B&W Macbook startup problem - no solution suggested in forums has worked

Hi there,
I encountered a problem using Word on my white Macbook yesterday, so restarted (by selecting the 'restart' option from the apple menu) to try to fix it.
It would not restart: it showed a white screen with the apple sign for ages, followed by a prohibitory sign, then eventually the apple sign again, followed by a flashing folder with a question mark. I have tried the following options (found by searching the forums), to no avail:
(NB #1: almost all my data is backed up, therefore I don't need to worry about salvaging lost data.)
(NB #2: I am not exactly sure what operating system this machine uses, but I think it's 10.5. The model number is A1181, it was bought refurbished from Apple in June 2008, and the info on the barcode label under the battery says 'MB 13/2 16/2X512/120/SD-DL:WHITE'.)
Resetting the PRAM: the problem persisted.
Tried to perform an archive and install using the install disk. On the first attempt, after selecting the 'archive and install option' and then selecting the HD as the 'destination', the process performed some sort of disk check. It either completed the disk check, or nearly completed it (I left the room when it was about 80% done), but then showed an error message saying that it had encountered a problem and that I needed to restart (I think! I didn't write down exactly what the message said).
I restarted and attempted to run the archive and install process again (several times). However, this time, no destination volumes are shown at the 'Select a Destination' step. So, I'm unable either to archive and install or to erase and install.
Tried to repair HD using the disk utility function but encounter a 'First Aid Failed' error message which says: 'The underlying task reported failure on exit'.
Tried booting in safe mode several times, with slightly different unsuccessful results:
1st attempt (with the install disk still in the drive): a grey screen with text appeared along with a message telling me to restart by holding down the power button, which I did. However, the restart just returned me to the install disk process again, and I encountered the same problems with no destination shown at the 'Select a Destination' step and the inability to repair the HD using the disk utility.
2nd attempt (with the install disk still in the drive): would not start up, apple sign followed by prohibitory sign.
3rd attempt (having ejected the disk by restarting whilst holding down the mousepad button): apple sign displayed for a long time; eventually the screen went off then came on again (along with the restart sound), but remained white (no apple sign displayed).
4th attempt (disk still ejected): apple sign displayed for a long time, eventually screen went blank and came on again (along with the restart sound), apple sign displayed, then prohibitory sign, apple sign again, then folder with question mark.
Tried using fsck but failed. Started up in single-user mode, but got an error message saying: "Error loading kernel 'mach_kernel' (0x80000012)"
Tried SMC reset but this made no difference.
I would be hugely grateful for any helpful suggestions!
Thanks very much.
Rebecca

Mr Blumple wrote:
Thanks very much both of you!
If I buy a new HD and then run my install disks, will this return the Macbook to the same state (software-wise) as when I bought it?
Yes, also... if you take the old drive and put it in an external Firewire or USB enclosure you may be able to save some of your data files.
pancenter-

Similar Messages

TS1440 A flashing question mark appeared when I started my MacBook Pro, I've tried all the suggestions and nothing has worked. How can I back up my current files so I can reinstall Mavericks?

I recently did a manual reboot after my MacBook Pro had frozen, and instead of the usual Apple and loading icon, it gave me the flashing question mark on a folder, which I've never encountered before. I looked up some possible reasons on my PC, and after reading that there's a problem with my HD I tried looking up how to back up my files so that I can do a clean reinstall of Yosemite (latest ver.). However, I've never used anything like Time Machine or anything else that could back up all my files, so it didn't sound like I could do anything about that at this point. I've also tried going into Disk Utility and attempting to repair the disk image. There was only 2 available, disk0 and the base system. I verified the base system, and told me there was nothing wrong (it didn't give me the option to repair anything either, on both available options). I don't think this is the right thing though, since my drive was called MacBook Pro HD. So basically this is the point I'm at now. Is there anything I can do that will repair my HD without erasing all my files?

