04-24-2011, 11:57 PM

My MBP isn't turning on all the way, I will power it up and it will make the sound that it is turning on and the light in front will just stay dim grey. I've resetted the PRAM, and even took out my RAM and inserted it back in to see if that would help and nothing. I thought well if nothing else is going to work, I can try and put the Install disc to see if that will do anything. Nothing has changed, and now the cd is stuck in my computer. I've tried holding down the trackpad to eject, and even the eject button and nothing. Anyone have any ideas how to get it out? Or better yet to get the computer to turn on.

04-25-2011, 09:52 AM

Did something unusual happen the last time you were using your computer? That might help diagnose your problem. If you can't even boot from a CD, your options for home remedy are limited.

Make sure when you boot from a CD you are pressing and holding the "c" key as soon as you hear the "BONG" tone on startup. Give it some time- booting from a CD can take a little while. If you can boot, run Apple Hardware Test and see where you stand. If your hardware is good, you can run disk utility to fix any HD issues.

Or, you could have a bad RAM module. If you have 2, try removing one and re-attempt startup. Make sure the remaining one is installed in the correct slot (read or download the user's guide for more info) Then if it doesn't work, switch them. It's unlikely that both went bad at the same time unless your computer was hit by a power surge or got wet.

Finally it's a long shot, but you can try resetting the SMC. The procedures are different for computers with removable batteries:

IF YOUR MACBOOK HAS A REMOVABLE BATTERY:
1. Shut down the computer.
2. Disconnect the MagSafe power adapter from the computer, if it's connected.
3. Remove the battery.
4. Press and hold the power button for 5 seconds.
5. Release the power button.
6. Reconnect the battery and MagSafe power adapter.
7. Press the power button to turn on the computer.



IF YOUR BATTERY IS NOT REMOVABLE (Early 2009 MBP or later):
1. Shut down the computer.
2. Plug in the MagSafe power adapter to a power source, connecting it to the Mac if its not already connected.
3. On the built-in keyboard, press the (left side) Shift-Control-Option keys and the power button at the same time.
4. Release all the keys and the power button at the same time.
5. Press the power button to turn on the computer.
Note: The LED on the MagSafe power adapter may change states or temporarily turn off when you reset the SMC.



If that doesn't work, this is where I'd take my computer to a certified Mac repair location.

04-25-2011, 10:04 AM

Originally Posted by sevenhelmet

Did something unusual happen the last time you were using your computer? That might help diagnose your problem. If you can't even boot from a CD, your options for home remedy are limited.

Make sure when you boot from a CD you are pressing and holding the "c" key as soon as you hear the "BONG" tone on startup. Give it some time- booting from a CD can take a little while. If you can boot, run Apple Hardware Test and see where you stand. If your hardware is good, you can run disk utility to fix any HD issues.

Or, you could have a bad RAM module. If you have 2, try removing one and re-attempt startup. Make sure the remaining one is installed in the correct slot (read or download the user's guide for more info) Then if it doesn't work, switch them. It's unlikely that both went bad at the same time unless your computer was hit by a power surge or got wet.

Finally it's a long shot, but you can try resetting the SMC. The procedures are different for computers with removable batteries:

IF YOUR MACBOOK HAS A REMOVABLE BATTERY:
1. Shut down the computer.
2. Disconnect the MagSafe power adapter from the computer, if it's connected.
3. Remove the battery.
4. Press and hold the power button for 5 seconds.
5. Release the power button.
6. Reconnect the battery and MagSafe power adapter.
7. Press the power button to turn on the computer.



IF YOUR BATTERY IS NOT REMOVABLE (Early 2009 MBP or later):
1. Shut down the computer.
2. Plug in the MagSafe power adapter to a power source, connecting it to the Mac if its not already connected.
3. On the built-in keyboard, press the (left side) Shift-Control-Option keys and the power button at the same time.
4. Release all the keys and the power button at the same time.
5. Press the power button to turn on the computer.
Note: The LED on the MagSafe power adapter may change states or temporarily turn off when you reset the SMC.



If that doesn't work, this is where I'd take my computer to a certified Mac repair location.

I don't know exactly how it happened, but this has happened before and now it seems to be worse. The computer makes a sound as if its turning on and then a black screen. I've tried all you suggested and nothing has worked. I did make an appointment to see someone at the apple store though because that seems to be all I can do now.

04-25-2011, 01:10 PM

What model macbook pro is it? Does the screen turn on at all? If the screen does not light up and your computer falls into any of these categories I would bring it into apple and they should fix it for free. Extended Repair

04-25-2011, 04:30 PM

Originally Posted by thurstmw

What model macbook pro is it? Does the screen turn on at all? If the screen does not light up and your computer falls into any of these categories I would bring it into apple and they should fix it for free. Extended Repair

It's the macbook pro 15" that was built in 07-08 I know there was an issue that has to deal with the models built in that time.

MacBook Pro: Distorted video or no video issues

The screen just stays black, makes the noise like it's going to start up and then nothing, the front light just dims out and stays dim. I resetted the PRAM and it seemed to only work once and now it doesn't work at all.