More random MBP problems

[mktb]

Hi everyone,
This is my third problem with the MacBook Pro, and it is my first Mac. For a few weeks, I've been able to use the wireless on my MBP. Now, however, my home network (let's say it's called HomeWifi) won't show up on the list of available wireless networks all the time.

When it does, I can click it, menu bar freezes up, and it opens the wireless encryption dialog to enter the password. I enter it, hit enter, the spinny thing goes for 10 seconds, and then it says Connection timeout. I try this about ten more times and then it finally connects. Works perfectly, 5 bars. However, sometimes it doesn't connect, no matter how many times I try to get it to connect.

Yes, I can see other networks. No, it's not just my router. My iPod can connect to the network instantly with no problem.

It works until I put the computer to sleep, and when it returns from sleep, I have to go through that cycle again.

Is there any way I can get this resolved without sending it out for repair? This is my main computer and I have to do work on it.

I'm seriously considering switching back to Windows. It had less random errors and problems than this. Don't get to fired up over this.

 

[greekpaz22]

It sounds like you're just having some real bad luck with your MBP. I got the same kind (Penryn MBP) and have rarely had a problem. I think mine has frozen twice since February and have never had any significant, nagging issues. I would say that, as much as you dont want to, take it to get fixed.

With that said, I'm not going to enter into the Mac/Windows debate, as we all know where that will end up on this site. You will always have issues with any machine for many different reasons. In the end, Mac's tend to have far less issues than PC's (there are nightmare stories about HP's and all the rest) and the main component, Mac OS X is significantly more stable than any Windows OS. I feel badly that you've had this many issues but it is hardly a normal situation and I would just keep with it.

Best of luck!

 

[sl1200mk2]

Sorry to hear your having so many problems. For now, what about using Boot Camp to install Windows so you can have a 100% working laptop and then troubleshoot OS X when you have spare time?

I'm a recent 'switcher' myself, but my experience has been completely the opposite. My MBP 2.4 has been flawless so far (almost a month now). I read about people having a lot of WiFi problems and this is simply observation, but I think the majority if not all of those individuals were using Airport basestation units. Is this the case with you as well? I ask because I regularly use my MBP on three different wireless routers (Dlink, Netgear and Linksys) on both 'B' and 'G' speeds (no N experience yet) and the connection is totally stable.

Either the MB or MBP makes a fantastic Windows laptop as well, so my advise to you would be to dual boot with Windows so you can get working and then re-install and fully update (before you install any further applications) your OS X partition to hopefully get it 100% working like it should be.

Good luck -

Wayne

 

[ert3]

Ok I read your other thread along with this one and have the following to say.

1. Your problems stem beyond just software its clearly hardware as we both own the same notebook and I am not having close to as many problems as you are. (albiet once a week my wifi likes to act strange)

2. If these problems persist then why not just bite the bullet and take it to a store. It is under warranty and they should be able to replace it.

and now more rant like.

From your other post it seems that you are blaming all macs for having this issue and not considering that you may have just received a dud. Apple makes upteenzillion computers a day and managed to control 74% of the high end PC market last year. Contrary to windows vista remarks, you don't pull in those numbers by making a series of duds.

Don't be surprised when you drop all that money on an HP with vista and end up worse off than you where before.

---and now an explination---

The graphics issue is probably drivers that where porely installed and the freezing is probably an issue between the OS and hard drive since the MBP is more than fast enough. this leads me to believe that all your problems are probubly steming from one of the most fragile parts of your computer. the hard drive.

---incase you are simply a windows troll----

Yes I am also going to write a comment for you if you are infact a troll for windows.

Microsoft and apple are big boys and they do not need your defense and beleive you me they don't benifit from your defense.

The comments of small time people like you and me mean nothing to them and nothing we say is going to bring any of them to glory or tears.

They could care less about what people think about them and even less about you or me.

 

[mreg376]

Hi everyone,
This is my third problem with the MacBook Pro, and it is my first Mac. For a few weeks, I've been able to use the wireless on my MBP. Now, however, my home network (let's say it's called HomeWifi) won't show up on the list of available wireless networks all the time.

When it does, I can click it, menu bar freezes up, and it opens the wireless encryption dialog to enter the password. I enter it, hit enter, the spinny thing goes for 10 seconds, and then it says Connection timeout. I try this about ten more times and then it finally connects. Works perfectly, 5 bars. However, sometimes it doesn't connect, no matter how many times I try to get it to connect.

Yes, I can see other networks. No, it's not just my router. My iPod can connect to the network instantly with no problem.

It works until I put the computer to sleep, and when it returns from sleep, I have to go through that cycle again.

Is there any way I can get this resolved without sending it out for repair? This is my main computer and I have to do work on it.

I'm seriously considering switching back to Windows. It had less random errors and problems than this.

So your solution to your problem is to NOT take advantage of the best customer support in the computer industry?

 

[mktb]

It sounds like you're just having some real bad luck with your MBP. I got the same kind (Penryn MBP) and have rarely had a problem. I think mine has frozen twice since February and have never had any significant, nagging issues. I would say that, as much as you dont want to, take it to get fixed.

Thanks for the reply. I'll see if it's an OS/SW problem and if so, I'll be content.

