SMC Buttons

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SMC Buttons

I've been trying to use the SMC reset to fix my DVD/CD drive, but there was one thing I'm confused about. How long do I have to hold the shift-control-option-power buttons in order for the SMC reset to work. The articles never really explained that.

MacBook Pro, OS X Mavericks (10.9.5)

Posted on May 31, 2015 10:32 AM

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Answer 1

May 31, 2015 10:38 AM in response to Mall S

Usually just until you hear the startup chime.

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Answer 2

Mall S Author

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May 31, 2015 10:40 AM in response to Averythomas

I remember that for VPRM, but I'm asking about SMC. How can you tell if it's working as you hold the buttons down?

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Answer 3

Mall S Author

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May 31, 2015 4:09 PM in response to Averythomas

I'm seriously confused on how long I need to hold down the buttons. Somebody please tell me. 😢

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Answer 4

K Shaffer

Level 7

34,978 points

May 31, 2015 5:14 PM in response to Mall S

The details vary depending on which model of Mac computer, especially since there

are two sets of instructions for portable Intel-based Macs that have SMC reset...

If your computer (portable) has a removable battery, there is one instruction set.

But if your portable has a built-in battery you should not remove, yet another.

Did you read the details in the Apple Support article section in SMC 'how to reset' ?

•Resetting the System Management Controller (SMC) on your Mac - Apple Support

How to reset the SMC

See the appropriate section below for your Mac notebook or desktop computer.

•On Mac notebooks with non-removable battery

Mac notebook computers that have a battery you should not remove include: MacBook Pro (Early 2009) and later,

all models of MacBook Air, MacBook (Late 2009), and MacBook (Retina, 12-inch, Early 2015).

To reset the SMC:

Shut down the computer.
Plug in the MagSafe or USB-C power adapter to a power source and to your computer.
On the built-in keyboard, press the (left side) Shift-Control-Option keys and the power button at the same time.
Release all the keys and the power button at the same time.
Press the power button to turn on the computer.

On MagSafe power adapters, the LED might change states or temporarily turn off when you reset the SMC.

•On Mac notebooks with removable battery

Older MacBook and MacBook Pro computers have removable batteries. Learn about removing the battery on MacBook and MacBook Pro.

To reset the SMC:

Shut down the computer.
Disconnect the MagSafe power adapter from the computer if it's connected.
Remove the battery.
Press and hold the power button for five seconds.
Release the power button.
Reconnect the battery and MagSafe power adapter.
Press the power button to turn on the computer.

Follow the appropriate instructions for your hardware version of portable Intel Mac.

Good luck & happy computing! 🙂

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