Mid-2012 MacBook Air SSD got corrupted, is it one of the "bad ones"?
August 5, 2015 10:37 AM Subscribe
Yesterday my mid-2012 MacBook Air got the dreaded flashing question mark and "drive not found" text upon startup. Fortunately, I had a Time Machine backup, and I was able to get the computer running (for now - knock on wood). When I was researching the problem, I noticed that this generation of MacBook Air has issues with its SSD, and Apple will replace the drive at no charge within three years of purchase. To diagnose the issue, Apple's website says, you must install the "Flash Storage Firmware Update 1.1" from the App Store. Problem is, that update isn't there anymore...
Perhaps I ran this update a while ago as part of others, and I just ignored what it had to say. If so, how can I run it again? Is there a different way of finding out (i.e. serial number)?
Perhaps I ran this update a while ago as part of others, and I just ignored what it had to say. If so, how can I run it again? Is there a different way of finding out (i.e. serial number)?
Response by poster: Tried to run the update: I see "This computer does not need this update" and it closes.
posted by Seeking Direction at 11:37 AM on August 5, 2015
posted by Seeking Direction at 11:37 AM on August 5, 2015
Did you happen to travel with this Macbook and dropped or bumped the bag?
Perhaps the SSD drive needs to be reseated.
For the rest I assume you did get Apple Care, just take it to the Geniusbar and have them take care of it.
posted by Mac-Expert at 11:41 AM on August 5, 2015 [1 favorite]
Perhaps the SSD drive needs to be reseated.
For the rest I assume you did get Apple Care, just take it to the Geniusbar and have them take care of it.
posted by Mac-Expert at 11:41 AM on August 5, 2015 [1 favorite]
Best answer: Per the KB article then, your SSD apparently is not affected.
"This update tests your drive and, in the majority of cases, installs new firmware to resolve the issue. If your drive cannot be updated, Apple will replace it, free of charge."posted by misterbrandt at 11:42 AM on August 5, 2015 [2 favorites]
...
If the firmware cannot be installed, you will see the message below and Apple will repair or replace your drive free of charge, if needed:"MacBook Air Flash Storage Firmware Update could not update your drive. The firmware update tested your drive and confirmed it has an issue."
Perhaps the SSD drive needs to be reseated.
The drives are screwed in VERY securely with a torx bolt holding them into the socket.
Honestly i'd take it to the genius bar at an apple store and show them the issue. I've had them repair/replace units that time wise should be in the recall but by serial number or something "don't qualify" since they were obviously affected.
And if that's not the issue, they'll tell you what is free of charge.
posted by emptythought at 12:47 PM on August 5, 2015
The drives are screwed in VERY securely with a torx bolt holding them into the socket.
Honestly i'd take it to the genius bar at an apple store and show them the issue. I've had them repair/replace units that time wise should be in the recall but by serial number or something "don't qualify" since they were obviously affected.
And if that's not the issue, they'll tell you what is free of charge.
posted by emptythought at 12:47 PM on August 5, 2015
If you do for whatever reason not fall under the recall or are out of warranty for whatever reason (and therefore a repair from Apple would be fairly expensive), Other World Computing sells replacement drives if you're willing to take the machine apart or otherwise have it repaired rather than replaced. Genius Bar/AppleCare first, though; they sometimes come through and will fix things if you don't technically qualify for the recall (and definitely if you're under AppleCare still.)
posted by mrg at 1:00 PM on August 5, 2015
posted by mrg at 1:00 PM on August 5, 2015
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posted by andrewcooke at 10:44 AM on August 5, 2015 [2 favorites]