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Upon opening my very old MacBook Model A1502 to delete everything and then recycle it, I discovered the flashing folder with the question mark. ❓ I checked and this means the startup disk is no longer available.
My question: does this mean that all data has already been wiped from the device and I can recycle. ♻️ it?
Thanks!
Earlier Mac models
The flashing folder with a question mark indicates that the MacBook couldn't find a valid startup disk. It doesn't necessarily mean data has been wiped. To ensure data security, consider removing the hard drive and securely erasing it before recycling the MacBook.
"A1502" is a 13-inch, 2013-2015 Retina MacBook Pro, not a MacBook—different products. All Retina Macbook Pros use a solid-state drive ("SSD").
In 2013-2015 models, the blade-type SSD is removable. Once you remove the blade SSD from its socket, no data will be left in the computer when it is recycled. That is the most secure way outside of physical destruction to insure a computer is completely scrubbed.
We are not allow to post links to take-apart sites, but if you search the web for "retina Macbook Pro ssd removal", you should have no issues finding guidance. Just make sure the instruction set you use is for the 13-inch model made betwen 2013 and 2015. Just make sure to include "pro" in the search! 😉
About To Recycle Old Macbook
