Macbook Pro fails to boot - how to resolve and/or get files off

[MarcLister]

Do you have a space 2.5" HDD? If so put it into the MBP and see if it is recognised.

I'm sure we have a few around somewhere. I can always copy the contents over to my external HDD and format it to a Mac file system. How would I know if it's been recognised? Or not, as the case may be. Would formatting a spare 2.5" HDD to exFAT suffice for the MBP to be able to recognise it?

If you get the same problem then replace the HDD cable and put your original HDD back in - its a common problem.

Interesting suggestion! Will check that out on Monday. How much are the HDD cables for MBPs? Are they the same as other computers or are they a specific Apple design?