I've tried all the suggestions and nothing has worked.
I verified the base system, and told me there was nothing wrong
Hold the option key on boot to see if you can select your Macintosh HD.
A flashing question mark or globe appears when you start your Mac - Apple Support
You can boot into Recovery and re-install the OS X on top of what you have. It will preserve your user data.
command R on boot.
Recovery http://support.apple.com/kb/HT4718

After updating to iOS 6 my battery life of iPad 2 has reduced drastically..plz help..have tried all the standard solutions suggested in forums but doesn't help

After updating to iOS 6 my battery life of iPad 2 has reduced drastically..plz help..have tried all the standard solutions suggested in forums but doesn't help

The quickest way (and really the only way) to charge your iPad is with the included 10W or 12W USB Power Adapter. iPad will also charge, although more slowly, when attached to a computer with a high-power USB port (many recent Mac computers) or with an iPhone Power Adapter (5W). When attached to a computer via a standard USB port (most PCs or older Mac computers) iPad will charge very slowly (but iPad indicates not charging). Make sure your computer is on while charging iPad via USB. If iPad is connected to a computer that’s turned off or is in sleep or standby mode, the iPad battery will continue to drain.
Apple recommends that once a month you let the iPad fully discharge & then recharge to 100%.
How to Calibrate Your Mac, iPhone, or iPad Battery
http://www.macblend.com/how-to-calibrate-your-mac-iphone-or-ipad-battery/
At this link http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/galaxy-tab-android-tablet,3014-11.html , tests show that the iPad 2 battery (25 watt-hours) will charge to 90% in 3 hours 1 minute. It will charge to 100% in 4 hours 2 minutes. The new iPad has a larger capacity battery (42 watt-hours), so using the 10W charger will obviously take longer. If you are using your iPad while charging, it will take even longer. It's best to turn your new iPad OFF and charge over night. Also look at The iPad's charging challenge explained http://www.macworld.com/article/1150356/ipadcharging.html
Also, if you have a 3rd generation iPad, look at
Apple: iPad Battery Nothing to Get Charged Up About
http://allthingsd.com/20120327/apple-ipad-battery-nothing-to-get-charged-up-abou t/
Apple Explains New iPad's Continued Charging Beyond 100% Battery Level
http://www.macrumors.com/2012/03/27/apple-explains-new-ipads-continued-charging- beyond-100-battery-level/
New iPad Takes Much Longer to Charge Than iPad 2
http://www.iphonehacks.com/2012/03/new-ipad-takes-much-longer-to-charge-than-ipa d-2.html
Apple Batteries - iPad http://www.apple.com/batteries/ipad.html
Extend iPad Battery Life (Look at pjl123 comment)
https://discussions.apple.com/thread/3921324?tstart=30
New iPad Slow to Recharge, Barely Charges During Use
http://www.pcworld.com/article/252326/new_ipad_slow_to_recharge_barely_charges_d uring_use.html
Tips About Charging for New iPad 3
http://goodscool-electronics.blogspot.com/2012/04/tips-about-charging-for-new-ip ad-3.html
How to Save and Prolong the battery life of your new ipad
https://discussions.apple.com/thread/4480944?tstart=0
Prolong battery lifespan for iPad / iPad 2 / iPad 3: charging tips
http://thehowto.wikidot.com/prolong-battery-lifespan-for-ipad
iPhone, iPod, Using the iPad Charger
http://support.apple.com/kb/HT4327
Install and use Battery Doctor HD
http://itunes.apple.com/tw/app/battery-doctor-hd/id459702901?mt=8
In rare instances when using the Camera Connection Kit, you may notice that iPad does not charge after using the Camera Connection Kit. Disconnecting and reconnecting the iPad from the charger will resolve this issue.
 Cheers, Tom

I recently did the iOS 7.0.2 update, now I'm unable to purchase apps. "App could not be purchased at this time. Please try again later. ". I have tried a few of the suggestions and nothing has worked. Reset,change auto lock time on main screen, now what??

I recently did the iOS 7.0.2 update, now I'm unable to purchase apps. "App could not be purchased at this time. Please try again later. ". I have tried a few of the suggestions and nothing has worked. Reset,change auto lock time on main screen, change language setting. Now what???

This sorted it for me:
Backup your iPhone to iCloud (I believe backing up to iTunes will work too). Now go to "Settings --> General --> Reset --> Erase All Content and Settings" to completely restore your iPhone to factory settings. Assuming you've backed up to iCloud, you'll be asked when setting up your iPhone if you want to restore from an iCloud backup. Choose that option and once your iPhone has restored itself from your backup, this annoying problem will finally be gone! (was for me anyway).
To restore from an iTunes backup, connect your iPhone to your computer, load iTunes. Click the File menu and select Devices > Restore from Back up.

Late 2007 Macbook startup problem

I have a problem with my late 2007 Macbook. Originally, when starting up, I would briefly see the startup screen, then get three beeps. Since this is normally the sign of a memory problem, I ordered new memory (supposedly of the correct specifications, although upgrading from 2 x 512 MB to 2 x 2 GB). However, now when I start up, only the power indicator light at the front of the computer comes on. Nothing else happens. Putting the old memory back in returns the old problem, which suggests that I haven't managed to knock out video. I have tried resetting the SMC, but to no effect. Any suggestions, or is this computer fried?

