Dark bands or 'spotlights' on bottom of Macbook (early 2009) screen?

I have had my 13" Macbook since 2009. It's never given me an issue but yesterday I opened up my computer from sleep mode and there were dark bands across the bottom in between what looked like small spotlights beaming towards the top of the screen (this does not show up in screenshots). Ever since, when I wake my computer up from sleep or turn it on the spotlights reappear for about 5-10 seconds before the screen lights up like normally. Also just discovered that when I go to the lowest screen brightness setting (which should appear black), the screen goes into strobe mode, with the 'spotlights' showing up at the bottom. I could live with this, but I'm pretty sure it's just going to get worse.
If it's any help, my battery seems to be charging very slowly.
I have OS X 10.5.8

I have a similar problem since the last update 10,5,7.
Always when I connect my iPod80GB the computer hangs, the problem only exist when running Mac OS X. It won't happen while running windows.
The same problem when I connect an external hard drive the computer hangs aswell (Mac OS X) (not in windows).
My personal feeling is that there are serious bugs in the last program update.

Similar Messages

MacBook (Early 2009) - Screen freezes (hang) when playing music or video

Hi,
I have an strange problem with MacBook (Early 2009). Whenever I play music using ITunes or DVD with IDVD or even watch a video on youtube, my macbook will hang suddenly and a strange sound will come out.
To recover from this problem, i have to power off the system and power on the system again.
Initially, I thought it is related to iTunes but the same problem occurs even i use other alternatives (e.g. songbird) for playing of songs.
Please kindly advice me.
Thank you.
Michael.

I have a similar problem since the last update 10,5,7.
Always when I connect my iPod80GB the computer hangs, the problem only exist when running Mac OS X. It won't happen while running windows.
The same problem when I connect an external hard drive the computer hangs aswell (Mac OS X) (not in windows).
My personal feeling is that there are serious bugs in the last program update.

MacBook (Early 2009) Screen Flickering, Black-out

So to describe the problem in short, my MacBook is having issues with the screen in random instances. It only seems to happen when I am running some high CPU performance requiring software/games. The screen will turn black about 70% from the bottom up, and the remainder of what is visible will be blinking. Is anyone else expierencing this issue?
No I have not dropped the machine, I barely move it because it is not my primary computer.
I will post below with some specs so you can take a look. I will note that I do not use this hard drive for much, I have never filled it with music because I use iTunes homeshare for that, it is mostly used for student stuff like Microsoft Office.
I recently discovered the issue when I was video chatting with some friends on Skype, as well as running a flash game (on Safari) and suddenly the screen went out. the only way I was able to bring it back was by CMD + Q to quit Safari, which I knew was running and selected. I currently an only using 26GB of my 250GB hard drive, and that is with the Sims 3 game installed, which also will not display on the screen correctly.
As far as troubleshooting, I have reset the PRAM and NVRAM, as well as the SMC. I followed two links on the Apple Support page to find out how to do that. Any further suggestions? My MacBook is unfortunately not under warranty any more so I am not sure if the Apple store Genius Bar will even help me.
Tech Specs:
Model Name: MacBook
Model Identifier: MacBook5,2
Processor Name: Intel Core 2 Duo
Processor Speed: 2 GHz
Number Of Processors: 1
Total Number Of Cores: 2
L2 Cache: 3 MB
Memory: 4 GB
Bus Speed: 1.07 GHz
Boot ROM Version: MB52.0088.B05
SMC Version (system): 1.38f5
Chipset Model: NVIDIA GeForce 9400M
Type: GPU
Bus: PCI
VRAM (Total): 256 MB
Vendor: NVIDIA (0x10de)
Device ID: 0x0866
Revision ID: 0x00b1
ROM Revision: 3384
Hitachi HTS543225L9SA02:
Capacity: 250.06 GB (250,059,350,016 bytes)
Model: Hitachi HTS543225L9SA02

Sounds a lot like an overheating issue. My son used to run his Mac in his lap with a blanket in his lap. The blanket was not a good thing to be putting the Mac on top of as it trapped all the heat it was making. When he would play an intensive game, something like what you describe would happen until things cooled off.

Can I install a Hybrid HDD SSD drive in my Macbook early 2009?

