used it.
Which model do you have?
This page covers the MacBook Pro 17-inch Unibody (2009–2011) (MacBookPro5,2 / 6,1 / 8,3; A1297). The A-number is printed in tiny text on the base, near the hinge. You’ll also find the model in Apple menu > About This Mac. Not sure? Bring it in and we’ll identify it for you.
Price
From £150 + VAT for logical recovery; physical recovery from damaged drives from £350 + VAT. All prices are subject to inspection, and nothing is done without your approval.
Questions we’re often asked
Will you need my password?
Only if FileVault encryption was switched on. Without it, we can read the drive directly. With it, we need your login password or recovery key.