Thanks for the suggestions. X423424 was correct in that the ram was defective; placing it into a MacBook Pro with the same memory requirements led to the same failure to boot.
However, taking the working 2GB memory from the MacBook Pro did not solve the boot-up problems on the MacBook. Fortunately, the memory still works after returning it to its original computer.
Any other suggestions on how this MacBook might be fixed, or is it simply fried?

Macbook Startup Problems, and Problems

When I startup my Macbook, it has been getting stuck on the blue screen typically associated with the startup and log-in. A few unique characteristics of my problem:
The screen regularly flashes white from the blue
Every so often(rarely) the screen changes to the log-in associated with startup, so I log-in, carefully so as to not mess up the user name or password and it immediately returns to the blue(flashing) screen.
My problems first began when I was using my Macbook and it was unable to open any applications that I had. I proceeded to shutdown the computer and then attempt to boot it up, at which point it froze at the gray apple screen with the spinning loader.
From there, I tried to boot in safe mode, got to the log-in and when I entered my information, it returned me to the safe-mode log-in every time.
I then proceed to boot on my Leopard install disk(I have updated to Snow Leopard, but it was a Family pack and therefore I don't have it with me) and repaired the disk, and repaired the disk partitions, both of which went off without a hitch. Once again I got stuck on the grey screen.
I then reset the PRAM and that got me past the grey screen, to this blue flashing one that represents my startup and log-in problems.
Luckily, I have a Seagate Free Agent Drive which has been my Time Machine disk.
My question is, would it be better to boot with and reinstall Leopard with my disk that came with my Macbook and restore the hard drive contents with the Free agent, even though it has been updated since the Snow Leopard install, or can I boot on the Free Agent itself and avoid the hassles.
Thanks for the help everyone

Are you serious?!! Couldn't be anything else? I recall it did this one time a few years ago when I was running a 3rd party backup software. After I removed it, the problem went away.
Replacing the hard drive, in my opinion, is a last ditch effort. Surely there are some other diagnostics to confirm.
Kim

Macbook startup problem

My macbook will startup only in save boot mode - otherwise it either comes to the login screen and nothing happens or I don't get the login option, only the apple logo and the cursor. . . it worked fine yesterday on the train, since I've neither installed nor deleted anything.

Try this:
Repairing the Hard Drive and Permissions
Boot from your OS X Installer disc. After the installer loads select your language and click on the Continue button. When the menu bar appears select Disk Utility from the Installer menu (Utilities menu for Tiger and Leopard.) After DU loads select your hard drive entry (mfgr.'s ID and drive size) from the the left side list. In the DU status area you will see an entry for the S.M.A.R.T. status of the hard drive. If it does not say "Verified" then the hard drive is failing or failed. (SMART status is not reported on external Firewire or USB drives.) If the drive is "Verified" then select your OS X volume from the list on the left (sub-entry below the drive entry,) click on the First Aid tab, then click on the Repair Disk button. If DU reports any errors that have been fixed, then re-run Repair Disk until no errors are reported. If no errors are reported click on the Repair Permissions button. Wait until the operation completes, then quit DU and return to the installer. Now restart normally.
If DU reports errors it cannot fix, then you will need Disk Warrior (4.0 for Tiger, and 4.1 for Leopard) and/or TechTool Pro (4.6.1 for Leopard) to repair the drive. If you don't have either of them or if neither of them can fix the drive, then you will need to reformat the drive and reinstall OS X.
You may have a corrupted preference file. If the previous doesn't help then create a new user account, log out of your normal account and log into the new one. Set the new account as the default at login and restart the computer. See if this causes the problem to cease. If so then you probably have a bad preference file or cache file. You can use software such as TinkerTool System to help clean out caches.

2008 MacBook Startup Problem

I have a 2008 MacBook. When I go to start it up the normal grey apple screen with the spinning gear comes up, but then it switches to a blank blue screen with the spinning gear. It just switches between the two screens continuously and will not start up. I tried taking the battery out but it didnt work. Any help?

Welcome to Apple Support Communities
This looks like a GPU or display problem.
Reset the SMC > http://support.apple.com/kb/HT3964 Reset the PRAM > http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1379 If nothing works, take the Mac to an Apple Store or reseller

Help! MacBook startup problems! Critical!!!

