Macbook Kernel Panics far too frequent

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Macbook White 2.0 ghz core 2 duo, 2 gig RAM, 120 gig HD
I'd love someone if they could help me isolate the problem, and settle my worries about it being a hardware issue.

Lately, I have been receiving far, far too many Kernel Panic messages on my Intel macbook. It usually occurs only when I am playing World of Warcraft, or after. So I assume that may be the problem (though, I am having a hard time figuring out what the program would do to it to make it do this multiple times a day).

My only guess is that it is indeed a problem with the video game. But, it has given me a KP even when I'm not playing it (though, I had played it previously). So, having it do this while I'm doing a lot of homework has made me less than patient with it.

I just now did the "repair disk permissions" in the Disk Utility program, and thats about as far as I go with mac knowledge. This notebook is my first Mac, so I'm not exactly really smart on fixing these problems.

I did save the huge bit of text that appears when you send the error report to apple (for all the good that'd do) that says "problem and system information:" above it, so should I post that?

Please, guys. I'm all out of answers. :( You guys have always been really helpful.


EDIT: Okay, here is the specs of my macbook.

Macbook
Intel Core 2 Duo processor
2GHz processor speed
2GB RAM
120 GB HD

Mac OS X version 10.4.10

And the log:

panic(cpu 0 caller 0x001A4A55): Unresolved kernel trap (CPU 0, Type 14=page fault), registers:
CR0: 0x8001003b, CR2: 0x00000010, CR3: 0x01ed3000, CR4: 0x000006e0
EAX: 0x00000000, EBX: 0x029eef78, ECX: 0x05265b8c, EDX: 0x00000010
CR2: 0x00000010, EBP: 0x2625bbd8, ESI: 0x02e1ee64, EDI: 0x00000000
EFL: 0x00010202, EIP: 0x0017e740, CS: 0x00000008, DS: 0x004b0010

Backtrace, Format - Frame : Return Address (4 potential args on stack)
0x2625b9c8 : 0x128d08 (0x3cc0a4 0x2625b9ec 0x131de5 0x0)
0x2625ba08 : 0x1a4a55 (0x3d24b8 0x0 0xe 0x3d1cdc)
0x2625bb18 : 0x19aeb4 (0x2625bb30 0x2625bb44 0x1a37c0 0x0)
0x2625bbd8 : 0x17fe98 (0x2e1ee64 0x2625bbf8 0x197e31 0x4bc4b0)
0x2625bbf8 : 0x174875 (0x2e1ee64 0x0 0x2625bc28 0x1a37c0)
0x2625bc28 : 0x174ce7 (0x510e868 0x1 0x2625bc58 0x19a216)
0x2625bc68 : 0x174f1f (0x5454e60 0x0 0x22411000 0x510e868)
0x2625bca8 : 0x165a2b (0x5454e58 0x52b0b84 0x2625bd08 0x193cb8)
0x2625bd08 : 0x165524 (0x5143ef4 0x1900000 0x0 0x1a05000)
0x2625bdf8 : 0x165b10 (0xffe00000 0x0 0x0 0x0)
0x2625be38 : 0x13a676 (0x510e868 0x0 0x0 0xffe00000)
0x2625be88 : 0x33b493 (0x48ed000 0x1 0x2625bee8 0x48ed000)
0x2625bec8 : 0x345947 (0x51d23e8 0xb 0x0 0x0)
0x2625bee8 : 0x346072 (0x51d23e8 0xb 0x0 0x0)
0x2625bf58 : 0x346258 (0xb 0x1 0x2625bf78 0x3636b038)
0x2625bf78 : 0x1273f9 (0x5265b8c 0xffffff7f 0x0 0x6) Backtrace continues...

