MacBook turning off by itself

Just to ensure all bases are covered, has he installed all of the updates from Software Update? Some of the earlier MacBooks have a problem where they shutdown randomly, but it was "fixed" with an update.

This was a common defect in the Rev A Macbooks. Mine had it fairly early on. I had my logic board replaced under warranty, but since then, Apple has released a firmware update that is supposed to prevent the shutdown from happening even without the repair. Have your friend download and install all the latest updates in Software Update. If that doesn't fix it, then take it in for repair.

They need to send it in or take it to an Apple store. I had the same problem in October. I can't recall what it was that caused it but the problem is known as intermitent shutdown I believe.

Kalns said:

They need to send it in or take it to an Apple store. I had the same problem in October. I can't recall what it was that caused it but the problem is known as intermitent shutdown I believe.

Click to expand...

it's called Random Shutdown Syndrome (RSS)

Same problem

I had the same problem, and i even updated it. The update worked for about a week, but then the same problems started happening again. If you can not send it back to apple at all costs then all you have to do is hold down the power button. Hold it down until you hear a horrible beep, then it will start up a bit slower but it will not shut off. Overall you need to basically get it sent in and fixed properly.

This issue is caused due to a piece of tape that is placed above a wire instead of below it on the heat pipe. Strangely enough, that is the cause of this massive issue.

I had the problem on my MacBook Pro and after being refused AppleCare I took it into my own hands... and yep, moving the piece of tape has fixed the issue for the past five months.

It's probably a better idea to take it to your local Apple store or send it into AppleCare if you're still under warranty (so that you stay under warranty) but if you've done some "upgrades" like I have it's an easy fix.

whateverandever said:

This issue is caused due to a piece of tape that is placed above a wire instead of below it on the heat pipe. Strangely enough, that is the cause of this massive issue.

I had the problem on my MacBook Pro and after being refused AppleCare I took it into my own hands... and yep, moving the piece of tape has fixed the issue for the past five months.

It's probably a better idea to take it to your local Apple store or send it into AppleCare if you're still under warranty (so that you stay under warranty) but if you've done some "upgrades" like I have it's an easy fix.

Click to expand...

I thought rss was a purely macbook problem, and was fixed for everyone by a firmware update.

See, this stuff worries me...

I've also had this RSS problem after using my macbook for 11 months, took it to apple store yesterday and they weren't sure what the problem was but said they would replace the logic board and heat sink.
They said it would take 5-7 days but to my surprise, they rung me today and said it was ready to be collected! They also changed the trackpad cover and keyboard because of discolouration which was nice of them. Altogether it would of cost £600 but luckily it was under warrantly.

Started using my laptop when i got back home and the random shut down is still happening! I then noticed that it seems to happen only when the laptop is running on battery power, so at the moment i am testing the macbook on a different battery to see if it will shut down randomly again.

So far it seems to be ok, so it seems that the battery was causing all the problem.