No backlight on MacBook. Please help?

Hello, friends.
I just got home and tried to wake my (white 2008) MacBook from sleep, as i left it before i was gone. Problem is, after i open the lid, there is no backlight whatsoever. I can still see what's on the display if i bring a light source directly to it, but i still can't get any backlight. I tried resetting the PRAM and SMC and after that i got about 2 or 3 seconds of full backlight when i booted, but after that, the screen goes dark again, although it boots and i can see my desktop with the wallpaper and everything with the help of a light source.
What do you think it can be? Could it be a matter of software? Or, more likely, as i presume, a hardware problem? I don't think the display is the problem, because clearly the backlight works, i can see full brightness for a couple of seconds almost every time i boot up and everything else that i have on my desktop. Could it be a loose cable inside or a battery problem? I'm gonna take it to an Apple store and see what's with it tomorrow, but maybe you can help me before i do that.
The MB wasn't even touched while i was gone, so i find it hard to believe that a cable or connection simply broke free inside there, by itself, or just by opening the lid.
Thank you kindly, for any help.
Vincent

Hello, Marcio.
I went to a local Apple service and they told me it was a problem with the wires. The display has some wires connecting it to the rest of the computer and, apparently, they melted in some places.
The guys there told me that Apple service is not authorized to repair it, but only to change the entire screen. And that costs me about $400. I refused to pay such amount and went home.
It's where i noticed that if you put the display to no brightness/light at all and then back to brightness, the display will stay on for a long time. A short time at first, but now i've come to do that once and the backlight stays on even for days without turning off.
Try it, play with the brightness - minimum level to a few lines and see how it goes

Similar Messages

  • I am unable to install adobe flashplayer onto my 3-4 year old macbook - please help!

    I am unable to install adobe flashplayer onto my 3-4 year old macbook - please help.

    Moved to Installing Flash Player

  • Hello, I have a MacBook pro retina 13" early 2013, and i am not sure if I can use a 4k2k display Monitor with my Macbook, please help!

    Hello, I have a MacBook pro retina 13" early 2013, 2,6 GHz Intel Core i5 and Intel HD Graphics 4000 1024MB,
    and i am not sure if I can use a 4k2k display Monitor with my Macbook, please help!

    Hello, Righten.  
    Thank you for visiting Apple Support Communities.  
    I understand that you want to know if your MacBook Pro will support a 4k display.  Here is an article that will answer your question.  
    Using 4K displays and Ultra HD TVs with your Mac
    Cheers, 
    Jason H.  

  • Adapter problems for late 2009 Macbook - Please help!

    I have a late 2009 white Macbook that I want to hook to an older TV. I bought the mini-dvi to s-video adapter on advice on the apple support people. The adapter showed up and the mini-dvi plug is much bigger than the dvi plug on my macbook. I did the live chat (live in North Dakota, not a lot of genius bars around here...) and the guy ran my serial number and insisted this was the correct adapter- several times. I'm not crazy! The thing doesn't fit.
    Can someone please help me figure this out?

    Check out this list. The 2009 MacBook is not compatible with that adapter if I am reading the table correctly.
    http://support.apple.com/kb/HT3235

  • Having a big problem with my 6 day old macbook, please help!

    My macbook was working fine, I haven't had much of a chance to install the hardware that came with it until tonight though. I was starting to install the first disk that came with my macbook, when I saw that it would take over 3 hours to install. SInce I need to go to bed early I decided to cancel and figured I could start tomorrow after work.
    Well, I turned my mac back on to see if it was still alright, and my mac hd is missing off the desktop, it doesn't even show the main toolbar/taskbar that's across the top of the screen unless I'm in safari. A message keeps coming up that says spotlight quit unexpectedly. I tried hitting all three options (ignore, report, and restart) different times and the window still keeps coming up.
    I put the disk back in my computer to see if I could just start to install it again but the computer isn't even recognizing that there is a disk in there.
    PLEASE HELP ME!! This is a brand new computer and I can't afford for it to break.

    I hope you invested in AppleCare. It extends your warranty for three years and also gives you three years of phone support. MacBooks come ready to use, as far as I know. The discs that come with it contain software, not "hardware" are provided in case of problems. Take your MacBook back to the Applestore and they will take care of the problem. If it is unfixable, they will replace your MacBook, but you only have fifteen days, after which, they will repair your MacBook, but not replace it (unless it is totally FUBAR) Your sales person should have explained all this to you. Good Luck, and welcome to Mac world.