I was thinking of installing this new drive into my 13-inch White MacBook early 2009 edition. I have read community pages stating it should be fine so long as i do not go over 9.5 mm height and is a 2.5 inch SATA.
http://www.amazon.com/Seagate-Momentus-Solid-Hybrid-ST95005620AS/dp/B003NSBF32/r ef=reg_hu-rd_add_1_dp
But I would rather be safe than out all the cash.
Please let me know if this is a good decision. (Note I am not high on cash at the moment and am using some winnings from a hackathon to purchase the item.)

I installed one in an early 2008 MacBook 4,1 and it worked perfectly.....I would expect the same results for the early 2009.....

HOW TO REPLACE HARD DRIVE WHITE MACBOOK EARLY 2009

I have a White MacBook Early 2009, I need suggestions. My Macbook is still running fine, but would like to know which Hard Drive I should purchase as replacement. Thinking of going 500GB if possible, I already downloaded the instructions. Just trying to get my ducks in order for when that time comes, hopefully not for a few more years.

For a new hard drive try Newegg.com
Regular SATA drives http://www.newegg.com/Store/SubCategory.aspx?SubCategory=380&name=Laptop-Hard-Dr ives&Order=PRICE Use the list at the left for larger and faster drives.
SSD drives
http://www.newegg.com/Internal-SSD/SubCategory/ID-636?Order=PRICE Use the list at the left for larger and faster drives.
Or OWC for regular hard drives and SSDs http://eshop.macsales.com/shop/hard-drives/2.5-Notebook/
Here are instructions on replacing the hard drive in a MacBook with a removable battery. http://creativemac.digitalmedianet.com/articles/viewarticle.jsp?id=45088
To transfer your current hard drive I like the applications Carbon Copy Cloner or SuperDuper. They make a bootable copy of everything on your hard drive. http://www.bombich.com/index.html or http://www.shirt-pocket.com/SuperDuper/SuperDuperDescription.html
You'll need a cheap SATA external hard drive case. Put the new drive in the case then format and partition the new drive and clone your old drive to the new one. Check that it's set up right by booting up from the external drive. Then replace your old hard drive with the new one and put your old one in the external case.
Here's a cheap SATA external hard drive case on Amazon http://www.amazon.com/Vantec-NexStar-2-5-Inch-External-Enclosure/dp/B002JQNXZC/r ef=pd_cp_pc_0
If you don’t have the tools to open up the MacBook OWC has a set for $5
http://eshop.macsales.com/item/OWC/TOOLKITMHD/

Mavericks upgrade : Macbook (early 2009) running Snow Leopard (10.6.8)

Hello,
I have a Macbook (early 2009) running Snow Leopard (10.6.8) and want to upgrade to Mavericks.
I have upgraded to 4GB RAM and replaced the HD for an SSD. It works perfectly.
Now the issue comes with Mavericks upgrade.
The App Store offers me to upgrade to Mavericks but when I click on the Upgrade button, a message prompts it can not install Mavericks on this machine.
I am confused. Any idea on what I should check ?

Toffe13,
Are you very sure of the exact mode (year etc), just saying as the requirements are:
"MacBook (Late 2008 Aluminum, or Early 2009 or newer)"
If so...
Then have you tried reinstalling the 10.6.8 updates (combo 1.1) - http://support.apple.com/downloads/#10.6.8
Also...
I assume you've ran a full sweep of Disk Utility to clear any permissions issues etc. (rarely helps, but still)
Maybe provide a little more info on what you've tried thus far, I.E. is this a fresh install from your DVD's etc. or a migration from HDD to SSD etc.
Thanks

Macbook early 2009 Bootcamp Driver Questions

I have a Macbook 5.1 or 5.2 i believe, its from early 2009. I dont not believe apples list that determine things to be compatible! people on my macbooks model ahve reported having 8gb ram working! even 16gb!! ("max" is 4gb)
I installed win7 64bit (unsupported on my model) with everything fine and dandy except my brightness controls!
users using bootcamp 3.3 have reported that this is a problem and what not, so i want to kno which bootcamp drivers may working from version 4.0.
apple update does not give me any bootcamp updates.
im guessing 4.0.4033 would work with my system? i got intel graphics and nvidia geforce 9400m.
thanks for replys!

