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Chimes, followed by black screen, should I replace HDD?

Hi, I have a MBP 15" 2008 A1260 penryn (S Leop.) that chimes, followed by black screen - I have hooked it up to another MBP (M. Lion) in target mode and although I can see the drive (an access all info off of it) Disk Utility can't open it / access it. After a while of copying data it suddenly shuts down, I have copied all the data I need.

I have tried safe mode / single user / Discs - nothing but black sceens - and a shut down within around 5 mins...

After I am hoping my problem is the HDD, but before I go ahead and replace it...I'd like to be a little more certain that the problem is not elsewhere...

Any input greatly appreciated...

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I have tried the external screen - no joy remains black too

In target mode I get to see the disk, and have copied data from it, but disk utilty from the another MBP hooked up by firewire is unable to access disk...

I have checked the Ram (repalced in various orders) - no change

The only other symptom of note is that it won't stay on (even with the black screen) for more than a few minutes, before it clicks off...

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Connect to an external monitor If it will boot you have LCD chain issues... but from your description I would also connect to your other Mac (put it in target mode) or use an optical disk. If it then boots without showing the black screen then chances are it is indeed your HHD.

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Thanks - I have tried the external monitor, nothing and have not been able to boot from optical disks...

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You can also try booting up your machine with an external monitor hooked up to see what happens. It may be a video card or screen issue. If it boots up and you can see everything on the external monitor, then you can eliminate replacing a hard drive unnecessarily.

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Mark,

Have you tried restoring the laptop? Since you have your data backed up...that would be the next step before spending money.

Update

Mark,

One last thing to try...Insert your recovery disk one into the drive and try running the Hardware test by holding down the "D" key as it boots. You may have a sensor bad and that will shut it down as it gets warm.

Update

If you never see video, even with the restore disc in...then it will more than likely be a video card, screen or other hardware issue. The fact that you can copy files from it...for a minute or so does not incline me to think it is your hard drive, even if it was corrupt.

Update

Mark,

I think you will find that your drive is ok. There is more than likely another hardware issue going on here. The fact that there is never any video and it shuts down tell me it is a little more than just a bad Hard disk drive. If you are able to connect the disk via usb to test it, it will certainly eliminate one issue. Keep us informed.

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Well I do have all the data backed up and would be happy to restore the MBP...but I only get a Black Screen and no further, with access to the drive in target mode (still balck screened) - so how can I restore from here?

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Michael 372

I tend to agree with your input on the ability to copy files, in that the HDD might not be the problem...but..why can't the Disk Utility from my other MBP access the disk (attempting too causes Disc Utility to freeze and sometimes causes the problem MBP to shut down)?

I shall try the optical drive / D start up approach and report back thanks for the input

Mark

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Hi Michael

So I have tried the optical disc and holding d approach, unfortunately, still nothing more than a black screen...over the weekend I shall physically take the drive out and attach it by usb to my other MBP and see if I can get Disk Utility to make something of it...

Thanks

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