MacBook screen randomly gets very dark

My MacBook is from 2007, so it is old and has its problems. I am currently in college and use my iPad primarily for school work. Thank God I got this iPad a few weeks ago because I did not know my computer would have such a huge problem!  When I turned it on one day, it was all normal, and randomly the screen got so dark, it looked like the computer had shut down on me. I knew it was still turned on though because the little light was indicating that it was on and it was still making the cd drive/booting up sounds.  After a while, I noticed that the screen just went very very dim, because I could still slightly see the webpage I was on.  Turning up the brightness of the screen did nothing to help, same with restarting the computer. Sometimes the screen would come back to the normal brightness, until I would go to do something on the internet and it would go very dark again.  It's so unpredictable, I don't even want to deal with it anymore.  But there are some things for school I just need my laptop for rather than my iPad and I really need some help trying to fix it!!  I seriously cannot afford to buy a new MacBook right now, so I need to get this dim screen fixed so this computer can last me the rest of the semester.

It sounds like screen is failing. There is no fix if this is the problem.
Try Resetting the SMC
http://support.apple.com/kb/HT3964
There are special deals for students. You can get a MacBook Air starting around $750.
If you do purchase a new computer, get 8GB RAM. RAM is soldered in and you can't upgrade later.
Check out Apple's Special Financing link.
http://store.apple.com/us/browse/finance/instant_credit

Similar Messages

  • The screen has become very dark

    first time poster looking for some help. today the computer went to sleep, and when i woke it up the screen had become very dark, barely visible. adjusting the brightness did not work, neither did restarting the computer. after reading a number of these posts i elected to reset the pmu. i suspect that it worked because a window opened stating that the date was now prior to sometime in 2001, but the screen remains dark. does anyone have any other suggestions to fix this problem? thank you in advance.

    Try System Preferences>Universal Access and then choose Seeing. Adjust the Enhance Contrast Slider, try putting it near Normal.
    Hope this helps.

  • My new 7D gets very dark pics indoors when using "automatic" settings. Whats wrong?

    My new Canon 7D gets very dark pics indoors when everything is set on "Automatic".  So did my 60D, which i traded in for the 7D because of disappointing dark pics when on "Automatic".  This happens with the built-in flash, and also with my 430EX II external flash.
    What am I doing wrong?  I would like to make it work properly on "Automatic".
    Thanks,
    Art

    moxfulder wrote:
    Thanks for your responses!  I'm not using a flash.  The lighting is sufficient for even my iPhone4 to capture images with no flash, but the 6D's images are dark.
    Oh, sorry, I misunderstood.  That must be your exposure compensation.  Is it centered?

  • (fans?) randomly get very noisy - not sure why

    Hi,
    A few days ago my mac pro started randomly getting very noisy from time to time. it sounds like it rev's up to medium-high speed; not the full blast it can do but enough where it is annoying and clearly not normal. It happens every 10 to 20 minutes, goes on for a few, and then quiets down again. I can only assume it is a fan making the noise but dont know for sure.
    I really don't know what could be causing it because not only has it not happened before until a week ago but I am not running any intensive apps at all yet it still happens.
    I'm not really sure if anyone can help, but would appreciate it if anyone had suggestions on any tests i can run to check if something is wrong or if there is anything I can do about it.
    Thanks

    The first thing I would do is open the case and blow out all the dust. If there is a lot of buildup, esp on the heatsink ribbing on the procs and video card, it could easily cause your increased fan activity.

  • Horizontal lines appear in various programs on macbook pro that gets very hot.

      Model Name:
    MacBook Pro
      Model Identifier:
    MacBookPro1,2
      Processor Name:
    Intel Core Duo
      Processor Speed:
    2.16 GHz
      Number Of Processors:
    1
      Total Number Of Cores:
    2
      L2 Cache:
    2 MB
      Memory:
    2 GB
      Bus Speed:
    667 MHz
      Boot ROM Version:
    MBP12.0061.B03
      SMC Version (system):
    1.5f10
      Serial Number (system):
    W86241X4TJ1
      Hardware UUID:
    00000000-0000-1000-8000-0016CB902C12
      Sudden Motion Sensor:
      State:
    Enabled
    thin horizontal lines appear occasionally across window of firefox, if i switch to finder, not there. appears to stay with windows of different programs.
    lately above the keyboard along back edge in the middle under monitor gets very hot almost to hot to touch, uncomfortable on lap.
    i have no idea what the memory cards are. some have suggested i should replace memory cards?

