Posts:
2
From:
Austin
Registered:
May 18, 2008
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Re: Something that works RE: Weird Screen/graphics glitch
Posted:
May 18, 2008 4:23 PM
in response to: Used to be kphi...
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Hello all,
Please see <http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=feR1WWnLZLA> and read below. Thank you.
I have had a screen problem ever since I installed Tiger onto my PowerBook G4. The problem is that of a flashing screen saver, particularly when there is a web page on the desktop. My spouse's MacBook exhibits the same problem. And my recently obtained MacBook Pro running Leopard has the same issue. I have complained to Apple about this and tried to demonstrate it to their geniuses at the Apple store. But because the problem happens randomly, it's hard to show someone on the spur of the moment what I've seen happening. Thus I made videos when I saw the event occurring. Apple store tried to observe the computer for the issue but could never replicate it at the store. A replacement of the Logic Board on the PowerBook did not fix it.
I have been in communication with a level 2 tech from Apple but have still not received any formal acknowledgement from Apple that they are aware of the issue (most likely software) and will work to resolve it. Once I was told by a Store Genius that the problem could be linked to something in the environment of my home where most of the videos of the flashing were captured. I then went traveling and was able to record my wife's MacBook exhibiting the same problem in a hotel room. I have uploaded a combined video of all three computers exhibiting the flashing screen saver on YouTube <http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=feR1WWnLZLA> The video of the MacBook, the middle video, is captured in a hotel room, and hopefully demonstrates that the problem has nothing to do with the environment of my home.
I realize that this is a bit off topic from this discussion, but as the problem is affecting my MacBook Pro (see the final segment in the video) I thought it would not be inappropriate to place this post in this thread. I hope you don't disagree.
Thank you,
Tabeer
MacBook Pro
Mac OS X (10.5.2)
Intel Core 2 Duo 2.4 GHz
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Posts:
171
Registered:
Feb 22, 2005
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Re: Something that works RE: Weird Screen/graphics glitch
Posted:
May 18, 2008 5:57 PM
in response to: Tabeer
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OK, W O W!!!
That is some BIZARRE problem. Definitely NOT the same issue as what we have in this thread, but very disturbing, nevertheless.
While I have never seen anything like it, I agree it almost has to be software-related. And being software related and happening across two machines and even on two major versions of OS X, I'm guessing it is probably a problem of some software component leftover from an earlier system -- possibly from another vendor.
There are two tests for this, and I'm guessing AppleCare / Mac Geniuses have already suggested them:
One: if you create a user from scratch, does it ever happen when logged into that user? (you could even have a new user created then immediately log into that user and see if it still happens).
Two: Have you done a CLEAN install of OS X? I always hate to do this myself, but sometimes it is the only way to check to make absolutely certain the correct system components are installed.
There are some other things AppleCare usually recommend:
- Reset Parameter Ram (usually restarting with CMD+OPTION+P+R)
- Reset Power Manager (different on some laptops, so check procedure for your machine at Apple Support site)
- Make sure you have the latest firmware. Sometimes firmware changes don't come down via software update.
-Repair Permissions (overly indicted as a problem but often useful)
Let us know how this is ultimately resolved!
Stephen
MacBook Pro 17 4GB
Mac OS X (10.5.2)
10.5.3 9D32
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Posts:
2
From:
Austin
Registered:
May 18, 2008
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Re: Something that works RE: Weird Screen/graphics glitch
Posted:
May 18, 2008 9:24 PM
in response to: Stephen Greenfi...
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Hi Stephen. Thank you for the response. Yes, of course I've done erase and installs. First on my PowerBook. And I also reset the PRAM. I performed a couple of erase and installs and probably too many PRAM resets on the PowerBook. When I obtained a freshly made MacBook Pro (in part because of the unresolvable flashing screen saver) and the problem still persisted, I was sort of beside myself. The store Geniuses btw think I'm mad as I've only been able to show them the issue for the most part only on video. Only once was I able to present them the issue and only for one of their cohort. Since then the guy has gone into hiding. Every time I've attempted to speak with him, he's either off or at lunch. Kind of strange. Thus the last time I visited the store, the genius whom I spoke to concluded that the common factor between the PowerBook and the MB Pro was my home, as if it was haunted and an evil genie had somehow infiltrated the machines. This is precisely why the erase and install on the PB and the appearance of the phenomenon on a virtually untouched MB Pro (I had downloaded and installed iMovie 6 onto it and also flip4mac which was later uninstalled to no effect) ought to have been convincing proof to these Apple representatives that something was terribly flawed with the build of OS X beginning with Tiger.