  • Cannot transfer information from imac to Macbook -- please help me! :-)

    Hi. I recently got a MacBook and am trying to transfer information from my G3 imac to the MacBook. When I set up the MacBook, I used the Setup Assistant, hooked up the 2 computers with a firewire cable and selected to transfer information from my imac. But when I looked on the MacBook afterwards, none of my previous emails that I had in Mail came over, or any of my addressbook entries, or any of my itunes songs. I've since tried to do this process again using Migration Assistant and still no luck. What am I doing wrong? I don't want to have to re-type in all the addresses, though I guess I could. As for the emails, I don't know any other way to get them over here. Please help!! I'm lost. Thanks
    BTW, the MacBook is a 1.83Gz with OS 10.4.10 and the G3 Imac is using 10.3.9

    +Thanks very much for the quick reply!! I've spent so long trying to figure this out.+
    Mail
    On your new computer;
    run Mail: then go to File / Import Mailboxes, and navigate to the mailboxes on the G3.
    +Well that worked! Sort of anyway.+
    +Any of the imported emails all say: "The message from whoever <[email protected]> concerning “whatever” has not been downloaded from the server. You need to take this account online in order to download it". So I can see the sender name and the date but not the actual message which of course is not too helpful. The account is online so I don't understand the message.+
    Address Book
    On your G3, create a new folder on your desktop and call it vCards. Next open Address Book, select all the addresses, then go to File / Export vCard, and select the folder you created as the destination. Next, on your new computer, open Address Book, and use File / Import to get the vCards from the folder on the G3's desktop.
    +Great! That worked perfectly. I had tried this before but was trying to just import. Didn't realize I had to export then import.+
    iTunes
    I do not have a clue, since I have never run iTunes.
    +Ha ha! Well I thought I would try to just export the library and then import it similar to what I did with the Address Book, but doing that just imports the names of the playlists, not the actual songs. I'll go post this under itunes, so it doesn't get too confusing. What are you using instead of iTunes by the way?+

  • Problem with my macbook -PLEASE HELP!

    when i swtch my macbook on the sceen lits up for two seconds and then goes black. i tried all the instructions in the booklet but when i was installing the mac os x again (had the first disc in) there came a note that i have to replase disc 1 by disc 2. then i checked that i had the right setting that all my info wouldnt disappear when installing again and then it just started to install the thing even tho i still had disc 1 inside and before that it told me to change the disc. ok that was probably ok but then in the middle of installing disc one my macbook's sceen went dark again. when i started it again it seemed that i was in the same point where i started from. how can i continue from this? can my precious info still be saved? if i now continue installing do i start from the beginning? i live in a small town and no one else here has a mac and im not very good with any computers. PLEASE HELP!
    macbook   Mac OS X (10.4.8)  

    Your data could possibly be saved....If the installation didn't full complete, your data should still be on your hard drive. As for you MacBook, it sounds like a MAJOR problem and should be brought to an Apple Genius at once.
    It is possible for them to obtain your data and get it to you somehow. You should bring this to your Apple store, and, judging that you have the service plan, they will replace or repair your laptop accordingly.
    I haven't heard anything of the sort for the MacBook, so, hopefully someone has and can further your troubleshooting procedures before you take it in and risk being away from your laptop for a week or so. I would opt for taking it to your Apple Store.
    Remember to mark as helpful or solved.
    -benny

  • New to macbook please helP!!

    I just bout the macbook the 2.1 or something. i have used a pc all my life and im lost!! does anyone know how to right click on the macbook?? also i was wondering if theres a way you can change the settings on the computer so that i can tap the pad to select instead of clicking the button to select while searching. please help and if anyone knows any other cool shortcuts that might help me that would be awesome i love the comp but im so lost its a lot different than a pc more different than i thought
    thanks!!

    Open System Preferences:
    Click on "Keyboard & Mouse"
    Put a "check" in "clicking" to enable tap-to-click.
    Also... after you enable clicking, you'll see the option "Tap trackpad using two fingers for secondary click"... Enable this to let you tap the trackpad with two fingers for a right click.

  • Switching from a PC to a Macbook please help!

