Do you want to reset your system or simply free up some space? Formatting is the solution you need! This procedure is practical because it makes your device easier to use and optimizes its performance. Before wiping your storage drive, you must first back up your data. How do you format a hard drive on a Mac? Discover the different steps you need to take to ensure your storage device runs smoothly.

What formatting involves

How does formatting work? First of all, you should know that this procedure involves deleting or overwriting all the digital information present on a storage unit or device. Depending on the nature of the operation to be performed, it can be :

The time it takes to erase sensitive data from a storage drive varies depending on the size of your files and the amount of content it holds. 

Would you like to know how to format your hard drive on a Mac? Here is a set of steps to follow.

Before formatting: Back up your data

How do you format a hard drive on a Mac? The very first thing you need to do before formatting your storage drive is to back up your sensitive data. We can never stress this enough: backing up is very important because it lets you secure your digital information. In the event of loss, you can easily recover your data and use it again.

On Mac OS, the backup process is simple. Backing up your storage drive is generally done using several tools:

Choosing the right file system

How do you format your hard drive on a Mac? Before performing any type of deletion on a storage device, you need to choose the right file system.  Here are the main formats available for Mac OS :

The formatting process itself

How do you format a hard drive on a Mac?  Wiping your storage drive for various purposes may seem difficult, but with the right utility program and the correct techniques, you can easily carry out your formatting. Here are the different steps you need to follow : 

Now you know how to format a hard drive on a Mac. This procedure lets you free up space on your device or optimize its performance. To avoid losing your files, be sure to make a backup. If you forgot to save your data and it has been deleted, contact a data recovery professional. At Chronodisk, we put our services at your disposal!

Have you ever experienced the loss of your important files: messages, contacts, photos or documents, on your iPhone, iPad or iPod? Unexpected situations sometimes cause your Apple devices to lose the information stored on them. These losses are often caused by a jailbreak, a new iOS update, or simple careless deletion. If this happened to your iPhone, iPad or iPod, there’s no need to worry! It is indeed possible to recover the missing data on Apple devices. You have the choice between doing it yourself or requesting the assistance of a professional for the recovery.

Recover and back up your data from a computer

Restoring your data with a computer is possible using iOS Data Recovery software. Connect your iPhone, iPad or iPod to the computer with the USB cable supplied with the device to transfer data, following the instructions that appear on the interface.

Then proceed to scan your device.

Recover data with an iTunes backup

Deleted apps or files can be recovered via iTunes, if you have already backed them up to iTunes before, and they are saved in that backup. You must therefore connect your device to the computer and open iTunes.

Once your Apple product has been detected, right-click and restore your device by choosing Restore from backup. Otherwise, select Summary in iTunes, and click Restore.

Choose Recover from the iTunes backup file. A list of your backup categories synced with iTunes will be provided. Select the files you’re looking for. Then click Start Scan to extract it from the iTunes backup.

Note that a full restore of the iTunes backup to the Apple device will occur if you use iTunes. This will overwrite all information, so you may lose the existing data on the device. It is advisable to extract the iTunes backup and restore selectively. To perform this selective recovery, do not connect your device to iTunes when you realize you are losing information. Otherwise, the iTunes backup file will be updated. You can also only restore apps available on the App Store.

Recover data via iCloud backup

This type of recovery requires you to connect to the Wi-Fi network to recover the data erased from your Apple devices, by extracting the iCloud backup files.

Here’s how to proceed:

As with restoring from iTunes, all existing information on your devices will be overwritten in the event of a full restore. To avoid data loss, in the same way as with iTunes, you can extract the iCloud backup.

Entrust your iPhone, iPad or iPod to professionals

Various tutorials are available online to help you restore files and apps on your Apple product. They come with videos demonstrating the steps to follow to recover your files yourself.
However, there are risks that none of the methods presented will work, or that the existing information may become damaged. Professionals can, moreover, use data recovery methods and software on your iPhone, iPad or iPod. This method is a very good alternative for recovering your information. For greater assurance in restoring your device and avoiding any damage to your data, request the assistance of professionals in the field.

Smartphones are now an integral part of our lives. We rely on them to take photos or browse social media. However, as high-tech devices, they are sometimes prone to startup issues or other kinds of failures. Worst of all, the user could lose all the data stored on the physical storage or in the cloud. Apple owners in particular may face this problem when error 14 appears. What are the solutions for successfully recovering the files that matter so much to us?

The causes of error 14

Error 14 appears for various reasons. It may be due to a hardware failure. This is in fact the most common case worth mentioning. An error message then appears on the iPhone’s screen indicating the device is stuck. A poor network connection is another likely cause to consider. This then affects the software’s performance. Memory saturation is also a source of error 14. Storage space congestion tends to occur after an update of Apple’s iOS system. You may also encounter the problem following a failed restore attempt. During system recovery, the phone starts downloading the IPSW file again. For those who aren’t aware, the IPSW file stores the data for your software and updates. It can become corrupted. 

