Q: Lion randomly crashes - black screen

@verbal.123, thanks for the update, and it's great to hear that the NYC 5th Ave Apple Store was able to resolve your problems...unfortunately, not all of us live near such a flagship store. My local Apple store does not replace the logic boards themselves, but instead sends the computer out to an Apple repair center. When this happens, your computer can take a scenic trip to nowhere, have it's hardware checked, drive formatted, and come back to you in exactly the same condition as when it was sent out with no problems found. At this point, you then install all of your software again, have all of the same issues again, and the trip to nowhere starts again...at least that has been the experience of some of my colleagues. It would really be nice if everyone could get consistent service by bringing their MBPs into an Apple store and getting some service after one or two visits, but this is not the case. That's why people are hesitating before taking advantage of their "outstanding" Apple Care...

As for my own experience, I am still trying to figure out what went on with my MBP...BSOD, kernel panics, freezes, Time Machine problems, permissions problems, just everything gone haywire...and then one day, it just starts working after some printer driver updates and other insignificant downloads...without any service from Apple...it works fine now, but after what I've seen, I just don't trust Lion at all...BTW, when they come out with Lioness or whatever new feline concoction they have in mind, I'm not updating anymore...

I have the same problem with MB Pro early 2011. I try a clean Lion installation but, when back to sleep, the same problem ocurrs. I have somo doubts about downgrade to Snow Leopard or go to Apple Care Service since here in Mexico, well... we don't have a decent ACS. I guess is the logic board. Anyways. At least I'm the n-user "me too"...

This is NOT a hardware/logic board issue - As far as I see there simply aren't any LION drivers for nvdia GT 330m. I was running SL fine, after upgrading to LION, I got these BSOD. They definitely happen when the intel GPU switches to the NVIDIA (or visa versa). GFXCard status fixes this, but then using the intel GPU you can't hoop up any external monitor/projector as it won't be detected.

Pure drivers/OS issue guys.

PS. the going to sleep/waking up issue might be because it forces to switch GPU's (in settings -> energy saver ->automatic grahics switching...

I thought that too before, but I'm using the exact same drivers as I did before that crashed my system constantly (I didn't even re-install lion or anything), and after logic board replacement everything works.

Well.. My logicboard had a sensor issue and was replaced for free out of warranty today.

I had issues under Snow Leo.

For example I had the issue with garbled graphics that they clame was because of the Flash plugin in Safari.

This problem went away with a Flash update but I still experienced random kernel panics without a reason as well as some minor graphic bugs.

After a couple of hours in front of Photoshop CS 5.5 with graphic swith on and with PS using the GPU not the CPU all of a sudden images got graphic errors and my graphic cards were not listed in Photohop anymore.

My theory is that some Mid 2010 I7 MBPs had a hardware issue that under Snow Leo got awaken by Flash and that now under Lion its alive again...

Ill get back to you and report wheter my logicboard change fixed my issues.

Document your sources, GnomeFish. You're guessing it's software, 'cause no one knows.....

There may be a software fix for this—I do not know. Never seen one that works, not yet anyway.

There is a hardware fix for this—a new logic board. It is a fix that, for most of us, works (eventually ).

It worked for me: I called AppleCare because Lion is covered under Applecare, and Lion would not run on my Macbook Pro mid-2010. I send them asked-for information about my computer. Engineers reviewed the data, and my Apple-approved logic board replacement is sent in motion. I get my MBP back (all data intact) with a new logic board.

I start up my computer and have yet, after 10 days, to see a BSOD.

Do I believe:

1) Apple replaced/added software (updated a secret driver to my password-locked volumes).

2) Apple replaced hardware. (I believe this one, just in case you were wondering.)

Apple's engineers are aware of the problem. I and others have been told so by Apple; sure they could lie, but why? There may be a software fix for this—I do not know. Some have been told by Apple that a sofware fix will be available.

There is no software fix as of September 16, 2011, at 1:20p.m., but a logic board replacement worked for me.

Thanks for the update, and it sounds as if your problem is permanently fixed...obviously your HD was left intact and only the needed logic board replaced...lucky you. I was just wondering if you had your computer repaired in an Apple store, or if it was sent to one of the Apple repair centers. Thanks...

Mine was at the Apple Store

yeah add me to the list and just updated chrome and its causing more video issues. I'm bringing my 2010 mini in to the apple store sunday. One thing i've noticed with the bsod is if you ⌘ command + tab and randomly go to another window you will get out of the bsod. this has worked for me and haven't seen it posted anywhere. I hope this will help people

Did anyone test the new build yet? (11C57)

I did!

Still crashing

I'm more and more pessimistic about this issue being solved with the offcial 10.7.2 whenever it will come out.

It's amazing that nearly two months have gone by and no official word from Apple.  I haven't had nearly the problems that others have, as turning graphics switching and automatic sleep off seems to work for me and I rarely get a black screen.  Once I opened the MBP and when it woke up from sleep the login box was shaking rapidly back and forth.  I was able to reboot, but there are still oddities that like.

The lesson I think is never adopt a new OS until the .3 version arrives.  I was happy with SL and should have stayed with it.  I'll probably get a new 15" MBP or Air next year and sell this one.  Hopefully problems like this will be worked out by then.

It depends on the type of Mac you're using, too. Newer hardware will likely help go a long way in having Lion work quick and efficient. I have the new "Mid-2011" Mac mini and I haven't even had Lion freeze on me. I really can't answer your question because I haven't experienced a situation like this myself.

Matt

ok just wanted to update folks on my own situation, I have a May 2010 MB Pro 15", i7 266, 8GB RAM (Apple-installed) and 500GB stock HD. I have Applecare. I was experiencing the classic BSOD as described, with random black screens during any and all types of activities. But the only way I could GUARANTEE a BSOD was with the "Photobooth 2nd/3rd page of Effects" trick. I have to admit it is a bit amusing to see the reaction of Apple techs when one does this and the screen just goes dark. Yeah, welcome to my nightmare!!

My situation is a bit tricky, I live in the Middle East but as an airline employee travel worldwide, the MB Pro was purchased in NYC but I was in San Francisco on layover so took it to the Apple store in San Mateo, CA. Just wanted to mention that even though the Genius there hadn't heard of the issue (sound familiar?!), he and the staff there offered superb support, replacing my LB overnight. This was after a detailed discussion about the problem, and their running of their hardware diagnostics which of course, revealed no problems with my hardware. But after I effortlessly caused the BSOD, and then was able to make it do it again after Netbooting off of THEIR server, it was obviously a hardware problem and they did the LB swap.

SO FAR....no BSOD. Not one. Not with Photobooth or any other type of heavy loading on the GPU. BUT...I will try to remember to report back in a week or two of use to see if this has truly resolved the issue.

I really think this is a hardware issue, and the only reason not solved with a LB replacement is when another faulty refurbed board is put in - hence some people needing multiple attempts.

I thought the 10.7.1 fixed my problem, however, I'm wrong. I finally called apple care last week and mailed in my mbp. I got it back today, they replaced hard drivre, logic board, memories. Hooo. I upgraded to lion again. I will give a try to see if all my troubles are gone.