Unsuported means there are no compatible drivers. Your "guess" is as good as anybody's. See the following tabe from http://support.apple.com/kb/HT5634
Mac model
Windows 8, 64-bit
Windows 7, 64-bit
Windows 7, 32-bit
Windows Vista, 64-bit
Windows Vista, 32-bit
Windows XP, 32-bit
MacBook (13-inch, Mid 2010)
4
4
4
4
4
MacBook (13-inch, Late 2009)
4
4
4
4
4
MacBook (13-inch, Mid 2009)
4
4
4
MacBook (13-inch, Early 2009)
4
4
4
MacBook (13-inch, Aluminum, Late 2008)
4
4
4
MacBook (13-inch, Early 2008)
4
4
4
MacBook (13-inch, Late 2007)
4
4
4
MacBook (13-inch, Mid 2007)
4
4
4
MacBook (13-inch, Late 2006)
4
4
4
MacBook (13-inch, Mid 2006)
4
4
4

Macbook early 2009 Random Freezes

Ok this is a long history. I have a macbook white early 2009. At the time that Snow Leopard came out i led my macbook to an Apple Store for the upgrade, after a couple of weeks the macbook starts to freezes randomly no matter what, just listening music in iTunes or surfing the web on Safari, even without any application open. When it freezes, the mouse doesn't move, then the rainbow wheel appears, and nothing can be clicked and force-quit doesn't work (have to do a hard shut down). My HD also makes the noise that does when you open a new application but louder and the noise keeps until i do the hard shut down. The freeze grew until i was no longer available to log in so i cant get access to the OS. I led the mac once again to the Apple Store where they told that the problem was only an error on the HD and a clean install of Snow Leopard will solve the problem (but i'm going to lost all my information) i say do it. The gave me my macbook the same day and at night when i was upgrading the OS the freezes came back. Since then i have done alot of things, repair permissions, format the HD. I have pefomed and fsck of the HD and everythings looks ok.
S.M.A.R.T. status is ok (verified) and I also did an Apple Hardware Test and it said no trouble was found. So then i decided to go back to Leopard but the problem continued until i use the option of "Save and Install" from the DVD of Leopard. the freeze never occur from then until nowdays and i'm in leopard. I tried to solve the problem by upgrading to Snow Leopard yesterday but the macbook just freeze up again two times.
Since my HD does a loudy noise when the macbook freeze up i'm guessing that is the HD the one responsable for this problem. Anyone can help me with this?

There's been discussion on the question of to-Lion or not-to-Lion. Snow Leopard is stable at this point and runs well for most. Lion is pretty stable, but some still have issues (it's working fine for me).
You could do like I did and install Lion on a separate hard drive or a separate disk partition, and have a dual boot system. That way you could evaluate Lion while having Snow Leopard to fall back on.
A big change with Lion is that it no longer supports running PowerPC code. So if your program needs depend on programs that run under the Rosetta emulator, a pure Lion system may not be the answer. However, a dual boot system would cover that (I have a dual boot setup).
If you want to use Lion, you should have 4GB or more of memory. Lion requirements are 2GB however a number of people haven't been satisfied with it's performance, which was fixed by going to 4GB.

Do MacBook Early 2009 Model have 64-bit processor?

I have a MacBook While 13', Early 2009 Model [ http://support.apple.com/kb/SP504 ]
I was using Leopard till date, but now want to upgrade to Snow Leopard.
I read technical specifications for Snow Leopard, and it says that 64-bit support is available with 64-bit processor only [ http://support.apple.com/kb/SP575 ]
I don't know whether my MacBook have 64-bit processor or not? Do any know about it?
Can I install Snow Leopard on my MacBook?
Help me, Please.
If possible, please show me how can I find whether my MacBook supports 64-bit processing or not?

Note too, that unless you have more than 4GB of RAM installed, and have applications that are written in 64bit and can access more than 4GB of RAM, there is no discernable difference between running the 32bit kernel or the 64bit kernel.
Both the 32bit kernel and the 64bit kernel use a memory address system that can use more than 4GB RAM for those applications that support using 64bit memory. The 32bit kernel itself can only address <4GB RAM for kernel processes, but since it is pretty rare that the kernel itself ever needs anywhere near that much RAM, the difference between the two kernels is pretty much a non-issue for most users (even those running 64bit applications in machines with >4GB of RAM installed).

