Trying to repair my MBP (early 2008)

A couple months back my early 2008 model MacBook Pro 15" (A1260) died on me. I hit the power button, the fans flick on for one second and then turn off, the screen remains black, and all other internals seem to be off. The led on the front fades in and out, but othwise nothing appears to be working. I removed the hard drive and it is working fine. When the problem initially occurred I was able to get the machine to boot after a few hours by just cycling it on and off, but after about a week it died and I haven't been able to revive it since.
The machine in question was my workhorse for almost 5 years and was powered on for most of its life.
I'm 99.9% sure there is no liquid damage. I primarily used this machine at home so the only time it has ever fallen has been from the couch to the carpet, like 2-3 feet at most. It may have been plugged in to a surger protector when this problem occurred, but I'm not 100% sure.
How can I/should I troubleshoot for my hardware issue, or should I buy and install a replacement logic board?
Thanks in advance for your help!

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MBP (early 2008) Screen flicker and line distortions

Hi there,
My macbook pro has been running fine for the past 3 and a bit years, but yesterday this very strange issue started occuring.
At random times, the screen with start flickering quite quickly and then random line distortions appear on the screen. After a minute or 2, the screen freezes but I can move the mouse without being able to click on anything.
So then I have to press the power off button to shut down the computer. Once I turn it back on, there are lines and distortions all over the grey screen except on the Apple logo.
Next time it happens, I will try and save a photo of it.
In the console, this seems to be what happened. I must admit that none of this makes sense for me.
13/01/11 10:30:59 AM com.apple.launchd[1] * launchd[1] has started up. *
13/01/11 10:31:43 AM com.apple.WindowServer67 Thu Jan 13 10:31:43 jonathan-marskells-macbook-pro.local WindowServer67 <Error>: kCGErrorFailure: Set a breakpoint @ CGErrorBreakpoint() to catch errors as they are logged.
13/01/11 10:31:49 AM com.apple.launchd.peruser.50292 (com.apple.ReportCrash) Falling back to default Mach exception handler. Could not find: com.apple.ReportCrash.Self
13/01/11 10:31:58 AM com.apple.launchd.peruser.50292 (com.apple.Kerberos.renew.plist116) Exited with exit code: 1
13/01/11 10:32:18 AM GoogleSoftwareUpdateAgent119 LCC Scroll Enhancer loaded
13/01/11 10:32:20 AM 0x0-0x9009.com.Logitech.Control Center.Daemon122 objc122: Class comLogitechScrollEnhancerLoader is implemented in both /Library/InputManagers/LCC Scroll Enhancer Loader/LCC Scroll Enhancer Loader.bundle/Contents/MacOS/LCC Scroll Enhancer Loader and /Library/ScriptingAdditions/LCC Scroll Enhancer Loader.osax/Contents/MacOS/LCC Scroll Enhancer Loader. One of the two will be used. Which one is undefined.
I am running on 10.6.5.
Thanks for your help in advance.
Macbook Pro 15' 2.2Ghz 2gb RAM early 2008 Mac OS X (10.6.5)

From what I've read on different posts regarding video card issues and the early 2008 15" MBPs, or "affected models", Apple seems very selective at what they'll honor for repair. Hopefully my MBP will be repaired under this recall, but am not holding my breath.
My 15" MBP (early 2008 Penryn) has developed video card issues I suspect. It doesn't do the dark screen as others have which Apple is more likely to repair under the recall, but random batches of lined patterns show up on the display, it will blink sometimes, then it will totally lock up forcing a hard shut down with the power button.
I took it into a local Apple Authorized Service center, they ran the NVIDIA test on it which it passed, showing that the "known" defect wasn't the issue with my computers video card. Well something's screwed up with the video card most likely. They recommended taking it to the Genius bar at the Apple Store which I plan to do. It's less than 3 years old, Good grief!
I've been an avid Apple user for over 16 years, and have hardly ever run into hardware issues. Guess I've been lucky. But how Apple will handle my MBPs issues is unknown to me. Hopefully it will be positive, but am not holding my breath.
Art

Screen Calibration MBP early 2008

Hey guys,
I have a MBP early 2008 with 15inch. I have a serious problem with calibrating my screen. Most of the color profiles I get on the internet don't show a good white, instead more likely grey. When I calibrate the display myself and set the display to native white point which looks the best for white then most of the grey turns into brown. Can someone upload his Color Profile?
Thanks in advance.
Franz

Hey,
Every screen has different characteristics, and therefore it is wisest to calibrate each screen individually with something like the spyder2. It is nearly impossible to calibrate a screen with the human eye, as it is almost perfect at adjusting to any light condition.
Using a color profile independent of one produced for your screen usually comes into play when you are printing photographs with certain papers/printers, and even then you're not really viewing colors on your screen with it, but interpreting an image with it.