Hello all
(First of all sorry for my not perfect English, I hope you'll understand my problems anyway)
I made a great mistake by changing permissions for 'everyone' to 'no acces'. Now my computer wont start up. I have tried everything (resetting PRAM, starting with opt-down, starting from install-CD, trying to repair with DiskWarrior 4 [everything was fine] and other stuff I could find on different forums), repairing disk (I have no acces to repair disk permissions), trying to start in target-mode (would not work) and now I have this situation:
- when I start up with opt-down I get two options: EFI Boot or Install-CD. From that picture (doesn't matter which I choose) I can go to Disk Utility and choose Disk Control for Macintosh-HD (shows everything ok) and Repair Disk (also ok). I can not choose option for Archive and reinstall, this is inactive. The only possibility I can choose is Install MacOSX as a first time or Delete and install. No one of these options is interesting, because I didn't get backup of most of my files on MB (because extern HD wouldnt work with it for the long time, after one of the system updates).
- when I go to System profile I can see Root and Applications. In Root can I get acces to a map called something as Old/ recovered map with specific date (sorry, I am not sitting at home with my machine and I try also to translate to English) and in that map can I see all of my contents still exsisting One positive thing after all!
- What can I do to get acces to my profile? I have never tried to work with Terminal or other programming things...
Beside MacBook I have an old G4 with OSX 10.3 installed and approx. 2 GB space left. It is terribly slow! I have also LaCie FW with a lot of space, but it wouldnt work with MB before, so I am not very confident with it.
I know that is a terrible mass, but I really hope there is a kind soul to help me out of this situation, I am sure there is a way to do so.
Thanks in advance for any help!
Sincerely
Mignon

If your MacBook and your G4 both have working Firewire ports, you should be able to start up in Target Disk Mode http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1661 which would allow your faulty MacBook to mount as an external disk on your G4. You could then copy your significant files to the G4, after which you could erase and install a new system onto your MacBook and then copy your valuable files back to the MacBook. Just be sure you follow the instructions for Target Disk Mode exactly.
Bob N.

Macbook startup problems

just got a black macbook from a friend, was running fine for about a week. now i'm getting just the gray screen. i've tried starting up from a cd-nothing. i've tried connecting to my imac via firewire and the macbook hd doesn't show up on the imac desktop.
also i don't have the cd/dvds for the macbook
both are running 10.4.11

try the SMC update and updating the system regularly! If that doesn't help, send it in for AppleCare.
deltatux

I am connected through airport to a home router but none of my applicatons will connect to the internet. I have an old Macbook running OSX 10.5.8 and it has worked previously wthout any problems.

I am having trouble connecting applications to the internet. Airport find and connectsme to our hom router network connection but mail and safari cannot connect to the internet. Previously the conection worke withou difficulty.

You can be connected to a wireless network that has no internet connection. Try restarting your Airport device and your router.

Since updating to iOS 6 on my ipad i am unable to connect to the internet, itunes or the app store. I have tried many suggestions about changing the dat, logging in/out of itunes etc but nothing has worked! Please help :)

Since updating my ipad to iOS 6 a few days ago i can't seem to get onto the internet, the app store or itunes, nor can i update to iOS7!! I sent an email to apple support and they said we don't handle these issues and redirected me back to the help forums which i have already seen and tried everything other people have suggested and nothing has worked (changing date, signing in/out of itunes etc). When i go to app store the screen is blank, in itunes it just keeps saying loading but never gets anywhere and same with the internet! When i go to settings to update to iOS 7.0.4 it says software update unavailable, try again later. Not sure what to do now. Nothing works, can't use my apps, facebook, music etc. Will contact apple again and try get some answers. But thanks for any info