What are the signs of an Apple failure? 

An Apple failure can show up in several ways. For example, you may notice the phone freezing while displaying the Apple logo. The iPhone can also undergo repeated, unexpected restarts. Technicians refer to this issue as a bootloop. You may also see recovery mode appear on screen at startup. Error 14 can also show up when connecting to iTunes. A failure can also stem from an accident. For instance, this could be oxidation or a short circuit. Any iPhone model can be affected by such a failure, whether you have a version 6 or a 12. 

Solutions for data recovery

For data recovery, it is advisable to turn to a professional. Certainly, recovery software exists, but the operation will prove tricky. Likewise, restoring via Apple’s server requires expertise. A mishandled step could cause an irreversible loss of your files. Here are the solutions you could try without the help of a specialist:

Resetting the device carries a risk. The goal will be to return all settings to a factory state. You will then lose all your data. Restoring can be done in two ways. Either you go through iTunes, or you go through iCloud. You will then simply need to select an earlier date when the device was working without error 14. On the other hand, it is recommended to check that this recovery point exists before starting the operation. The effect of this action is that you will no longer be able to retrieve your old data on your Apple device.

The manufacturer also offers various methods for trying to work around error 14. Restarting the device can resolve the problem. The condition is that the screen shows the logo. To run an update, you need to use a USB cable and locate the device. The update option will then appear on the touchscreen. The update will allow your programs to be reinstalled. You will also keep your old data. When the message persists, it is recommended to contact a professional such as Chronodisk. 

Other steps to remove error 14

A forced reset is also another simple technique to try for data recovery. To do this, the main button is held down along with the power button. Your phone will then start to restart. As soon as you see the Apple logo, release the buttons. Then wait for the logo to disappear on its own. At this point, the phone may ask for a passcode. What you should know is that you will only see a single option. The process ends once the restart is complete.

The connection between the computer and the USB cable must be maintained. Otherwise, the update will be compromised. As a result, you will see error 14 on the Apple smartphone. It is even possible that you may encounter another error message while attempting data recovery. Among others, there is error 9. To avoid an interruption, you should check the network connection. To prevent signal interference, it is wise to unplug all other devices connected via USB. The cable to use is the one provided by Apple. Syncing your wifi devices is also recommended.

For a hardware malfunction, you must entrust the repair to a professional. They will replace the faulty parts. They then check that the phone works without error 14 before returning the device to its owner. The technician also has the essential skills needed to resolve failures and recover your files, built up through numerous cases handled.

The recovery of data on an Apple MacBook Core Duo 2.0 is no easy task. The Apple MacBook “Core Duo” 2.0 is one such case. Apple itself is not able to do it. However, there is a solution to achieve your goal. Follow our explanations in these few lines!

The essential first step: identification

First, you need to identify the type of Mac you have in your possession. For a beginner, this can prove to be quite a challenge. Several MacBook variants exist on the market:

These models have points in common, but can also differ in terms of their computer hardware, internal drive, or “hardware” in general.

As for an electronic failure, be aware that the Apple MacBook “Core Duo” 2.0 is a specific model. Its difficulty lies in its memory chip, commonly known as NAND, which is soldered onto its motherboard. As a result, it is not removable. Moreover, it is encrypted. The only intervention you can carry out on an Apple MacBook “Core Duo” 2.0 is a partial repair of the original MacBook’s motherboard.
For the recovery of data from your Apple MacBook “Core Duo” 2.0, you must have its serial number on hand.

What are the most common causes of failure?

The most visible failures on Apple MacBook Core Duo 2.0 units are notably caused by damaged motherboards or components (platters, PCB board, read head…) burned out on the board. In some cases, damage to the devices can be caused by an accidental drop or liquid spilled inadvertently.

Failures can also be due to accidental file deletion or improper handling. In all cases, the first thing to do is to stop using the storage medium affected by the data loss on your Apple MacBook “Core Duo” 2.0.

Obviously, not all MacBook Pro units with soldered SSDs or a T2 chip allow access to the information to be recovered. But it is possible to achieve a success rate of over 80%. However, let’s not kid ourselves: a success rate of 99%, or even 100%, is nearly impossible.

What is the proposed solution?

For the recovery of data from your Apple MacBook “Core Duo” 2.0, it is wise to turn to qualified technicians with experience in this field. As mentioned previously, you must inform them of your device’s serial number by phone, email, or chat.

The recovery of data on a MacBook is available by way of a “connector to nowhere” or a “lifeboat connector” on the logic board. These options make it possible to recover your data directly from connected SSDs. They are available for the following models:

This list is provided for informational purposes only, but is far from exhaustive.

