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Level 1

5 points

Macbook Pro freezing after updates

I've noticed a peculiar action my computer has been doing lately. It happened about two weeks ago. My computer received an update on Friday, but I didn't install it until Saturday. At that point I had my computer in sleep mode overnight. Then on Saturday evening, I updated it. It went to the background screen of the account login, but that's where it ended. There was just a simple background, no log in, nothing but a starry background. I could still move the cursor around, but other than that, I had to do turn it off manually. My computer still worked fine the next day, and as a test I redid the updates, only this time I updated and restarted right away. When I did that, it went right to the log in screen and I was able to resume my usual activities. Things were fine for a week, and then yesterday it did the same thing. Only difference was that I got the update in the afternoon (I was home from work with a stomach flu), and I installed at night. Still I had to manually turn it off like before. Now I went to a computer repair shop and the guy there said it sounds normal. But I was coming here to get a second opinion. I was thinking next time I have an update, I will just install it and not restart right away. You know? Turn it off once I am done. Least that is what I will try.

So does this sound like a problem? Or will my idea work?

MacBook Pro, Mac OS X (10.6.8), Connection timeout.

Posted on Feb 28, 2015 2:38 PM

28 replies

noratcat Author

Level 1

5 points

Feb 28, 2015 6:59 PM in response to tjk

Okay. I did the hardware test and so far no problems were listed. But as my own test, I restarted the computer after reapplying the updates, and to my dismay it did that thing again. I had to turn it off manually and then I tried shutting it off instead of restarting it and it happened again. I'm at the ends of my ropes here. I don't know the problem and I'm starting to think my computer might be dying. Sorry to sound so dramatic but I am just stressed.

tjk

Level 9

51,116 points

Feb 28, 2015 7:03 PM in response to noratcat

Run the extended test (I forget exactly what it's called). It will take some time but just let it go. It could identify a RAM or logic board problem.

noratcat Author

Level 1

5 points

Feb 28, 2015 7:06 PM in response to tjk

I take it RAM and Logic board isn't so easily replaced huh?

tjk

Level 9

51,116 points

Feb 28, 2015 7:16 PM in response to noratcat

Logic board, definitely not, and not cheap. RAM is relatively easy. Before worrying about those things, though, run the extended test and see if it reports anything.

noratcat Author

Level 1

5 points

Feb 28, 2015 7:38 PM in response to tjk

The extended Test didn't reveal anything. It says there are no problems. I'm pretty much out of ideas. Will turning the computer off manually hurt it?

tjk

Level 9

51,116 points

Feb 28, 2015 7:50 PM in response to noratcat

It's not good for it, but I don't know to what extent it could hurt it.

In your shoes, I would do a reinstall of the OS. After that, I think I'm out of ideas.

noratcat Author

Level 1

5 points

Feb 28, 2015 7:52 PM in response to tjk

Well if it comes to that. How do I reinstall the OS?

Thanks for all your help though. I'm glad someone responded.

tjk

Level 9

51,116 points

Feb 28, 2015 8:53 PM in response to noratcat

Depends what OS you're currently on. You never did reply about that.

noratcat Author

Level 1

5 points

Feb 28, 2015 8:57 PM in response to tjk

Oh sorry. Well it says OS X. It's a macbook pro 10.6.8

I just wish there was an easier way to save my bookmarks and such.

tjk

Level 9

51,116 points

Feb 28, 2015 9:11 PM in response to noratcat

First need to back up any data you don't want to lose. Insert 10.6 install disc. Restart while holding down the c key. Follow the onscreen installation prompts. Run Repair Permissions after install is complete. Run Software Updates. I recommend running them one at a time, but others run them all at once seemingly without issue. Some of the updates will require restarting your Mac, so you should be able to see very soon if the problem persists. If not, problem solved. If so, it's a hardware problem, probably logic board or RAM, which would have to be replaced. A free trip to the Apple "genius" bar might help to identify the culprit.

noratcat Author

Level 1

5 points

Feb 28, 2015 9:16 PM in response to tjk

Thanks. I'm still nervous about doing this, but if I have to I will. The apple genius bar is free? I thought I had to purchase an incident of report first?

tjk

Level 9

51,116 points

Feb 28, 2015 9:19 PM in response to noratcat

Unless something has changed in the recent past, you can have a limited time "genius" bar visit for free. If you're looking for phone support, that's a different story; they charge for that if you're not covered under the AppleCare policy.

noratcat Author

Level 1

5 points

Mar 1, 2015 3:42 PM in response to tjk

Okay an update. I called the apple store and talked to a rep. He suggested we try restarting the computer in safe mode, and then we restarted again in normal mode. So we did just that, and we redownloaded the updates. And this time there was no freezing at all. Personally he thinks it was just a software issue. But I've set up an appointment with the genius bar this coming Saturday to get it chcked out to determine if it's a hardware issue or not. But I feel positive about things now.

Macbook Pro freezing after updates