Unable to use Apple Hardware Test - Lion - Mid 2010 MacBook Pro

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Unable to use Apple Hardware Test - Lion - Mid 2010 MacBook Pro

I am unable to run the Apple Hardware Test. I am running Lion 10.7.4 on a MacBook Pro 15-inch, Mid 2010. I am attempting to identify a bad memory chip in the computer.

I tried the D on startup, nothing went to the normal login screen.

Tried the Option D from startup connected to network. Selected English as language, loads then tells me Apple Hardware Test unable to operate on this machine.

Looking at the support articles there was an EFI firmware patch that looked like it could be involved. Downloaded the patch and attempted to install. Patch told me it didn't support my machine.

There is numerous articles talking about how to use the recovery disks to get the hardware Tests running. I bought Lion online and don't have recovry disk media. I have the Recovery partion on the hard drive. Using Control R gets to the Lion Recovery which in not whatI am trying to do.

Any suggestions on how to get this utility operating.

MacBook Pro, Mac OS X (10.7.4)

Posted on Aug 7, 2012 8:28 AM

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Answer 1

Aug 7, 2012 8:32 AM in response to BillConroy

Most Lion Operating Systems Don't Come With The Ability To Use The Apple Hardware Test Unfortunetely. I purchased my computer in January and don't have that ability. I wish Apple would bring it back.

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Answer 2

BillConroy Author

Level 1

13 points

Aug 7, 2012 9:08 AM in response to calebfrom84042

So essentilly by upgrading my OS to Lion through the Apple Store, I gave up the ability to do any hardware testing and instead have to make an appointment and drive to the AppleStore to do simple hardware diagnostics.

If this is true, Apple failed me by not listing the capabilities I would lose if I made the VOLUNTARY upgrade to a new operating system.

I also watched the technician run what looked like what folks described as the Hardware test when I was in the Apple Store last week. I was connected hardline to their internal network and the machine brought up diagnostics that told him one of the third party memory chips I installed in the machine was flaky. So the capability to run hardware diagnostics on this machine exists.

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Answer 3

Shootist007

Level 6

16,709 points

Aug 7, 2012 9:40 AM in response to BillConroy

You need the older version of the Apple hardware test. That is found on one of your original install DVDs.

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Answer 4

Aug 7, 2012 9:51 AM in response to BillConroy

Shootist007 is right, if you still have your original install media you can boot to the hardware test using that.

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Answer 5

BillConroy Author

Level 1

13 points

Aug 7, 2012 5:18 PM in response to calebfrom84042

Any pointers to the procedures to start the aht from the dvd. I found the original disk.

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Answer 6

BillConroy Author

Level 1

13 points

Aug 7, 2012 5:51 PM in response to BillConroy

I booted to the DVD and got to the installer and associated utilities. I did not see the hardware test as an option.

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Answer 7

Shootist007

Level 6

16,709 points

Aug 7, 2012 8:39 PM in response to BillConroy

Hate to tell you this but the AHT is usually on the Applications DVD, not the OS install DVD. So keep digging for that other DVD that came with your system.

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Answer 8

BillConroy Author

Level 1

13 points

Aug 8, 2012 6:59 AM in response to Shootist007

Thx, helps to look in the right lace eh?

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