The reason I posted this issue to this thread was because of its possible relevance to the graphics/ video card that has been mentioned here. Also, I wondered, because the problem often happens when I have a webpage open, many of which are running flash video, and flash player had been discussed here as a source of conflict, if my problem were also not related to the flash player now embedded in many webpages. However, I believe the problem has also occurred when I've had a page open that has no flash player listed in its source. Interestingly, I don't believe the problem has ever occurred when an apple homepage has been open as I don't believe that Apple's website utilizes the flash player.
Finally, I performed a google search to see if someone had ever posted about a flashing screen saver. I found at least one such complaint. See <http://forums.macrumors.com/showthread.php?t=141620>. The way this poster describes how the screen saver seems to be struggling to come on in conflict with the flashing is exactly how I've described the issue when attempting to speak about it (I finally got tired and made videos instead). Also the problem for this poster appeared soon after he/she upgraded to Tiger from Panther. This is one reason I have thus far cautiously refrained from upgrading my iMac G5 from panther to tiger or even leopard. I want to have one computer whose flashing screen saver does not drive me batty and which allows me to retain the illusion of some faith in Apple, on pretty thin ice as a consequence of these frustrations and too much money spent (in the way of a new logic board and hard drive for the PowerBook). In any case these are problems that I hope Apple will take care to try to look into and resolve. Even as this is not the issue that most everyone on this thread has complained about, I wonder if it's ultimately not related to the same software compatibility with Apple hardware.
Thanks again for accommodating this no doubt tangential and possibly unrelated issue within this thread.
best,
Tabeer
MacBook Pro
Mac OS X (10.5.2)
Intel Core 2 Duo 2.4 GHz
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Posts:
171
Registered:
Feb 22, 2005
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Re: Weird Screen/graphics glitch after update
Posted:
May 19, 2008 8:12 PM
in response to: Stephen Greenfi...
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- * * * * * * 10.5.3 9D32 DOES NOT CORRECT PROBLEM * * * * * * *
OK, my hopes were dashed. 10.5.3 DOES NOT correct either graphics problems.
My local Apple Store has a logic board replacement. I remain doubtful that that will correct the problem either. If it doesn't, then it certainly is NOT hardware.
This still raises the question of WHY some users have the problem, and others do not. Some particular program operations seem to cause the problem to start up.
Some have suggested waking from sleep -- and I have seen that.
Others have suggested something to do with Safari / QuickTime -- and I have seen that, too.
After the hardware change inevitably fails to correct the problem, perhaps it can be escalated to the appropriate group of Apple developers that can offer some insight as to what is going on -- and when we all might expect a fix.
Stephen
MacBook Pro 17 4GB
Mac OS X (10.5.2)
10.5.3 9D32
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Posts:
318
Registered:
Oct 17, 2004
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Re: Weird Screen/graphics glitch after update
Posted:
May 23, 2008 10:33 AM
in response to: Stephen Greenfi...
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Just another me too - it was pretty intermittent, but in the last few days it's become noticeably worse - especially in Finder, where a lot of the screen was actually blanking out.
I'm hoping it is software, and is fixed soon - 10.5.3 seems to be a long time coming - who knows, maybe because of this very issue.
It's particularly annoying, as about a couple of weeks ago, I started to really notice this problem too :
http://discussions.apple.com/thread.jspa?messageID=6783383�
Are these issues likely to be related at all?
It's a last gen MBP, as below - that came with Tiger installed and a Leopard DVD.
It's just a PITA really - as apart from these glitches it's a great machine.
15" Macbook Pro 2.4GHz, 2GB RAM
Mac OS X (10.5.2)
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Posts:
21
From:
Springfield, IL
Registered:
May 27, 2008
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Re: Something that works RE: Weird Screen/graphics glitch
Posted:
May 27, 2008 2:17 PM
in response to: Tabeer
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Said on the youtube video description: "the same problem has appeared when using a different screen saver from the ones Apple provides on the computer."
What 3rd party screensaver did you install, first of all. How old is it?
Given the range of hardware and operating systems, I suspect your screensaver software is at fault... not OSX. Maybe you can check with the vendor or other users of the screensaver program.. see if there's an update/fix/acknowledgement... or not use it.
PowerBook G4 / PowerMac G5
Mac OS X (10.5.2)
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Posts:
9
Registered:
Mar 11, 2008
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Re: Weird Screen/graphics glitch after update
Posted:
May 28, 2008 4:21 PM
in response to: Mossimac
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Things look good for me after the update to Mac OS X 10.5.3.
How is everyone else doing?
