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ajf.350d

macrumors regular
Original poster
Nov 23, 2010
150
85
Worcestershire, UK
Hi, don't post here very often but hopefully someone can point me in the right direction.
I've been given to old MacBooks to mess with.
First one, which is a white MacBook model A3142.
This boots fine but as I have no idea of the original password, it needs a factory reset.
Can you confirm if the only way to restore this is via DVD? No internet based recovery?
What is the latest OS it can take? It currently has 10.6.8
Would I be able to make a USB of the OS from my other Mac via App Store and use that?

Second machine is a MacBook Pro A1260.
This has an issue.
It will power on (reluctantly) but then instantly powers off.
Power light on latch flashes.
I believe this could be a failed hard disk?
If so, easy to replace, but again how do I now install/restore OSX to the new disk?
Might also be the power board under the power button?

Any help appreciated :)
 
The MacBook may support internet recovery, depending on which model it is. Older A1342 (Late 2009. MacBook6,1) does not support internet recovery, the newer A1342 (Mid 2010, MacBook7,1) will support internet recovery, assuming the firmware update has been completed.
Either one can update to the current Sierra (macOS 10.12.6)
Yes, you can make a USB of the macOS installer on another Mac.

Your MacBook Pro (15-inch, Early 2008) could be several things. First, the flashing sleep LED on the latch may just mean that you have bad RAM. If the LED is flashing once per second, without showing a repeating pattern, check the RAM slots, maybe there's no RAM installed at all! Try reseating the existing sticks in the slots.
Try removing the hard drive to see if there is any difference when you try to boot. Assuming the rest of the hardware is OK, removing the hard drive should display a flashing folder, indicating that your Mac can't find a bootable system.
You can install up to El Capitan (OS X 10.11.6) on your 2008 MBPro. Same method, you can download El Capitan and create a bootable USB drive on another Mac.
The power button is part of the top case. The "power board" is actually the Left I/O board, which has all the ports on the left side, including the magsafe power connector.
 
Thanks for the prompt response.
Re the MacBook Pro, it does seem to be RAM (or logic board).
I initially removed the HDD and RAM at which point it stayed powered on, but beeps with long pause.
Inserted drive again and still the same, so inserted 1 RAM module into slot nearest inside of case. Continues to beep.
Same if I swap to different module.
If I put just one module in the outer slot only it will not power on.

So, either two bad RAM modules or the logic board it seems.
I'll see what RAM modules I have lying around first!
 
Just an update, but got the basic Macbook rebuilt to Sierra and seems to be running OK.
Trackpad appears slightly jittery at times and the bottom panel needs the rubber cover gluing back on, but can’t complain for free!
The Macbook Pro after further testing I am pretty confident is the logic board, so have risked it and bought a used one. Also described as having had the gpu replaced as a bonus.

Fingers crossed! :)
 
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