Sidebar Sidebar
Become a MacRumors Supporter for $50/year with no ads, ability to filter front page stories, and private forums.

I'm in shock, a little skeptical, but relieved!

a-m-k

a-m-k

macrumors 68000
Original poster
Sep 3, 2009
1,556
133
My MBP hasn't worked in forever, though today I just happened to attempt to turn it on not expecting it to work.... IT DID! Asside of being very slow, it works.

The only thing I had to do is change the date and time. I haven't checked the internet, though. (I'm on my iPhone now.)

My internal hard drive is at 368.25 GBs with an original capacity of 498.88 GBs. I don't want to do anything with my new iPhone on it because the problem might not be totally fixed.

Should I take it in to have it checked out?
 
It would help to know what model MBP you have (year or model ID, size of monitor).

Did the MBP have any type of physical damage (liquid, shock, etc.) before it died previously? If not, what it sounds like is your HDD has problems. Not being used for a while may have given it some new life.

If you're thinking of going to the Genius Bar, it can't hurt to have it checked out, but if you're going to have to pay to have it checked out or going to an Apple Store is an inconvenience you may be to remedy the problem yourself.

If you have files you need from the HDD, copy them off as soon as possible. If you don't have a full backup but want one, then do that after you copy off whatever files you need (a backup will stress the HDD more than simply copying the files will). Then, check the SMART status (in Disk Utility) and run diagnostics. If you have an external HDD you can use with a bootable OSX on it, try running your computer from there - run it for several hours, turn it on and off a few times. If all of that works, I would guess it's the HDD and a new one (or an SSD) might be all it needs.
 
treekram said:
It would help to know what model MBP you have (year or model ID, size of monitor).

Did the MBP have any type of physical damage (liquid, shock, etc.) before it died previously? If not, what it sounds like is your HDD has problems. Not being used for a while may have given it some new life.

If you're thinking of going to the Genius Bar, it can't hurt to have it checked out, but if you're going to have to pay to have it checked out or going to an Apple Store is an inconvenience you may be to remedy the problem yourself.

If you have files you need from the HDD, copy them off as soon as possible. If you don't have a full backup but want one, then do that after you copy off whatever files you need (a backup will stress the HDD more than simply copying the files will). Then, check the SMART status (in Disk Utility) and run diagnostics. If you have an external HDD you can use with a bootable OSX on it, try running your computer from there - run it for several hours, turn it on and off a few times. If all of that works, I would guess it's the HDD and a new one (or an SSD) might be all it needs.
Click to expand...

A mid 2012
No physical damage. I am always VERY careful.
13.3 inch screen
 
matt_on_a_mtn said:
Sounds like a faulty hard drive. Swap in a new SSD and it'll be good to go for several years.
Click to expand...
I was thinking that.... I just have to find a way HOW to do it..... Ignore the reply to myself. I don't know what happened.
 
a-m-k said:
I was thinking that.... I just have to find a way HOW to do it..... Ignore the reply to myself. I don't know what happened.
Click to expand...
Here are some instructions for replacing the hard drive. You will see improved performance if you install a SSD instead of a spinner HDD.
Your problem could also be the HDD cable so if you replace the current HDD and still have a problem then suspect the drive cable. The best way to test for a cable problem before installing a new drive is to remove the current internal drive and place it in an external drive enclosure (USB3 and USAP like this) and boot from the external to see if it works ok. if it does work good then it points to a internal drive cable and not he drive. Here are instructions for replacing the drive cable.
 
  • Like
Reactions: pat500000 and MacInTO
CoastalOR said:
Here are some instructions for replacing the hard drive. You will see improved performance if you install a SSD instead of a spinner HDD.
Your problem could also be the HDD cable so if you replace the current HDD and still have a problem then suspect the drive cable. The best way to test for a cable problem before installing a new drive is to remove the current internal drive and place it in an external drive enclosure (USB3 and USAP like this) and boot from the external to see if it works ok. if it does work good then it points to a internal drive cable and not he drive. Here are instructions for replacing the drive cable.
Click to expand...
Thank you, but I'll wait until I am with someone more farmiliar with fixing macs. I'll keep this in mind.
 
