03-27-2008, 03:31 AM

My MacBook wont start up for some reason.
I get a black screen and 6 beeps, which someone told me is similar to morce code.
It goes like this;
- - - --- --- --- - - -
I have important school work on it, please help as soon as possible!
Thanks in advance!

03-27-2008, 04:18 AM

Originally Posted by GothixEmo

My MacBook wont start up for some reason.
I get a black screen and 6 beeps, which someone told me is similar to morce code.
It goes like this;
- - - --- --- --- - - -
I have important school work on it, please help as soon as possible!
Thanks in advance!

Does the led on the front flash too?

Sounds like it may be a RAM issue. Have you upgraded/changed the ram recently?

Try re-seating the ram and retry it.

03-27-2008, 04:26 AM

Originally Posted by mrplow

Does the led on the front flash too?

Sounds like it may be a RAM issue. Have you upgraded/changed the ram recently?

Try re-seating the ram and retry it.

Yeah, the led flashes with the beeps.

I haven't changed the RAM (at least I dont think I have).

This might be a silly question, but how do I re-seat the RAM?
And will it delete any files?

03-27-2008, 04:37 AM

1. It won't delete any files.

2. Assuming your Macbook is quite new see here for the official PDF manual and look at the "adding memory to your macbook" section: http://manuals.info.apple.com/en/Mac...UsersGuide.pdf
It details taking out your battery, removing a small L shaped metal bracket and then flicking 2 little levers to eject the ram.

3. Read through the details in the pdf first. It's a pretty easy and straightforward procedure with little risk. However if you are in anyway unsure about taking out and reseating the ram then just take the whole thing to an Apple store.

4. How long have you had it? Is it still under warranty?

03-27-2008, 05:45 AM

*Moved thread to appropriate forum - Question is not a FAQ submission*

03-27-2008, 07:11 AM

Originally Posted by mrplow

1. It won't delete any files.

2. Assuming your Macbook is quite new see here for the official PDF manual and look at the "adding memory to your macbook" section: http://manuals.info.apple.com/en/Mac...UsersGuide.pdf
It details taking out your battery, removing a small L shaped metal bracket and then flicking 2 little levers to eject the ram.

3. Read through the details in the pdf first. It's a pretty easy and straightforward procedure with little risk. However if you are in anyway unsure about taking out and reseating the ram then just take the whole thing to an Apple store.

4. How long have you had it? Is it still under warranty?

I got it for christmas, so I guess its kinda new.

I tried it but mum kept saying that the user isn't meant to do it, a professional is.
She did eventually try it, but we don't have the right tools.

I think its still under warranty.

03-27-2008, 07:16 AM

Get on the phone to Applecare or take a trip to your nearest Apple store(preferable). They'll be able to fully diagnose and arrange for repair if required under the warranty.

I suspect it's just dodgy RAM which they may be able to swap out on the spot.

Good luck

03-27-2008, 07:26 AM

Originally Posted by mrplow

Get on the phone to Applecare or take a trip to your nearest Apple store(preferable). They'll be able to fully diagnose and arrange for repair if required under the warranty.

I suspect it's just dodgy RAM which they may be able to swap out on the spot.

Good luck

I'm not sure if there are any Apple stores in my area (Dont even know if theres one England).
I know it was bought from PC World, so if I take it there, will they beable to sort it out? Or will I have to send it to Apple?

(I dont want to send it to Apple as I have personal files that have personal info in them)

Oh, whats the rep system?

03-27-2008, 07:39 AM

Originally Posted by GothixEmo

I'm not sure if there are any Apple stores in my area (Dont even know if theres one England).
I know it was bought from PC World, so if I take it there, will they beable to sort it out? Or will I have to send it to Apple?

(I dont want to send it to Apple as I have personal files that have personal info in them)

Oh, whats the rep system?

I'm in the UK too, here's a list of Apple stores in the UK: http://www.apple.com/uk/retail/storelist/

PCWorld will take your Macbook back and send it off for repair but I doubt they'll be able to do anything in store. But it depends on the store. Some branches of PC World have dedicated mac sections.

You may have an authorized repairer in your area if you don't have an Apple store nearby.

Your first step should be a call to Applecare (call any of the store numbers from the link above if you don't know the number). They'll be able to advise you of your options. I guess you'd like to ensure that the contents of the HDD are left intact where possible.

.........
The rep system is a way of thanking people that help you and also gives you a rough indication of peoples experience levels (green blobs below the user name). You can add to someones rep by clicking the middle of the 3 icons bottom left of each post on the forum.

03-27-2008, 07:46 AM

Originally Posted by mrplow

I'm in the UK too, here's a list of Apple stores in the UK: http://www.apple.com/uk/retail/storelist/

PCWorld will take your Macbook back and send it off for repair but I doubt they'll be able to do anything in store. But it depends on the store. Some branches of PC World have dedicated mac sections.

You may have an authorized repairer in your area if you don't have an Apple store nearby.

Your first step should be a call to Applecare (call any of the store numbers from the link above if you don't know the number). They'll be able to advise you of your options. I guess you'd like to ensure that the contents of the HDD are left intact where possible.

.........
The rep system is a way of thanking people that help you and also gives you a rough indication of peoples experience levels (green blobs below the user name). You can add to someones rep by clicking the middle of the 3 icons bottom left of each post on the forum.

Ok, thanks for your help!
I'll try to reseat the RAM first, then I'll take it to PC World if it still doesnt work.

03-27-2008, 07:51 AM

Originally Posted by GothixEmo

Ok, thanks for your help!
I'll try to reseat the RAM first, then I'll take it to PC World if it still doesnt work.

If you do try to reseat your ram first but it still won't boot then try with just one of the sticks of ram, and then if you still have problems try with just the other one.

At least if just 1 is faulty and you can get the machine to boot you'll be able to copy your stuff off to a pen drive, cd, dvd etc.

Good Luck

03-27-2008, 08:48 AM

Originally Posted by mrplow

If you do try to reseat your ram first but it still won't boot then try with just one of the sticks of ram, and then if you still have problems try with just the other one.

At least if just 1 is faulty and you can get the machine to boot you'll be able to copy your stuff off to a pen drive, cd, dvd etc.

Good Luck

Tried reseating it like you said.
Even tried it with one stick (tried both of them).
And it still beeps 6 times.

But with one of the sticks it beeps 3 times.

I tried a SMC reset too, but still nothing.

03-27-2008, 09:04 AM

Originally Posted by GothixEmo

Tried reseating it like you said.
Even tried it with one stick (tried both of them).
And it still beeps 6 times.

But with one of the sticks it beeps 3 times.

I tried a SMC reset too, but still nothing.

Sounds like the RAM controller on the logic board may have had it but that's neither here-nor-there now .. . . . Time to call Applecare

03-27-2008, 10:03 AM

Originally Posted by mrplow

Sounds like the RAM controller on the logic board may have had it but that's neither here-nor-there now .. . . . Time to call Applecare

How bad is that?

03-27-2008, 10:27 AM

Originally Posted by GothixEmo

How bad is that?

Bad enough, but fixable. Anyway it's just guesswork. It could be that however unlikely both your RAM sticks have failed.

Either way when you get in touch with Applecare/PC World/Apple shop etc you should stress that you need to retain the contents of the Hard Disk

mrplow