MFA317

Q: Why is my screen turning purple and scrambled?

My MacBook Pro Mid 2010 15" screen scrambles and turns purple.  It seems like it does this only when I'm copying large amounts of data (several RAW photos) to move them...Why is this happening?

MacBook Pro (15-inch Mid 2010)

Posted on Jan 26, 2016 3:11 PM

Close

Q: Why is my screen turning purple and scrambled?

  • All replies
  • Helpful answers

  • by Johnb-one,Helpful

    Johnb-one Johnb-one Jan 26, 2016 4:40 PM in response to MFA317
    Level 4 (1,918 points)
    Desktops
    Jan 26, 2016 4:40 PM in response to MFA317

    Don't know right off the bat, however there are a few things you can do.....try zapping the pram (reboot computer, hold down Apple, Option, P and R keys for 3 chimes) then let go....resetting the SMC...shut down computer, plug in power adapter, on left side of keyboard hold down Shift, Control, Option and power button for 30 sec then let go and then press the power button.* Is this a recent problem, or has it been going on for some time. I don't know what OS you have so can't help you a whole lot, also, see if there's a recall program for your particular model and year of Macbook pro....oh sorry, looks like it's ended...darnit.....you may want to consider booking an appointment at your local Genius Bar and taking it in for a checkup

     

    good luck to you

     

    John B

     

    * not super sure about that, so you may want to check Apple's support page for how to do that......

  • by MFA317,

    MFA317 MFA317 Jan 26, 2016 4:42 PM in response to Johnb-one
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Jan 26, 2016 4:42 PM in response to Johnb-one

    So, I've got a Mid 2010 MacBook Pro 15" running OS X Version 10.11.2. 

     

    I don't have an "apple" button on my keyboard though, so what button is there instead of that?

  • by rcg2bh,

    rcg2bh rcg2bh Jan 26, 2016 5:45 PM in response to MFA317
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Jan 26, 2016 5:45 PM in response to MFA317

    Your apple key, or command key, may have a ⌘ symbol on it.

  • by OGELTHORPE,

    OGELTHORPE OGELTHORPE Jan 27, 2016 4:03 AM in response to MFA317
    Level 9 (52,759 points)
    Mac OS X
    Jan 27, 2016 4:03 AM in response to MFA317

    2010 15" MBPs have a propensity for GPU problems and that may be what you are experiencing.  (There was a replacement program, but that has expired.)  Check to see if your MBP has had a kernel panic and if so post it:

     

    https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT201753

     

    If I am correct, the solution is a new logic board.

     

    You can use this application to disengage the discreet GPU (which is the problem) and use only the integrated one:

     

    https://gfx.io/

     

    Graphics performance will be compromised but you should have a stable MBP.

     

    Ciao.