MacBook Wont switch off

[Rod]

A friend has a macbook pro 2009 model running 10.6.8 which when shut down from the Apple menu simply restarts. The only way to shut down is with the power button and some times this doesn't work either. I checked his HD with disk utility and found it required repair. Naturally my friend no longer has his original instal/startup disk and living in Bali is unable to easily order one.
My suggestion was a TM backup first, followed by an update to a new OS. I am assuming his shut down issues are related to HD corruption but there is no way to tell for sure. He would rather not update his OS but I can think of no other way. He has 4Gb of RAM 1600 MHz so I suggested Mavericks.
He has little money to spend and this problem but recently had a broken screen replaced and now has no WiFI. The repairer does not know why but offered him a USB WiFi receiver as an alternative.
Personally i think it needs a major overhaul so I'm just trying to keep him going until he can afford a new laptop.
Any suggestions appreciated.

 

[pigoo3]

A friend has a macbook pro 2009 model running 10.6.8 which when shut down from the Apple menu simply restarts.

Naturally my friend no longer has his original instal/startup disk and living in Bali is unable to easily order one.

I would say purchasing a Snow Leopard install disk would be a great place to start...which here in the US costs $19.99.

Or...since the computer is currently running 10.6.8...for the same $19.99 10.7 Lion or 10.8 Mountain Lion could be downloaded & installed for the same $19.99 (or what the cost is from Apple in Asia).

If the friend doesn't want to upgrade the OS...then getting the Snow Leopard disk would be where I would start. So much easier to do diagnostics (or an fresh OS install) when you have the install disk.

- Nick

 

[MacInWin]

I think the WiFi antenna is in the lid to the computer and probably was not reconnected or the wire broken when the screen was replaced. No fix except to open it and see. Maybe ifixit has a video for his machine which shows where the wire is.