HT201257: Using Apple Hardware Test

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SchizoDJ
Level 1 (0 points)

Q: According to http://support.apple.com/kb/HT4904, my Mac should be able to update a firmware allowing me to run a diagnostic test on my computer; however, when I try to download the update, it says "this update is not supported on this computer". Why?

I need to run a diagnostic test on my early 2011 Mac because it reads "error code-50" every time I try to copy/back-up anything to all THREE of my NEW external hard drives. Please help. How can I check to see if the issue is within my computer and NOT 3 different "defective" external hard drives?

MacBook Pro, OS X Mountain Lion (10.8.2), This issue has become a nuisance.

Posted on Mar 16, 2013 3:05 AM

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SchizoDJ

Q: According to http://support.apple.com/kb/HT4904, my Mac should be able to update a firmware allowing me to run a diagnostic test o ... more

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  • by Tlix,

    Tlix Tlix Mar 16, 2013 3:13 AM in response to SchizoDJ
    Level 4 (1,420 points)
    Mar 16, 2013 3:13 AM in response to SchizoDJ

    Try in a new user account. And repair permissions on your internal hard drive.

  • by Lexiepex,

    Lexiepex Lexiepex Mar 16, 2013 3:49 AM in response to SchizoDJ
    Level 6 (10,477 points)
    Mac OS X
    Mar 16, 2013 3:49 AM in response to SchizoDJ

    Are the externals self-powered? do you have all three connected at the same time without their own power supply? Try one at the time.

  • by SchizoDJ,

    SchizoDJ SchizoDJ Mar 16, 2013 5:48 AM in response to SchizoDJ
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Mar 16, 2013 5:48 AM in response to SchizoDJ

    No, only one hard drive at a time, unless I was trying to copy files from one hard drive to the other. All three are Mac Journaled. I'm going to try the new user account. I did finally figure out how to get the diagnostics online to work. In the thread where I read the instructions, the reply to the question about running diagnostoics on the MBP 15" early 2011 left out the part about holding down the "option" key while pressing the "D"; so, I was finally able to run a diagnostics which came back saying that my machine is fine. BTW, only one of the harddrives didn't have its own power supply. I'll come back and let everyone (interested) know if the new user account approach worked.

    Thank you for your input.