    I don't really know about the new models as far as typical operating temperatures. The ones you mention are not meaningfully high to me. My 2011 13" MBP with an i5 CPU typically idles near 50º C.
    As for the speed issue that is hard to evaluate on the basis of personal opinion. You can download and run GeekBench benchmarks and compare the results to those reported for the same model configuration. You can use CineBench to benchmark video performance.

  • When I am using my macbook pro it gets very hot quickly

    my macbook pro will get really hot within minutes of using it. The the screen will just go black.  The only way to fix it is to restart the computer. This has been happening for about 2 years and now is so bad I can barely use the computer. HELP

    Learn about the fans in your Mac
    Try to not run too many apps simultaneously especially when streaming Flash content.
    Two years? If the problem persists, take your Mac in for service >Apple - Find Locations

  • My macbook pro retina gets very hot and slow

    whenever i use my macbook pro retina for an extended amount of time 1-2 hours watching videos online or playing games it gets very hot, starts lagging and gets unresponsive, i can only use it with a fan underneath basically, my old macbook pro had a similar problem, it took like 3 weeks of them checking it to find a problem which took them another couple of weeks to fix, i cannot be without my laptop for any extended period of time. fans inside seem to be working fine, but it still get incredibly hot... please help!!!

    Runaway applications can shorten battery runtime, affect performance, and increase heat and fan activity

  • MacBook Pro is getting very slow after ~1h of using. It's not even getting hot!

    MacBook Pro 15'
    early 2011
    OS X 10.9 (13A603) Maverics
    2 GHz Intel Core i7
    8 GB 1600 MHz DDR3
    Intel HD Graphics 3000 512  MB
    +my battery is dead and Im using cable all the time
    When I turn ON my Macbook everything is OK, but after ~1h of doing whatever (surfin on net, listetning iTunes or watching movies) it's suddenly getting super slow. After that even scrolling down the websites is lagging and watching movies from HDD is impossible (glitchy and low fps). Macbook is not getting hot at all. Normal restarting doesn't work - it's slow as it was before (I need to wait long time to turn in ON again). Yesterday I decided to restart the SMC (Control+Option+Shift+Power Button) and after restarting Macbook it was OK again for another 1h.
    I've already tried:
    - cleaning with Clean my Mac 2
    - scan with ClamXav
    - restarting SMC

