Macbook Pro repair or replace

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Level 1

8 points

Macbook Pro repair or replace

I was given a MacBook pro as part of a program called launchbox, and then they erased me from their records and so I was unable to get it repaired or replaced in time to turn in my assignments. I contacted apple support and they were unable to help me as it was way out of warranty, despite the fact that it stopped working days after the warranty expired. (That was years ago, and I do not want to take full sail to court, i do not have time for it) it is a 15inch mid 2010 MacBook pro and i am unable to pay to fix it as i am a non-profit volunteer and do not make an income at this time.

I am just looking to get it fixed, I do not have the ability to do it myself I cannot stress it enough, that i do not have money. So you may ignore this if you wish to. i am just seeing if anyone can help as apple has pointed me to other sources who may be willing to help, but that is not the case. This is my last ditch effort in getting help. Thank you for any assistance and thank you Gustavo (apple support advisor) for doing your best to help. (Please no negative comments, I understand nothing is free, I just have hope, that someone can help me beyond a software workaround) I have asked for help over the years and had given up, but this is my last attempt.

Posted on Nov 27, 2019 11:10 AM

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Answer 1

Top-ranking reply

Grant Bennet-Alder

Level 10

142,009 points

Nov 28, 2019 7:33 PM in response to theopneustos

There is a low cost fix that can be applied if you suspect the problem is related to the failure of the discrete Graphics chip. This hobbyist hack turns off the discrete graphics processor and leaves the Integrated Graphics processor to do the work as if it were the 13-in model. You will lose the ability to drive an external display. The alternative is the dumpster.

This requires only single-User mode to get started, then type a complicated string into NVRAM, then disable System Integrity Protection and run an additional little program (direct-download link provided there) to make the change semi-permanent.

http://dosdude1.com/gpudisable/

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Answer 2

Nov 28, 2019 7:09 PM in response to theopneustos

IIRC the 15" MBP 2010 model had some GPU issues which is a likely the source of your problem. There have been multiple posts on these forums with instructions on how to force the Intel GPU to bypass the problem in the majority of cases, but some of the instructions are risky.

A bad memory slot (the lower one nearest the bottom case) is another possible cause for problems on this model. It is very easy to remove the memory module nearest the bottom case to test this theory. Just make sure the remaining memory module is still securely latched in place after removing the lower one (the one nearest the bottom case).

A failing hard drive is another common point of failure in general.

I've rarely seen anything else naturally go wrong with this model.

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Answer 3

Nov 28, 2019 8:35 AM in response to theopneustos

I would not spend any money on a 2010 computer. You need a new computer. If you want a free computer this is not the place to be soliciting for one. Ask the non-profit organization you volunteer for to provide you a new computer if a computer is needed to perform your volunteer tasks.

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Answer 4

leroydouglas

Level 10

200,352 points

Nov 27, 2019 12:52 PM in response to theopneustos

theopneustos wrote:

15inch mid 2010 MacBook pro

I am just looking to get it fixed, I do not have the ability to do it myself.

So what is the question? The 2010 is long in the tooth. Vintage and obsolete products - Apple Support

Any local computer store I am sure would look at it if you want to repair it.

You can recycle it: Recycling - Apple or trade in if plan to upgrade Apple | Trade in‎

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Answer 5

theopneustos Author

Level 1

8 points

Nov 28, 2019 8:16 AM in response to leroydouglas

it has a design flaw with one of the capacitors. it has a kernel failure every time it boots up or if i leave it unattended for 30 minutes. Found out about this problem 3 days after warranty expired. It inspired me to learn more about computers years later but it was an innate design flaw in the logic board. My mother has the same make and model with the same problem. I have friends who had the same problem, but they had the money to get a new MacBook. whereas I do not.

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Macbook Pro repair or replace

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