XP+BootCamp+Reboot=Blank Screen???

[Luftwaffles]

I've just installed XP SP3 via Boot Camp for the 15th time on my old-gen MacBook Pro. In the course of installing the drivers and setting everything up I've had to reboot countless times (go figure).

One thing that has always happened to my laptop while in Boot Camp is that whenever I reboot the machine through Windows, the machine will shutdown just fine but when it attempts to boot up, the screen doesn't turn on at all. It will chime and everything will spin up (the fans will go nuts at this point), but it doesn't display anything on the screen. One push of the power button will shut everything down, so I doubt that the machine is even booting past EFI during that phase. If I shut the machine down and cold-boot it, everything works fine.

Has anyone noticed this problem or found a fix for it? Google is my friend but in this case was absolutely useless. :(

[LaDirection]

I've just installed XP SP3 via Boot Camp for the 15th time on my old-gen MacBook Pro. In the course of installing the drivers and setting everything up I've had to reboot countless times (go figure).

One thing that has always happened to my laptop while in Boot Camp is that whenever I reboot the machine through Windows, the machine will shutdown just fine but when it attempts to boot up, the screen doesn't turn on at all. It will chime and everything will spin up (the fans will go nuts at this point), but it doesn't display anything on the screen. One push of the power button will shut everything down, so I doubt that the machine is even booting past EFI during that phase. If I shut the machine down and cold-boot it, everything works fine.

Has anyone noticed this problem or found a fix for it? Google is my friend but in this case was absolutely useless. :(

Are you rebooting using the bootcamp Windows toolbar item?

Otherwise, you can also hold down the option key while rebooting to select OS X as your boot up system which should allow you to boot fine.

[Luftwaffles]

Are you rebooting using the bootcamp Windows toolbar item?

Otherwise, you can also hold down the option key while rebooting to select OS X as your boot up system which should allow you to boot fine.

No, it's when Windows restarts itself, such as after an update or driver installation.

[Pixellated]

No, it's when Windows restarts itself, such as after an update or driver installation.

You still need to do what he said.

[Luftwaffles]

You still need to do what he said.

What he said doesn't help me very much.


I want to boot into Windows, not OS X, to finish the updates/installation. And even when I hit the Option key, the screen doesn't turn on until I cold-boot the machine.
It even does this when it restarts on its own.

[djeemoms]

What he said doesn't help me very much.


I want to boot into Windows, not OS X, to finish the updates/installation. And even when I hit the Option key, the screen doesn't turn on until I cold-boot the machine.
It even does this when it restarts on its own.


Do you still have the problem? Because i'm on a Macbook Pro (2006) and I have the issue.

Cold-start works fine, but reboot via Windows goes to a blank screen. Fans and Superdrive making some sounds but nothing more.

Thanks,

[djeemoms]

Do you still have the problem? Because i'm on a Macbook Pro (2006) and I have the issue.

Cold-start works fine, but reboot via Windows goes to a blank screen. Fans and Superdrive making some sounds but nothing more.

Thanks,

I just speak with an AppleCare technician, whe try some things, change the default OS for boot...etc... no fixes.

He will transfer the ticket to Apple's engineers, then call me back on friday 13th.

I'll give you some news shorthly.

[djeemoms]

I just speak with an AppleCare technician, whe try some things, change the default OS for boot...etc... no fixes.

He will transfer the ticket to Apple's engineers, then call me back on friday 13th.

I'll give you some news shorthly.

The representant call me back yesterday, the engineers wants me to run a little apple tool to collect some information. He will give me some news by friday morning.

[Bill Gates]

I had the exact same problem. When I was in Windows, and tried to reboot, the machine would reboot to a black screen. Apple ended up replacing my computer with a new machine, since for me, it was occurring after a logic board replacement. It was happening on my late-2006 MacBook Pro, 2.33GHz 15" C2D.

Edit: I just wanted to add, they replaced my laptop not just because of the logic board issue, but because of other issues as well.

[djeemoms]

I had the exact same problem. When I was in Windows, and tried to reboot, the machine would reboot to a black screen. Apple ended up replacing my computer with a new machine, since for me, it was occurring after a logic board replacement. It was happening on my late-2006 MacBook Pro, 2.33GHz 15" C2D.

Edit: I just wanted to add, they replaced my laptop not just because of the logic board issue, but because of other issues as well.