ITunes 8.0.2 choppy on MBP (early 2008) 10.5.5

Hey there...
I just bought a new MacBook Pro 2.5GHz (early 2008), but am now encountering some pretty weird issue with iTunes.
I migrated my old User Account from my old MacBook.
Updated all my Software (i.e. iTunes 8.0.2, + all other updates via Software Update)
Repaired permissions.
I afterwards started iTunes and noticed that it ran quite choppily, i.e. the cursor + screen kind of freeze every few seconds.
I move the cursor, it freezes halfway and after about a second jumps to where it should have finished the movement. I click on the menu-bar and it most often reacts only after a 1sec delay. Again moving the cursor freezes everything for about 1sec.
Any clues what might be wrong ?
What I tried to fix this:
- I re-installed iTunes 8.0.2
- repaired Disk Permissons (once more)
- checked my Hardware with TechTool Pro 4 (no problems found)
- used Onyx to delete caches and do about every maintenance thingy possible
- after all that repaired permissions once more...
Everything to no avail...
(btw: on my Old MacBook (same Software config) it runs perfectly fine and smooth, just as always!)
Any suggestions ?
Message was edited by: Theral Sadurns

I went on trying what was suggested in another thread:
1)
put your computer off.
release the power cord.
2)
hold down the 'ON' button with one hand and put in the power cord with the other hand.
release the on/off button
wait for the iMac login screen
(or wait untill the computer is booted totally if you don't use the login screen)
3)
Restart the iMac
after you hear the start-up sound, hold down the 4 keys:
ALT
APPLE/ CMD
P
R
hold the above named 4 keys untill you have heard the start -up sound for the THIRD time
Yes: for the third time
4)
Login
go to: 'users' ---> 'home folder' ---> 'library' --> 'preferences'
drag (ONLY) the next 3 files to the trash:
'com.apple.iTunes.eq.plist'
'com.apple.iTunes.plist'
'com.apple.iTunesHelper.plist'
empty the trash can
5)
LOG OFF
6)
LOG IN
7)
repair disk permissions
8)
Go to 'system preferences'
go to 'network'
go to 'configure'
go to 'proxys'
make sure that 'configure proxys is NOT set true a PAC file, but by 'hand'
make sure that 'use passive FTP-Modus' is 'ON'
9)
Go to TCP/IP
Go to 'configure IPv6'
Make sure this is on 'Automatic'.
10)
Go to 'sharing'
Go to 'firewall'
Make sure 'sharing iTunes music' and 'networktime' are 'ON'.
Go to the blue apple logo left in the screen and select 'Software-update'
See if there is a new security update from Apple.
If yes: download and follow instructions (restart when Apple tells you so)
11)
When the computer is restarted;
repair disk permissions
12)
Put iTunes on
13)
follow the instructions that iTunes ask you too.
Which did also NOT work...
There is a thing, though, I find quite interesting:
If I play a song... there's no skipping, the playback itself is as smooth as ever... just the OS becomes kind of choppy with iTunes running and these little freezes every few seconds.
While playing back any song I noticed that although the Song plays just fine the 'iTunes Display' hangs at say 0:14 of the track keeps that status for 1-2 secs and then goes through the states of 0:15, 0:16 etc. rather quickly until it finally catches up with the song...
Weird...

MBP early 2008 display won't calibrate any profile besides generic RGB?

I've been experiencing some issues with my early 2008 MBP when it boots so I recently reset the SMC and the PRAM. I've now noticed that my display's color is off, so I went to display settings and it was set to "generic RGB profile" and shows all of the others (Adobe RGB 1998 is what I've always used) but when I try to calibrate them it comes up with the error message "The factory profile for the display could not be found."
Is my display going out? I don't understand this... I've already gotten the logicboard replacement through the recall a couple months ago so why would this be happening?

Hi Fred,
3.) I had a scenario with my MacBook about two years where the unit would not start up. It just flashed the SLI (Sleep Light Indicator) over and over again. At the time, I didn't feel comfortable with all the technician aspects of the unit and brought it into the Genius Bar for triage. After 20-30 minutes at the bar, the technician inserted a CD-R into my machine and proceeded to do "something" (couldn't see) and then turned the machine around to me as it sat at my desktop view. His response: "I restored your firmware, it was corrupted."
No idea... what he did... but whatever it was the problem went away and never once came back even after an EFI firmware update 8-9 months after the experience.
4.) Isolating the issue to the "Nvidia MLB" is difficult, because there are some scenarios (apparently) to how those units are screened for coverage. Again, another experience... my roommate had a 15" MacBook Pro that wouldn't start up and on power on would just boot to no video with a solid white SLI. He brought the unit into an Apple store where they run a diagnostic off an iPod. "Based on the results of the test" conducted they determined that they were going to cover the unit (even though it was out of warranty). They did indicate to him that the test was necessary to determine if the unit was eligible for repair. No idea what was performed during the testing, or if the unit had an affected Nvidia board. However the MLB was replaced and the machine has been working great for almost a year now.
As you've probably figured out, at this point, the next best course of action is to get the unit into a service provider and have them work their magic.

