Holding the power button does not work

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Level 1

22 points

Holding the power button does not work

I've got a Mac Pro that stops recognizing my BD-ROM drive after it goes to sleep. I've been trying to reset the PRAM and NVRAM, per applecare's suggestion, but everytime I plug my Mac Pro in, it automatically starts up. I've turned off the "automatically restart" option in System Preferences, but it's as if all of that is stuck! So, I'm trying to reset the firmware using the firmware restoration CD, but when I hold down the "power" button, the computer's LED light flashes much more than three times, the computer gives a non-chime beep, then gives the chime, and then starts up using the Macintosh HD like I'm not holding down the power button.

Is there another way to get to the point where I can use the firmware restortaion CD? It's driving me crazy. I thought it was because I was plugged into an Uninteruptable Power Supply, but I plugged it into a normal power strip and there was no change.

Any help?

Mac Pro, Mac OS X (10.7), 2009 2.66 Ghz Quad-Core Intel Xeon

Posted on Apr 8, 2012 9:14 PM

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Answer 1

X423424X

Level 6

14,271 points

Apr 8, 2012 11:14 PM in response to Engender

the computer's LED light flashes much more than three times, the computer gives a non-chime beep, then gives the chime, and then starts up

Here's the meaing of the POST chime sequences:

Power On Self-Test Beep Definition - Part 2

As for the power led, if it is a sequence of single flashes that none of the ram is being detected. If grouped in a sequence of 3 flashes then a single slot has failed.

Look inside your machine for any lit diagnostic leds.

Blow out any accumulated dust.

Reseat the video card.

I do not think firmware needs to be changed/updated/reinstalled.

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Answer 2

Engender Author

Level 1

22 points

Apr 9, 2012 7:16 AM in response to X423424X

Sorry X423424X, tt's a pre-chime beep. When the computer boots up, the memory is full recognized and utilized.

Why do you think the firmware does not need to be changed/updated/reinstalled?

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Answer 3

X423424X

Level 6

14,271 points

Apr 9, 2012 11:45 AM in response to Engender

Because I never heard of firmware having, what I like to call, "bit rot". It doesn't degrade. If you missed some firmware update, then by all means, update. But there is no reason to reinstall what's already there.

Your problem may be a case of simply a failing power button. I recommend you take it to apple for professional repair.

But one other thing to try. Disconnect all periphials -- firewire, usb, hard drives, etc. Then try to boot.

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Answer 4

Apr 9, 2012 11:59 AM in response to X423424X

stops recognizing my BD-ROM drive after it goes to sleep.

that is a problem with your Blu_Ray drive not tolerating deep sleep. It has been multiply reported with different drives. If you do not like this behavior, throw the drive out or stop your Mac drives from sleeping.

It is possible that the DRIVE has new firmware available. But this is not a defect in your Mac Pro. Replacing the Mac Pro firmware to fix an errant drive is not a sensible approach.

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Answer 5

Engender Author

Level 1

22 points

Apr 10, 2012 9:50 AM in response to Grant Bennet-Alder

To defend my honor, resetting PRAM and NVRAM was a suggestion from AppleCare to the Pioneer BDR-206 problem.

To clarify, the problem I am asking about is the seeming inability to reset the PRAM and NVRAM. Every time I try to reset it, my Mac Pro continues to automatically boot when I plug it in, even though I've turned "automatically reboot following power outage" off.

For the record, I am aware of the problems with the BDR-206, thanks.

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Answer 6

The hatter

Level 9

61,031 points

Apr 10, 2012 10:13 AM in response to Engender

> continues to automatically boot when I plug it in,

That sounds like the SMC, could even be the plug.

And any Mac Pro worth its salt should be on 1500VA UPS

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Answer 7

Engender Author

Level 1

22 points

Apr 10, 2012 9:44 PM in response to The hatter

Hello hatter,

I'll look into resetting the SMC.

I have my Mac Pro running on an 850VA UPS. I couldn't justify shelling out the $250 for the 1500VA. I plugged the MP into a regular suge protector and the problem persisted, however.

Interesting side question, when I first plugged my MP into the UPS, I had a UPS drop-down menu in the menu bar. After getting it back following a logic board replacement, I stopped getting the UPS drop-down menu. Maybe it's somewhere hidden in Lion, but ... seemed like a minor thing at the time.

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Answer 8

Engender Author

Level 1

22 points

Apr 10, 2012 9:49 PM in response to Engender

Hatter,

Just reviewed HT3964, regarding reseting the SMC. That's the thing - my Mac Pro automattically starts after being plugged in. Therefore, I cannot complete step #5 "Wait five seconds, then press the power button to turn on the computer." That's actually the entire problem that I've been trying to fix. So, I guess it's resetting the SMC that I'm having problems with - not the PRAM and NVRAM.

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Answer 9

X423424X

Level 6

14,271 points

Apr 10, 2012 10:16 PM in response to Engender

Did you try disconnecting all the perphials as I suggested earlier? Also all internal hdd's you can avoid using for this test. And also that BDR-206. And plug directly into the main to just out the UPS.

Basically strip the machine down to as minimal a configuration as possible. If the problem continues in this configuration I suggest it is time to make an appointment with apple service.

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Answer 10

The hatter

Level 9

61,031 points

Apr 11, 2012 6:11 AM in response to Engender

You have a computer that needs a 850W (1300VA would be fine) and they do not cost over $200 and while price has gone up since January they were in the $150 range until you get into (not essential) "pure sinewave" and SMART series.

I've seen too many people try with units that were too small.

Unplugged, and hit the power button for 10 seconds, then plug it back in. And if it kicks up and turns on immediately you have a bad power cord or PSU.

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Answer 11

Engender Author

Level 1

22 points

Apr 11, 2012 6:21 PM in response to The hatter

Disconnected everything, including my three additional harddrives, and held the power button for 10 seconds before I plugged the MP back in. It still started automatically.

I'll try switching the power cord ... The PSU is something that Apple would have to replace, yes?

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Answer 12

X423424X

Level 6

14,271 points

Apr 11, 2012 6:58 PM in response to Engender

Yes.

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