Q: OS X Lion freezes at login screen + App Store is slow

Case ID: 242514799

Here is a tips to fix this problem:

Simply create a second account (admin for example). At login, you'll be presented with two accounts to log on. Select simply your standard account to log into Lion. No more problem of freeze after this.

It is not the most elegant way to fix the problem, I guess, but it works :-)

No, having multiple accounts does not stop the login freeze for me. I already had several user accounts and when i choose mine at login, i still get the freeze.

i ran my MBP with AGS on over the weekend, but after a restart this morning, i had about 3 freezes in a row!

AGS off again! automatic login is helping.

Guys, when you test your "fixes", please reboot at least 5-10 times before posting and cluttering this thread. I swear, we've seen people just about claim that throwing salt over their shoulder is a cure for this problem. The specific mid-2010 Macbook Pro NVIDIA driver bug in Lion only presents itself a *minimum* of 1 out of every 3 boots. You need to give this multiple test runs.

Again, the only true "fix" for this (other than the AGS=off *workaround*) is for everyone to call Apple support and reference the other ticket numbers in this thread.

Case ID: 242514799

Case ID: 239467022

Case ID: 246061611

Case ID: 238533163

Case ID: 241219360

Please get on the phone. They do not read these boards.

Weird, I have 2 15" MBP 2010's (both stock 2.4ghz). One was bought right at release and the other a few months after. I erased hdd and did a clean Lion install from DVD on both. The older one is having this freeze @ login issue, while the newer one is perfectly fine... So this problem seems to be affecting only some 2010 15" MBP's, likely the ones with an earlier manufacture date?

I formatted hdd on the problematic mbp and clean installed lion again and it's still freezing. Automatic login does avoid the problem though

just to let you know, CUDA didn't really fixed. I got a freeze last weekend. Like someone commented above, it looks it is not consistent between boots. I was getting it almost everytime so i assumed it was a sure thing but it happens sometimes only. Which could explain why it got missed.

Also, there is some sort of hardware dependency.  @shiaulou, interesting if the hardware has a manufacture failure... then, that *****. that's why we are relatively few users. If all 2010 MBP were to have this problem then the issue would be a high priority for apple and a well known problem, not even second level of support are aware of a 2010 mbp problem.

I wonder then, why the hardware replacements didn't work for some people. they must have replaced the wrong part. It must be both a software(driver) and hardware failure.

Hi again folks,

just checking back in. I posted the suggestion for the autologin cure about a month ago. I still use that as my only defense against the dreaded beach ball. I don't use the AGS method any more (disable Automatic Graphics Switching), because I don't use any graphics hungry apps, and want my battery to run as long as possible.

Having said that, I must be using the built in Intel HD graphics chip, and I'm convinced the problem is there.

When I'm running on the Intel card I get problems with Microsoft Remote Desktop Client. (Hangs quite a lot when I'm logging out, sometimes won't complete a login). If I disable AGS again and use the nvidia card all the time, the MS Remote Desktop problems go away but battery life is reduced a little.

Just to recap for new visitors, I too am using a mid-to-late 2010 15" MBP with Lion 10.7.1

I hate the fact that I can't have a login screen for security reasons and privacy, but it does work.

I'd like to add to the discussion that this is not only a problem on units with Automatic Graphics Switching.  It happens with my 2011 Mac Mini Server with integrated graphics and Lion preinstalled.  Sometimes at the login screen and also when logging in via VNC or when switching users.

Also, something that activates the graphics at a lower level seems to help unstick the graphics.  For instance, changing the volume which displays the onscreen icons causes it to get unstuck.  Someone else mentioned adjusting the keyboard backlight also works.  Same deal.  I've seen other sticking issues after logging in that are temporarily improved by moving the mouse over the dock.  I assume the dock graphics run at a lower level in the kernel but I'm not sure.

In my opinion, the graphics drivers included with Lion are trash and need lots of work.  The Mini Server has a smaller user base so I'm concerned that it won't get much attention...I can't even revert to Snow Leopard without losing half the speed.

I also want to express dissapointment about this issue in general.  Apple controls their hardware and software.  Bugs happen but bugs like this are unacceptable.  This OS needed more testing.

Update:  After lots of reboots (10+) with the AGS off on the MBP, it has been rock solid.  I turned AGS on again and immediately had problems. Turned it off and no problems.  Seems that the problem is definitely with Video Card/Driver. I reported the problem to Teach Support and they ran me through the process of using different keys to reset and clear RAM, same as other posts.  I will call them back when it fails again.   My Case ID is 246927447.

Hi all,

I was having a Genius session at my local store and mentioned this problem. The upshot is that they want my MBPro in for a couple of weeks to see if they can sort it out.  I'm not convinced they can until a fix is sorted for the driver issues mentioned in previous entries here.

The guy there stated that he thought that my machine has a hardware issue and being still under warranty wanted to examine it further. I did mention this discussion but of course he didn't have time to read it !!

I explained that until now its run like a dream and that Lion had changed this !!!

He ran some initial tests to prove the probelem but concluded that when in the more powerful graphics mode, it was using an Intel graphics card and not the Nvidia ????? He saw the fault for himself at least.

Anyway not being very technically minded I have decided to give them a shot and in any case its going to be free. How long it takes remains to be seen and of course I will report back to this forum with the outcome.

Fingers cross it come back in at least the state it went in.

Living in hope ...

Dave Uk

Thanks Dave. You are definitely braver than the rest of us

It might be worthwhile to call them up and give them these case ID #s to attach to your service request:

Case ID: 242514799

Case ID: 239467022

Case ID: 246061611

Case ID: 238533163

Case ID: 241219360

We all have the same problem, and I believe that we're all convinced that this isn't a hardware issue. The more information we give these techs the better.

Well, case numbers give although they didn't seem that bothered so I guess I'll just have to play the waiting game!!

I have a feeling it will be back in the same state !

Apple ..... Please .....!

Dave UK

Guys,

I notice that on the front of the support page for MBPro, Apple (i think) have posted something about this with a download..... MacBook Pro EFI Firmware Update 1.9   Has anyone see this or tried it.

As I've said before I'm not very good when it comes to all this stuff and so haven't yet and in any case my machine is now at the store on a shelf somewhere being investigated for a hardware issue which we know is not likely to be the case !!

Standing by

Dave UK

This is great. Thanks for posting. It looks like the folks at Apple are actually doing something about this. Nice post.

SG