Some things to try first:
1. Turn Off your iPad. Then turn Off (disconnect power cord for 30 seconds or longer) the wireless router & then back On. Now boot your iPad. Hopefully it will see the WiFi.
2. Go to Settings>Wi-Fi and turn Off. Then while at Settings>Wi-Fi, turn back On and chose a Network.
3. Change the channel on your wireless router (Auto or Channel 6 is best). Instructions at http://macintoshhowto.com/advanced/how-to-get-a-good-range-on-your-wireless-netw ork.html
4. Go into your router security settings and change from WEP to WPA with AES.
5. Renew IP Address: (especially if you are droping internet connection)
    •    Launch Settings app
    •    Tap on Wi-Fi
    •    Tap on the blue arrow of the Wi-Fi network that you connect to from the list
    •    In the window that opens, tap on the Renew Lease button
6. Potential Quick Fixes When Your iPad Won’t Connect to Your Wifi Network
http://ipadinsight.com/ipad-tips-tricks/potential-quick-fixes-when-your-ipad-won t-connect-to-your-wifi-network/
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Some things to try first:
1. Turn Off your iPad. Then turn Off (disconnect power cord for 30 seconds or longer) the wireless router & then back On. Now boot your iPad. Hopefully it will see the WiFi.
2. Go to Settings>Wi-Fi and turn Off. Then while at Settings>Wi-Fi, turn back On and chose a Network.
3. Change the channel on your wireless router (Auto or Channel 6 is best). Instructions at http://macintoshhowto.com/advanced/how-to-get-a-good-range-on-your-wireless-netw ork.html
4. Go into your router security settings and change from WEP to WPA with AES.
5. Renew IP Address: (especially if you are droping internet connection)
    •    Launch Settings app
    •    Tap on Wi-Fi
    •    Tap on the blue arrow of the Wi-Fi network that you connect to from the list
    •    In the window that opens, tap on the Renew Lease button
6. Potential Quick Fixes When Your iPad Won’t Connect to Your Wifi Network
http://ipadinsight.com/ipad-tips-tricks/potential-quick-fixes-when-your-ipad-won t-connect-to-your-wifi-network/
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Fix WiFi Issue for iOS 7
http://ipadnerds.com/fix-wifi-issue-ios-7/
Fix WiFi Issue for iOS 7
http://ipadnerds.com/fix-wifi-issue-ios-7/
iOS 6 Wifi Problems/Fixes
Wi-Fi Fix for iOS 6
https://discussions.apple.com/thread/4823738?tstart=240
How To: Workaround iPad Wi-Fi Issues
http://www.theipadfan.com/workaround-ipad-wifi-issues/
Another Fix For iOS 6 WiFi Problems
http://tabletcrunch.com/2012/10/27/fix-ios-6-wifi-problems-ssid/
Wifi Doesn't Connect After Waking From Sleep - Sometimes increasing screen brightness prevents the failure to reconnect after waking from sleep. According to Apple, “If brightness is at lowest level, increase it by moving the slider to the right and set auto brightness to off.”
Fix For iOS 6 WiFi Problems?
http://tabletcrunch.com/2012/09/27/fix-ios-6-wifi-problems/
Did iOS 6 Screw Your Wi-Fi? Here’s How to Fix It
http://gizmodo.com/5944761/does-ios-6-have-a-wi+fi-bug
How To Fix Wi-Fi Connectivity Issue After Upgrading To iOS 6
http://www.iphonehacks.com/2012/09/fix-wi-fi-connectivity-issue-after-upgrading- to-ios-6.html
iOS 6 iPad 3 wi-fi "connection fix" for netgear router
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XsWS4ha-dn0
Apple's iOS 6 Wi-Fi problems
http://www.zdnet.com/apples-ios-6-wi-fi-problems-linger-on-7000004799/
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
How to Boost Your Wi-Fi Signal
http://ipad.about.com/od/iPad_Troubleshooting/a/How-To-Boost-Your-Wi-Fi-Signal.h tm
Troubleshooting a Weak Wi-Fi Signal
http://ipad.about.com/od/iPad_Troubleshooting/a/Troubleshooting-A-Weak-Wi-Fi-Sig nal.htm
How to Fix a Poor Wi-Fi Signal on Your iPad
http://ipad.about.com/od/iPad_Troubleshooting/a/How-To-Fix-A-Poor-Wi-Fi-Signal-O n-Your-iPad.htm
iOS Troubleshooting Wi-Fi networks and connections http://support.apple.com/kb/TS1398
iPad: Issues connecting to Wi-Fi networks http://support.apple.com/kb/ts3304
WiFi Connecting/Troubleshooting http://www.apple.com/support/ipad/wifi/
How to Fix: My iPad Won't Connect to WiFi
http://ipad.about.com/od/iPad_Troubleshooting/ss/How-To-Fix-My-Ipad-Wont-Connect -To-Wi-Fi.htm
iOS: Connecting to the Internet http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1695
iOS: Recommended settings for Wi-Fi routers and access points http://support.apple.com/kb/HT4199
How to Quickly Fix iPad 3 Wi-Fi Reception Problems
http://osxdaily.com/2012/03/21/fix-new-ipad-3-wi-fi-reception-problems/
iPad Wi-Fi Problems: Comprehensive List of Fixes
http://appletoolbox.com/2010/04/ipad-wi-fi-problems-comprehensive-list-of-fixes/
Connect iPad to Wi-Fi (with troubleshooting info)
http://thehowto.wikidot.com/wifi-connect-ipad
10 Ways to Boost Your Wireless Signal
http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2372811,00.asp
Fix iPad Wifi Connection and Signal Issues http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uwWtIG5jUxE
Fix Slow WiFi Issue https://discussions.apple.com/thread/2398063?start=60&tstart=0
How To Fix iPhone, iPad, iPod Touch Wi-Fi Connectivity Issue http://tinyurl.com/7nvxbmz
Unable to Connect After iOS Update - saw this solution on another post.
https://discussions.apple.com/thread/4010130
Note - When troubleshooting wifi connection problems, don't hold your iPad by hand. There have been a few reports that holding the iPad by hand, seems to attenuate the wifi signal.
Some Wi-Fi losses may stem from a problematic interaction between Wi-Fi and cellular data connections. Numerous users have found that turning off Cellular Data in Settings gets their Wi-Fi working again.
You may have many apps open which can possibly cause the slowdown and possibly the loss of wifi. In iOS 4-6 double tap your Home button & at the bottom of the screen you will see the icons of all open apps. Close those you are not using by pressing on an icon until all icons wiggle - then tap the minus sign. For iOS 7 users, there’s an easy way to see which apps are open in order to close them. By double-tapping the home button on your iPhone or iPad, the new multitasking feature in iOS 7 shows full page previews of all your open apps. Simply scroll horizontally to see all your apps, and close the apps with a simple flick towards the top of the screen.
Wi-Fi or Bluetooth settings grayed out or dim
http://support.apple.com/kb/TS1559
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
If any of the above solutions work, please post back what solved your problem. It will help others with the same problem.
 Cheers, Tom

