So what happens if you just try copying the files off? As long as you can get to a minimally functional OS, you can at least try copying the files same as you always would.
Since you have a MBP, if for some reason you can't get into your own OS, as long as you know someone else with a Mac that has a FireWire 800 port, you could just get a FW800 cable, put your system into target disk mode (hold T a boot), then connect it to another computer. Another option, assuming you can come across a PH0 screwdriver and 2.5" SATA to USB enclosure/adapter, is to extract the drive from your computer, then connect it to any other Mac like an external drive. Copy the files off and done. At least assuming things on the drive aren't so hosed it's beyond that.
Those options are probably quite a bit less expensive than buying some software, and may have some value later on as well.
Also, if you happen to have AppleCare, and it turns out your drive is bad, you should be able to get it replaced. Doesn't matter if you bought the AppleCare in the US, it's good worldwide. Otherwise, any 2.5" SATA drive should work, but the closer it matches the specs of your current drive the better the odds of it working. So while there may be some great deal on a 750GB 7200RPM drive somewhere, it may end up being that you're unable to get it to work with your system. Just keep that in mind. If you check Apple's website for the mid-09 17" MBP CTO options, that should be considered your upper limit. Those specs are what Apple pretty much guarantees to work, and anything else may or may not work. If it does work, the results may be unpredictable. Ran into this at work recently, so just trying to help set realistic expectations so you don't become an obnoxious whiny little... So you don't become like that guy.
So, I'd say try the cable idea first, since it's probably cheaper anyway. If you go to a nearby Apple store, it's possible they'll even attempt this for you as a courtesy. It can't hurt to try at least. If you supply a drive to back the data up on, and all they need to do is just basically loan you a second computer and a cable to connect it to for a few minutes in the store... I'd say you have a reasonable chance if the place isn't too busy. Then if that doesn't work, you can try the whole software route, and if that doesn't work, recovery services are likely going to be way out of your price range. Not sure what it'd be in Euros, but usually it's a couple hundred USD for the places to even LOOK at the drive, and tell you it'll be a couple hundred more if you want any data. And if you're on a university campus, check with the departmental, and campus IT people to see if maybe they have a copy of the disk warrior or data rescue software they could let you use. Worst case is they say no, and you're right back where you started, but if they have any Macs on the campus, I wouldn't be at all surprised if someone has a copy of that software. Some faculty member, who brings in a lot of money, has data for a research grant project get swallowed by a similar sort of issue, you can bet they're going to want to try a cheap software solution before sending the drive off to recovery services. Whether or not they'll let you use it is up in the air, but it can't hurt to ask.
Hi everyone, first time posting for help (never had something go wrong with my mac before
), really hoping someone here has some ideas to help me save a few files before I have to wipe my HD clean. I tried starting up my mac (17" MBP, mid 2009, Lion), and it stops at the grey screen with the Apple symbol, little rotating icon, and the progress bar. The progress bar never fills at all, and the screen just stays like that. I used the Recovery HD partition that Lion auto installs, and that partition works fine. I tried the disk utility, and it says there is an invalid sibling link. While trying to repair it, it gets to "Rebuilding catalog B-Tree" and eventually says it can't, and that the HD can't be fixed. It also won't let me reinstall lion, saying the HD is locked.

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