Check the status of the battery in "About this Mac". If it says "Needs service", then the machine is likely running at 1/2 speed, to ensure it does not raw more power, than the adapter can provided directly.

I learned this lesson the hard way, with an old MBP. I got a couple more years of light use out of it, once I put in a new battery.
 
If you don't feel comfortable replacing the HDD, if you visit the Genius Bar, ask them for a list of authorized service centers in your area (you can also go to the Apple website for this). A poster in the Mini forum had a SSD put in for $60 labor at an authorized service center. The 2012 Mini drive replacement is more difficult than the 2012 MBP (I've done both) so I would think you could get it done for less than $60. A 500GB HDD on Amazon goes for $40 and up. A good 500GB SSD is between $110 and $150. If the battery is a problem, Apple will replace it for $129 (they will take your computer to replace it, sometimes it can be done while you wait). I don't know if an authorized service center will put in a 3rd-party battery and I suspect they will also charge $129 for battery change.
 
Count Blah said:
Check the status of the battery in "About this Mac". If it says "Needs service", then the machine is likely running at 1/2 speed, to ensure it does not raw more power, than the adapter can provided directly.

I learned this lesson the hard way, with an old MBP. I got a couple more years of light use out of it, once I put in a new battery.
Click to expand...
Can you please send a screen shot of what you mean. I don't see what you are talking about in "About this Mac". I haven't used my MBP for a long time so I am really bad at finding my way around to different things.

Thank you!
 
I just did a quick total shut down and turned it back on. It was slow to shut down, but the power up was as fast as it always was.
 
To do a quick check on the battery condition, press the Option key, then click on the battery icon in the upper right, left of the date/time (if your preference is set to show that). You can check on the cycle count by going through the steps in: https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT201585
(What is done in this link is what is suggested in post #8 except they get there by a slightly different route.)

BTW, in some instances, a bad HDD can cause a Mac to not start up. That's why it may have had problems earlier. So don't panic if the MBP doesn't start up again.
 
OP wrote (about a drive swap):
"Thank you, but I'll wait until I am with someone more farmiliar with fixing macs. I'll keep this in mind."

You don't need anyone more familiar.
YOU can do this.
It's that easy.

All you need are two screwdrivers:
- Phillips #00
- TORX T-6
You can find these at hardware stores, Home Depot, Lowe's, online, etc.

You'll also need a "bare" SSD.
I'd suggest a Crucial or a Sandisk, sounds like you need 480gb in size.

You'll also want an external USB3 enclosure like this:
http://www.amazon.com/Optimized-Ina...2027971&sr=8-1&keywords=inateck+2.5+usb3+uasp

To see what's involved, go here:
https://www.ifixit.com/Guide/MacBook+Pro+13-Inch+Unibody+Mid+2012+Hard+Drive+Replacement/10378

Takes about 15 minutes.

There -are- some "preparation steps" you should take before the drive swap.
But that's for another post.
 
As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
  • Like
Reactions: a-m-k and MacInTO
treekram said:
To do a quick check on the battery condition, press the Option key, then click on the battery icon in the upper right, left of the date/time (if your preference is set to show that). You can check on the cycle count by going through the steps in: https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT201585
(What is done in this link is what is suggested in post #8 except they get there by a slightly different route.)

BTW, in some instances, a bad HDD can cause a Mac to not start up. That's why it may have had problems earlier. So don't panic if the MBP doesn't start up again.
Click to expand...
I just took a screen shot of what I think you might find useful, if not, please tell me and I'll try it again doing something different. As I said before, it has been a very long time since I touched my MBP. I will have to get used to doing certain things again.

