Looks like no one’s replied in a while. To start the conversation again, simply ask a new question.

MacBook Pro errors when starting up

I turned the MacBook Pro on one morning and I got this weird error. It's never done that before and it was the first time I ever saw the error in the 5 years that i owned the MBP. The computer worked fine the night before with no issues so it's a random error. The error won't go away. I have posted a video of the error here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T5F2KfWtKek Any ideas?

Macbook Pro 15", Mac OS X (10.4.11)

Posted on Oct 4, 2010 6:57 AM

Reply
4 replies

Oct 4, 2010 7:13 AM in response to Schnurren

I watched your video...what you're experiencing is a "kernel panic". Kernel panics very often are associated with a hardware problem. Many times kernel panics are caused by a computer getting old. You said your computer is about 5 years old? The average MacBook only lasts about 3 to 4 years so your computer has lasted a good amount of time. My powerBook lasted 3 years and then I upgraded to the MacBook.

Unfortunately...there's not a whole lot you can do to repair hardware on a laptop...other than replacing the logic board which is VERY expensive. I managed to fix my PowerBook in question by replacing the RAM modules/motherboard, which apparently caused a video processing aberration. However, it apparently was a temporary fix as the video capabilities died completely about 4 months later.

The only other thing I can suggest is...if you are in school or if you've graduated and still have a student ID you can get a great educational discount on a new MacBook and a free iPod touch/printer as well. Again, you can always bring it into the Apple store, but I work for Genius and they will most likely say the same thing. Just remember not to be too upset as computers do get old and age.

- Mike S.
Apple Store Genius NYC

Oct 4, 2010 7:24 AM in response to Schnurren

I have seen this before. The grid wasn't quite as elaborate, but similar. The 'kernel panic' issue is the correct diagnosis. These panics tend to happen to older computers and there's not really a solution to fix the issue. Don't get rid of your computer because you may be able to sell it for parts on eBay. You can always bring it into the apple store and see if they will trade it in for a new MacBook. I know my apple store in Colorado did a trade in for me and gave me 20% off.

Oct 4, 2010 7:32 AM in response to Schnurren

i have seen these happen to other macbook pros, but not mine. i know that they tend to happen to older models. i know the issue isn't anything that the apple store can fix, but we do offer trade-ins and we do offer educational discounts to people out of school or in school. just make sure you have a student ID present. the ID can be from any year after 2006.

Message was edited by: dancingwiththemoonxx

MacBook Pro errors when starting up

Welcome to Apple Support Community
A forum where Apple customers help each other with their products. Get started with your Apple ID.