IPhone music will not respond to Play button after being paused. The same music is on my iPad and MacBook Pro without problems. Any suggestions about cause and solution.

iPhone music will not respond to Play button after being paused.
The same music is on my iPad and MacBook Pro without problems. Any suggestions about cause and solution.

Do a
Reset: Hold down the Sleep/Wake button and the Home button at the same time for at least ten seconds, until the Apple logo appears. Note: You will not lose any data

MacBook pro when windows 7 has startup problem and Mac os doesn't work

I installed windows 7 on my MacBook pro and it did work well. But now windows has a startup problem and "startup repair" couldn't solve it, so I can't use both Mac os and windows and my laptop has become completely useless. Any suggestion?

Reboot and hold down command-R at the sound of the chime, that should take you to the Lion recovery partition, if it does go to disk utility and see if you have an OSX partition at all.

My iSight is not working on my Macbook Pro. What are the possible problems and solutions?

My iSight is not working on my Macbook Pro. What are the possible problems and solutions?

Hello Douglas,
Thank you for the details of the issue you are experiencing with the built-in iSight camera on your MacBook Pro. I recommend the following steps for this issue:
Important: Follow these instructions in order. Test the camera between steps to see if the issue is resolved.
Built-in iSight cameras
These steps are for iSight cameras that are built into a computer, such as the iMac G5 (iSight) or later, the MacBook, or MacBook Pro.
See if the issue is application-specific.
Try another application (iSight works with applications like iChat, PhotoBooth, and iMovie HD 6) to see if the iSight camera exhibits the same behavior in all applications. If it only happens in one application, try reinstalling that application.
See if the issue is user-specific.
Test your iSight camera in another user account. If the issue only occurs in one user, the issue would be isolated to user settings.
Find out if the computer recognizes the iSight
Check System Profiler (in the Utilities folder, inside the Applications folder). Under the USB header, check to see if the iSight camera is detected.
Reset SMC or PMU
Reset your computer's SMC or PMU, and then check System Profiler again. (SMC reset instructions for iMac G5 (iSight), Intel-based iMacs; PMU reset instructions for MacBook and MacBook Pro.)
If your built-in iSight camera is still not behaving correctly after trying all these steps, you may need to contact Apple or an Apple-Authorized Service Provider for service.
You can find the full article here:
How to Troubleshoot iSight
http://support.apple.com/kb/ht2090
Thank you for using Apple Support Communities.
Best,
Sheila M.

B&W Macbook startup problem - no solution suggested in forums has worked

Similar Messages

Maybe you are looking for