MBP 15" scrambled screen, now black screen on start-up.
So my beloved Mac is suffering.
I have a late 2008 Macbook Pro 15”, the 2.5Ghz version – It was bought in Feb 2009, so is just less than 2 years old. I have always updated software when prompted each time by Software Update.
My troubles started a couple of months ago, when my Mac started getting the beach ball. The machine felt sluggish. One day, out of the blue, the screen suddenly scrambled and a horrible screeching noise started. I forced a shut down and restarted, and everything seemed fine. After a while it happened again, and started happening more frequently.
This has now been replaced by freezes and then when I try to start-up all I get is a black screen and either single-beep or three beeps and nothing else. Eventually, it will get started again but is unpredictable in terms of staying switched on.
I have tried the usual things (PRAM zapping, SMC reset etc) which hasn’t helped and I ran a couple of extended hardware tests but these showed no errors.
What I was wondering is this: I have read that the black screen could be RAM related, either bad RAM or it has become un-seated. Could this explain the scrambled screens where my problems began? Or are the scrambled screens a symptom of something very serious, and this black screen of doom a product of that problem?
My last Mac was a real trooper and went on for many years, far longer than I have had this machine, before it stopped completely. One of the reasons I have stayed Mac since getting a Performa 475 way back is the reliability, which is why I am really worried about my current problems.
I would like to try and solve these issues myself before resorting to a Genius bar and (I guess inevitable) pricey repair/replacement, so any solutions are much appreciated.
Thanks in advance..
I have a late 2008 Macbook Pro 15”, the 2.5Ghz version – It was bought in Feb 2009, so is just less than 2 years old. I have always updated software when prompted each time by Software Update.
My troubles started a couple of months ago, when my Mac started getting the beach ball. The machine felt sluggish. One day, out of the blue, the screen suddenly scrambled and a horrible screeching noise started. I forced a shut down and restarted, and everything seemed fine. After a while it happened again, and started happening more frequently.
This has now been replaced by freezes and then when I try to start-up all I get is a black screen and either single-beep or three beeps and nothing else. Eventually, it will get started again but is unpredictable in terms of staying switched on.
I have tried the usual things (PRAM zapping, SMC reset etc) which hasn’t helped and I ran a couple of extended hardware tests but these showed no errors.
What I was wondering is this: I have read that the black screen could be RAM related, either bad RAM or it has become un-seated. Could this explain the scrambled screens where my problems began? Or are the scrambled screens a symptom of something very serious, and this black screen of doom a product of that problem?
My last Mac was a real trooper and went on for many years, far longer than I have had this machine, before it stopped completely. One of the reasons I have stayed Mac since getting a Performa 475 way back is the reliability, which is why I am really worried about my current problems.
I would like to try and solve these issues myself before resorting to a Genius bar and (I guess inevitable) pricey repair/replacement, so any solutions are much appreciated.
Thanks in advance..
Macbook Pro 15"
