Linnie23

Q: My MacBook goes to a white screen and won't go any further

My Mac Book goes to a white screen and won't go any further.  How do I fix this problem.  I have shut the computer down and brought it back up.  It goes through startup and then stops at a white screen.

MacBook (13-inch Early 2009)

Posted on Jul 21, 2015 6:52 AM

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Q: My MacBook goes to a white screen and won't go any further

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  • by alex_h1,Solvedanswer

    alex_h1 alex_h1 Jul 23, 2015 6:49 AM in response to Linnie23
    Community Specialists
    Jul 23, 2015 6:49 AM in response to Linnie23

    Hello Linnie23,

    Thanks for using Apple Support Communities.

     

    From your post I understand that you are seeing a plain gray or white screen when booting your Mac.  To start troubleshooting this issue, please unplug any external devices that are plugged into your Mac.  After that, you will then need to try and boot to safe mode:

     

    Follow these steps to start up into safe mode.

    1. Start or restart your Mac. 
    2. Immediately after you hear the startup sound, press and hold the Shift key.
    3. Release the Shift key when you see the Apple logo appear on the screen.

    After the Apple logo appears, it might take longer than usual to reach the login screen or your desktop. This is because your Mac performs a directory check of your startup disk as part of safe mode.

    Try safe mode if your Mac doesn't finish starting up - Apple Support

     

    If your Mac can boot into safe mode, then simply restart the computer to boot normally.  However if the computer does not boot to safe mode, then the next step is to reset the NVRAM and SMC:

     

    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:

    1. Shut down the computer.
    2. Plug in the MagSafe or USB-C power adapter to a power source and to your computer.
    3. On the built-in keyboard, press the (left side) Shift-Control-Option keys and the power button at the same time.
    4. Release all the keys and the power button at the same time.
    5. 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:

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

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

     

    Resetting NVRAM

    1. Shut down your Mac.
    2. Locate the following keys on the keyboard: Command (⌘), Option, P, and R. 
    3. Turn on your Mac.
    4. Press and hold the Command-Option-P-R keys immediately after you hear the startup sound.
    5. Hold these keys until the computer restarts and you hear the startup sound for a second time.
    6. Release the keys.

    How to Reset NVRAM on your Mac - Apple Support

     

    Take care.

  • by Linnie23,

    Linnie23 Linnie23 Jul 23, 2015 12:12 PM in response to alex_h1
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Jul 23, 2015 12:12 PM in response to alex_h1

    Thank you very much.  Yes that is exactly what my son had found out, and it worked.  I actually took my computer to the Genius Bar at the Fashion Place Mall in Murray, UT.  The gentleman that helped me said that the only way to fix the computer was to wipe everything off.  He didn't even try what you and my son suggested.  Really??????!!!!!!!  I don't think he was much of a genius.  He wasn't helpful at all, and he was nice very nice as well.  What a waste of time going to the genius bar.  I thought they were there to help.  I hope when my new computer comes in and I have them transfer everything over from this computer, I do't get him.  If I do, I will definitely tell them, I need someone new. 

    Once again thank you for your help.  I hope other people that have had this problem, see this post and is helped as well.  Have an amazing day.

     

    Thank you taking time out of your day to help a fellow Mac user.