Macbook early 2009 camera not working

How come my early 2009 macbook camera is not working?

Gary Leung wrote:
I have the same problem as this person had with iSight. It happened 2 times, once in December 09 and once Feb 2010. Both times I was told to reset the SMC and the procedure worked. But I would like your opinion whether something insidiously wrong with the SMC or other hardwares in my MacBook 13-inch alum late 2008 model. Or do I need to re-install the OS, which I upgraded it from 10.5 to Snow leopard (10.6) back in Sept. 2009. Thanks.
Hello, Gary.
Twice since Sep 2009 would not be a problem to me, but if you only used it twice (or a few times), I suppose I might re-think that.
OS X is now so reliable that many of us who let our Macs run or sleep rather than shutting down between uses tend to forget that computer "temp" files can get a bit scrambled as usage continues. If you restart regularly but still experience problems with increasing frequency, you might want to consider doing some troubleshooting. I would start with  > Software Update... and then verify that all third-party software you have installed is updated to the latest version that is compatible with your Mac OS.
If you use no or a few third-party software, an occasional restart will likely help OS X keep your Mac working at best efficiency. If you still experience any difficulty with your iSight, the troubleshooting suggestions in Apple's http://support.apple.com/kb/HT2090 should help you determine what needs to be fixed.
If you experience problems in addition to iSight, http://support.apple.com/kb/TS1388 may help you.
The instructions that came with your Snow Leopard upgrade can help if you need to reinstall.
EZ Jim
Mac Pro Quad Core (Early 2009) 2.93Ghz w/Mac OS X (10.6.2) MacBook Pro (13 inch, Mid 2009) 2.26GHz (10.6.2)
LED Cinema Display G4 PowerBook 1.67GHz (10.4.11) iBookSE 366MHz (10.3.9) External iSight

MacBook Pro (1st gen Intel) : poor wifi performance vs MacBook (early 2009)

I have an issue with my old _MacBook Pro (1st generation Intel)_ which is much slower than my brand new MacBook (from early 2009) : all the bandwith tests show the _MBP being at 50% speed vs the MacBook_. I use my iPhone on my network as well and is behaving better than the MBP...
Do you have any idea where that comes from ?
Thanks for your help,
FYI : the MBP is on OS X 10.4 vs OS X 10.5 for the new MB. I have MAC adress filtering for the 3 equipment...

I've had the same problem with my MacBook Pro from Late 2008.
Yesterday, I had a Lenovo and Sony laptop sat right next to my MacBook Pro, and the Macbook was the only laptop that couldn't maintain a Wi-Fi connection. Usually, it couldn't even keep the connection for more than a minute or so.
I tried changing my Router's configuration (eg change to Channel 1, etc) but in the end, I gave up and had to buy a Wi-Fi Range Extender device. It was very easy to install and setup, there isn't even an install CD or software to install..
My MacBook now has a fast, reliable Wi-Fi connection.
What I don't know (and didn't try) is whether attaching a 802.11N USB device to my MacBook Pro would've improved it's Wi-Fi connection. This might've been a cheaper option, but as I wanted my iPad & iPod to also have an improved Wi-Fi connection, I went for the Range Extender instead.

MacBook (March 2009) screen blacks out

Hi,
I have a white MacBook (March, 2009) running Leopard, and currently
the screen keeps blacking out, even while the unit is fully connected to
power, and the battery is fully recharged overnight. I don't even have
time to go into Settings. I have tried closing the MacBook, and then
opening it after a while, within 2 seconds, the MacBook screen blacks
out.
I have done a hard shut down and restart, but still have the same problem.
I've even inserted the Leopard installation CD, but still it keeps happening.
I am really worried that I will have to take it for a repair. But is there any
other solution?
Thanks, Sandeep.

I tried the battery remove and reinstall procedure, and it didn't work the first time, maybe because I didn't give the battery enough rest.
I've done it a second time, and will try again in 2 or 3 hours, to see if it works.
If not, I will have to take into the service centre.
Thanks, Sandeep.

White Macbook (Early 2009) Why mini-DVI to S-video adapter no longer works?

