Apple Macbook 13inch Users Guide

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If the computer freezes during startup, or you see a flashing question mark, or the 
display is dark and the sleep indicator light is glowing steadily (not in sleep)
ÂWait a few seconds. If the computer doesn’t start up after a brief delay, shut down 
your computer by pressing and holding the power (®) button for about 5 seconds, 
until the computer shuts down. Then hold down the Option key and press the power 
(®) button again to start up your computer. When your computer starts up, click the 
hard disk icon, and then click the right arrow. After the computer starts up, open 
System Preferences and click Startup Disk. Select a local Mac OS X System folder.
ÂIf that doesn’t work, try using Disk Utility to repair the disk. Insert the Mac OS X Install 
Disc 1 into your computer. Then restart your computer and hold down the C key as it 
starts up. Choose Installer > Open Disk Utility. When Disk Utility opens, follow the 
instructions in the First Aid pane to see if the utility can repair your disk.
If using Disk Utility doesn’t help, you might need to reinstall your computer’s system 
software. For instructions, see “Reinstalling the Software That Came with Your 
Computer” on page 96.
If the computer doesn’t turn on or start up
ÂMake sure the power adapter is plugged into the computer and into a functioning 
power outlet. Make sure to use the power adapter that came with your computer. If 
the power adapter stops charging and you don’t see the indicator light on the power 
adapter turn on when you plug in the power cord, try unplugging and replugging 
the power cord to reset it. 
						

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ÂCheck whether your battery needs to be recharged. Press the small button on the 
battery. You should see one to four lights indicating the battery’s level of charge. If 
only one battery level indicator light is flashing, allow the power adapter to charge 
the battery until at least one indicator light is glowing continuously.
ÂIf the first two suggestions don’t solve the problem, return the computer to its 
factory settings by disconnecting the power adapter, removing the battery, and 
holding down the power (®) button for at least 5 seconds. 
ÂIf you recently installed additional memory, make sure that it is correctly installed and 
that it is compatible with your computer. See whether removing it allows the 
computer to start up (see “Installing Memory” on page 82). 
ÂIf that doesn’t work, press the power (®) button and immediately hold down the 
Command (x), Option, P, and R keys simultaneously until you hear the startup sound 
a second time. 
ÂIf you are still unable to start up your MacBook, see the service and support 
information that came with your MacBook for information about contacting Apple 
for service.
If the display suddenly goes black or your system freezes
Try restarting your computer. 
1Unplug any devices that are connected to your MacBook, except the power adapter.
2Hold down the Command (x) and Control keys, and press the power (®) button to 
restart the system.
3Let the battery charge to at least 10 percent before plugging in any external devices 
and resuming your work.  
						

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To see how much the battery has recharged, look at the Battery status menu in the 
menu bar.
Your display might also darken if you have energy saver features set for the battery. For 
more information, see “Adjusting Your Display” on page 28.
Other Problems
If you forgot your password
You can reset your administrator password and passwords for all other accounts.
1Insert your Mac OS X Install Disc 1. Then restart your computer and hold down the C 
key as it starts up.
2Choose Installer > Reset Password from the menu bar. Follow the instructions on the 
screen.
If you have a problem with an application
ÂFor problems with software from a manufacturer other than Apple, contact the 
manufacturer. Software manufacturers often provide software updates on their 
websites.
ÂYou can configure your MacBook to automatically check for and install the latest 
Apple software using the Software Update pane of System Preferences. For more 
information, choose Help > Mac Help and search for “Software Update.”
Note:  Classic (or Mac OS 9) applications are not compatible with your computer and 
will not open. 
						

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If you have trouble using AirPort Extreme wireless communication
ÂMake sure the computer or network you are trying to connect to is running and has a 
wireless access point.
ÂMake sure you are within antenna range of the other computer or the network’s 
access point by checking the AirPort (Z) status menu in the menu bar. Up to four 
bars appear, indicating full signal strength.
Nearby electronic devices or metal structures can interfere with wireless 
communication and reduce this range. Repositioning or rotating the computer might 
improve reception.
ÂMake sure you have properly configured the software according to the instructions 
that came with your base station or access point.
ÂSee AirPort Help (choose Help > Mac Help, then choose Library > AirPort Help from 
the menu bar). Also see the instructions that came with the wireless device for more 
information.
If your computer’s hard disk is not recording data correctly
ÂIn a few instances, if the hard disk undergoes unusually strong vibration, the Sudden 
Motion Sensor might become active and cause dropped frames or unrecorded 
portions of sound or data when the disk is recording intensively. If this occurs, make 
sure that your MacBook is in a stable environment without vibration or abrupt 
movement.
ÂIf vibration isn’t the problem, run Disk Utility (in /Applications/Utilities/) to check 
the drive.  
						