Here's a screen shot of what I think you need:
Screen Shot 2016-04-30 at 11.22.01 AM.png
 
Your battery is fine. You're about 57% through the expected charging cycles of the battery.

You can take a look at the following video to help determine if you want to change the HDD yourself or not.
http://eshop.macsales.com/installvideos/macbookpro_13_unibody_mid12_hd/

If you decide to put in a SSD and have it done by somebody else, you should probably have the drive cable replaced as well. There have been issues with the existing cable and SSD - you probably don't need to worry about that if you're going to replace the HDD with another HDD. The able you need is at:
https://www.ifixit.com/Store/Mac/MacBook-Pro-13-Inch-Unibody-Mid-2012-Hard-Drive-Cable/IF163-041-1

You can shop around but the iFixit link above has the Apple part # that can be used in a search.
 
treekram said:
Your battery is fine. You're about 57% through the expected charging cycles of the battery.

You can take a look at the following video to help determine if you want to change the HDD yourself or not.
http://eshop.macsales.com/installvideos/macbookpro_13_unibody_mid12_hd/

If you decide to put in a SSD and have it done by somebody else, you should probably have the drive cable replaced as well. There have been issues with the existing cable and SSD - you probably don't need to worry about that if you're going to replace the HDD with another HDD. The able you need is at:
https://www.ifixit.com/Store/Mac/MacBook-Pro-13-Inch-Unibody-Mid-2012-Hard-Drive-Cable/IF163-041-1

You can shop around but the iFixit link above has the Apple part # that can be used in a search.
Click to expand...
Thank you. If I do upgrade my HDD. I want to get one to accommodate to make enough storage for my 498.88 gig MBP, my 8 gig iPod, and my 64 gig iPhone.
 
Another thing that might be affecting your computer is the dust that is trapped inside. You might consider opening it up and just removing the dust. There will be lots of it if you haven't ever done.

I just bought a 2012 13" 2.5/4gb/500gb MBP 'for parts'. The previous owner told me that whenever she would pick up the computer or move it, it would reboot. She told me that she brought it in to the Apple store and they ran diagnostics, opened it up, etc. They told her that there was a defect with the mother board 'flexing' when she picked it up. I bought it because it was in mint condition and thought I could use the parts. It did reboot when I picked it up like a dinner plate, thumb on top and fingers underneath, the screen went funny and then it rebooted.

When I took it home and opened it up, I realized that it was never opened because it was FULL of dust. Once I removed the dust and closed it up again, the problem never happened again! I've been using the machine for several days and it works great!

I think there was dust trapped between the bottom panel and the RAM. When I picked it up the bottom panel flexed and moved the RAM because of the dust trapped inside. There's low tolerance of space, but with dust, there might have been even less.

Even if this works out for you, I concur with everyone else, you should buy a new SSD and replace it yourself. It takes me about 10 minutes to swap the drives. The most time consuming thing is loading OS X and the apps and data. It will make it a totally new computer!

Good luck!
 
MacInTO said:
Another thing that might be affecting your computer is the dust that is trapped inside. You might consider opening it up and just removing the dust. There will be lots of it if you haven't ever done.

I just bought a 2012 13" 2.5/4gb/500gb MBP 'for parts'. The previous owner told me that whenever she would pick up the computer or move it, it would reboot. She told me that she brought it in to the Apple store and they ran diagnostics, opened it up, etc. They told her that there was a defect with the mother board 'flexing' when she picked it up. I bought it because it was in mint condition and thought I could use the parts. It did reboot when I picked it up like a dinner plate, thumb on top and fingers underneath, the screen went funny and then it rebooted.

When I took it home and opened it up, I realized that it was never opened because it was FULL of dust. Once I removed the dust and closed it up again, the problem never happened again! I've been using the machine for several days and it works great!

