Several MacBook Problems

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Several MacBook Problems

Background: I purchased a black MacBook in 2006/07. In 2009, I began having problems with applications force closing immediately and freezing of the screen. Then lost the hard drive. Had recovery done by Mac specialist in Las Vegas. He did not replace the hard drive, instead said that I was repaired and he had recovered most of my items. Also backed everything up on a FireWire/USB2.0 external storage. Shortly after this, the freezing problems returned. I put the computer in storage and purchased a MBP in 2010. Now I am trying to retrieve the backup items from external. It will not show up on MBP OR on the original MacBook when I connect it via the USB. Also, the original MacBook seems to be worse, now no applications will even open, including Finder and Disk Utility. And the menu bar and desktop icons won't show up. I am assuming I will need a new hard drive but am wondering if anyone else has experienced this or bows what to do about it, or about the external storage device that I can't access. (Note: The external was never damaged in anyway and has been kept in desk drawer in warm house, never stored or moved. Blue light comes on when plugged in and then it turns red.) Thanks in advance for the help.

Posted on May 21, 2013 1:05 PM

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Answer 1

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SeaPapp

Level 7

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May 21, 2013 5:57 PM in response to Nikitabanana

Does the external have it's own power or does it get power from the computer?

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Answer 2

Nikitabanana Author

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May 21, 2013 8:37 PM in response to SeaPapp

It appears to have a spot to plug in some sort of AC adaptor but it's been so long I don't remember and if it does need it's own power, I have no idea where the adaptor would be. When I plug it into the computer and flip the power switch on, the blue light comes on and then turns red, so I am assuming it is able to get power from the computer?

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Answer 3

SeaPapp

Level 7

26,486 points

May 22, 2013 4:51 AM in response to Nikitabanana

I believe you need to find that power adapter. You can look the brand and model up on Google to get the specs and see if it needs external power. My bet is that it does, the red light comes on because it isn't getting enough power to run the drive and repeated attempts may damage it.

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Answer 4

Nikitabanana Author

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May 22, 2013 10:22 AM in response to SeaPapp

I did find an adapter in the house that fit and plugged it in. It's been about a half hour but it still will not turn back to blue or appear on either computer when I plug it in. Would it need to be fully charged first, you think?

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Answer 5

SeaPapp

Level 7

26,486 points

May 22, 2013 10:33 AM in response to Nikitabanana

No, charging isn't a problem. If the adapter you found isn't the correct one it probably isn't supplying enough voltage to run the drive. Google the drive by mfg and model and get the specs. See what it requires for power and check the adapter, they're usually marked as to what voltage and amperage they are, make sure the adpter is correct.

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