I am a lifelong Mac user and by now think I pretty well know the ins and outs of Macs and most Mac-related issues... but this one has stumped me.
The new white Macbook was upgraded to include many of the components of its big brother unibody Aluminum Macbooks (including 1066 MHz frontside bus and the NVIDIA 9400M) just over a week ago. I was lucky enough to be in the market for a new laptop about this time and snatched one up a few days ago (retiring my awesome 12" Aluminum PowerBook G4 which is still kicking).
One of the main reasons I upgraded was to be able to use Silverlight 2.0 (d--- Microsoft) as I can't watch streaming lectures from school without it. A nice bonus would be the ability to stream Netflix videos to my TV through my laptop which I've wanted to do for a while. Anyone who has bought one of these new Macbooks and uses their laptop with their TV as much as I do has probably read one of these two links:
http://support.apple.com/kb/HT3413
http://store.apple.com/us/product/M9319G/A?mco=MzE2OTkzMA
Note the asterisk at the Apple store: "* This adapter is not compatible with the 2.0GHz Intel Core 2 Duo white MacBook introduced in January 2009."
Can someone tell me why this is? I've been using the s-video out of my Apple laptops for the past 6 years... why change it now? Is this a temporary problem or permanent change?
I have been fervently searching for a work-around but no blogs, forums, or boards have given me any answers. One tech blogger at http://createdigitalmotion.com/2009/01/22/white-macbook-snubs-adapter-i-want-my- tv-out/ speculates that Apple is cracking down on DRM video being watched on TV's... but that makes no sense, any new TV can use the DVI output still supported by this computer.
Dear Apple: PLEASE give me my TV back!!! I want to watch Netflix and use that cool Front Row feature you put in your system!
Message was edited by: zioneyes

Ziatron wrote:
Apple does not regularly read these forms. The best way to communicate with Apple is with the below link.
http://www.apple.com/feedback/macbook.html
Thank you for your helpful and detailed response, Ziatron. I am aware Apple is unlikely to peruse my forum post, I was just crying out in anguish at the gods that be, so to speak.
Everything you wrote is consistent with what I have read in other places, thanks for consolidating it here. I am not as proficient in display technologies as I am in other areas so let me see If I am understanding you correctly. Apple has licensed HDCP technology and is employing it across its desktop and laptop lineups. The new white MacBook was the last of the MacBook lineup to be upgraded to include this new technology and as it still retains the older Mini-DVI out rather than the new Mini-Displayport Apple had to "flip the switch" and turn off the MacBook's ability to put out video through the old adapter. I notice that there is no Mini-Displayport to video adapter available in their store. Am I good so far?
So I am left to assume that they turned off the capability of outputing to s-video because that output cannot be managed by the new HDCP technology, correct? If so, I suppose I understand but am still frustrated as it seems they are prevent the growth of a few weeds (illegal content) by burning the whole lawn (preventing many such as me from using the output I love). Thanks for your help again.

I have a MacBook Early 2009, when I open Adobe Reader and try to put text in the blanks, which I used to be able to do. It always closes on me. I am running OS 10.7.5 and Adobe 11.0.04. Does anyone know how to fix this?

I am trying to place text in an Adobe Reader document. I have done this hundreds of times. Everytime I click on the text icon it Adobe crashes. How can I fix this.
I have also had a couple of apps do the same thing. They work once or twice then crash.
Please help!!!

Uninstall Genieo:
http://www.thesafemac.com/arg-genieo/
See if that makes a difference.
Ciao.
DawnHerbie wrote:
Also is Safeboot ok to use?
Yes, it will do no harm, but it is meant for trouble shooting and you should not have to use it all the time.
Message was edited by: OGELTHORPE

Creaky hinges MacBook early 2009

Hi everyone!
Have had this Mac coming up a year, and the hinges are really creaky and almost seem to stick.
Just interested to know if anyone else has this issue? if so what can I do about it?
Also battery cover is really poor fitting! Any ideas?
Need to avoid Apple shop really as live 70 miles from the nearest one!

If the unit is in warranty, call Apple and they will send you a box to ship in for service. You will get it back in 5 days or less. Mine only took 3 days.
Dave M.
MacOSG Founder/Ambassador  An Apple User Group  iTunes: MacOSG Podcast
Macsimum News Associate Editor  Creator of 'Mac611 - Mobile Mac Support'

Dark bands or 'spotlights' on bottom of Macbook (early 2009) screen?

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