Thank you for your comment. That's what i'm thinking, I think it's a logical board issue. I will see tomorrow when the AppleCare representative will call me back.

[djeemoms]

Thank you for your comment. That's what i'm thinking, I think it's a logical board issue. I will see tomorrow when the AppleCare representative will call me back.

Just speak with the agent, it's a logical board issue. He suggest me to remove extra RAM that i've had last year. But nothing, now calling AppleCare for some information about "lemon" policy.
Because it will be the fourth time that i'm bringing my laptop to AppleStore and loose him for about 4 days each time.

[djeemoms]

Just speak with the agent, it's a logical board issue. He suggest me to remove extra RAM that i've had last year. But nothing, now calling AppleCare for some information about "lemon" policy.
Because it will be the fourth time that i'm bringing my laptop to AppleStore and loose him for about 4 days each time.

Have spoken with Applecare customer service, they not think my laptop is irreparable, so they will change the logical board and see if it fixes the problem with Windows reboot on Bootcamp.

Plus, they say that a replacement takes about two weeks to complete, that's not a advantage for me, I can't loose my laptop for two weeks.... :eek:

We'll see after the repair :D

[Bill Gates]

Have spoken with Applecare customer service, they not think my laptop is irreparable, so they will change the logical board and see if it fixes the problem with Windows reboot on Bootcamp.

Plus, they say that a replacement takes about two weeks to complete, that's not a advantage for me, I can't loose my laptop for two weeks.... :eek:

We'll see after the repair :D
When they replaced my logic board before the issue arose, it took a day or 2 to receive the box and prepaid label, and then another 2 days to get my computer back.

[djeemoms]

When they replaced my logic board before the issue arose, it took a day or 2 to receive the box and prepaid label, and then another 2 days to get my computer back.

Ok, cool. The agent takes me an appointment to an Apple Store Genius Bar, they will ask for the parts to come to the AppleStore then call me back when the part will be available for repair. This way i'm not losing my computer the time the part arrives in store.

[djeemoms]

They will also change the left I/O board. So, they will replaced two major components. Hope that fixes the issues.

[djeemoms]

Just a little question because i'm a little bit curious, for the replacement, did Apple gives you a brand new laptop or a refurbished one?

[PMueller]

I got the exact same problem with my new Mac Pro (tower). Haven't installed anything yet, still has the standard 6 x 1GB RAM.

When I hit "Restart" in XP, it just becomes really calm but stays on and the screen is black. I then have to manually turn it off and start again.

[djeemoms]

I got the exact same problem with my new Mac Pro (tower). Haven't installed anything yet, still has the standard 6 x 1GB RAM.

When I hit "Restart" in XP, it just becomes really calm but stays on and the screen is black. I then have to manually turn it off and start again.

Interesting, do you have an AppleCare support with this Mac Pro? If yes, did you call the AppleCare support?

For my case, Applecare was amazingly gentle and professional.

[PMueller]

Yes I do have Apple Care and yes they are very friendly, I called them today because my Ethernet cable didn't work and they tought me some trick that solved the problem, very nice and helpful. I'll call em and let you know what they recommend…

… ok, back from the phone. They said it is probably a driver problem but weren't sure. They suggested to download the file Bootcamp2.1.exe and use it under Windows or try installing XP from a different CD. I'll try that.

[djeemoms]

I had the exact same problem. When I was in Windows, and tried to reboot, the machine would reboot to a black screen. Apple ended up replacing my computer with a new machine, since for me, it was occurring after a logic board replacement. It was happening on my late-2006 MacBook Pro, 2.33GHz 15" C2D.

Edit: I just wanted to add, they replaced my laptop not just because of the logic board issue, but because of other issues as well.

Just get my Macbook Pro back from a logic board change. The problem subsist, I will call AppleCare tomorrow.

[djeemoms]

Just get my Macbook Pro back from a logic board change. The problem subsist, I will call AppleCare tomorrow.

Gone to Genius Bar yesterday, they call the "genius" tech. He never seen that issue, he says that the issue is not logical.. haha very funny, at the end he was pretty curious.

They reinstall OSX 10.5.6, retry bootcamp, negative.
He moves the RAM DIMM from a slot to another, negative, the RAM light flashes in the front.

So, Apple will change the logical board for the second time plus the left I/O board and my 1gb memory DIMM.