    I'm updating OS X right now (downloading).
    Etrecheck informations:
    Hardware Information:
              MacBook Pro (15-inch, Early 2011)
              MacBook Pro - model: MacBookPro8,2
              1 2 GHz Intel Core i7 CPU: 4 cores
              8 GB RAM
    Video Information:
              Intel HD Graphics 3000 - VRAM: 512 MB
              AMD Radeon HD 6490M - VRAM: 256 MB
    System Software:
              OS X 10.9 (13A603) - Uptime: 0 days 0:9:56
    Disk Information:
              Hitachi HTS545050B9A302 disk0 : (500,11 GB)
                        EFI (disk0s1) <not mounted>: 209,7 MB
                        System (disk0s2) / [Startup]: 145,4 GB (71,97 GB free)
                        Recovery HD (disk0s3) <not mounted>: 650 MB
                        Heaven (disk0s4) /Volumes/Heaven: 301,98 GB (41,36 GB free)
                        **** (disk0s5) /Volumes/****: 51,73 GB (978,4 MB free)
              MATSHITADVD-R   UJ-898 
    USB Information:
              Apple Inc. Apple Internal Keyboard / Trackpad
              Apple Inc. BRCM2070 Hub
                        Apple Inc. Bluetooth USB Host Controller
              Apple Inc. FaceTime HD Camera (Built-in)
              Apple Computer, Inc. IR Receiver
    Thunderbolt Information:
              Apple Inc. thunderbolt_bus
    Configuration files:
              /etc/hosts - Count: 46
    Gatekeeper:
              Anywhere
    Kernel Extensions:
              [not loaded] com.silabs.driver.CP210xVCPDriver (3.0.0d1) Support
              [not loaded] com.silabs.driver.CP210xVCPDriver64 (3.0.0d1) Support
              [not loaded] com.wacom.kext.wacomtablet (6.3.5 - SDK 10.8) Support
    Launch Daemons:
              [loaded] com.adobe.fpsaud.plist Support
              [loaded] com.adobe.SwitchBoard.plist Support
              [loaded] com.macpaw.CleanMyMac2.Agent.plist Support
    Launch Agents:
              [not loaded] com.adobe.AAM.Updater-1.0.plist Support
              [running] com.wacom.wacomtablet.plist Support
    User Launch Agents:
              [loaded] com.adobe.AAM.Updater-1.0.plist Support
              [loaded] com.adobe.ARM.[...].plist Support
              [loaded] com.macpaw.CleanMyMac2Helper.diskSpaceWatcher.plist Support
              [loaded] com.macpaw.CleanMyMac2Helper.scheduledScan.plist Support
              [loaded] com.macpaw.CleanMyMac2Helper.trashWatcher.plist Support
    User Login Items:
              None
    Internet Plug-ins:
              FlashPlayer-10.6: Version: 11.9.900.152 - SDK 10.6 Support
              QuickTime Plugin: Version: 7.7.3
              AdobePDFViewerNPAPI: Version: 11.0.06 - SDK 10.6 Support
              AdobePDFViewer: Version: 11.0.06 - SDK 10.6 Support
              Flash Player: Version: 11.9.900.152 - SDK 10.6 Outdated! Update
              Default Browser: Version: 537 - SDK 10.9
              WacomNetscape: Version: 2.1.0-1 - SDK 10.8 Support
              Silverlight: Version: 5.1.20913.0 - SDK 10.6 Support
              WacomTabletPlugin: Version: WacomTabletPlugin 2.1.0.2 Support
              JavaAppletPlugin: Version: 14.9.0 - SDK 10.7 Check version
    Safari Extensions:
              AdBlock: Version: 2.6.31
    Audio Plug-ins:
              BluetoothAudioPlugIn: Version: 1.0 - SDK 10.9
              AirPlay: Version: 1.9 - SDK 10.9
              AppleAVBAudio: Version: 2.0.0 - SDK 10.9
              iSightAudio: Version: 7.7.3 - SDK 10.9
    iTunes Plug-ins:
              Quartz Composer Visualizer: Version: 1.4 - SDK 10.9
    3rd Party Preference Panes:
              Flash Player  Support
              Growl  Support
              Perian  Support
              WacomTablet  Support
              Tuxera NTFS  Support
    Time Machine:
              Time Machine not configured!
    Top Processes by CPU:
                   4%          WindowServer
                   2%          storeagent
                   0%          ps
                   0%          syslogd
                   0%          mds_stores
    Top Processes by Memory:
              229 MB          Safari
              90 MB          mds_stores
              54 MB          com.apple.WebKit.WebContent
              49 MB          Finder
              49 MB          WindowServer
    Virtual Memory Information:
              5.49 GB          Free RAM
              1.17 GB          Active RAM
              114 MB          Inactive RAM
              1.22 GB          Wired RAM
              192 MB          Page-ins
              0 B          Page-outs

  • Macbook Pro case getting VERY hot!

    This is my first Mac, but not my first laptop. Using it for 5 days, the temperature reads out at 85 degrees F. Currently, I am only running iDVD, Firefox, and Microsoft Messenger. The temperature jumped as high as 91 degrees at one point.
    While doing simple tasks such as Messenger, and web browsing in firefox, it reads at 79 degrees F. IS this normal for a Mac? I hear that Macs get very hot, that hot? Should I be returning it because it has a problem?

