Software Update = Dead MBP

Hello All,

I used Software Update today on my MBP to get the new iTune for IOS5. The update included other updates for Aperture and iPhoto as well as some Firmware (did not pay attention to version numbers.)

The installation appeared to go as planned, even after the initial reboot. However, at some point, the screen went completely blank and now the MBP will simply not boot at all.

Here is a list of the basic facts:

1. Screen remains black at all times.
2. Keys are unresponsive (cannot eject the disk, for example)
3. On battery v. on power cord have the same results
4. Power light comes on
5. No chime at all
6. MBP gets very hot and fans kick in.
7. Running Snow Leopard
8. MBP is unibody version
9. Have tried basic boot commands, like holding C to boot from CD and resetting the VRAM. No luck

Of course, I will be taking the computer in to the genius bar, but I wanted to try here first in case anyone else had this happen with the last software update since IOS5 was released.

Prior to the update, the MBP had no issues at all.

The web has lots of information on the previous MBP models with the Nvidia card. Mine has a Radeon card, so all of that information does not apply.

Thanks for any feedback.

 

Thanks for the reply. Unfortunately, the keyboard is non-responsive when it powers on, so there is no way to select an alternate boot device.

After several hours of trying to reset the SMC, the MBP eventually booted up and worked normally. However, when I shut it down to make sure everything was ok, the original problem happened again, and it took about another hour of repeating the reset SMC steps to get it to boot up again.

Right now, it seems ok and it comes out of sleep fine. I am reluctant to shut it down again, so I may still need to take it in

 

Update

I took my MBP to the Genius Bar on Tuesday. The experience went smoothly and quickly.

They verified the problem and their best guess is that either the logic board is dead or a connection to the HD is busted.

They have sent it in for repairs and I am supposed to get it back within 5 to 7 business days.

I live about 90 minutes away from the nearest Apple store, and without me asking, the Genius helping me noticed this and offered to have the MBP mailed directly to me so I would not have to drive back just to pick it up. This was a very nice customer service touch.

I also walked out of there with a brand new iPad2 It was the only reasonable way to deal with the separation anxiety!

 

I just received my MBP back; just 48 hours after leaving it at the Apple store. That was fast!

I am happy to report everything is fine now.