MacBook Data Recovery After OS Update Failure & Flashing Question Mark

A client recently purchased an app from the Apple Store, which triggered an OS update upon installation. However, as soon as the app started running:

  • The MacBook crashed, shutting down unexpectedly.
  • Upon restart, the system displayed a grey folder with a flashing question mark, indicating that the operating system and hard drive may not be detected.
  • The client was unable to access critical personal and work-related files, leading to a risk of permanent data loss.

Our Expertise in MacBook Data Recovery

With 25 years of experience, our team specialises in:
✔ Recovering lost data after OS updates, crashes, and corruption
✔ Rebuilding and restoring Mac file systems (HFS+, APFS)
✔ Forensic data recovery techniques for missing or corrupted disks

Diagnosis & Recovery Process

Upon receiving the MacBook, our engineers conducted a comprehensive diagnostic assessment. The key findings included:

  • OS Boot Failure – The flashing question mark indicated that macOS could not find a valid startup disk.
  • Hard Drive Not Recognised – The drive was either missing from the system’s boot sequence or corrupted.
  • Data Still Present – Our initial scan detected that data remained intact but was inaccessible due to a damaged partition table.

To successfully recover the client’s critical files, we implemented a multi-step Mac data recovery strategy:

Step 1: Disk Imaging & Data Preservation

  • Created a sector-by-sector forensic image of the Mac’s storage drive to prevent further damage.
  • Ensured no further writes occurred to the failing drive, preserving all recoverable data.

Step 2: macOS File System Repair & Recovery

  • Used advanced Mac recovery tools to scan and rebuild the HFS+/APFS file system.
  • Extracted user folders, desktop files, and critical work documents directly from raw storage data.

Step 3: Data Integrity Verification & Secure Transfer

  • Conducted a full validation check to ensure all recovered files were intact and functional.
  • Successfully transferred the recovered files to an external storage device, ensuring safe access.

The Result

We successfully recovered 100% of the client’s personal and work files, allowing them to restore their MacBook without losing any data. The client was able to resume work immediately, avoiding major disruptions.

Why Choose Us for MacBook Data Recovery?

✅ 25 Years of Expertise – Specialists in macOS failures, updates, and data loss.
✅ Advanced Forensic Recovery Tools – Extracting data from non-recognized and corrupted drives.
✅ File System & Partition Repair – Restoring lost drives without overwriting user data.
✅ Fast & Secure Process – Ensuring minimal downtime and 100% data confidentiality.

If your MacBook has crashed after an OS update and is showing a flashing question mark, contact our expert data recovery team today for professional assistance!