The resets are part of the troubleshooting process, and are documented in the Apple service literature. While they don't always yield a change in the issue, they are valid steps that the Genius or repair personnel will enlist before moving forward.
The nVidia issue is clearly documented on Apple's Support site, which I believe also includes a serial number check utility that will tell the user if their machine is included in the replacement campaign. Dan (GSX certified Apple Tech) On Dec 21, 2011, at 1:02 PM, Brian Toscano wrote: > In my experience, all of these resets are a waste of time. Basically the > graphics card will flake out a couple of time and then its just completely > dead. My buddy went through all of the resets, battery swaps, as I did and > in both cases a new motherboard was the only fix. If his computer was > subject to the nVIDIA issue, they didn't know that or didn't tell him. > > > On Wed, Dec 21, 2011 at 10:55 AM, andrew strasfogel > <astrasfo...@gmail.com>wrote: > >> Thanks. Apple support told me the same thing so I will do this when I >> get home tonight. >> >> What puzzles me is why the screen came back to life the first time - >> after I removed the battery for several hours and then reinstalled it. >> Could this have been a coincidence? >> >> >> On 12/21/11, Dan Penoff <lwb...@yahoo.com> wrote: >>> Even before you reset the NVRAM and the power controller, which is the >>> procedure you describe, try resetting the PRAM, which you do by holding >> down >>> the P + R + Command + Option keys during startup until you hear the >> "bong" >>> sound - keep holding them down and let the machine restart 3 times with >> the >>> "bong" sound and then let it start up. >>> >>> This won't hurt anything and will reset the machine back to default >>> settings. Try your display after this and if no joy, try the procedure >> you >>> have. Again, it won't break anything. >>> >>> Dan >>> >>> On Dec 21, 2011, at 11:52 AM, Dan Penoff wrote: >>> >>>> Unlike a Windows based PC, Macs do not require that the external display >>>> port be toggled on and off. There is no "Fn + F4" function on a Mac. >>>> When you plug in the external display, you get it. >>>> >>>> I checked, and the NVidia graphics issue went through late 2008 with >> MBPs, >>>> so there might be a possibility that your machine is one of the >> affected. >>>> If you take it to the Apple Store they will check it out and see if this >>>> applies. If so, they'll fix it for free. >>>> >>>> Dan >>>> >>>> >>>> On Dec 21, 2011, at 11:39 AM, andrew strasfogel wrote: >>>> >>>>> Thanks! Fortunately, there is an Apple Store in nearby Bethesda, MD. >>>>> >>>>> My son said to toggle the external screen display setting on and off, >>>>> using a combination of keystrokes that I may have inadvertently >>>>> triggered. Does anyone know what those keystrokes are? >>>>> >>>>> >>>>> On 12/21/11, Allan Streib <str...@cs.indiana.edu> wrote: >>>>>> Even if you don't have a local apple store, you probably have an apple >>>>>> authorized repair shop. I'd go with Best Buy only as a last resort, >>>>>> based on the one here nobody working there has a clue about >> technology. >>>>>> >>>>>> Allan >>>>>> >>>>>> >>>>>> On Wed, Dec 21, 2011, at 11:13 AM, Dan Penoff wrote: >>>>>>> Before you panic, try connecting it to an external display and see if >>>>>>> you get a signal. If so, your graphics card is OK, you have an issue >>>>>>> with the display. >>>>>>> >>>>>>> If you don't have an adapter for an external monitor, swing by an >>>>>>> Apple Store or a Best Buy and see if they will check it for you. >> Apple >>>>>>> Store = free, Best Buy will nick you for a bench fee, I'll bet. >>>>>>> >>>>>>> Dan >>>>>>> >>>>>> >>>>>> _______________________________________ >>>>>> http://www.okiebenz.com >>>>>> For new and used parts go to www.okiebenz.com >>>>>> To search list archives http://www.okiebenz.com/archive/ >>>>>> >>>>>> To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: >>>>>> http://mail.okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com >>>>>> >>>>> >>>>> _______________________________________ >>>>> http://www.okiebenz.com >>>>> For new and used parts go to www.okiebenz.com >>>>> To search list archives http://www.okiebenz.com/archive/ >>>>> >>>>> To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: >>>>> http://mail.okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com >>>> >>>> >>>> _______________________________________ >>>> http://www.okiebenz.com >>>> For new and used parts go to www.okiebenz.com >>>> To search list archives http://www.okiebenz.com/archive/ >>>> >>>> To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: >>>> http://mail.okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com >>> >>> >>> _______________________________________ >>> http://www.okiebenz.com >>> For new and used parts go to www.okiebenz.com >>> To search list archives http://www.okiebenz.com/archive/ >>> >>> To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: >>> http://mail.okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com >>> >> >> _______________________________________ >> http://www.okiebenz.com >> For new and used parts go to www.okiebenz.com >> To search list archives http://www.okiebenz.com/archive/ >> >> To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: >> http://mail.okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com >> > _______________________________________ > http://www.okiebenz.com > For new and used parts go to www.okiebenz.com > To search list archives http://www.okiebenz.com/archive/ > > To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: > http://mail.okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com _______________________________________ http://www.okiebenz.com For new and used parts go to www.okiebenz.com To search list archives http://www.okiebenz.com/archive/ To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://mail.okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com
