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Drive not recognized internally but works through USB

I have a mac that the hard drive died without a backup.

I tried installing OS X 10.11 I went into disk utility formatted my disk to Mac OS X journaled. Went to install and got hit with the generic error "An error has occured while preparing the installation. Try running the installation again.'

I tried to fix the system time and it worked but that did not fix the issue.

I tried using a 10.7 and 10.6 installation and neither installation could format the partions 10.11 had created.

But if I use a USB connecter those installs can format the drive and install but if they install through USB and I put the drive back in it either gies me the Blocked sign or it just spins and never boots to the desktop.

My firmware is up to date and the drive should be compatible since it is viewable.

Could it be the cable?

I ordered a new HDD cable. Hopefully, that solves all of the issues. I'll update when I receive the cable.

Answered! View the answer I have this problem too

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Posted: Apr 20, 2016

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If you are referring to the HDD cable then I think most likely yes.

If the hard drive is damaged it may not let you install. Plug the laptop hard drive to a computer then use a program such as hard disk sentinel to check the health of your hard drive.

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The drive is brand new I bought it as a replacement.

Yea the drive boots to the OS I installed if the HDD is connected through USB. But when I put it in the SATA connection it is stuck on the Apple screen trying to load.

Apr 20, 2016 by joshper85

Bought a new HDD cable and the issue was resolved. Thanks for your help.

Apr 25, 2016 by joshper85

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MacBook Pro 13" Unibody Mid 2009

Drive not recognized internally but works through USB

Update (04/20/2016)

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