goldenhoneycomb

Q: camera not connected?

I have one of the early 2011 MBP's and my photobooth camera has just stopped working (it's not working in other applications either) This has happened before but I somehow managed to fix it. It happened again and now nothing I do is working. I've tried resetting the SMC but it didn't work. I'm on OS X Snow Leopard, I don't know if that makes a difference or not. Should I go update to OS X Mountain Lion? Will it fix this problem? Or do I bring it into Apple to get it checked out?

MacBook Pro (13-inch Early 2011)

Posted on Dec 9, 2012 10:04 AM

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Q: camera not connected?

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  • by EZ Jim,

    EZ Jim EZ Jim Dec 9, 2012 2:59 PM in response to goldenhoneycomb
    Level 7 (22,547 points)
    Dec 9, 2012 2:59 PM in response to goldenhoneycomb

    •  If you have not already done so, restart Mac and

        test again.  If the iSight still does not work, continue.

     

    • If Apple's http://support.apple.com/kb/HT2090

       suggestions do not help you, (are you certain that you

       used the correct "reset" procedure?), yours is most likely a

       hardware problem that will require a professional fix. 

       Unless you have a current backup, make one now.

      Then use the final "Troubleshooting" suggestion:

     

    "... contact Apple or an Apple-Authorized Service Provider for service."

     

    (Apple has changed the built-in camera's name on newer Macs from "iSight" to "FaceTime" and then to "FaceTime HD."  Regardless of the name of your built-in camera, the same info and troubleshooting applies.)

     

    • If you want to try one more thing on your own

       before seeking professional repair service, use

       your Mac's Disk Utility to repair permissions.  Then

       download and apply the latest Combo Update for

       your OS.  Currently, the latest SL Combo is here:

        http://support.apple.com/kb/DL1399

     

    Repair permissions again immediately following the system restart that completes the Combo update.

     

    Properly applying the Combo version of updates can sometimes correct software problems, but, if your trouble is caused by a hardware problem, there are no user serviceable parts of the camera.  You will need help from an AASP.

     

    • As a last resort, you can reinstall OS X Snow Leopard to see if that fixes your camera.

     

    • If restarting, correctly resetting SMX/PMU, properly applying the Combo Update, or even reinstalling Snow Leopard does not fix your problem, it seems unlikely that upgrading your Mac OS to Mountain Lion could restore your camera's function.  Instead, see your AASP.

     

     

    Message was edited by: EZ Jim

     

     

    Mac OSX 10.8.2