    I have never owned a Mac but I'm very interested in switching to either a Macbook Pro or an air, I was kind of hoping some of you current mac owners could help me out?
    Currently I'm using an Acer Aspire 5740-6491 which is a great laptop IMO except the batter isn't impressive and it's a pain to travel with.
    I mainly use my computer for basic stuff, I'm not a gamer so my usage consists of: browsing the web, MS Office, Skype, downloading music, and watching some netflix/videos.
    Here are a few questions I have that hopefully you can help me out with and also please feel free to chime in about which one would be the better fit for me (air or pro).
    1) Pro has a built in disc drive while air doesnt. Pardon my ignorance but how would I install programs (for example MS Office) on an air?
    2) What is the deal with the app store? Is it similar to the iphone store where some apps are free others are to be purchased?
    3) What can you tell me about OS updates? What do they typically cost? I am accustomed to how MS updates windows every few years where I have to wait forever and a day for the new OS to download and pay a hefty price. Is there a difference in the pricing and installation experience between the two?
    Any advice would be great. I've done some homework and it looks like the Air has a better display that the Pro (from a glare standpoint) but the Pro has more power and a better HD webcam built in which is a plus since I skype often so I'm on the fence. I look forward to reading some feedback, thanks in advance!

    1) Most software is now available for download from its developer's or online vendors' web sites. For software that has to be installed from discs, there's an accessory external drive for the Air.
    2) Yes, very similar.
    3) Major Mac OS X upgrades have cost $29.95 recently (Snow Leopard 10.6 and Lion 10.7). Minor updates are free. You need a fast internet connection for the upgrades. Starting with Lion, the Mac OS cannot be obtained on a disc, though a USB flash drive installer is available for $70, and you can easily make your own DVD or flash drive installer for future use after you've downloaded it once.

  • Backlight continuously on, PLEASE help

    This might seem like a simple question, but where does one switch off the back light? My 9300's backlight stays on all the time, which results in the battery power running down VERY QUICKLY. Can someone please assist? Your help will be appreciated. Thanx.

    1. Turn off your phone, leave your battery and SIM out for 5-10minutes and put everything back in and turn it on .
    2. Restore factory settings: type *#7780# at the standby screen. Enter 12345 for the security code or the one you've changed it to.
    Before you try the next two steps, backup your phone memory using PC Suite.
    3. Soft reset: This will clean up your phone memory. All user data, applications etc stored in the phone memory will be destroyed. Type *#7370#. Enter the security code when prompted; default is 12345.
    4. Hard reset: This is the last resort. The effect will be the same as that of a soft reset. Turn off your phone, press and hold down these keys: the call (Green) button, '*', '3'. Turn on your phone without releasing them. Leave the keys only after you see the region selection screen.
    Cheers,
    DeepestBlue
    5800 XpressMusic (Rock Stable) | N73 Music Edition (Never Say Die) | 1108 (Old and faithful)
    If you find any post useful, click on the Green "Kudos" Button on the left to say Thank You...

  • Nokia N95 Screen Backlight Problem! Please Help Wi...

    Its been about 9 month since I purchased Nokia N95. Last night, when I was watching a video, its screen backlight began to flickr. It turned very dim and then restored. It turned again compeletely off, then came to its normal brightness. I tilted the phone in all ways, hto it gently to know whether some wire inside is loose, open and closed the slider. But the screen went on and off itself. I reset my phone by hard formatting (*#7370#) but of no use. The next day, it did the same. After two days, now it is stable. But I fear it might be started again.
    I want to know can this problem be due to some moisture inside my phone or is it because of some hardware proble. And please suggest what should I do. My phone is still under warrenty, but the phone is stable for at least a whole day. Should I carry it to warrenter for repair?
    Any suggestions in this regard? Please reply with practical experience and not a hypothetical reply.
    I appreciate your cooperation.
    Ejaz

    Hi gilli34
    Caps off might be nice.
    To include a "smiley" in a SMS (predictive text must be on) just press "1" three times and press"*" to change it to a wink!
    You could always look at Animated SMS here:
    http://my-symbian.com/s60v3/software/applications.php?fldAuto=314&faq=1
    Happy to have helped forum in a small way with a Support Ratio = 37.0

  • My Lacie Hard Drive is no longer being recognized by my MacBook, please help.