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If you have trouble ejecting a disc
mQuit any applications that might be using the disc and try again. If this doesn’t work, 
restart the computer while holding down the trackpad button.
If you suspect a problem with your computer hardware
ÂYou can use the Apple Hardware Test application to help determine if there is a 
problem with one of your computer’s components, such as the memory or processor.
For more information about Apple Hardware Test, see “Using Apple Hardware Test” on 
page 98.
If you have problems with your Internet connection
ÂMake sure your phone line or network cable is connected and functioning properly.
ÂIf you are using a dial-up Internet connection, make sure that your phone cord is 
plugged into the Apple USB Modem (sold separately) and not the Ethernet (G) port 
on the computer.
ÂOpen the Network pane of System Preferences and verify the information entered 
there with your Internet service provider (ISP) or network administrator.
If you have a problem using your computer or working with the Mac OS
ÂIf the answers to your questions are not in this manual, choose Help > Mac Help from 
the menu bar and search for instructions and troubleshooting information.
ÂCheck the Apple Support website at www.apple.com/support for the latest 
troubleshooting information and software updates. 
						

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Reinstalling the Software That Came with Your Computer
Use the software installation discs that came with your computer to reinstall Mac OS X 
and any applications that came with your computer.
Important:  Apple recommends that you back up the data on your hard disk before 
restoring software. Apple is not responsible for any lost data.
Installing Mac OS X and Applications
To install Mac OS X and the applications that came with your computer:
1Back up your essential files.
Because the Erase and Install option erases your destination disk, you should back up 
your essential files before installing Mac OS X and other applications.
2Make sure your power adapter is plugged in.
3Insert the Mac OS X Install Disc 1 that came with your computer.
4Double-click Install Mac OS X and Bundled Software.
5Follow the onscreen instructions.
6After selecting the destination disk for installation, continue following the onscreen 
instructions. Your computer might restart and ask you to insert the next Mac OS X 
installation disc.
Note:  To restore Mac OS X on your computer to the original factory settings, click 
Options in the Select a Destination pane of the Installer, and then select Erase and 
Install.  
						

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After selecting the destination disk for installation, continue following the onscreen 
instructions for a basic installation of Mac OS X. To install custom applications, click 
Customize, click the triangle next to the application, and select the version you want to 
install.
Installing Applications
To install just the applications that came with your computer, follow the steps below. 
Your computer must have Mac OS X already installed.
1Back up your essential files.
2Make sure your power adapter is plugged in.
3Insert the Mac OS X Install Disc 1 that came with your computer.
4Double-click Install Bundled Software Only.
5Follow the onscreen instructions.
6After selecting the destination disk for installation, continue following the onscreen 
instructions. Your computer might restart and ask you to insert the next Mac OS X 
installation disc.
Note:  To install iCal, iChat AV, iSync, Safari, and the iLife applications, follow the 
instructions in “Installing Mac OS X and Applications” on page 96. You might need to 
insert Mac OS X Install Disc 2, depending on the applications you choose to install. 
						

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Using Apple Hardware Test
You can use Apple Hardware Test to help determine if there is a problem with your 
computer’s hardware. 
To use Apple Hardware Test:
1Disconnect all external devices from your computer except the power adapter. 
If you have an Ethernet cable connected, disconnect it.
2Insert the Mac OS X Install Disc 1 that came with your computer. 
3Restart your computer and hold down the D key as it starts up.
4When the Apple Hardware Test main screen appears, follow the onscreen instructions.
5If Apple Hardware Test detects a problem, it displays an error code. Make a note of the 
error code before pursuing support options. If Apple Hardware Test doesn’t detect a 
hardware failure, the problem may be software related.
For more information about Apple Hardware Test, see the Apple Hardware Test Read 
Me file on the Mac OS X Install Disc 1. 
						

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Locating Your Product Serial Number
Use one of these methods to find your computer’s serial number:
ÂChoose Apple () > About This Mac and then click on the version number beneath 
the words “Mac OS X.” Clicking cycles between the Mac OS X version number, the 
build version, and the serial number. 
ÂOpen System Profiler (in /Applications/Utilities/) and click Hardware. You can also 
open System Profiler by clicking the More Info button in the About This Mac dialog.
ÂRemove the battery and view the serial number for your MacBook in the battery bay. 
For information about removing the battery, see “Removing the Battery” on page 80.