If this doesn't correct the issue, it will be the 3rd hardware repair, I think I will be suggested to call the Customer Service.

Stay in touch for part III !

Note: Interesting issue was that in the "Disk Utility", on the "Erase" tab on my local hard drive, we can see that the "Install OS 9 drivers" is activated. This option shouldn't be there.

Edit: I check on a friend Macbook Pro identical to mine, the "Install OS 9 drivers" is activated. So it's not a symptom.

:)

[thejadedmonkey]

Do you still have the problem? Because i'm on a Macbook Pro (2006) and I have the issue.

Cold-start works fine, but reboot via Windows goes to a blank screen. Fans and Superdrive making some sounds but nothing more.

Thanks,

Windows 7 does this too on a 2007 MBP. But then again, Apple doesn't really support Windows on the mac, so what can you expect?

[djeemoms]

Windows 7 does this too on a 2007 MBP. But then again, Apple doesn't really support Windows on the mac, so what can you expect?

I know, the tech guy explain me that Apple supports Bootcamp until you click on "Begin installation".

So that why I think that I must talk with the Customer Service. Because on the technical side, there's nothing Apple can do better that change the parts.

[Troy Jollimore]

That's interesting that new parts solved the issue in one case, but not for another.

Let us know what happens. I'm currently working on an early MacBook Pro 15" 2.16GHz with 2GB of RAM that is doing this exact same thing. When restarting from Windows the screen goes blank and the system doesn't boot as far as the 'alt option' selection. Powering off and back on solves it. Not the end of the World, but definitely an annoyance. And no, 'not using Windows' is not an option. ;)

I'm sure this had been working fine before. The owner of this system has since upgraded from Tiger to Leopard. I didn't notice if this behaviour was present before I started upgrading Boot Camp from 2.0 to 2.1 in order to upgrade Windows XP to SP3.

[djeemoms]

That's interesting that new parts solved the issue in one case, but not for another.

Let us know what happens. I'm currently working on an early MacBook Pro 15" 2.16GHz with 2GB of RAM that is doing this exact same thing. When restarting from Windows the screen goes blank and the system doesn't boot as far as the 'alt option' selection. Powering off and back on solves it. Not the end of the World, but definitely an annoyance. And no, 'not using Windows' is not an option. ;)

I'm sure this had been working fine before. The owner of this system has since upgraded from Tiger to Leopard. I didn't notice if this behaviour was present before I started upgrading Boot Camp from 2.0 to 2.1 in order to upgrade Windows XP to SP3.

In which case the repair fix the problem? Bill Gates? He had a replacement for a new machine.

Hi, yesterday AppleStore call me, the repair is done. I'm gonna pick up my Macbook pro this evening and reinstall Windows XP with Bootcamp assistant. I'll let you know if the repair correct the issue.

If not, it's very not logical, the macbook pro doesn't reboot/shutdown himself when Windows is asking a reboot/shutdown. I think the change of the left I/O board who is responsible for the power may be the key.

Anyway, I'll let you know. If it's working i'll give you my AppleCare case ID for reference.

[djeemoms]

Hi, me again.

After all the replacements, nothing new, still get the issue of the blank screen after windows xp reboots.

I searched for multiple things, i found one interesting.. sometimes bootcamp creates a BAD MBR partition.

Maybe it could be only my hard drive that is defective, i try to run the Hitachi diagnostic tool, it's not working.

To those who have the same issue, what is your hard drive?
Me its:

Hitachi HTS541612J9SA00
Revision: SBDAC7CP

I will try to initialize and rebuild my hard drive with Drive Genius....It could now just be the hard drive, i don't see anything...

Apple replace my Top-Case assy last year, but I can't remember if I try to install Windows after this repair.

[djeemoms]

Just speak with Customer Relationship, the agent says there is no problem to replace my Mac, but before he just want to confirm with the engineers that could be an issue with this specific model.

Because he doesn't want to give me a new one and the problem subsist.

He will call me back in few days i think,

[crm114]

this has happened to me a few times with my MP tower - but its not consistent and doesn't seem to be a major problem. I just have to lean over a few inches to the left every once and while and hold the restart button for five seconds. Since i have used windows for more than 20 years now, you sort of get used to this kind of thing :(

but good luck!

[djeemoms]

So, talked with an Apple Customer Service representative, after a last test of installing Leopard from scratch, the guy accepted to replace my laptop.

