Macbook pro won't boot up

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howienz

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#190761 11-Jan-2016 15:56

My late 2011 macbook pro (purchased early 2012), running El Capitan - wouldn't boot up so I tried http://goo.gl/G4YbWq with mixed success. I would go through the different steps and sometimes it would reboot and sometimes it wouldn't but there was no pattern to which step worked - computer would run ok for 1-2 hours sometimes even longer and then freeze. Although now I'm back to the white screen with horizontal lines through the logo and nothing works.

What I've done:
re-installed El Capitan
checked the disk and all appears to OK
re-installed from time machine - this was a mild disaster, everything backed up ie apps etc but my documents didn't!

I called apple but my extended warranty expired early last year, they suggested a couple of agents; connect nz, imagetext, yoobee, urbertech etc - up until now I've managed to overcome any issues my macbook through up at me but this time I'm snookered (could be the logic board).

Would appreciate any advice on either overcoming problem or a good repair agent.

Many thanks,

Maurice

MikeB4

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#1467759 11-Jan-2016 16:29

If you need to put it into a service agent Connect NZ are good.

Here is a crazy notion, lets give peace a chance.

michaelmurfy

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#1467768 11-Jan-2016 16:41

This more sounds like a GPU problem caused by the GPU solder balls not making good electrical contact with the motherboard - can be quite easily fixed assuming you know what you're doing (guide here: http://ales.io/2014/03/09/how-to-bake-a-mac.html). I have personally baked a logic board (repairing my iMac) and some care is needed to ensure you bake it correctly however it is worth a shot.

A new logic board costs around $1800 - Apple have a repair problem for the above problem (here: https://www.apple.com/nz/support/macbookpro-videoissues/) so could be worth checking if your laptop is covered. If not, I am willing to attempt to bake it and reapply the thermal grease etc if you're not comfortable doing so and will cost far less than getting it repaired. If your mac is not covered by the extended warranty issued by Apple and you're not up for baking your mac then flick me a PM and we can sort something out. I am based in Wellington. I will need some thermal paste to apply and will clean out the mac for you too hopefully giving it more life for years to come.

Michael Murphy | https://murfy.nz
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gzt

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#1467769 11-Jan-2016 16:43

Worst case the old one is maybe worth 200-300 as a parts buy on trademe to kickstart your next purchase.

michaelmurfy

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#1467773 11-Jan-2016 16:45

Also note the extended Apple cover expires soon "The program covers affected MacBook Pro models until February 27, 2016 or three years from its original date of sale, whichever provides longer coverage for you." so best to get in quick and make a claim if you can.

CYaBro

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#1467774 11-Jan-2016 16:47

As michaelmurfy pointed out your model could be covered by the video issues repair extension program.
Check if your model is listed there and if it is get your device into a Apple Authorised Service Provider to confirm and be quick as that program ends on the 27th of Feb!
That is certainly what it sounds like the issue is.

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howienz

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#1468277 12-Jan-2016 10:22

michaelmurfy: This more sounds like a GPU problem caused by the GPU solder balls not making good electrical contact with the motherboard - can be quite easily fixed assuming you know what you're doing (guide here: http://ales.io/2014/03/09/how-to-bake-a-mac.html). I have personally baked a logic board (repairing my iMac) and some care is needed to ensure you bake it correctly however it is worth a shot.

A new logic board costs around $1800 - Apple have a repair problem for the above problem (here: https://www.apple.com/nz/support/macbookpro-videoissues/) so could be worth checking if your laptop is covered. If not, I am willing to attempt to bake it and reapply the thermal grease etc if you're not comfortable doing so and will cost far less than getting it repaired. If your mac is not covered by the extended warranty issued by Apple and you're not up for baking your mac then flick me a PM and we can sort something out. I am based in Wellington. I will need some thermal paste to apply and will clean out the mac for you too hopefully giving it more life for years to come.

Thank you for your reply and offer, however given I'm in Auckland (apologies for not noting this) I may have to take it to a local agent. I checked out the baking method but as you say I'm probably not comfortable with this option.

The video issues link seems to be positive, it came up with the "Repairs and Service Coverage: Consumer Law May Apply" (This product may be eligible for consumer law coverage. Apple's Limited warranty and benefits under AppleCare Protection Plan or AppleCare+ are separate from rights provided by consumer law (see details).) Given this I think I'll take to connectnz for an appraisal and see how I get on.

Cheers

PS just noticed my glaringly obvious typo! should've written ...threw up... not ...through up...

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mindtpi99

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#1468850 13-Jan-2016 01:45

Before you do anything, do the two basic steps first, reset the SMC and the PRAM.
https://support.apple.com/en-nz/HT201295
and
https://support.apple.com/en-nz/HT204063

If that doesn't help, I'd take it to service plus and get it assessed and see if they can find a problem
Cheers
Howard
Rev_IT

howienz

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#1478869 26-Jan-2016 10:40

update:

Turns out it was the video card, so they replaced the logic board (under warranty) and managed to recover my lost data - so all in all a great result.

Thanks to all the advice and I used connect nz who were fantastic to deal with.

Cheers