MacBook Pro replacement 500GB HD - update

Mijn probleem

Brought temperamental MacBook Pro to the Apple Store where the "genius bar" diagnosis revealed a failing HD. They recommended iFixit.com for the parts and install guide. I ordered a 500GB HD kit which included a comprehensive tool set.

Mijn oplossing

The drive was a perfect fit. The tool kit was certainly worth the extra cost. Could not partition the HD however. Received "cannot allocate memory" messages. Internet research led me to try partitioning with HD connected via USB cable which worked perfectly. The"bad" HD was performing normally as well.

Internet threads suggested the internal HD ribbon cable was the culprit. A new one is on the way!

Cable arrived on 10/16, installed it and my original HD. All is well again!

Mijn advies

1. Kudos to iFixit.com. Great service, great guides. Smart suggestions.

2. The tool kit included was a smart acquisition. My 6-piece home center screw drivers have since been retired.

3. The internet is a good starting place for diagnosing hardware/software problems. The Apple Store's diagnostics rivaled a Las Vegas magician's act but, in the end, was incorrect.