junobear

Q: Screen flickered uncontrollably. I shut it down, it's OK on restart, but now what?

Is this a HD failure? (I've replaced that a couple times over the years). It this the Motherboard? Somethings obviously failing. Aside from backing it up, what can I do? 


Perhaps unrelated: I am constantly asked to upgrade my Browsers (no matter which one). I'm running 10.6.8 which I'd need to probably upgrade first before more updated Safari, Chrome, Firefox...

 

Late 2006 MacBook Core Duo; 3Gig (667mhz) HD is 750GB; running OS 10.6.8

iMac Intel Core 2 Duo, Mac OS X (10.6.8), Macbook 2.0

Posted on Feb 10, 2016 5:04 PM

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Q: Screen flickered uncontrollably. I shut it down, it's OK on restart, but now what?

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  • Helpful answers

  • by K Shaffer,Helpful

    K Shaffer K Shaffer May 23, 2016 3:45 PM in response to junobear
    Level 6 (14,259 points)
    Desktops
    May 23, 2016 3:45 PM in response to junobear

    The hardware may have some fault that could be the cause of the flickering screen.

    So that may be something to watch out for. There may be Console utility logs from

    the exact time of day (hour/min/sec) with details about that situation.

     

    You may try resetting the computer using SMC reset instructions; the part of this which

    may help involves power reset... Also, a different reset NVRAM may have another effect

    and these will not cause harm. This could be considered part of troubleshooting, as it

    does not offer a cure to failing display components or other hardware wearing out.

     

    • Resetting the System Management Controller (SMC) on your Mac - Apple Support

    read through this support document before trying anything.

     

    • How to Reset NVRAM on your Mac - Apple Support

    Some users let computer chime three times, on reset, using this. Be sure audio is not muted.

     

    Given the age of the computer, there may be an inverter or other display part that could be

    wearing out. There are a few parts that could cause that symptom; and if the flicker may

    occur when moving (open/close) the display, there is a circuit from the logic board to display

    that may have to be replaced with a new cable or other part. And if the computer is still using

    the original hard disk drive, that to is a moving part (rotational with styli) & could be replaced.

     

    • How to Download and Install Firefox on Mac - Mozilla Firefox Help:

    https://support.mozilla.org/en-US/kb/how-download-and-install-firefox-mac

     

    The browser. You should have no trouble using Firefox since they have a recent build for use

    in Snow Leopard 10.6.8. It is probably the only updated browser for older Intel-based Mac now.

     

    A repair to the computer may involve the display inverter or other components, best to contact

    an authorized Apple service provider who will work on older vintage MacBook models and who

    can get the parts. The Apple Store won't repair vintage computers, reputable options exist.

    Or you could read-up on some of the more common issues & answers to see if your skills may

    be adequate to attempt a DIY repair. (Or use the guide to see what it may entail to repair?)

     

     

    Although an Apple Store genius appointment may be helpful if they could test or inspect the unit

    unless it exhibits odd behavior during a visit, they may not be able to offer suggestions; usually

    an official Apple Store's Genius visit has little or no cost for advice. Older computer issues are

    usually outside of their current Applecare, parts, and warranty stream. And with some models,

    product knowledge is best found at an authorized Apple specialist or reputable service location.

    They would be more likely to have sources of parts and knowledge of how to fix older models.

     

    • MacBook Core 2 Duo repair guides - iFixit.com:

    https://www.ifixit.com/Device/MacBook_Core_2_Duo

     

    There are repair guides online, such as those at the iFixit.com site for Mac repairs and these do

    give you a good look inside the computer & parts are shown along with sequences to takeapart.

     

    Sources for parts and service include companies who accept portable computers when shipped

    to their repair facilities; these may vary and are across the country. (Or in several countries.)

     

    Two I've read about in the US, are not exclusive but serve as examples: wegenermedia.com

    and powerbookmedic.com -- I've sent a portable Apple computer to wegenermedia from Alaska

    on the basis of good reputation some years ago; they did a good enough job that when I got the

    portable back (it was in great condition, with original box, and software) I finally resold it to an

    older guy 30 miles away who had never owned a computer before. He was 85 y/o & used it 5 yrs.

    I provided two years support (as a neighbor in a small underpopulated area) & helped him learn.

    And did not charge for helping him figure out the internet, wireless, printing, and so on.

     

    So the computer you have may be worth the cost to check it over, or you could get another nearly

    like that, already repaired, for what some businesses may charge to fix that one. I have a MacBook

    (MB1.1 1.83GHz 13-inch) with 2GB RAM, 160GB HDD, OS X 10.5.8; and it flickers occasionally.

    The unit works best if opened and set in place as a desktop unit with USB keyboard & mouse so

    the display does not move much. So that flickers much less in that situation. You mileage may vary.

     

    Good luck & happy computing!

  • by junobear,

    junobear junobear Feb 11, 2016 10:20 AM in response to K Shaffer
    Level 1 (4 points)
    iLife
    Feb 11, 2016 10:20 AM in response to K Shaffer

    WOW! That's a response! Thanks, I will look further into all this. So much to consider here. 

  • by K Shaffer,Solvedanswer

    K Shaffer K Shaffer May 24, 2016 3:32 PM in response to junobear
    Level 6 (14,259 points)
    Desktops
    May 24, 2016 3:32 PM in response to junobear

    Hopefully the information was helpful or at least available as reference should

    it be useful at a later date. A person can only keep (in sane order) only so many

    bookmarks, and hope they remain useful. I've found in some cases, the content

    has changed; yet the web address and topic name was Unchanged...!

     

    Some of the information related to hardware or  specific software that may go

    missing from the web, is best archived (PDF of the web page, if possible) so

    as to keep it available later on, once a web version has gone vaporware on us.

     

    Good luck & happy computing!