Kernel version:
Darwin Kernel Version 8.10.1: Wed May 23 16:33:00 PDT 2007; root:xnu-792.22.5~1/RELEASE_I386

Model: MacBook2,1, BootROM MB21.00A5.B07, 2 processors, Intel Core 2 Duo, 2 GHz, 2 GB
Graphics: Intel GMA 950, GMA 950, Built-In, spdisplays_integrated_vram
Memory Module: BANK 0/DIMM0, 1 GB, DDR2 SDRAM, 667 MHz
Memory Module: BANK 1/DIMM1, 1 GB, DDR2 SDRAM, 667 MHz
AirPort: spairport_wireless_card_type_airport_extreme (0x168C, 0x87), 1.1.9.3
Bluetooth: Version 1.9.0f8, 2 service, 1 devices, 1 incoming serial ports
Network Service: AirPort, AirPort, en1
Serial ATA Device: TOSHIBA MK1234GSX, 111.79 GB
Parallel ATA Device: MATSHITADVD-R UJ-857D
USB Device: Built-in iSight, Micron, Up to 480 Mb/sec, 500 mA
USB Device: Apple Internal Keyboard / Trackpad, Apple Computer, Up to 12 Mb/sec, 500 mA
USB Device: USB RECEIVER, Logitech, Up to 1.5 Mb/sec, 500 mA
USB Device: IR Receiver, Apple Computer, Inc., Up to 12 Mb/sec, 500 mA
USB Device: Bluetooth USB Host Controller, Apple, Inc., Up to 12 Mb/sec, 500 mA
 
M

MacHeadCase

Guest
Either playing that game gets your MBP too hot and it isn't getting adequate ventilation to cool down or RAM or another hardware component is acting up.

In the case of ventilation, you can fix it quite easily.

But if it is intermittent hardware problems, I say call Apple Care or take it back if it is still under warranty. You paid some good money to get a good working product and this is not normal behaviour for an Apple product.

You could always try posting parts of the logs but if it's a defective product why try to fix it if it only really breaks down further down the road?
 
OP
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Either playing that game gets your MBP too hot and it isn't getting adequate ventilation to cool down or RAM or another hardware component is acting up.

In the case of ventilation, you can fix it quite easily.

But if it is intermittent hardware problems, I say call Apple Care or take it back if it is still under warranty. You paid some good money to get a good working product and this is not normal behaviour for an Apple product.

Yeah, thank goodness I am under AppleCare warranty. But, do you have any idea of what I could do to help isolate what is causing this?

Thanks for your help :)
 
M

MacHeadCase

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Try posting part of the last log you have. It's not easy to see through it but we could give it a try.

And while you're at it, please post the complete specs of your Mac, including the exact OS version (ex.: not OS X Tiger, but 10.4.6).
 
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Try posting part of the last log you have. It's not easy to see through it but we could give it a try.

And while you're at it, please post the complete specs of your Mac, including the exact OS version (ex.: not OS X Tiger, but 10.4.6).

Post edited for your pleasure!
 
M

MacHeadCase

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I googled and so far it's related to an Airport problem? Have you installed all the latest software available for your MacBook?



Edited to add:

Came also across this: AirPort Extreme Update 2007-004. Dunno for sure if this has anything to do with your problem or not though.


Edited to add (2):

The message Backtrace, Format - Frame : Return Address (4 potential args on stack) seems to be include in a lot of different types of kernel panics so since is hard to pinpoint, I would definitely take it back.
 
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I googled and so far it's related to an Airport problem? Have you installed all the latest software available for your MacBook?



Edited to add:

Came also across this: AirPort Extreme Update 2007-004. Dunno for sure if this has anything to do with your problem or not though.


Edited to add (2):

The message Backtrace, Format - Frame : Return Address (4 potential args on stack) seems to be include in a lot of different types of kernel panics so since is hard to pinpoint, I would definitely take it back.


Okay, I installed the update for the Airport itself (I was unsure on if I had it or not. I just download all the updates that come up in the "Software update..." option.

But the more I think, I believe it is safe to say that it is the game causing the mac to crash, because I remember getting my first Kernel Panic while playing it, actually. So I think it heats up my machine easily and that is what causes the crashes during or after playing it...

If its ventilation, what are some easy fixes? Also, what do you mean by "take it back"? Return the machine? I'm so attached to it since last year when I bought it, haha
 
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MacHeadCase

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Don't use it on your lap or a bed. There are some special stands you can buy that will lift it and keep airflow under it at the max.

If that game has a support forum, try to see if they have some help available or why don't you email the developers to ask if this is a frequent problem with their game?

Edited to add:

Yep, there is a support forum for Mac.
 

bobtomay

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Do not see the same thing in that log, that I was having in mine earlier in the year.
I was also playing a lot of WoW at the time, but the panics I had were very random.

