You can make a difference in the Apple Support Community!

When you sign up with your Apple Account, you can provide valuable feedback to other community members by upvoting helpful replies and User Tips.

Looks like no one’s replied in a while. To start the conversation again, simply ask a new question.

Boris22 Author

Level 1

5 points

MacBook Pro Freezes using Thunderbolt Ethernet

I have a MacBook Pro Retina, and switch often between wifi and thunderbolt Ethernet for my Internet connection at home. I get better speeds using Ethernet, but don't always need them so wifi most times is fine. About once a week I will be using wifi, but because I'm downloading a large file I want to connect using Ethernet. When I plug the thunderbolt Ethernet adapter to the MacBook, the MacBook freezes. This has happened three times now.

Has anyone experienced this?

Is this a known problem?

I have run update so I'm running Mountain Lion 10.8.1 (if I recall the numbers right).

MacBook Pro (Retina, Mid 2012), OS X Mountain Lion

Posted on Sep 14, 2012 7:15 AM

21 replies

main-it

Level 1

0 points

Dec 27, 2013 8:13 AM in response to Boris22

Hello guys.

I started to have this problem too, I'm going to think after I updated my MacBook Pro to Mavericks.

Fortunately, I don't use the TB Ethernet adapter frequently.

My MacBook Pro is a MacBookPro10,1 (MacBook Pro Retina, 15", half/2012), boot-rom version is MBP101.00EE.B02, SMC version is 2.3f36, TB firmware version is 23,4. I own an Apple original TB Ethernet Gigabit adapter.

In the last two times I plugged the TB Ethernet adapter, I had a system crash (the equivalent of a BSOD, on a kernel module) and a system halt (system completly halted, I had to switch it off).

Kind regards.

LMK69

Level 1

0 points

Jan 5, 2014 8:00 PM in response to Boris22

Same problem here since I installed the latest 10.9.1 Mavericks update. MBP Retina Mid 2012, core i7 2.6GHz, 16GB, 256GB SSD, genuine Thunderbolt Gigabit adapter. I have to hold the power button for those 10 seconds to force a shutdown with all the risc attached to that bad option left. NOT GOOD !

I will try the SMC reset and report back, none the less, Apple has to fix this as I am neither willing to move the mouse while plugging in Tbolt adapters nor can I convince my wife and son of doing so too.

LMK69

Level 1

0 points

Jan 5, 2014 8:07 PM in response to Boris22

Just did the SMC reset and it seems to be fixed, I plugged and unplugged the Tbolt Gbit Adapter a dozen times and no freezes anymore. I hope this cured it permanently...or until the next SMC reset must be done !

Cronk9

Level 1

9 points

Apr 7, 2014 9:22 AM in response to Boris22

I have been experiencing this problem (freezing of the MBP) for a number of months as well. I have a MPB 13", Early 2013 (Retina), running OS X 10.8.5.

Haven't tried the SMC update as noted a ways back; will give that a shot.

Cronk9

Level 1

9 points

Jun 20, 2014 10:00 AM in response to Cronk9

I think that I have found a work around for this problem. It appears to work for me at least. I have had 100% success with this.

Pretty simple really:

* turn off you WIFI

* Let the network connection close

* Plug in the thunderbolt adapter

I haven't tried testing how quickly I can plug in the TB ethernet adapter after turning off the WIFI. I usually wait until my running apps reflect that there is no network connection (e.g. Dropbox, Message). It only takes a few seconds. Then I plug in the TB ethernet adapter and all is good. Things reconnect without trouble and it doesn't lock up my computer.

huberddp

Level 1

8 points

Jun 4, 2017 1:34 PM in response to Boris22

It's best that you use bootcamp and boot to Windows 10. It works flawless. I only have problems with MacOSX.

MacBook Pro Freezes using Thunderbolt Ethernet