Comments on: macbook pro turns on but screen stays black — my solution

By: Gary O

Gary O — Mon, 20 May 2013 03:46:05 +0000

This problem has plagued me time and time again. Shutting down completely several times along with removing the battery is what I did to recover before. Thanks to you I now have a simple fix that doesn’t involve so many steps and so much time.

By: Kalla

Kalla — Tue, 14 May 2013 04:26:22 +0000

Thank You. The first method worked. Guess the black screen happened due to my laptop’s sliding off the ottoman onto a step stool and then completed the slide to the floor 2 days ago. Otherwise, I do recall it seeming a little extra hot last night. Thank you again.

By: Amelia

Amelia — Mon, 13 May 2013 01:19:04 +0000

Hi Colin,

Thanks for your reply. I still cannot see anything on my screen, not even grey screen. Perhaps there’s a broken wire connected to the monitor?
I’ve tried the other suggested resolutions as well, but still didn’t work :(

By: Colin

Colin — Mon, 13 May 2013 01:10:25 +0000

Hi Amelia,

Yeah, I see that the link on http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1379?viewlocale=en_US&locale=en_US for “Resetting NVRAM / PRAM” is broken.

So, here are the instructions that should appear when you click that link:

1. Shut down your Mac.
2. Locate the following keys on the keyboard: Command (⌘), Option, P, and R. You will need to hold these keys down simultaneously in step 4.
3. Turn on the computer.
4. Press and hold the Command-Option-P-R keys before the gray screen appears.
5. Hold the keys down until the computer restarts and you hear the startup sound for the second time.
6. Release the keys.

After resetting NVRAM or PRAM, you may need to reconfigure your settings for speaker volume, screen resolution, startup disk selection, and time zone information. If issues persist, your Mac’s logic board battery (not a portable Mac’s rechargeable battery) may need to be replaced. The logic board battery helps retain NVRAM/PRAM settings when your computer is shut down. You can take your Mac to a Mac Genius or Apple Authorized Service Provider to replace the battery on the logic board.

I hope that helps. -Colin

By: Amelia

Amelia — Sun, 12 May 2013 19:23:38 +0000

Hi Colin, new update. I tried to log in normal mode and enter my username+password+enter, it seems that the laptop is able to log in because now I can set the keyboard backlight button. Somehow still can see nothing. I tried to open the resetting but the link is error. Please help. Thanks :)

By: Amelia

Amelia — Sun, 12 May 2013 19:01:56 +0000

Hi Colin,
My MBP run out battery, I didn’t realized and left it for 10 hours. When charging, the color went blue-ish (though all the image could be seen clearly). I still had my MS word, photoshop, firefox opened at that time-My adobe suite collection has expired today, don’t know whether related or not). Then I tried to change the display color calibration into something I can’t remember :( . I also changed the auto sleep into approx 30 mins both battery and power adapter.
I checked my battery condition is on normal status. Tried to check the monitor condition but could find it-should be there (?)
At that time, I was also charging my mobile phones (yes, two) on both USB hub but not apple one (stupid, I know :()
I then restart the laptop but the screen went black though I could hear the sound of turning on and caps lock green light, but keyboard backlight doesn’t work. I unplug all the cables and power cord. Then I force power off (since I can’t see anything), left my laptop for an hour. Then I tried to turn it on, still the same. I found this web and tried your method, but nothing happen when I pressed shift + power button, still black with keyboard backlight not working, caps lock still green, heard turn on sound. Tried to type in my username and password+enter (return) but didn’t work. I don’t try the 2nd and 3rd methods, I don’t have enough bravery to do resetting plus no technical skills about laptop hardware. Please help me, I’m desperate. I’m working on my wedding but my files are still on my laptop :(. Really appreciate your help :)

By: Colin

Colin — Fri, 10 May 2013 20:42:01 +0000

Wow, Fatiah. That is interesting info about how to dry out a wet laptop. Thanks for sharing that. Glad you got yours restarted. -Colin

By: Fatiah

Fatiah — Thu, 09 May 2013 14:17:51 +0000

I got water in my mac pro last week. found suggestion online to turn it off and keep it off for at least 4 days if not longer to dry out, packed in a bag of uncooked rice. Today was the day to try to see if it worked I’ve been a mess. Well I tried and nothing my heart sank, but I knew it was on keyboard lit up apple lit up I jumped on my desk top and found your suggestion. WALA it worked. I thought I was gonna die but I.m all good now a bundle of joy, thank you so much!!!

By: Fanesa

Fanesa — Tue, 07 May 2013 04:43:50 +0000

Thanks a lot, this tip just saved what would have otherwise been the start of a bad day!

By: Benedict Castiola

Benedict Castiola — Tue, 07 May 2013 03:27:17 +0000

Not to hijack this thread but, I have been searching for a place to bring my Mac for servicing. Has anyone ever heard of this mac repair service? It’s located in West Los Angeles, which is near my home. It’s called – Mac Repair Los Angeles, 11322 Santa Monica Blvd, Ste B Los Angeles, CA 90025 (310) 966-9099.