As these machines, like the Apple MacBook “Core Duo” 2.0, have a soldered SSD, it is impossible to remove the hard drive and proceed with data recovery using other tools and techniques. Recovery is possible, from a certain price point, from uninfected logic boards. Note that it is not feasible to upgrade storage in machines with soldered SSD drives.

For your information: since the intervention on an Apple MacBook “Core Duo” 2.0 is quite complex, the cost of the service is much higher compared to work on an external hard drive or a removable SSD. If repairs need to be carried out before the recovery, additional fees may apply.

You can contact the company you plan to work with to arrange the drop-off of your MacBook. To be served as quickly and efficiently as possible, the best way is to bring the device to the repair facility. If it needs to be collected instead, you must provide your geographic location and address in advance.

N.B.: Only a few companies in the world can carry out this work successfully. So don’t hesitate to contact us for your repair.

Apple computers are mainly known for their aesthetics. What is certain is that the manufacturer has not

Apple MacBook Pro 13-Inch Core i5 computers share a characteristic common to recent MacBooks: they are thin, very thin. This great slimness, much appreciated and so ergonomic, nevertheless comes at a price that is still little known, but whose consequences are starting to be felt: soldered SSD hard drives. By soldering certain components to the motherboard, the American firm achieved a real gain in terms of thinness, and at the same time had the opportunity to lower costs, this method being more economical.


Indeed, this poses a major problem in the event of a data recovery attempt, following an electronic failure, or following a water damage incident on the machine. Previously, a knowledgeable user or an average repair technician was able to remove the hard drive from a MacBook like from any other laptop, in order to carry out a data recovery. Starting in 2016, and first on MacBook Pro models (including the Apple MacBook Pro 13-Inch Core i5), the motherboard, now soldered to the SSD hard drive and to any type of NAND memory chip, can no longer be separated from it, and data recovery is now accessible only to a few highly specialized companies.
In short, if you suffer a serious electronic failure on your Apple MacBook Pro 13-Inch Core i5 or other similar models, your usual repair technician will likely consider your machine impossible to disassemble. They may sometimes refer you directly to a company specialized in reliable and reputable data recovery. You can, of course, also contact one directly.

Models affected by data recovery issues

The Apple MacBook Pro 13-Inch Core i5 laptop belongs to an entire generation of devices from the Apple brand likely to have this problem, notably since 2017 with the addition of the T2 security chip, which encrypts data even more securely to protect it, but which also makes data recovery more complicated. Finally, in 2018, still in the interest of lightness, Apple removed the Customer Data Migration connector, preventing data recovery after a motherboard failure. 


Here is a list of Apple models, of the Apple MacBook Pro 13-Inch “Core i5” type, affected by this issue and requiring specific data recovery:

All these are models of undeniable reliability, whose ergonomics and performance are beyond question and worthy of the brand’s image. But, in the event of a problem, all these Apple MacBook Pro 13-Inch Core i5 type models will need to go through the hands of a data recovery specialist, due to the design particularities we mentioned above.

How does this recovery process work?

Working on an Apple MacBook Pro 13-Inch Core i5 whose T2 chips and SSDs are soldered requires skills that are still not widespread. The complexity of the operation does not allow for a 100% guaranteed result, but in the hands of a good professional, the chances are much greater. It also depends on the degree of damage to the motherboard, and therefore on the type of original damage: electronic failure, drop, fire, or liquid spill.


The process is fairly simple. First, you should contact your specialist to arrange the details of drop-off or shipping of your equipment. Once this is settled, you hand over your Apple MacBook Pro 13-Inch Core i5 so that an evaluation, generally free of charge, of the failure and the condition of the machine can be carried out.
Following this evaluation, a quote is generally offered to you, based on the extent of the damage and the volume of data likely to be recovered. At this point you can approve the quote, which launches the data recovery procedure on your Apple MacBook Pro 13-Inch Core i5.
At the end of the process, you will receive a list of what could be recovered, and all that remains is your payment so that you can retrieve all the files thus saved.

It’s well known that Apple integrates numerous security standards into its devices to protect its users’ data and privacy. One notable example is the famous Find My Phone feature, used in the event of loss or theft of an iPhone to lock access to the smartphone, even after a reset, in a completely tamper-proof manner.

In the case of its MacBooks, and notably the Apple MacBook Air “Core i5” 1.6, FileVault technology performs full encryption of the startup disk to protect access to the data, especially since its storage chip (NAND) is soldered to the motherboard, preventing any removal of this memory chip and thus any data recovery via another computer.

As a result, these protective measures can quickly become a hindrance if a user damages their device and wants to recover their documents or photos using an external system.