I'm waiting for an email, have to sign a paper to get them sending me the new laptop first.

Thanks to the three major repair replacement :-)

[dangerousp]

I have this problem with my MacBook unibody running XP only if I have something plugged into the USB ports...maybe it is the same with your machines? I discovered this entirely by accident when my machine booted to black one day just before I was packing up to go home. I thought "ug...I'll deal with this when I get home" and pulled out my mouse/keyboard plugs and it continued to boot immediately. I have tested it several times since and always the same thing.

[Bitslinger]

I had the same issue on a brand new 13" MBP (2009), but not on a brand new 15" MBP(2009).

I seemed to have addressed this by installing rEFIt (v1.13) on the 13" MBP. So, I wonder if this is really an EFI issue of some kind.

[capoditutti]

So, talked with an Apple Customer Service representative, after a last test of installing Leopard from scratch, the guy accepted to replace my laptop.

I'm waiting for an email, have to sign a paper to get them sending me the new laptop first.

Thanks to the three major repair replacement :-)

Hi there,

I'm due to go and see Apple about this issue - could you give some more details on the nature of the fault as they described it i.e. what did they say is the fault they fixed?

This would really help because it's the first question the genius asked me when i mentioned i had this problem...

regards,

cApO

[djeemoms]

Hi there,

I'm due to go and see Apple about this issue - could you give some more details on the nature of the fault as they described it i.e. what did they say is the fault they fixed?

This would really help because it's the first question the genius asked me when i mentioned i had this problem...

regards,

cApO

Hi, the nature of the problem was when I was in Windows and want to reboot the computer (to OSX or not). The computer frooze at a blank screen instead of showing the white screen. Then, the fans begins to spin very fast.

I visit 3 times the Genius Bar :

- Showed my original Windows CD-ROM and reinstall it with a Genius;
- They changed my ram, because the front light was blinking;
- They reinstall OSX from their hard disk, with bootcamp, nothing new.

Microsoft documentation tells this issue is due to an hardware issue, not software. I ran this setup (OSX/Windows) for almost 1 year and a half.

Don't hesitate to write back if you have any questions.

Cheers,

[capoditutti]

Hi, the nature of the problem was when I was in Windows and want to reboot the computer (to OSX or not). The computer frooze at a blank screen instead of showing the white screen. Then, the fans begins to spin very fast.

I visit 3 times the Genius Bar :

- Showed my original Windows CD-ROM and reinstall it with a Genius;
- They changed my ram, because the front light was blinking;
- They reinstall OSX from their hard disk, with bootcamp, nothing new.

Microsoft documentation tells this issue is due to an hardware issue, not software. I ran this setup (OSX/Windows) for almost 1 year and a half.

Don't hesitate to write back if you have any questions.

Cheers,

Hi there,

Thanks so much for replying - wasnt sure if you're checking mail etc!

A few more questions and requests if possible :D


Which country are you in?
Could you point me to the documentation you've come across from Microsoft?
Were you still within any warranty when they resolved this for you (original or AppleCare)?
Could you advise what difference a 'non-original windows disc' would make to this issue? I have tried both an original XP professional install CD and an MSDN copy supplied to me under my student terms (university IT), and both versions exhibit the same fault..
Did Apple provide a reason for the repair on their receipt to you?
I remember receiving (and i still have) a receipt from when Apple replaced my Superdrive some time ago, and it detailed what they had done, and how much it would have cost me. Would you mind terribly supplying me with any documentation you received as a result of your repairs (with the obvious personal details blacked out i.e. address details etc) ? I'm thinking that being able to demonstrate precedent will accelerate the process if need be


Thanks so much for your help

[djeemoms]

Which country are you in?Canada
Could you point me to the documentation you've come across from Microsoft?I'm searching for the link.
Were you still within any warranty when they resolved this for you (original or AppleCare)?Applecare
Could you advise what difference a 'non-original windows disc' would make to this issue? I have tried both an original XP professional install CD and an MSDN copy supplied to me under my student terms (university IT), and both versions exhibit the same fault..Original disc garanteed that the software should be 'ok'.
Did Apple provide a reason for the repair on their receipt to you?After three hardware repair, the unit can be marqued as a 'lemon' by the consumer support departement. You can ask for it.
I remember receiving (and i still have) a receipt from when Apple replaced my Superdrive some time ago, and it detailed what they had done, and how much it would have cost me. Would you mind terribly supplying me with any documentation you received as a result of your repairs (with the obvious personal details blacked out i.e. address details etc) ? I'm thinking that being able to demonstrate precedent will accelerate the process if need be