Where can I find a case for MBP early 2008 model

I know the new MBP has nice cases to keep from scratching. I've searched everywhere and can't find a rubber case for the MBP duo 2 core, early 2008 model. Any suggestions. I checked Amazon and Ebay

Actually, most of the cases state:
Fits MacBook Pro (black keys/late-2008 and newer models; not compatible with Retina display models).
At least these state that -> http://www.speckproducts.com/macbook-cases/macbook-pro/macbook-pro-seethru.html.
Clinton
Edit: Oops, my bad - you've an EARLY 2010.
Maybe try eBay with the search of "Speck cases macbook pro early 2010" will yield something?
Message was edited by: clintonfrombirmingham

MBP early 2008 Hard cases

Does anyone know of a retailer, in store or online, that still sells hard cases for the early 2008 MBP(silver keys)? I've been searching but every place seems to only carry cases for the unibody MBP.
Any ideas?! Let me know please

Get yourself a MacTruck they are fantastic cases (mine's travelled many miles and been through countless airports and protected it perfectly)

My 15inches MBP (early 2008 batch)

Anyone here changed the Logic Board of MBP before? How much will it be? As mine, the Graphic Card seem like gone and was told to change the whole board.....
Any advise?

Hi allan,
thanks for the articles and i didt even know it. But where should i send to? To apple themselves or my reseller? Cos they have check for me and said it the graphic chipset problems etc.
How do i check mine is the batch that you mention?
I have checked here online that mine is early 2008 batch and it out of warranty.
Here how's my problem start.
While i was using my MBP surfing online and then suddenly the screen was like flicking crazily then the system went down and keep asking me to restart with grey screen and it has vertical straps. Then i restarted. The same warning and issues keep going on and on and getting worse.
Then i trieed to boot up my system using my friend MBP thru firewire and it's ok.
MIne PowerBook G4 1ghz (1st gen) is still running fine and strong! sighz.........
Message was edited by: charles lim

Which HDD for my MBP early 2008

I have a MBP (4.1 - MBP41.00C1.B00) early 2008 with an Hitachi 200GB 5400rpm.
I am planning to upgrade to a 500GB HDD and honestly I made up my mind in going to Hitachi 500GB HDD instead of other drives such as Seagate, Samsung or WD.
I had actually made up my mind in going for the Hitachi 500GB 7200 rpm 16MB cache - 7k500 (HTS725050A9A364), however while reading some of the posts I came to find out that my SATA i/f only supports 1,5Gb/s.
My question is, does anyone with a similar MBP and similar limitation of 1.5Gb/s gone for this HDD? Does it make sense at all? Is it better than the 5400 rpm 500GB Hitachi version (HTS545050B9A300)?
Do I get any performance increase in going for the 7200rpm hdd instead of the 5400rpm hdd? and does this performance compensate for the increase in the temperature and decrease in battery life that I am going to have?
Does anyone have a similar experience?
I have seen several forums where people recommend the 7k500 but its not clear if they have an early 2008 MBP with a 1,5Gb/s limitation as I have. Does is make sense at all going for a 7200 rpm hdd in my machine? or should I just go for the 5k500 5400 rpm hdd?
Can anyone help me on this?
Thanks a lot!

I have a similar problem (and am hoping that someone replies to yours).
I have an early 2008 MBP, 15", with a FUJITSU MHY2250BH 250GB internal hard drive. I'm also planning to swap in a 500GB drive.
On Newegg I came to the conclusion, from user reviews by macbook pro users, that the Fujitsu MJA2500BH-G2 was trouble-free and utterly silent (sound being way more important to me than speed) – but it looks like it's been discontinued, and the reports on the Fujitsu MJA2500BH (not -G2) are less enthusiastic.
From the reviews on Newegg, some people report having had problems with the Hitachi drives you mention (both the 7200 and 5400 versions) in use with Macbook Pros, but, as you said, it's often unclear which MBPs those people were using the drives in, and if the early 2008 MBPs would have these issues...
Did you make a purchase yet?
Any other early 2008 MBP users want to suggest a silent drive for upgrade?

Correct way to burn DVD-R Dual Layer? Power Mac G5 or MBP Early 2008?

I have several software titles I have purchased and they are on dual layer dvd, I am using Philips DVD-R dual layer, I have a Power Mac G5 and an early 2008 Mac Book Pro, I have been unable to successfully burn a back-up on either drive. I am noticing dual layer seem to be an major problem across the board, but in the past this has been the place I come to get my answers.
Thank You in advance,
Sebastian

http://lifehacker.com/251758/mac-tip--how-to-burn-an-iso-or-dmg-file-to-disc
I believe this is pretty much what I did. ^
http://discussions.apple.com/thread.jspa?threadID=1453988&tstart=0
here are some possible solutions for your error... ^
keep me updated and let me know if anything works....

