pmishra0102
Level 1 (4 points)
Notebooks

Q: MBP (L 2010 on El Capitan) Unable to Login/Boot --> Computer returns to sleep (SMC, PRAM, Safe mode attempted)

Hi everyone,

 

I have a late 2010 15" macbook pro, running El Capitan, which is currently unable to completely login.

 

Current status

  • Plugged into wall outlet. Battery lights indicating a full charge
  • Turns on normally with chime and screen
  • I can enter the first password after Apple logo (note, the restart or shutdown on-screen buttons do not work)
  • Loading bar with my Apple ID picture, name, and loading bar on the grey background
  • Main password screen (with my blurred out wallpaper)
  • I enter my password and then a few seconds later the screen goes black (but is still on) and Sleep Light Indicator is holding on (no flashes)
  • Computer enters sleep (can tell from Sleep Light Indicator now flashing)

 

On some occasions, the computer enters sleep even earlier in this sequence

 

Attempts to fix the issue

This has happened to me a few times before, so I normally try:

  • SMC Reset
  • PRAM reset
  • Safe mode boot
  • Booting with/without charger attached
  • Normal "hold power button until it turns off, then turn it back on"

 

I have done the resets individually and in series, hoping some combination will work. Even safe mode fails to log in completely - the computer screen goes black after the first password.

 

Does anyone have any thoughts?

Posted on Aug 20, 2016 1:20 AM

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pmishra0102

Q: MBP (L 2010 on El Capitan) Unable to Login/Boot --> Computer returns to sleep (SMC, PRAM, Safe mode attempted)

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  • Helpful answers

  • by OGELTHORPE,

    OGELTHORPE OGELTHORPE Aug 20, 2016 4:12 AM in response to pmishra0102
    Level 9 (52,147 points)
    Mac OS X
    Aug 20, 2016 4:12 AM in response to pmishra0102

    Try running the Apple Hardware Test using the disk with the AHT instructions written on it that came with the MBP.

     

    https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT201257

     

    That might offer a clue.  Note that an error free AHT is not conclusive.

     

    I also would boot into the recovery partition and select Disk Utility from the 4 option menu.  Run Disk Utility>First Aid>Repair.

     

    Ciao,

  • by pmishra0102,

    pmishra0102 pmishra0102 Aug 20, 2016 7:16 AM in response to OGELTHORPE
    Level 1 (4 points)
    Notebooks
    Aug 20, 2016 7:16 AM in response to OGELTHORPE

    Hi, thank you for the reply.

     

    Unfortunately, I am unable to boot into the ATH. Some more updates:

     

    • Recovery partition not seen (Yes I use FireVault, and I've attempted to boot into 'Macintosh HD' also to reach the recovery partition). I have tried holding option and using Cmd+R
    • Safe mode boot --> computer goes to sleep after loading bar
    • Internet recovery --> computer goes to sleep after loading bar
    • Normal startup --> computer goes to sleep after loading bar

     

    Pretty much anything I do causes the computer to enter a sleep. I cannot wake it by tapping the power button, spacebar, esc, or eject. The only option is to hold the power button until it completely shuts off.

     

    Also I'm not sure if this has any importance, but on the pre-boot login, none of the onscreen buttons work (restart, shutdown, international keyboard).

  • by Loner T,

    Loner T Loner T Aug 20, 2016 7:41 AM in response to pmishra0102
    Level 7 (23,633 points)
    Safari
    Aug 20, 2016 7:41 AM in response to pmishra0102

    How old is the battery on your 2010 Mac? If it is the original battery that came with the Mac, it should be replaced.

  • by OGELTHORPE,

    OGELTHORPE OGELTHORPE Aug 20, 2016 3:18 PM in response to pmishra0102
    Level 9 (52,147 points)
    Mac OS X
    Aug 20, 2016 3:18 PM in response to pmishra0102

    What happens when you insert the original Snow Leopard OSX install disk?  Will the MBP recognize it?

     

    Ciao.