MacBook Pro
Mac OS X (10.5.3)
15" LED
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Posts:
11
From:
Melbourne Australia
Registered:
Apr 13, 2008
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Re: Weird Screen/graphics glitch after update
Posted:
May 28, 2008 4:40 PM
in response to: Mossimac
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10.5.3 has NOT fixed the problem for me.
This is INFURIATING.
A site like TUAW needs to pick up on this and draw attention to it.
Has anyone actually submitted a bug for this issue yet? Do we have a reference number we can refer to? (If we haven't submitted the issue via the proper channels, all this hollering is a waste of time).
MBP, PMG5, ImacG5, Intel Mini
Mac OS X (10.5.2)
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Posts:
10
From:
Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada
Registered:
Jul 7, 2007
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Re: Weird Screen/graphics glitch after update
Posted:
May 28, 2008 4:57 PM
in response to: benjammr
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I'll have to wait a little while to see if the problem emerges. It usually takes a couple of days before it shows itself.
MacBok Pro
Mac OS X (10.5.3)
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Posts:
171
Registered:
Feb 22, 2005
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Re: Weird Screen/graphics glitch after update
Posted:
May 28, 2008 5:47 PM
in response to: JaseOD
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As an Apple Developer, I've been posting that 10.5.3 has NOT corrected the problem. I knew this two days ago, and I notified Apple.
AppleCare techs -- which claim to be completely unaware of this thread -- made me go through the completely unnecessary step of replacing my entire LOGIC BOARD! The Apple Genius and I KNEW this wouldn't help -- but we had to do it.
The issue is now "escalated" to Apple Engineering, which is as high as it goes. I'm awaiting a response, however, the Apple Bug ID can't be viewed by anyone other than the Apple Genius that escalated it (or someone at that level -- AppleCare said they could NOT view the record).
This issue may be related to some sort of graphics driver memory leak. I'm guessing there will be another "Leopard Graphics Update" which will be created. But for now, NO ONE at Apple is saying jack -- not even to me.
One note: I've discovered that logging out and logging back in SEEMS to reset the problem -- at least for a while. So restarting may not be required.
Stephen
MacBook Pro 17 4GB
Mac OS X (10.5.3)
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Posts:
179
Registered:
Dec 4, 2002
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Re: Weird Screen/graphics glitch after update
Posted:
May 28, 2008 7:39 PM
in response to: Stephen Greenfi...
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As I previously posted I managed to fix the problem be resinstalling OSX and avoiding the infamous 'Leopard Graphics Update'. My concern now however is will 10.3.5 'reintroduce' the problem. I'm thinking surely not, but I don't really want to take the chance. Any thoughts?
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Posts:
29
From:
NC, USA
Registered:
Mar 30, 2007
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Re: Weird Screen/graphics glitch after update
Posted:
May 29, 2008 1:45 AM
in response to: Stephen Greenfi...
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Interesting, because I had found that logging in and out did no good--only a restart would flush out the gremlin.
I have not seen the issue for some weeks. I have no idea why. I don't close the lid as much, so perhaps I'm lessening the probabilities/opportunities.
Thanks for keeping the discussion going.
kt
MacBook Pro 15.4" 2.2GHz Intel Core 2 Duo, 4 GB RAM
Mac OS X (10.5.2)
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Posts:
164
Registered:
Jul 20, 2002
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Re: Weird Screen/graphics glitch after update
Posted:
May 29, 2008 5:10 AM
in response to: benjammr
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Only after 10.5.3 have I started having graphics issues on my MacBook Pro (Summer 2007). Never had a problem beforehand. This is frustrating, as I just took ownership of the laptop this past week. We'll see how the iMac G5 fairs with the update (aren't I brave?).
MacBook Pro, iMac G5, PowerMac G4, PowerBook G4
Mac OS X (10.5.3)
Fun comes standard.
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Posts:
4
From:
Berkeley, CA
Registered:
Apr 21, 2008
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Re: Weird Screen/graphics glitch after update
Posted:
May 29, 2008 10:21 AM
in response to: Mossimac
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I'm having trouble with this on my 4,1 Macbook pro. Has anyone here been able to fix the issue without a reformat?
I understand that reformatting and not installing the Leopard graphics update will fix the issue, however I would really like to avoid that. Can we just install the kexts from 10.5.2 ( non leopard graphics update ) or something like that?
MacBook Pro 4,1
Mac OS X (10.5.3)
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Posts:
21
Registered:
Apr 27, 2007
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Re: Weird Screen/graphics glitch after update
Posted:
May 29, 2008 5:50 PM
in response to: Stephen Greenfi...
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Well, keep us posted please! This is definitely still occurring in 10.5.3 as you say 
MacBook Pro 15"
Mac OS X (10.5.3)
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