Q: Lion randomly crashes - black screen

There's an Apple Store within five minutes of my workplace, another that's 30 minutes and another that's an hour away and a few more within 90 minutes so it's easy for me to find another Apple Store (though my local Apple Store stepped up to the plate without even needing to see my systems running).

A lot of Apple customers only have reasonable access to one Apple Store. Some international customers have to visit another country to visit an Apple Store.

Apple is going to replace my 2005-era iPod Nano for a battery problem. Apple initiated the recall due to a potential explosive problem. If they are willing to do this for ancient hardware, why not MBPs?

well, they didn't fix it until late 2011, so I guess we only have 5 more years before they fix this issue!

Ok I don't know what to do anymore. Two weeks without any BSOD with the Apple's fix and it's back, again...

I installed the fix two weeks ago and since than, I didn't get a BSOD. Keeping fingers crossed! Typically I got it in the App Store and when I the computer came back from sleep and iTunes was open. Sometimes the "Photo Booth" trick worked too. My local AASP run that specific test from Apple and it passed it.

Could you tell me what you have done as the BSOD occured? Thanks!

Alright Guys,

I have not been able to go to a genius, but this morning on my Mid-2010 MBP running SL 10.6.8, the video update showed up in software update ....

Anyone with SL that got this update ?

D

Someone have access to the specific Video Test which Genius uses to make differences about video problems with nVidia 330M? I am in Chile and here Apple Authorized Service Providers charge a quantity to make diagnose in case that the MacBook Pro 6,2 doesn't enter to the program of the Article TS4088.

I ask just in case someone might know how to get the test to avoid displacement and potential payment of a diagnosis.

I didn't see the video update in my 2008 MBP though I will check with my son when he goes to update his 2010 MBP. I really hope that the update doesn't break anything.

http://www.cultofmac.com/129862/apple-fixes-mid-2010-macbook-pro-freezing-with-v ideo-update/

nest18,

Yes, I installed the Snow Leopard Video Update yesterday and haven't had any problems with it. Actually, this is the update I've been waiting for. Why move to Lion only to find out that you might be in for a logic board replacement. Yikes!

I've followed all 147 angst filled pages of this post before installing Lion and didn't really want to go through all the incredible hassles some on this forum have had to deal with.

I TRULY sympathize with all of you, and because of your willingness to share your pain, you've saved me and probably lots of other folks from having to go through it. I just happened to check the forums back in late July right before installing Lion and saw this post. Scared the heck out of me.

For reference, I have not had any BSOD's in Snow Leopard, so whether this update solves that issue is unknown to me. But, I feel better moving on to Lion with my firmware already being updated. When I get some free time I'll give it a shot.

Also, I've noticed a distinct slowing down on postings here. Is that because the Lion video update, and/or, logic board replacements have solved most people's problems and they've moved on? It really helps from people AFTER their up and running again.

I'd like to know which Apple Stores and which "genius" they spoke to were willing to go the extra mile to help get the logic board replaced without a fee.

I went to the store in Santa Clara, CA at the Valley Fair mall yesterday, did the diagnostic test and "passed". This meant I did not quaily for a free logic board replacement. "Genius" said even if I reproduce the issue in front of him, it wont qualify for a free fix. I was told there is nothing else they can do except 1) have it fixed there for around $480 or 2) have it sent to an authorized service center for replacement for $310. Seriously, a hardware defect that renders a notebook unusable affecting probably thousands of people SHOULD be fixed for free.

I have the same unit as everyone else who's seeing the problem - mid-2010 macpro 15" i7. I have all the software updates. I only started to see this problem after upgrading to Lion although the "genius" told me it's not a Lion issue because this problem is seen in all versions of OSX. Whatever. All I know is that now my unit crashes all throughout the day. The only workaround is installing gfxcardstatus and enable it "integrated only" mode. It's not a great solution as it does weird things after a short while when I view video or any flash enabled sites with Google Chrome.

Again, if anyone has had success with a free replacement even after they "passed" the test, I'd like to know which store and which "genius" they spoke to.

robin_t said:

I installed the Snow Leopard Video Update yesterday and haven't had any problems with it.

For reference, I have not had any BSOD's in Snow Leopard, so whether this update solves that issue is unknown to me. But, I feel better moving on to Lion with my firmware already being updated. When I get some free time I'll give it a shot.

Exactly my experience. No BSOD on SL, the video update is fine, and now I can consider Lion.

Great,

Please report back here

I had, on my end, grey screen on wake-up from display sleep (only on external screen).  You can see a picture I did from it on page 139 of this tread.  This occurs about once a week or so, and can be cured by unplugging the external monitor and replugging it.  Annoying but WAY less than the BSOD, where you have to reboot.

I CAN'T loose my computer for 3-4 days for a repair at this moment, this is a professional computer, and obviously I use it professionaly. 

I'll report back about the grey screen in a week or so.

cheers

D

@amlin423: I haven't tried to take mine in yet, but according to this Knowledge Base article: "Apple will service affected 15-inch MacBook Pro computers free of charge until two years from date of purchase."

http://support.apple.com/kb/TS4088

This appears to be a pretty clear-cut statement from Apple.

I think Apple defines "affected" here as a very specific bug. They ran the diagnostic test at the Genius Bar to determine if my unit IS in fact affected by that very same bug and they've concluded that it isn't.

So even though my unit is displaying the same crash symptom, they're saying it isn't TS4088. Believe me, I tried my best to reason with them but they simply said there is nothing they could do. I am REALLY disappointed by this...

Hello guys

Well, same problem here with my 15" MBP mid 2010. I experienced my first BSOD when I updated to Lion, about one week after my warranty expired. I was really ****** and called Apple Care. The first time they told me to reset the PMU, this solved the problem for about 2-3 weeks. Then it reappeared even more often. So I called another time and they told me to bring it to an ASP. They didn't mention, that this was a known bug or something like that. The ASP checked it for 4 days and reported, that they couldn't find anything and that the BSOD is not reproducable. The costs (200 CHF) were taken by Apple. About 1 week later, I found the Video Update 1.0 in my Software-Update List. Another week later it crashed again. This was the point when I began to search for other people, experiencing the same problem. I was quite shocked to find so many people suffering BSODs in this Forum. I managed to get an appointment with a genius this afternoon, but I already suppose, that my MacBook Pro will pass the test. I'm prepared to discuss the whole day, if it is necessary. I didn't buy such an expensive computer to have it working for just 12 months and a week.

I'll report further experiences and wish you luck!

Greetings from Switzerland