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I made the USB Boot drive from this guide:
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I have already successfully backed up my files. How do I either boot to my USB, or just get a restore done? I am concerned that the HD may be dead/dying, but I don't want to jump to that conclusion yet. When I try to run recovery, it runs for a little and then goes to a "no" symbol, with the spinner still spinning. The only drives I see when holding down option are Macintosh HD and Recovery. Per Apple, this is my machine: MacBook Pro (13-inch, Mid 2009) It is the full body aluminium with the Superdrive.
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When I hold option during Boot, the USB drive doesn't show up on the menu. I created a Yosemite boot USB, from the App Store version 10.10.1.
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