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Software Update = Dead MBP

K

KlytusLord

macrumors regular
Original poster
Apr 11, 2011
174
14
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.
 
KlytusLord said:
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.
Click to expand...

If your MBP absolutely cannot boot up after all that, try using this to boot it up and access the recovery partition.

http://support.apple.com/kb/dl1433
 
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!
 
Not for me. download and installation was smooth as silk. Lion is purring like a kitten. Nice kitty
 
Sometimes it does seem to happen that a hardware problem first shows up at the same time as a software update. It doesn't seem logical, but it does happen. Fortunately it's rare.
 
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.
 
KlytusLord said:
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.
Click to expand...

I DONT UNDERSTAND Why Apple doesnt make it better known:

Resetting the SMC while a system is in the process of a firmware update will almost always wreck the logic board. This is something they teach their own technicians!!

If you ever have a system hang up during a firmware update, just leave the system alone for a while; or shut down and leave off for a while. I have seen systems go comatose during a firmware update only to miraculously wake up and complete several minutes later.
 
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