USB Port Problems

[unusualyxpected]

For a long time now (2 years?), both of my USB ports on my Macbook Pro (v.10.5.8, 2.4 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo, 2 GB 1067 MHz DDR3) have been faulty. I'm not sure when it happened, but they both stopped working consistently. However, I rarely needed them and only used it for a mouse, which when repeatedly plugged in, eventually would work.

Furthermore, on that side, the headphone jack is also there and takes a lot of tweaking to get to work.

Is it a hardware issue with my Mac? And what do I do to fix this? I'd rather not go to the store and get the computer taken apart and redone.

 

[Intell]

Its very likely a hardware issue. If your Mac isn't under a warranty anymore, its going to cost a few hundred dollars to fix it.

 

[unusualyxpected]

Its very likely a hardware issue. If your Mac isn't under a warranty anymore, its going to cost a few hundred dollars to fix it.

Now that I think about it, I believe it happened right after my warranty ended which is why I didn't bring it in.

How long does repair take?

 

[Intell]

They'll probably have to order the part from Apple. It could take a few days.

 

[unusualyxpected]

I have several personal items I'd rather not have strangers be privy to, as well as a lot of things I need my computer for.


Do I have to leave my there? Can they order the parts and then I bring it in to be installed? How long does the actual installation take?

 

[Intell]

The Apple Store may not actually preform the fix at their store. Most, if not all, send them off to a centralized service centre for some of the more complex things like a logicboard replacement. If that's the case, you'll be without it for a few days. The actually replacement of a logicboard can take about an hour for someone that knows what they are doing.

 

[iThinkergoiMac]

Copy those things to an external drive and then delete them, or drop them in a TrueCrypt volume or an encrypted DMG.