macbook webcam stops working and causes the startup issue

My built-in webcam on macbook pro 2011 suddenly didnt work. Now when I turn on computer, after the apple logo screen, it gets into a blank white screen. I have to turn off and start it by holding the power button several times and it finally boots successfully.


however, when I start any applications which access to the webcam, the screen appears many stripes, the computer stops working and I have to reset by holding the power button. Again it follows the process above: turns to white screen -> reboot by power button several times and success. this time, I try open a webcam application again, the screen turns to blue and again, the same process: reboot by power button > white screen -> reboot several times -> success.


I tried booting to windows, it successfully boot into windows desktop. after about 5 minutes, many striped appears on screen and it stopped working and yes again, the same process as above.


Now I'm in MacOS but I don't want to try openning any webcam application and I don't know what will happen after I restart the computer.

MacBook Pro, OS X Mountain Lion (10.8.4)

Posted on Sep 15, 2013 9:03 AM

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3 replies

Sep 15, 2013 9:32 AM in response to tmtxt

From the wide variety of symptoms you describe, your Mac most likely has serious hardware problems. If you have not already done so, backup all your important files now if possible.


If you have time and want to try this, you can use OS X's Recovery feature to repair your hard disk and / or reinstall OS X. After reinstalling, if your Mac is not already at 10.8.5, update to OS X Mountain Lion Update v10.8.5 (Combo). Then test your MBP's function again.


While I believe your problem is hardware rather than software based, the software repair / reinstall does not cost you anything but some time. However, if your trouble really is caused by a hardware problem, the software actions described above will not help the symptoms you describe.


For hardware help, contact Apple or an Apple-Authorized Service Provider for service.





Message was edited by: EZ Jim



Mac OSX 10.8.5

Sep 16, 2013 3:22 AM in response to EZ Jim

yes I think the problem is hardware related, too. However, when I opened System Information, everything is still OK. The macbook still recognized all the hardware correctly, include facetime camera and the microphone. I also did the Apple Hardware Test and it found no problem.


still don't know what happened to my mac

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macbook webcam stops working and causes the startup issue

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