how do I know I have a bad HD?

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r3m3xs Author

Level 1

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how do I know I have a bad HD?

I have a MacBook Pro late 09 and the battery works but after pressing the power button the computer does not start.

MacBook Pro, Mac OS X (10.6.8), battery test works

Posted on Sep 28, 2012 8:22 PM

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Answer 1

John Galt

Level 10

140,964 points

Sep 28, 2012 8:25 PM in response to r3m3xs

It may not be the hard disk. Try an SMC reset:

Resetting the SMC on Mac portables with a battery you can remove

Shut down the computer.
Disconnect the MagSafe power adapter from the computer, if it's connected.
Remove the battery (to remove the battery - click here: MacBook or MacBook Pro).
Press and hold the power button for 5 seconds.
Release the power button.
Reconnect the battery and MagSafe power adapter.
Press the power button to turn on the computer.

Resetting the SMC on portables with a battery you should not remove on your own

Shut down the computer.
Plug in the MagSafe power adapter to a power source, connecting it to the Mac if its not already connected.
On the built-in keyboard, press the (left side) Shift-Control-Option keys and the power button at the same time.
Release all the keys and the power button at the same time.
Press the power button to turn on the computer.

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Answer 2

r3m3xs Author

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Sep 28, 2012 8:44 PM in response to John Galt

Let me try that and I will let you know if it solves the issue...

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Answer 3

John Galt

Level 10

140,964 points

Sep 28, 2012 10:02 PM in response to r3m3xs

OK thanks. Please post your results, if no success then we'll consider HD problems and solutions.

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Answer 4

r3m3xs Author

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Oct 2, 2012 8:35 PM in response to r3m3xs

You know, I try what you suggested but no luck, when I test the battery it's full, but when I press the power button nothing happens, I do see that this particular model has LCD problems, it's a early 09 model # A1286. Any ideas???? I'm just trying everything before taking it to a $65 diagnostics. Thank you

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Answer 5

John Galt

Level 10

140,964 points

Oct 2, 2012 8:45 PM in response to r3m3xs

Are there any signs of life at all? Any noises?

If the answer is no, Apple offers little guidance beyond the obvious (plug it in etc), and what you just did. Read this to be sure I didn't miss anything:

Troubleshooting: My computer won't turn on

The $65 may be worth it. Apple applies it to the cost of repair should you decide to do that. A problem like this may range from the very simple (a bad battery connection) to uneconomical to repair (a defective logic board).

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Answer 6

r3m3xs Author

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Oct 2, 2012 8:56 PM in response to John Galt

No life.... Like I said the only good sign is that the battery is working, could I then start testing the LCD or logic board or should I leave that to the experts?.

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Answer 7

John Galt

Level 10

140,964 points

Oct 2, 2012 9:51 PM in response to r3m3xs

With no signs of life whatsoever you cannot even boot from the system installation DVD or run Apple Hardware Test.

This is one for the Genius Bar.

😟

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Answer 8

r3m3xs Author

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Oct 17, 2012 8:09 PM in response to John Galt

welll, as it turns out the logic board is bad and they want $950 to repair it. Do you think I can do it my self? or do you feel like this is one for the Genius Bar?

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Answer 9

John Galt

Level 10

140,964 points

Oct 17, 2012 8:43 PM in response to r3m3xs

That is really for you to decide. Read this iFixit guide to see if you're up to it:

http://www.ifixit.com/Device/MacBook_Pro

They sell logic boards as well, but in very limited quantities. The part itself would be about half of what the Genius Bar quoted for a complete repair. You would have to be absolutely certain the part is an exact match.

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