Macbook Pro requires hard reset to wake up

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Level 1

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Macbook Pro requires hard reset to wake up

When I put my macbook pro to sleep, either by closing it, using the remote, or selecting SLEEP, 4 times out of 5 it doesn't wake up.
I saw some similar posts to this but none seem to answer my problem.

When it goes into sleep mode, the light on the lid-button does it's pulsing thing, and when I open it, it stays steady. There are no sounds coming from the computer.
I have had success in waking it back up by shaking the <expletive deleted> out of it (not proper protocol, I know) and by putting a CD in it or sometimes using the remote to get it into Front Row.

When all else fails I have to do a hard reset.

Now, after a hard reset, upon booting the computer will show the grey screen for a second, then turn off and restart by itself normally.
*However, when the dock finally pops up and everything looks fine, the dock and Finder are UNRESPONSIVE.*

By this I mean that everything works, i.e. lights, caps-lock, number lock, volume (when using remote), even the mouse pointer works. Unfortunately, the dock doesn't respond,Finder doesn't respond, and i really can't do anything to bring them back to life.

The computer will remain in this coma-state for anywhere from 1-15 minutes.

Is there anything you can think of that would cause this, or a way I can solve this?

Macbook Pro 17" (bought in 03/2007)
Mac OSX 10.6.4

Here's what I'm working with:

Model Name: MacBook Pro
Model Identifier: MacBookPro2,1
Processor Name: Intel Core 2 Duo
Processor Speed: 2.33 GHz
Number Of Processors: 1
Total Number Of Cores: 2
L2 Cache: 4 MB
Memory: 2 GB
Bus Speed: 667 MHz
Boot ROM Version: MBP21.00A5.B08
SMC Version (system): 1.14f5
Serial Number (system): XXXXXXXXXXX
Hardware UUID: XXXXXXXX-XXXX-XXXX-XXXX-XXXXXXXXXXXX
Sudden Motion Sensor:
State: Enabled

Macbook Pro 17", Mac OS X (10.6.4)

Posted on Sep 8, 2010 7:21 AM

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Answer 1

S.U.

Level 6

9,601 points

Sep 8, 2010 2:45 PM in response to rsgRASS

Welcome to Apple Discussions!

Hard to say what is going on. You might try a SMC reset and see if this helps:

http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1411?viewlocale=en_US

You might also try booting from your install disc and repairing your boot disk. While in Disk Utility, check to see if the SMART status is confirmed.

When I had some similar boot up problems with a different computer, the problem turned out to be a failing hard drive.

Laptop hard drives have an average useful life of 3-5 years, and yours is entering this category. If the drive has errors that Disk Utility cannot repair or shows a failing SMART status, it will be time for a new drive. Also a good opportunity to upgrade to a bigger and faster drive.

Good luck!

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Answer 2

Allan Jones

Level 9

79,448 points

Sep 8, 2010 3:47 PM in response to rsgRASS

I saw some similar posts to this but none seem to answer my problem.

Did you see the ones recommending cleaning out old wireless networks you joined in the past but no longer use? That's what proved to be the culprit when my MBP 3,1 had the same issue. The System log showed the computer was still looking for the wireless network of a hotel I'd stayed at two weeks earlier but was now obviously far out of range.

Do System Preferences > Network and select the Airport connection. Now click the "Advanced" button and select the "Airport" tab In the resulting new window (it usually opens to the right one by default). Use the "-" button at the bottom of the network list to clear out networks you don't use regularly. Then uncheck "Remember any networks this computer has joined" to prevent new deadwood from accumulating. Leave networks that you join, say, on a weekly basis.

I've had no wakeup issues since doing this, and no trouble connecting to networks when I travel. Last wee we stayed in a hotel for several days so I let the MBP remember that network while I was there. As soon as I returned home, I deleted it.

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Answer 3

rsgRASS Author

Level 1

0 points

Sep 9, 2010 6:42 AM in response to Allan Jones

I've done all kinds of resets like PRAM and others. This actually seems to help a little bit but the problem always returns. It could be the hard drive I guess. Kind of hoping it's not...

I have cleaned out the wireless networks but I don't think that did the trick.

Thanks for your suggestions, I am always open to ideas.

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Answer 4

S.U.

Level 6

9,601 points

Sep 9, 2010 2:18 PM in response to rsgRASS

Here's a utility that will give you a comprehensive view of the physical health of your hard drive:

http://download.cnet.com/SMART-Utility/3000-2248_4-146625.html?tag=vtredir

You can download the demo and run it several times for free.

If your hard drive is headed south, it will need to be replaced. Be sure to do a good backup of your data ASAP and keep the backup up to date.

It's no fun to have a hard drive fail, but it is also an opportunity to upgrade to a bigger and faster drive. It's not really a big deal to install a new hard drive--it's even something you can do yourself. I believe you are now out of warranty. Had your Applecare still been in effect, Apple would have replaced the drive for you under warranty.

Good luck!

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