    "I hear that Macs get very hot, that hot? Should I be returning it because it has a problem?"
    From whom did you hear this? During the past day or so, you have asked some very fundamental questions, and I suggest that you familiarize yourself with the computer's operation. There's a wealth of information available on Apple's website, and it behooves you to check it out.
    Rather than worry about the temperature of individual components, you should spend your time enjoying - not worrying about - your computer. Your computer is operating normally. You should use the computer on a hard, flat surface, and be sure that the rear vent slot is unobstructed.

  • Screen randomly gets corrupted

    Regardless of what sites I am browsing the screen can get corrupted, including menu bars, download windows, etc. This also includes minimizing Firefox to go do something else in Windows, and all or part of the Firefox screen will pop back up, but will be more like a "ghost image" of it, i.e. mousing over things will reveal what *should* be there, making that part of the Firefox ghost-image disappear. This also happens to a lesser extent with Thunderbird.

    Try to disable hardware acceleration.
    *Tools > Options > Advanced > General > Browsing: "Use hardware acceleration when available"
    If disabling hardware acceleration works then check if there is an update available for your graphics display driver.

  • Probook 4540s HHD randomly gets very slow

    Hey, I have hp probook 4540s running windows 7 ultimate 64bit.
    Problem is HDD sometimes (after startup) being very slow, transfer speeds according to resource monitor are ~200kb/s, windows startup takes around 30minutes. HDD transfer speeds do not get better no much how long u wait.Cpu and memory usages are regular (=low) while this happens.All diagnostic programs (hp ones) do not find any issues.
    First I assumed it being a virus or windows problem so I formatted HDD and re-installed win7, a few days went by and it happened again. Computer has latest bios, and drivers, except update sp59047.exe which should be firmware for hdd this computer has. Running this sp59047 opens window which says hdd is correct for this update.. then it restarts computer which ends up in ms-dos looking command prompt saying failure. This environment has autoexec.bat and auto2.bat which both return 'failure' while i try to run them.
    HDD itself cant be seen but it has sticker 'replace with hp spare 641672-001 and 8k12a0. I'd expect software issue but this is fresh windows 7 with only regular stuff (firefox, adobe flash, .Net, directx, teamviewer, and kaspersky antivirus).. when problem first time appeared this computer didn't have any antivirus, so likely kaspersky isn't causing it. So, ideas what might be the problem? Lack of that firmware update? HDD about to fail? Computer still has warranty for 2 weeks, but I hate dealing with dealers when problem is something like this which passes build in-tests and happens randomly. Haven't tried with HP yet thou.

    I am sorry, but to get your issue more exposure I would suggest posting it in the commercial forums since this is a commercial product. You can do this <HERE>
    HP ProBook 4540s Notebook PC Support Page
    TwoPointOh
    I work on behalf of HP
    Please click “Accept as Solution ” if you feel my post solved your issue, it will help others find the solution.
    Click the “Kudos, Thumbs Up" on the bottom to say “Thanks” for helping!

  • I dropped my ipod touch gen 5. and the screen went a very dark blue. and the screen is not responding. all you can do i turn ond off the home button. but the screen still doesnt show up. what do i do? please help

    hi
    not even 20 minutes ago i accidentally dropped my iPod touch generation 5. and the screen wasn't responding. it went dark blue/ black color. when you press the on/off button or the home button, all that happens is that the screen light up but not eh background,time and etc. its just a simple black screen with a glow. my iPod has already being cracked before. and i haven't fixed it.
    please tell me what i can do. should i reset it or what? my iPod is honestly my life. i backed it up and everything yesterday. im so glad i did that. please help