I was having issues with the Airport card and the update to 10.4.8 did indeed take care of the issue. If you just now did all the updates, maybe you'll be lucky and that will take care of your issue as well. Might wait to see if it happens again after the updates before you do anything. If it does continue, def call Apple.
 
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Do not see the same thing in that log, that I was having in mine earlier in the year.
I was also playing a lot of WoW at the time, but the panics I had were very random.

I was having issues with the Airport card and the update to 10.4.8 did indeed take care of the issue. If you just now did all the updates, maybe you'll be lucky and that will take care of your issue as well. Might wait to see if it happens again after the updates before you do anything. If it does continue, def call Apple.

When I look at the 10.4.8 update, does it mean I already have it since my mac is 10.4.10? If not, should I download the update? http://www.apple.com/support/downloads/macosx1048updateintel.html This one?
 

bobtomay

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yep, you have it if you're at 10.4.10

but don't know where you were at before you did the software update earlier
That's why I suggested waiting to see if you're still getting the kp's or not, before you call Apple.
 
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yep, you have it if you're at 10.4.10

but don't know where you were at before you did the software update earlier
That's why I suggested waiting to see if you're still getting the kp's or not, before you call Apple.

Its official. I'm calling apple tomorrow. I got a KP when it was turned ON. I mean, as soon as it turned on, I got a KP. Something is seriously wrong with this laptop.

I don't think I'll be purchasing another apple product for a while. *sigh* I can't keep it on long enough to get my homework emailed to my teacher.
 

bobtomay

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yep, that's something more serious than the airport

it happens with all manufacturers though, see how well they take care of ya when there is a problem, that's a key
 
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Okay, I had called apple a day ago, and to be honest, he didn't know what was wrong. All he could say is "I think its your install of the OS. It must have a piece of code that it keeps tripping on."

... Yeahhh... But he was nice. I took his suggestion, did an archive install back to 10.4.8, and have not had a kernel panic yet. Phew! I guess it really was 10.4.10!

Question though. When I get leopard (probably not until a couple dot releases or until I hear from others) will I have to upgrade the machine to 10.4.10 before I can upgrade to Leopard? :( Because I have a vendetta against that version now.

But all in all, everything's going smoothly again. :D
 

bobtomay

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That's great - at least it wasn't hardware issue and have to send it in.

More than likely was either a bad download or a hiccup during the install of the update. But, I surely understand a reluctance to do it again.

And, no, you do not have to upgrade to 10.4.10 to install Leopard.
 
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And of course, I spoke too soon.

Yesterday it KP'd again, and while I tried to restart it (in a last effort to get all of my personal and important files that were stored) and it actually KP'd twice while it was on the grey screen with the apple when it was booting.

This makes me extremely, extremely sad. I'm at school right now on the iMacs used for Web Design (ironic...) updating this. I'm calling Apple and seriously asking for a replacement computer, because they don't actually know what is causing the KP's, and I really don't want them to just give me a quick fix that'll silence me for about two days until it messes up again.

Siiigh. Guys, I dunno. :/
 
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I totally agree, take your MacBook back. At this point, it's pretty hard to understand what is causing this and if even Apple techs don't know, guess that means not too many of us here will know either.
 
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I totally agree, take your MacBook back. At this point, it's pretty hard to understand what is causing this and if even Apple techs don't know, guess that means not too many of us here will know either.

Today they made me install a clean version of the OS, and wouldn't you know, it KP'd after 10 minutes. So I am on the phone on hold with them as we speak! Gosh, something needs to be done!

Double posting is a no-no in this community, no? (just asking)

Will post again when I get a response
 
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A quick update:

In the end, after a hardware test over the phone with a Product Specialist (oh, yeah. I moved on up through the ladder of tech support guys) he found out that it was a logic board problem. He said it wasn't the game, but probably static from my book bag that sparked in there. Strange, but it can happen.

Status on repair is "Repair in progress", so I can look forward to having it home within the next couple of days, I hope. :)

The product specialist gave me his extension so I can reach him and not have to argue with everyone else if my kernel panics still occur. So lets keep our fingers crossed. =X
 

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