Retrieving data from MacOS HDD

[JimiP]

tl;dr

Will converting a MacOS HDD from GTP to MBR allow Windows to read the data on the HDD? Is this a safe solution for sensitive data?

Evening,

I'm working with a 2012 model MacBook Pro that crashed during the High Sierra update. The data on the HDD is important and there was no backup (oh noes). As of right now I'm getting a kernel panic and otherwise cannot boot into MacOS. Ultimately my plan is to reinstall the OS, but I need to retrieve that data. I removed the HDD and hooked it up to my Windows 7 machine and, as you'd expect, Windows cannot read the data. The Mac HDD is GPT. If I manage to convert from GPT to MBR, will Windows be able to read the data for me to perform a safe transfer/backup?

I don't have access to another Mac to hook this HDD up to, so I'm working in a Windows only environment. I might be able to load up a Linux distro on another machine or run a live cd if that would make the process simpler. So really what I'm asking is what are my options right now? Is there reliable software available that can convert GPT to MBR without destroying data?

 

[Pick2]

I would put in a New HDD ( if not a new SSD ) and install OSX to it ... then try and retrieve your data from the old HDD. if you try and make any changes / write to the old HDD , you could loose everything.

 

[JimiP]

Lol, Pick2, you got me feeling pretty sheepish over here. Of all the things, all the methods, I did not even think of that one. Which is kinda hilarious since I was wanting to install an SSD in the Mac as well. Thank you for the suggestion, it's likely the way I'm going to go.

 

[XavierMace]

Changing the drives partition table to GPT won't allow Windows to read it. OSX drives are formatting with the HFS+ file system which Windows can't natively read.