MBP (Early 2008) Airport failure

Hi there!
I have a Problem with my MBP's Airport: I can't seem to connect to any Wireless...! Resetting PRAM and NVRAM doesn't solve the Problem...
I compared the Airport Advanced settings with another MBP and they are identical...
Network Diagnostics always lists the Problem with the ISP...
Please help, this has been going on for quite a while now...
Thanx in advance!
Simon

Well, I made a deal with my neighbor, connecting to his Router...
But I don`t think thats a problem: I am able to log onto the router with my iPhone and a PC without any problems...
So I tried and connected an external WLan-Stick and it works fine!
Weired!
Any suggestions?
Thanx in advance!

How do I sync Notes from iPhone 4s to MBP early 2008?

I am running Mountain Lion and have iCloud set up, but hardly anything is syncing with my MBP. The only thing that I really noticed that synced was my contacts. I know that I need the latest version of iPhoto to snc my pictures, but what is going on with my notes and everything else?

Do you have your System Preferences set up on your MBP to sync Notes with iCloud?
Clinton

Why does my MBP (early 2008/OS X 10.8.4) keep telling me my network password it wrong and won't connect?

When I enter the WPA2 password it tells me it's invalid (it is most definitely not, nor has it been changed). I reset my router and restarted my Mac, I've tied connecting from a new "location" and erasing keychain entries, and network preferences. I deleted the airport preferences file and rebooted. When I go into the advanced settings under TCP/IP there's nothing, no IP address, no gateway, no DNS. Renew DHCP Lease doesn't work and manually inputting the DHCP settings doesn't work either. I have no idea what's wrong. I've tried all the fixes I could find on the Apple Support Communities and Mac Rumors, nothing's worked so far. I'm well out of warranty.
Please help!!

Follow these instructions: How to perform a "clean install" of Flash Player in Mac OS X to the letter. You'lll perform an "offline" install and be up to date.
Adobe updates are released on average about every six weeks, not once a week. In fact, the most often they've been this year was in March when a security issue was addressed and an additional Windows update was released ten days after the regular update, but that wouldn't have affected you on a Mac.

Weird Startup Issue - MBP Early 2008

I tried to start up my Macbook pro this morning and found it was taking an unusually long time to boot. It finally did boot but started in "Safe Mode." That's not too bad, but I found that at the login screen, my password no longer works. I tried the following:
1. I tried to startup with the OS DVD while holding the "C" key.
Result: I heard the disk spin, but the machine continued to boot from the HD anyway. Back to the login screen that does not accept my password. I also tried to boot from the Tech Tool disk with the same results.
2. I tried a command option P R reset after restarting -
Result: Back to the login screen that does not accept my password.
3. With the OS Disk inserted in the DVD drive and rebooting I held down the Option key to try to select the the DVD as the startup disk.
Result: Back to the login screen that does not accept my password. Note that each time I see my login name and picture on the screen, but the login password is not accepted.
I don't know what has happened, but I am trying to boot so I can try to run a host of tests like Apple disk utility or Tech Tool 5.
Can anyone please help?

I am certain I am using the correct password. I am most concerned on my inability to start from the DVD (Mac OS) or implement any of the resets (i.e. Command option PR) using the keyboard.
The keyboard appears to be working due to the fact that I am able to see the dots that represents characters on the login page. Although I am not able to see what is actually being typed because on the login, the characters being typed are represented by dots.
As I mentioned before, on startup I tried various keyboard options such as holding the C key down to start from the DVD or by holding down the option key (with the OS disk inserted to select the DVD drive as the start up.
Thanks for your reply, though anymore Ideas?

After an update, my MBP early 2008 won't turn on - HELP

My MBP sounds like it's powering up but it doesn't even get to the start up tone. There is power going to the machine and you can hear the fan very quietly but no display at all. I worry that the software has killed the hardware. Can anybody help me get it back up and running and if not does anybody know how I can get my data from the internal hard drive to another Mac?

pistol214 wrote:
Thanks for the reply, I can't perform a SMC reset as I literally can't even get any power to the screen.
Being able to see the screen is not required for an SMC reset.
Shut down the computer.
Plug in the MagSafe power adapter to a power source, connecting it to the Mac if its not already connected.
On the built-in keyboard, press the (left side) Shift-Control-Option keys and the power button at the same time.
Release all the keys and the power button at the same time.
Press the power button to turn on the computer.
Note: The LED on the MagSafe power adapter may change states or temporarily turn off when you reset the SMC.

Trying to repair my MBP (early 2008)

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