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Late 2011 model, A1278 / 2.4 GHz i5 or 2.8 GHz i7 processor.

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Unable to login with my normal username & password after crash

About a week ago, I got a "service battery" notification, after I let the battery discharge completely.

The other night, the system abruptly shut down while running on battery power, at 40% remaining charge.

I plugged the power adapter in, waited for the battery to recharge, and attempted to re-boot: it took over an hour.

When I did get the login screen to display, I noticed that my user picture was missing, and I am unable to login using my username/password, as if my user profile has been deleted. Also, the system beachballs at the login screen, while attempting to enter data, or while using the trackpad. I see no option for logging in as a new user.

I have reset the PRAM, and attempted to restart in Safe Mode, but still experience the same problem. I ran Disk First Aid and everything checks out fine...I replaced the HD about a month ago, and it should be ok.

I am now thinking about re-installing the OS, however, I ordered a new battery that will arrive day after tomorrow: Should I wait, and install the new battery BEFORE attempting to reinstall the system software? Or, should I just try to reinstall now?

Could the battery itself be the root of these problems?

Any advice is much appreciated...thanks in advance!

Answered! View the answer I have this problem too

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Do you have another PC that you could use for something?

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Yes...I'm using a linux-based Eeepc to write this, now.

My 13" MacBook Pro is a late 2011 A1278, running 10.13.

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Would you have any way of connecting the hard drive from your "crashed" pc to your Linux box, like a hard drive dock?

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OK. linux has built in HFS+ read capabilities, so we can skip installing paragon HFS+. Connect the Mac hdd to the Linux PC and boot into linux off your linux drive. NOT THE MAC DRIVE.

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Oh its a laptop.

Do you have a SATA to USB adapter?

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You're hitting the classic case of a bad HD SATA cable. This is a common issue within the 13" models as the uppercase is a bit rough and damages the cable. Here's the IFIXIT guide you'll need to follow: MacBook Pro 13" Unibody Late 2011 Hard Drive Cable Replacement and this is the cable you want: MacBook Pro 13" Unibody (Mid 2012) Hard Drive Cable The 2012 cable is better built. Even still I would apply some electricians tape where the cable rests.

Now as you already know you have a bad battery I would download this great app to see if thats the only thing here: CoconutBattery. Post a screenshot of the main window and paste it here for us to see to double check things for you.

Adding images to an existing question

And lastly review this great Apple T/N: Apple Portables: Troubleshooting MagSafe adapters

MacBook Pro 13" Unibody (Mid 2012) Hard Drive Cable Image

Product

MacBook Pro 13" Unibody (Mid 2012) Hard Drive Cable

$34.99

MacBook Pro 13" Unibody Late 2011 Hard Drive Cable Image

Guide

MacBook Pro 13" Unibody Late 2011 Hard Drive Cable Replacement

Difficulty:

Moderate

—

20 - 30 minutes
iFixit Image

Guide

Adding images to an existing question

Difficulty:

Very easy

—

2 - 5 minutes

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its highly unlikely the battery cause a software problem. I would reinstall OS (fresh install). battery will not make a difference in that regard.

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if he has another PC (preferably windows) he could get his data off.

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I do have a USB to SATA adapter that I used to try to recover the files from the old HD that I replaced a month or so, ago.

According to Disk First Aid, the new HD is working normally, and is mostly empty.

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