I think there was dust trapped between the bottom panel and the RAM. When I picked it up the bottom panel flexed and moved the RAM because of the dust trapped inside. There's low tolerance of space, but with dust, there might have been even less.

Even if this works out for you, I concur with everyone else, you should buy a new SSD and replace it yourself. It takes me about 10 minutes to swap the drives. The most time consuming thing is loading OS X and the apps and data. It will make it a totally new computer!

Good luck!
Click to expand...
Thank you for further advice. Though, as I said, I don't think I would want to try to do something with the insides of my MBP by myself. Maybe if someone else who has a macbook of any kind would do this, it would be better.
 
  • Like
Reactions: MacInTO
a-m-k said:
Thank you for further advice. Though, as I said, I don't think I would want to try to do something with the insides of my MBP by myself. Maybe if someone else who has a macbook of any kind would do this, it would be better.
Click to expand...
If not you, get a friend to do it. If it's not the dust, it's probably the hard drive. :)
 
a-m-k said:
Can you please send a screen shot of what you mean. I don't see what you are talking about in "About this Mac". I haven't used my MBP for a long time so I am really bad at finding my way around to different things.

Thank you!
Click to expand...
https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT201585

Basically, if the condition is "Needs replacement", then the MBP will be running at 1/2 speed to prevent overtaxing the energy drawn from the power cord alone.
 
a-m-k said:
Thank you. If I do upgrade my HDD. I want to get one to accommodate to make enough storage for my 498.88 gig MBP, my 8 gig iPod, and my 64 gig iPhone.
Click to expand...

In your case, I think you should either get a 1TB 7200rpm HDD (about $60-$80) or a near-1TB SSD ($230-$340). The SSD is about 5X the speed of the HDD. If you have El Capitan, the SSD will make more of a difference and also the HDD is more likely to wear out sooner, as compared to if you're using Mountain Lion, which I think is what would have been on your MBP originally. A Google study says that age plays more of a factor in when a SSD will fail, not how heavily it's used. This is my opinion - other people may have different views.

You should also be sure to have a backup disk of an appropriate size. A 1TB external hard drive is about $60. Let us know if you're look for specific recommendations.
 
Battery Information:

Model Information:
Serial Number: 9G2500WBZD3MB
Manufacturer: DP
Device Name: bq20z451
Pack Lot Code: 0
PCB Lot Code: 0
Firmware Version: 201
Hardware Revision: 2
Cell Revision: 158
Charge Information:
Charge Remaining (mAh): 3259
Fully Charged: No
Charging: No
Full Charge Capacity (mAh): 5315
Health Information:
Cycle Count: 572
Condition: Normal
Battery Installed: Yes
Amperage (mA): -1011
Voltage (mV): 11464

System Power Settings:

AC Power:
System Sleep Timer (Minutes): 1
Disk Sleep Timer (Minutes): 10
Display Sleep Timer (Minutes): 1
Wake on AC Change: No
Wake on Clamshell Open: Yes
Wake on LAN: Yes
AutoPowerOff Delay: 14400
AutoPowerOff Enabled: 1
Display Sleep Uses Dim: Yes
Hibernate Mode: 3
PrioritizeNetworkReachabilityOverSleep: 0
Standby Delay: 4200
Standby Enabled: 0
Battery Power:
System Sleep Timer (Minutes): 1
Disk Sleep Timer (Minutes): 10
Display Sleep Timer (Minutes): 1
Wake on AC Change: No
Wake on Clamshell Open: Yes
AutoPowerOff Delay: 14400
AutoPowerOff Enabled: 1
Current Power Source: Yes
Display Sleep Uses Dim: Yes
Hibernate Mode: 3
Reduce Brightness: Yes
Standby Delay: 4200
Standby Enabled: 0

Hardware Configuration:

UPS Installed: No

AC Charger Information:

Connected: No
Charging: No
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Register on MacRumors! This sidebar will go away, and you'll see fewer ads.
Top Bottom
Back