    Hi all,
    I have a Lacie external hard drive (LaCie Rugged XL eSATA 3Gb/s | USB 2.0) that I have been using on my MacBook (timemachine) (late 2008, 2.4 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo with OS X 10.9.1). One day it stopped being recognized, not showing up on the desk top, the disk utility program, etc.
    I Googled many articles, blogs and support communities but have yet to find any solution. I also went to the Lacie support site and followed the trouble shooting instructions - changed my power source, usb cable, and tried the drive out on 3 different computers. The results: The drive works fine on the other computers (OS X and Windows) using the same power and usb cords. So Lacie recommened I contact Apple but my MacBook is not under warranty so I have decided to try my luck with the Apple Support Community. If any one has had this problem or knows the solution, please let me know. I would like to continue to use my MacBook with this Lacie hard drive.
    Thanks

    Hi Dibenkorn,
    Yes, both USB ports are not recognizing this lacie external hard drive. I also tried the SMC reset but that did not change anything. I have another external hard drive (smaller one) and it works on this computer fine and like I said before the Lacie works fine on my other (older) MacBook. I just can not figure out what went wrong or what happened...

  • Strange behavior from my Macbook Please help!

    Hi there:
    3 days ago my MacBook stopped working! but in a weird way.
    When I press the power button the display shows a Grey screen for 1 second and thats it. I can't hear the boot sound anymore . It seems that the CPU fan is not working BUT the hard drive spins! I mean when I press the power button the hard drive turns on and when I hold it for 3 seconds it turns off.
    So here are the facts when I press the power button:
    1-Screen splashes grey for 1 second
    2-Hard drive starts spining
    3-Magsafe shows green light
    and here are the things that doesnt work when I press the power button:
    No sound
    No Superdrive
    No CPU sound
    No battery (when disconnect Magsafe unit wont power up)
    My laptop is still under warranty until November, anyone can identify the symptom? One of my friends told me it could be a fried logic board. But if it was fried nothing should work right?
    I can send signal from keyboard to power on and it powers on/off the hard drive. then something works... I don't know you experts out there help me....
    Thank you so much in advance

    You might try to reset the SMC and/or PRAM.

  • Problems with Macbook, Please Help!

    I have been experiences problems with my macbook as it gets older. First of all the worst problem I am having is dropping Wifi where the internet will all of sudden drop out and the wifi will display their are not avaible networks and I will have to restart my computer to fix it. Then sometimes my sound doesn't work with earphones or built in speakers the icon is greyed out, this less occuring but it happens sometimes out of now where. Next problem is my keyboard. When I was cleaning my computer with a magic eraser I got some water under the keys and now some of the keys do not work, which means I have to pull out my keyboard out of my desktop to type in my password, which I don't always have access to. Then also my screen is dirty which is not very important but it has a circle in the middle which seems to burned it and a line in the middle as well.
    I am sorry if I blabbered on to much but could anyone help me with my problems?
    Regards,
    Lachiepower0402

    You might consider asking Apple for help. You have phone support available and you could also take it in to a store for help. In the meantime try resetting the PRAM (Parameter Random Access Memory). Mac OS X: What's stored in PRAM?

  • Sharing One iTunes Library on a iMac and MacBook - Please Help!

    I realise that this has probably been answered a million times on this forum, so I apologize in advance. I recently bought an Airport Extreme and connected to my wireless home network, my internet speeds have increased (don't ask me why because I don't know) and I am really happy with the results, I have just one issue which I am hoping to resolve.
    I have a iMac in my study, and a MacBook which I use all around the house. I have an external hard drive connected to the AEBS which has all of my files on, including my iTunes music. The problem is, I download music on both computers, and if I download a track or a movie onto the itunes library of one, it doesn't appear on the other computer, even though both iTunes apps are pointing to the same folder on the external hard drive.
    The question I have is, how do I make both itunes libraries share the same library, so if I add a song on my mac it will automatically appear on my macbook when i use it next.
    Both macs are fully up to date, and running Leopard
    Many Thanks
    JC

    This is really an iTunes question. How do you configure a remote library which updates properly for all clients?
    I suggest that you ask in the iTunes discussion area.

  • Can't start up my MacBook, please help.

    I was watching "The Office" on my laptop and out of nowhere my MacBook just froze. I was able to move the mouse around but nothing on the keyboard was working. So after a while of waiting for it to begin working I decided to attempt to restart my computer. When I restarted the computer it took a long time to boot up and when it finally did a message saying "no bootable device -- insert boot disk and press any key". This happens from time to time and I am usually able to fix it by holding the alt/option button but for some reason it does not work this time. I have tried multiple times but I can't seem to get past the "no bootable device" message. Does anyone know how I can fix this?

    Now it is showing that the mac wants to start internet recovery. What does this mean?

Maybe you are looking for