Thus, in the case of the Apple MacBook Air “Core i5” 1.6 (models 3184, 3302 or 3598), the only solution is to go through a professional, who alone will know how to access your data without risking damage to the NAND chip.

A complete diagnostic to determine the fault on your Apple Apple MacBook Air “Core i5” 1.6

Before any repair or data recovery operation, our team carries out a complete diagnostic of your device to identify the failures that led to the loss of your data, or to the inability to use your Apple MacBook Air “Core i5” 1.6.

If these errors appear, don’t worry, we can help you:

This list is obviously not exhaustive, as the sheer number of possible faults makes it impossible to provide a complete breakdown. Don’t hesitate to contact us, with the serial number of your Apple MacBook Air “Core i5” 1.6 in hand, so we can determine which recovery procedure to schedule based on your issue.

Chronodisk’s data recovery method for your Apple MacBook Air “Core i5” 1.6

Once these findings have been established, it’s natural to wonder how you could begin recovering your data without damaging your hardware. Rest assured, however, that our technicians, with experience dating back to 2005, have developed reliable tools unique in France.

This involves working directly on the motherboard of your Apple MacBook Air “Core i5” 1.6 to extract the storage drive, which, once grafted onto a functioning motherboard, gives us access to all of your data. We then begin recovering this data through a secure process that bypasses the encryption without altering its content.

Please note that your storage drive is non-removable, and any intervention on your part could lead to permanent loss of your files, ruling out any recovery, and could even render your Apple MacBook Air “Core i5” 1.6 completely unusable.

Chronodisk offers a free, no-obligation quote to determine how we can help you.

Accidentally deleted a file — it’s an embarrassing situation you’ve probably experienced at least once. Sometimes files that are very important to you get selected by mistake and permanently deleted from your computer. So what should you do when one of your files, such as an important document, accidentally ends up in your Mac’s trash? And how can you recover it? Fortunately, under this operating system built by tech giant Apple, there are many ways to restore deleted files. So find out how to restore your files. In this guide, follow a few effective and easy-to-apply methods to help you recover your files. 

Recovering deleted data: how is it possible?


Generally, all data deleted from your computer ends up in the trash. This means the file is still present on your hard drive, but simply inaccessible. Even after fully emptying the trash, the deletion is not yet final, since a copy always remains on the hard drive. To be more precise, when you delete a file on your computer, you also erase the location where it was written on the hard drive. And that location is then marked as “available” for writing new files.


It is from this key location that data recovery software can step in to read the file again and restore it. That said, once the location marked “available” is occupied by new files, it becomes difficult, or even impossible, for any data recovery program on the market to recover your lost files again. 


That’s how it is! The sooner you carry out the recovery of your files, the better your chances of getting them back in full.

How to recover data deleted from the Mac trash?

First, let’s see how you can proceed if your file is still in your Mac’s trash. As you already know, all deleted files first land in this famous trash, and as long as it hasn’t been emptied yet, you still have the privilege of restoring your file manually. To do this, you need to go to the macOS trash to find your files. 


To access it, double-click the icon representing the trash on your desktop. In the window that opens, you’ll find all the files still available in your Mac trash and still recoverable.


To recover the file of your choice, the procedure is simple. Select it and right-click on it, then choose the “Put Back” option. You can simply choose the home screen to place the recovered file, or choose another folder by dragging and dropping.

How to recover deleted data using third-party software on Mac? 


Have you already emptied your trash? No need to panic! There are still ways to restore your data. How? By using file recovery programs. These software tools are very powerful and capable of restoring any file from your Mac or other removable drives. Here are a few popular and reliable software options you can use with confidence to restore all your deleted files.

Time Machine. 

Time Machine software is a program provided by Apple that allows macOS to perform backups. These backups then let you recover your files whenever needed. Once configured, the software will be able to back up all your programs, settings, as well as personal files such as documents or images. The backup is automated and can be set to run at a regular interval.

All you need is an external storage device or a USB drive with large storage capacity to hold your files once recovered.


Plug the device into your computer, then proceed as follows to recover the deleted data:



In the system settings for Time Machine, you can access the backup program. Then specify the storage medium you want to use for your backup and go to “Select a volume”, then set the interval at which the program will perform backups.


Open the program. Use the search bar to quickly find what you’re looking for. Then you can navigate to the date of the backup and restore the deleted data to the corresponding folder. 

Disk Drill

Can’t manage to restore your deleted files either through the trash or a Time Machine backup? So how are you supposed to restore your files? Fortunately, there are still other solutions, since it’s possible to restore data you believe is permanently deleted on Mac by using software such as Disk Drill.


Disk Drill is one of the data recovery programs capable of recovering deleted files that are still kept on the Mac’s local hard drive. And that have not yet been overwritten by other data.
Hexascan on Windows can scan Mac hard drives.