Either the MB or MBP makes a fantastic Windows laptop as well, so my advise to you would be to dual boot with Windows so you can get working and then re-install and fully update (before you install any further applications) your OS X partition to hopefully get it 100% working like it should be.

Good luck -

Wayne

Wayne, thanks for the reply. I don't think that'll be possible - I'll reinstall OS X and see how that goes. Thanks!

Ok I read your other thread along with this one and have the following to say.

1. Your problems stem beyond just software its clearly hardware as we both own the same notebook and I am not having close to as many problems as you are. (albiet once a week my wifi likes to act strange)

2. If these problems persist then why not just bite the bullet and take it to a store. It is under warranty and they should be able to replace it.

I might take it into the store tomorrow or something. I've hard bad things about it though, and I'm not going to expect exceptional service. Preferably I'd back up my stuff at home, tell them what's going on, and have them replace it there. That's probably close to impossible.

and now more rant like.

From your other post it seems that you are blaming all macs for having this issue and not considering that you may have just received a dud. Apple makes upteenzillion computers a day and managed to control 74% of the high end PC market last year. Contrary to windows vista remarks, you don't pull in those numbers by making a series of duds.

Don't be surprised when you drop all that money on an HP with vista and end up worse off than you where before.

Sorry. I'm not really blaming anyone or anything. I realize that a ton of people have perfectly working Macs, it's just that I've had a pretty bad experience with them.

---and now an explination---

The graphics issue is probably drivers that where porely installed and the freezing is probably an issue between the OS and hard drive since the MBP is more than fast enough. this leads me to believe that all your problems are probubly steming from one of the most fragile parts of your computer. the hard drive.

May be the case. I'll see what the Apple Store can do.

---incase you are simply a windows troll----

Yes I am also going to write a comment for you if you are infact a troll for windows.

Microsoft and apple are big boys and they do not need your defense and beleive you me they don't benifit from your defense.

The comments of small time people like you and me mean nothing to them and nothing we say is going to bring any of them to glory or tears.

They could care less about what people think about them and even less about you or me.

Not a Windows troll. I used to voice a somewhat pro-Mac opinion (but not lately.) I'm not a HUGE fan of Windows, but I know where you're coming from.

Thanks for the replies all.

 

[cherry su]

take it to an apple store and convince them to get it replaced

 

[mktb]

So your solution to your problem is to NOT take advantage of the best customer support in the computer industry?

Thanks for the reply. I've heard some really bad things about Apple customer support. And their optimal solution is me sending in my laptop for days or weeks - I'm doing work on here, and can't do that.

I guess I'll give them a call though.

 

[ert3]

Now I can relate to that problem.

it is never a good option to mail a work end computer away for weeks or days. (I had assumed you had an apple store kneer by).

oh and before we call apple tech support the best I would like to relate a story that proves Microsoft earns some credit in that department.

While M$ did not solve my proble the support agent did spend 6 hours manually going through my hard drive and registry removing an application in every sense of the word inorder to try and fix my computer. he did not give up and say oh just mail it in.

NO, he spent six ****in hours trying to manually fix it in the most complex way possible before calling it quits.

THAT IS TECH SUPPORT

 

[agentphish]

I too am sorry about your problems with your new MacBook Pro. I would absolutely call applecare or take it into the store. The fact that you have not even tried either of these options makes you seem unwilling to attempt to fix your own problem and use the industry leading support that is FREELY AVAILABLE TO YOU!

If the machine had all these issues out of the box, you take it back immediately. Don't settle when you're dropping that kind of coin. If you don't get immediate help when you talk to someone at the apple store, then ask to see the supervisor. If they don't help, ask for their district manager's contact information. Be POLITE but FIRM when dealing with them. Remember, never raise your voice, and never talk down to them, it will get you nowhere.

My parents had an iMac they bought back in September of 07 that was bad out of the box. Apple replaced it twice with almost no questions asked and no hassle except having to actually drive to the apple store. They even did a hard drive transfer for them free of choice. My dad even got a free iPod out of the deal.

I have had my powerbook for 4 years. I had the wireless card replaced 2 weeks after I got it because it was clearly defective. Approximately 2 weeks before my applecare ran out I had my hard drive die, which apple also replaced no questions asked (this was last summer)

The bottom line is don't knock the support until you try it...and certainly don't do it here because 95% of us have had great applecare experiences.


to the person w/ the point about MS support - That sounds like shady business to me...I don't think I'd want some MS troll poking around my computer for 6 hours.

I've been using windows since Windows 3.0 and 99% of the time, if you run the program's uninstaller (not that it applies in Windows 3.0, but that's not the point here), and clean your registry with a good tool like Registry Mechanic Pro you're good.

You should never have to spend 6 hours uninstalling anything. You're better off reformatting and reinstalling everything...that would only take you 2, or better yet, keep an Acronis backup or Ghost backup and restore your machine in 10 minutes

I have had apple troubleshoot machines with me on the phone for many hours as well, so I don't think your statement really applies to apple not being good at what they do. That's just my opinion though.

 

[Kurfer]

I own a mac mini, a macbook pro, and a mac pro and have yet to see OS X lockup on me. So far it's been extremely stable...