Apple macbook pro 17 inch late 2008 User Manual

MacBook Pro 17-inch (original, Core 2 Duo, 2.4/2.6GHz, 2008) Troubleshooting — General Information 161
MacBook Pro Firmware Updates
Firmware is the name given to software that is written into memory circuits such as flash 
memory, that will hold the software code indefinitely, even when power is removed from the 
hardware. Firmware on Intel Mac computers is designed to be updated if necessary through a 
software update.
EFI and SMC firmware is stored on the MacBook Pro’s logic board. EFI firmware updates...

MacBook Pro 17-inch (original, Core 2 Duo, 2.4/2.6GHz, 2008) Troubleshooting — General Information 16 2
Software Troubleshooting Tips and Tools
All MacBook Pros require an Intel-compatible Mac OS.
For the MacBook Pro (17-inch), use Mac OS X 10.4.6 or later only.
• 
For the MacBook Pro (17-inch Core 2 Duo), use Mac OS X 10.4.8 or later only.
• 
For the MacBook Pro (17-inch 2.4GHz), use Mac OS X 10.4.9 or later only.
• 
For the MacBook Pro (17-inch Early 2008), use Mac OS X 10.5.2 or later only.
• 
Login...

MacBook Pro 17-inch (original, Core 2 Duo, 2.4/2.6GHz, 2008) Troubleshooting — General Information 16 3
Immediately after you hear the startup tone, press and hold the Shift key.
3. 
Note: The Shift key should be held as soon as possible after the startup tone but not before.
Release the Shift key when you see the screen with the gray Apple and progress indicator 
4.  
(looks like a spinning gear). After startup, the words “Safe Boot” appear in red letters under 
the Apple logo on the Mac OS X login...

MacBook Pro 17-inch (original, Core 2 Duo, 2.4/2.6GHz, 2008) Troubleshooting — Steps 16 4
Troubleshooting Steps
You should perform the first few steps of troubleshooting regardless of whether there is a 
repairable problem or damage.
Gather Information
Gather the normal information about the problem. (If you are not familiar with the normal 
information to gather, or any of the other steps, see General Troubleshooting Theory.)
Verify the Problem
Verify that the symptom exists as the customer reports it....

MacBook Pro 17-inch (original, Core 2 Duo, 2.4/2.6GHz, 2008) Troubleshooting — Steps 165
Research
If you have not located the trouble following the steps thus far, try researching the symptoms. 
Research resources include:Symptom Charts section of this manual
• 
GSX 
• 
gsx.apple.com 
Enter serial number and click Coverage Check
Service Source 
• 
service.info.apple.com 
Check Quick Links and/or Technical Resources 
Check options under appropriate Product Service pop-up menu
Product support page 
•...

MacBook Pro 17-inch (original, Core 2 Duo, 2.4/2.6GHz, 2008) Troubleshooting — Steps 166
Inform the User
Include in the case notes all that you have done. The customer may like a copy of any diagnostic 
reports.
Important: For any unit you send on to a repair center, include the CompTIA code, symptoms, 
steps to reproduce, and troubleshooting steps you have completed thus far in the Service 
Instructions section of GCRM and/or GSX. (Service Instructions are also known as FAI notes.)
Complete...

MacBook Pro 17-inch (original, Core 2 Duo, 2.4/2.6GHz, 2008) Troubleshooting — Hardware Symptom Charts 16 7
Hardware Symptoms
How to Use the Symptom Charts
The Symptom Charts included in this chapter will help you diagnose specific symptoms related 
to the product. 
The steps to solve a symptom are listed sequentially. You might not need to perform every 
step before the symptom is resolved. Start with the first step, and then test for the symptom. If 
the symptom persists, replace any modules you...

MacBook Pro 17-inch (original, Core 2 Duo, 2.4/2.6GHz, 2008) Troubleshooting — Hardware Symptom Charts 16 8
Remove any connected peripherals and eject any ExpressCard.
1.  
Check that the battery has enough charge to start the computer by pressing the button next 
2.  
to the LEDs on the battery (on the bottom of the machine). At least one LED must light solid 
(not flashing). Make sure the battery is fully seated.
Connect a known-good Apple 85W Portable Power Adapter and power cord or plug to a known-...

MacBook Pro 17-inch (original, Core 2 Duo, 2.4/2.6GHz, 2008) Troubleshooting — Hardware Symptom Charts 16 9
Power-On Self Test (POST) Error Codes
The computer automatically performs a power-on self test when it is turned on after being fully 
shut down (not a restart). This section describes what to do if you hear beeps during startup. 
When this occurs, the sleep LED will stay on, occasionally flashing.
MacBook Pro relies on a combination of tones and blinking sleep LEDs to display power-on self 
test...

MacBook Pro 17-inch (original, Core 2 Duo, 2.4/2.6GHz, 2008) Troubleshooting — Hardware Symptom Charts 17 0
Flashing question mark appears on the screen
Note: This system will only boot with the version of Mac OS X system that shipped with this 
computer or later. It does not support booting into Mac OS 9.Start up from the MacBook Pro Mac OS X Install Disc 1 DVD that came with the computer 
1.  
(hold down the “C” key during restart).
When the Installer opens, select Disk Utility from the Installer menu...