    Try
    - Restore from backup. See:                                               
    iOS: Back up and restore your iOS device with iCloud or iTunes
    - Restore to factory settings/new iOS device.                       
    If still problem, make an appointment at the Genius Bar of an Apple store since it appears you have a hardware problem.
      Apple Retail Store - Genius Bar                              
    Unless you purchased the option AppleCare+ extended warranty
    Apple will exchange your iPod for a refurbished one for $99 for 16 GB 5G and $149 for the other 5Gs. They do not fix yours.
    Apple - iPod Repair price                                    
    A third-party place like the following may be able to fix it for less less. Google for more.
    iPhone Repair, Service & Parts: iPod Touch, iPad, MacBook Pro Screens         
    Fix it yourself if you are up to it. However, it is hard since yo do not know what is wrong
    iPod Touch Repair – iFixit                  

  • Viewing full screen images gets very slow in PSE 5&6

    In full screen preview mode, when going from a horizontal image to a vertical image, it takes several seconds to go to the next image.Have tried turning off and on the resizing option and it had no effect. Viewing 2mb jpgs from a Nikon D200.Have Win XP 64, 8GB Ram, dual core processor and a middle of the road video card.
    Could this be a video card issue? Would going to PSE 8 help. does PSE 8 utilize 64 bit OS?

    Very interesting.  I'm guessing that the portrait photos were rotated by the camera by setting the Orientation field in the photos' metadata, and that for some reason, PSE on your system requires a lot of time to properly rotate them on the fly in Full Screen view.  When you edit the photo in the Editor, it rotates the actual image, rather than setting the Orientation field.
    For a couple of test photos, try following steps 1 - 3 of this FAQ:
    http://www.johnrellis.com/psedbtool/photoshop-elements-faq.htm#_Photos_not_properly
    This should have the same effect as editing them in the Editor.

  • My iPad 2 screen is suddenly very dark, blurred and flickers...

    Ive had my ipad for about a month. I opened my smart cover today and the screen is very dim. I've had to turn it up tp full brightness just to use it to type on now. Furthermore it's very blurry and has tons of ghosting, I have no idea what has caused this. I haven't damaged it in anyway.

    Try a hard reset:
    Press and Hold the Home button and the Wake / Sleep button at the same time, keep them both pressed until you see the Apple Logo appear on the screen.  Ignore the slide to turn off message, just keep both buttons pressed.
    This does NOT affect any content on your iPad.
    If that does not work then you need to take your iPad in to Apple as it sounds faulty.
    Ian

  • Macbook screen randomly turns blue, then restarts

    This has happened twice and it is frustrating. I'll be working away as usual, then my Macbook's screen suddenly turns blue (like the start-up blue before your desktop loads) and then it behaves just as if it restarted. The first time Firefox didn't remember any tabs, but the second time it did.
    I have done a little research and saw that people are saying it has something to do with Rosetta apps. Anyone have a solution apart from saving my work frequently?

    Welcome to Apple Discussions!
    That is odd behavior, and I'm not sure what would cause it. You might try a PRAM reset and see if that helps:
    http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1379?viewlocale=en_US
    Good luck!

Maybe you are looking for

  • Me and my wife share itunes acct for iour iphones and ipads how do we stop geting each others e-mails on our own devices

    me and my wife have iphones and ipads but we seam to get each others e-mails and would like to keep them seperate how do we do that when shareing one itunes acct

  • Outlook connector shows some deleted recurring events

    We discovered an oddity that appears to be with the way Outlook shows a recurring event (seems to be an interpretation problem while reading and partially while writing). I'm using the connector from 139162-03 in either Outlook 2003 or 2007 set to sy

  • Supporting Role

    Can some one guide me what does a supporting person does in BW Project Implementation ?? Are there any phases in supporting job ? What is Remedy  tickets for SAP Problem ? what is Escalate excerptions? I know supporting person solves the problems but

  • Activity type in additive costs

    Dear Experts, is there a way to add the activity type field in additive costs "tcode CK74N", its a customer need to allocate activity types manually on materials. and if there is a transaction to allocate activity types on a group of materials (like

  • Restore iphone restore in-apps

    I was wondering if I backup my iphone then restore it will I still have all the data and the in-apps. Or do I have to purchase the in-apps again?