[capoditutti]

Which country are you in?Canada
Could you point me to the documentation you've come across from Microsoft?I'm searching for the link.
Were you still within any warranty when they resolved this for you (original or AppleCare)?Applecare
Could you advise what difference a 'non-original windows disc' would make to this issue? I have tried both an original XP professional install CD and an MSDN copy supplied to me under my student terms (university IT), and both versions exhibit the same fault..Original disc garanteed that the software should be 'ok'.
Did Apple provide a reason for the repair on their receipt to you?After three hardware repair, the unit can be marqued as a 'lemon' by the consumer support departement. You can ask for it.
I remember receiving (and i still have) a receipt from when Apple replaced my Superdrive some time ago, and it detailed what they had done, and how much it would have cost me. Would you mind terribly supplying me with any documentation you received as a result of your repairs (with the obvious personal details blacked out i.e. address details etc) ? I'm thinking that being able to demonstrate precedent will accelerate the process if need be


Thanks very much for all your help - hopefully i'll be able to get this resolved as it's been bugging me for ages.. Awaiting the link with much anticipation :)

[djeemoms]

Last time I was looking for the documentation, i was googling :

windows xp blank screen reboot

Stay in touch.

[capoditutti]

Last time I was looking for the documentation, i was googling :

windows xp blank screen reboot

Stay in touch.

Hi there,

Getting ready to take my mbpro in for the geeks to take a look at - could you provide me with a bit of technical info on what the actual fault they tried to fix was?

I'm wary of them saying 'your fault only comes up when you try to boot windows', so please let me know if you have any technical information on what the actual fault was...?

Thanks in advance :)

cApO :o

[djeemoms]

Hi there,

Getting ready to take my mbpro in for the geeks to take a look at - could you provide me with a bit of technical info on what the actual fault they tried to fix was?

I'm wary of them saying 'your fault only comes up when you try to boot windows', so please let me know if you have any technical information on what the actual fault was...?

Thanks in advance :)

cApO :o

Hi,

The first thing is that issue is a hardware related problem for Microsoft. The thing that the Genius tech do is to test RAM. Then the light became to flash, so they replace the ram.

1. Replace the RAM.
2. Replace logic board.
3. Replace logic board and ram.

That was the 3 replacement they made on my unit.

But it's clear that it's hardware related. On my New MBP unibody the issue do not happen again.

[Troy Jollimore]

I just happened by here looking for some more information, and noticed my post in this thread from WAAAY back. I figured I must have fixed the issue, but couldn't remember what I did. However, one thing stands out in my mind.

When rebooting the Mac, it doesn't work properly if there are any external USB devices connected. Otherwise, sorry I didn't think of updating? I honestly can't remember whether I sent it in for any work or not, although I think not... A reinstallation of Boot Camp may have done the trick...

[capoditutti]

Hi,

The first thing is that issue is a hardware related problem for Microsoft. The thing that the Genius tech do is to test RAM. Then the light became to flash, so they replace the ram.

1. Replace the RAM.
2. Replace logic board.
3. Replace logic board and ram.

That was the 3 replacement they made on my unit.

But it's clear that it's hardware related. On my New MBP unibody the issue do not happen again.

Just to let you know i'll be going in before Christmas to have my late 2006 MBPro checked out for this issue.

I've tried EVERYTHING possible, but cannot get the Windows partition to successfully reboot the computer - it just stays at the Blank screen, with nothing in the background, no cursor, and fans going at max speed..

I have not had any AppleCare, but i believe this is a problem that is more prevalent than people think - will see what they say..

[capoditutti]

Just to let you know i'll be going in before Christmas to have my late 2006 MBPro checked out for this issue.

I've tried EVERYTHING possible, but cannot get the Windows partition to successfully reboot the computer - it just stays at the Blank screen, with nothing in the background, no cursor, and fans going at max speed..

I have not had any AppleCare, but i believe this is a problem that is more prevalent than people think - will see what they say..

Went in and they ran initial system tests, which all came back OK?!?

Genius seems to think it's hard drive issue.. Any thoughts?