SHUTDOWNS

the problems you are talking about:

boots to a white screen
Resetting PRAM does fix till the next time though

has nothing to do with random shutdown. It another problem which may be the same which a lot of us fixed easily read my copy from a previos post:



make a complete start up by holding down these four keys at start up: p + r + option (alt) + command (apple). After startup, In system preferences togle the screen settings away from the standard setting to some other setting, AND then back again.

Voila.. so far it seems to work. The explanation is, that resetting the p-ram (option command+pr) deletes some default preferences, that unfortunately then are missing.
But the above fixes that problem.

Also do a repair of permission with the disk utility application

If you still have problems, try this:
Start up from the original apple dvd (insert the dvd and hold down the "c" key under start up). When the loading is over - DONT START the software install but under tools choose start-up disk, and choose the hard disk system folder. Then simply choose restart.

If you still have problems, make sure to turn off and remove the preferences from any third party software than runs in the background and may interfere with the system.

....peter

thanks, thats really the most important thing i needed to know!

unexpectedly those shutdown have become extremeley worse and happening really often in the last days. it already damaged my email database by shutiing down while email download was active

A firmware update is now available, so I'm going to hang on and see if that cures it...

I purchased mine in June 2006 and the problem started happening on 3/5/07... So my new Macbook went 8 months without any problems. Now it's randomly shutting down several times per day... and only during heavy processor usage.

Called Apple. They asked me some simple questions and decided to just have me send it in. They also had no problem with me removing and keeping my hard drive so I wouldn't have to do a backup.

Apple must be very familiar with the problem and solution by now especially when they allow the customer to send it in without the hard drive.

It's a pretty easy process.

After the initial long hold period on the phone, Apple Care was prompt and very polite. No hassles whatsoever.... even letting me remove and keep my HDD here.

Apple sends you a box complete with packing material, return address label, instructions, and even the sealing tape. All you have to do is call the carrier for a pickup.

I'm not happy my MacBook developed this problem but I'm thankful it occurred during warranty and that it won't cost me even one penny in gasoline, packaging or postage to get it repaired. Hassle free door to door service. Not too many companies back up their warranty like that.