i have done a diagnostics on macbook pro and have this error message what is it how do i fix it.
I am experiencing problems with the cd drive it keeps spitting out discs sometimes it plays them.
MacBook Pro, Mac OS X (10.5.8)
That's a hardware issue, but if your using a disk based Hardware Test it could be outdated for your operating system verison.
If you used the Internet Hardware Test (no disk inserted) then it's likely something that needs repair.
I am experiencing problems with the cd drive it keeps spitting out discs sometimes it plays them.
That might be related to your hardware issue if it's doing so on the same disks.
If your really on 10.5.8 as your signature says, then you need to upgrade to 10.6.8 and remain there on that dated machine and prepare to purchase a newer one soon.
OS X 10.4/10.5 need to upgrade, 10.6.8 ok still
Also some DVD's movies change their copy protection schemes over time, thus those get updated in later OS X versions, so your disk issue might be a difference in older/newer DVD movies.
Just as I thought.
I have snow leopard 10.6.3 on disc as operating system was outdated but after several inserts it eventullay startes to install but at 48mins to go it resests and spits out disc no messages and no install.
This means I definately need to get a new cd drive or repair something.
Is there any way to get 10.6.3 mounted onto macpro without using disc?
MacBook Pro models classed as "Mid/Late 2007" and "Early 2008" had a defective video chipset (Nvidea Geforce 8600M GT) that was known to fail, usually from heat. There was a generous Repair Extension Program that fixed this free for up to four years from date of purchase but it expired on 7 Dec 2012.
If your computer is still running, click the Apple menu and then press the option/alt key. The first entry in that menu will change from "About this Mac" to "System Profiler"--launch it.
Look at Profiler's opening screen:
Note the line indicated with the red arrow in the example. If the code is MacBookPro3,1 or MacBookPro4,1, your computer has the potentially defective Nvidea chipset.
While in Profiler, select "Graphics/Displays" from the left-hand "Contents" pane. That screen looks like this:
If the line I indicated in the image says anything other than "x16" the chipset is failing.
As the REP is now expired, you are on you own for the cost of repair. The repair requires a logic board replacement and the cost can be US$600-1000.
My first MBP, a Late 2007 15-inch failed in June and I replaced it with a refurb Mid 2012, 13-inch MBP I bought directly from the Apple web site. The new computer is twice as fast, has more than 4X the hard drive space of the original, and cost half of what the 2007 model when new.
If the computer is not producing any video, an Apple Store or AASP will have a hardware tester specifically designed to detect the fault in the chipset.
Optical drive: If the computer works OK otherwise, get a drive cleaning disk and use it. Many a drive that has been pronounced dead forever by an Apple Tech has been resurrected by a cleaning disk. They are US$5-15 at most electronics stores or office superstores. I like the dry kind for slot-loading drives like the MBP uses.
I used the built in test where you hold down d key on start up to identify error, had problems getting the disc test on applecare to work but when it did work no errors found (yes it is outdated (2007).
I only use pro logic on my macpro and browsing online i do want to upgrade to pro logic x in which needs 10.8 osx.
So eventullay will need to get new machine but in the meantime have to rely on this old bit of fruit 2.2ghz dual core 2 duo.
Just need to at least upgrade firstly to 10.6.3 as i have purchased this to give app store option for later upgrades.
Yep thats mine 3,1 macpro i will try a clean first then start saving for new machine.
x1 for the chipset 😟
It's failed. Sorry.
Now i have got my head around this a bit better a recap is in order on my question.
MacBook Pro
Model Identifier: MacBookPro3,1
Processor Name: Intel Core 2 Duo
Processor Speed: 2.2 GHz
15inch version with two fire wire ports.
Chip set x1 not x16??????
Problem: Discs not always excepted sometimes after several inserts it does.
As I am running on 10.5.8 I have had prompts for updates especially online use.
I purchased 10.6.3 snow leopard as recommended by apple, but the install is on disc and after several attempts of in and out it starts to install but then stops with time significant time remaning resets and spits out installation disc no message or prompts back to start up and still running 10.5.8.
I used apple care disc and hardware testing software in which was outdated but after again several inserts into drive it finally installed and did test no errors found.
I then held down "d" key on start-up and used built in test diagnostic software on macpro in which identified the error 4VDC/1/40000003:videocontroller.
It seems I need to firstly clean the drive as the cpu works fine just disc drive plays up VLC and other apps run okay.
I mainly use Pro logic 8 on this machine want to upgrade to pro logic X but that requires 10.8 or more so maybe a new machine on the cards.
Ultimatley untill I get new machine 10.6.3 how to get this installed withot using drive can it be mounted any other way as it seems with the drive fault i cant move up to any OSX as app store is needed and 10.6.3 has that and is only a disc install.
Will this affect only disc drive.
As everything else running okay whilst using Pro Logic for audio will I have problems from this chipset being bust
When mine failed it did not appear to affect the optical drive. I couldn't see because my video went black both on the built-in display and on an external monitor. However, the optical drive could boot based on sounds I am familar with hearing.
So yes, try a cleaning. If you can still use the computer, back everything up to an external drive or reliable online server. As the problem is heat-related and Pro Apps can create a lot of heat, do everything possible to keep the computer cool. A cooling pad is a good idea as is making sure the exhaust vent in the back is clean and unobstructed. If you are using an external monitor with the MBP in clamshell mode, leave the MBP's lid open. That model MBP gets rid of some heat through the keyboard area. No percentage here in trapping heat.
Managing the heat better won't fix a failed chipset but may prolong the computer's life.
Good advise and clear.
Yes its a bit of bad thing from apple as to get onto 10.6.3 its disc install so here i am with a machine that works fine as I make the baddest breaks and slammers with logic pro 8.
Online its fine but browsers do promt for update as OSX not supported anymore so if I clean this drive and somehow manage to get onto 10.6.3 then whats the difference in just saying sod it stay on this outdated 10.5.8 not bother using online and just continue making music and save the pennies for new machine and new logic pro X.
If i do decide to go onto snow leopard im stuck if disc drive problem is still apparent.
So is there any way to use external drive or another mac to mount cd installation onto this machine and bypass my faulty drive.
So is there any way to use external drive or another mac to mount cd installation onto this machine and bypass my faulty drive.
Yes, two ways:
1) Your MacBook Pro should be able to boot from an USB external optical drive.
2) FireWire Target Disk Mode (FWTDM) lets you see the hard drive on one Mac from another FW-equipped Mac just as it it were an external hard drive.
If two Mac have FireWire ports, you can connect them with a standard FW cable. Your MBP has both FireWire 400 and FW800 ports. If the other Mac is newer you'll need a FW400 to FW800 cable or adaptor.
Start the troublesome MBP in FWTDM by holding "t" during boot until you see a yellow FireWire symbol on a blue background moving like a screensaver:
Place the SL installer disk in the optical drive of the healty Mac and start the installer program. When the installer asks for a destination, one option should be the hard drive on the sickly MBP. Select it and proceed to install.
Be aware that the sick one can run fairly warm under FWTDM so make sure it's on a chillpad. If you house isn't air-conditioned and you've been feeling the heat wave lately, wait until late evening or early morning to try this, or wait for a cool weather spell if you are not in a hurry.
what is error-4DC/1/40000003:videocontroller
