MBP 2012 13" freezes unless connected to external display

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MBP 2012 13" freezes unless connected to external display

I guess I have the opposite problem of everyone in here.

My MBP freezes just a few seconds after booting up. I can't move the mouse and type anything.

However, if I connect the MBP to an external display tru HDMI or thunderbolt port, the macbook works fine. I have no problem at all using it. If I disconnect the external display it will freeze right away. Sometimes I can unfreeze it by reconnecting the display.

It currently has 10.11.5, but the problem started about 2 months ago when it still ran 10.9.

Unfortunately the warranty expires. If anyone has any clue what's going on, please let me know.

Thanks.

MacBook Pro with Retina display, OS X El Capitan (10.11.5)

Posted on Jul 15, 2016 7:37 AM

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Answer 1

Corrie84

Community Specialist

Jul 16, 2016 12:58 PM in response to ariapn

Hey, ariapn! Welcome to Apple Support Communities.
As I'm understanding, your MacBook Pro has been freezing for a bit and only seems to work correctly when it's attached to a second display. I'd want answers too so I'll be glad to help.
Back up your Mac -- Whenever I begin any troubleshooting, I make a fresh backup of my Mac to be sure that my data's kept safe.
Be sure to test the problem after each step.
Reset the System Management Controller (SMC) and Reset NVRAM -- These two steps will make sure your MacBook Pro is running as it should.
Apple Hardware Test -- The Apple Hardware Test will check your system and report any problems it may find. If your Mac was released later than June 2013, you'll use Apple Diagnostics instead (Apple Diagnostics) If there's a hardware problem, this will let you know.

Take care!

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Answer 2

ariapn Author

Level 1

0 points

Jul 17, 2016 4:01 PM in response to Corrie84

Sorry, I should have said that I've tried resetting SMC and NVRAM and also did Apple Hardware Test. The Hardware test said the battery is bad but I don't think that would create the problem I had.

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Answer 3

SnickZ.

Community Specialist

Jul 20, 2016 7:33 AM in response to ariapn

Hi ariapn.
Sorry to hear that we repeated steps for you. No worries in not informing us you'd already tried them.
Since there is a hardware problem that's been detected, it may be an issue that the Apple Hardware Test doesn't report. Either way, it looks like you need to have your MacBook Pro evaluated. You can take it to an Apple Store or an Apple Authorized Service Provider. You can find the one nearest you using this link: Find Locations
If you're able, I highly recommend backing up your Mac before you arrive to me certain your personal data is safe. -- Use Time Machine to back up or restore your Mac

Enjoy your day!

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