Battery died during update - computer wont start!

[123Hello]

Hi there,

I just tried updating to El Capitan. However, my battery has died during the installation process. I was warned to plug my charger in before updating, which I had planned to do, but I got distracted and completely forgot about it. Now, whenever I turn my MacBook on, I can login, but I soon get an error page and my computer turns off.

Is there any way I can continue the installation process? I am really concerned as I have a lot of important files which I fear are now lost. I went to Disk Utility and tried repairing the disk permissions, but this didn't do anything. If my only option is to reinstall the OS, is there any way I can move my files to a hard drive?

I have a 2011 MacBook Pro, which is out of warranty. I can see Apple has a paid helpline - is this worth it, or are they just going to tell me to reinstall it?

Any help on this would be greatly appreciated.

Regards

 

[Tamagotchi]

I believe there is a recovery mode (I seem to remember it was pressing cmd+R while booting). Maybe in that menu there is an option to repair, or update or something (I don't know for sure as I've deleted my recovery partition, and always use a USB installer - I don't know if the menus are the same).

Does anyone know if the recovery partition can help him?

PS: I would avoid testing things out in the recovery partition until someone can provide a clear answer.

EDIT: Btw @123Hello, check this out too: https://discussions.apple.com/thread/6872776

 

[mikzn]

If you have another mac you could try "target disk mode" to recover / copy / back up your files first. Hopefully you can recover your files and then do a clean install.

 

[Partron22]

but I got distracted and completely forgot about it.

Some days it is best not to play with power tools.
You can hurt yourself.

 

[123Hello]

Thanks for the replies. I was wondering, I was to reinstall OS X in the recovery thing, will that just install a new copy of OS X, or will it delete all my files too?

 

[dannyabrams]

Thanks for the replies. I was wondering, I was to reinstall OS X in the recovery thing, will that just install a new copy of OS X, or will it delete all my files too?

What did you end up doing, I am having the same problem. Please help!

 

[Fried Chicken]

I hope you have a backup.

 

[Autistic Behaviour]

in recovery hd, you have a few options: 1-reinstall OS (that will keep all your files)
2-erase disk and install OS
3-restore from back up
option no1 for you
Or, like someone mentionned, "target disk mode", if you have access to another mac

 

[123Hello]

What did you end up doing, I am having the same problem. Please help!

I just reinstalled the OS in Recovery, and it worked fine. All my files were still there once finished.

https://support.apple.com/kb/PH18872?locale=en_US

 

[BigFatThumb]

Hello Everyone,

Firstly, thank you everyone for posting this thread. I had the same exact problem and now it's solved.
Just want to add a small additional details here; In case any of you experiencing same situation.
When I realized that my computer shuts down, I turned it back on and only grey screen pops up with apple logo and download bar showing 3/4 full. No apple start up sound...nothing. Bar also not showing any progress. Tried shutting down again few times and same results.
Then I came across this thread then I tried doing : https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT204904 and it worked out !!
But note this :
1. Even if your macbook didn't make the classic apple start up sound, go ahead press the Command + R button immediately after letting go of Power button, and keep pressing it until the apple logo shows up. Then keep pressing for another 5 second
2. Wait. do not power down again if it's taking a while to display any prompt window. Some case might take longer then the other. My recovery menu shows after about 10 minute; I was about to gave up when it finally shows up.
3. Choose Reinstall OS X or use any other option as needed.

I hope this small tips helps...
Now I'm glad I don't have to take my macbook to a repair center, Thanks to you guys.
Stay cool ! CHEERS !