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Mid 2010 Model A1278 / 2.4 or 2.66 GHz Core 2 Duo processor

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Can the USB ports be replaced?

So I've had my macbook for a few years now. Never had any problems with it before. I'm just a casual user, very novice when it comes to anything technical with it. Lately though my USB ports aren't working. If I connect an external drive, the light will come on, but the computer wont recognize them. this also works with my iphone. Both ports do not connect or recharge my phone. I've tried some of the resetting techniques that I've come across online. However, nothing seems to work. So I'm curious as to if and how I could replace the ports. or just maybe if there's that one really rare awesome reset that I just haven't found out about yet. any help would be appreciated, Thanks.

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Sorry no you can't replace the ports. But it does sound like your ports power services has died which is often a fuse link that can be replaced. In addition HD's need more power than what your MBP can offer via one port. Try a Y cable or an external power unit that came with the HD or can be bought for it.

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So you're saying I can buy external USB ports for my iMac?

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well... Yes & No ;-}

If you have a working port in your system you can use an external hub to expand the number of ports.

Often the power services within the systems USB port gets damaged so the external device which was expecting to get the power just can't so it appears the port is bad! But If you use an external powered USB hub (one that gets its own power from your power outlets) you might find the port is in fact working!

If your port is damaged (fuse link burnt) you might be able to get someone with board level repair skills to fix your logic board.

But make sure you know why fuse link burnt to start with! Often people mix up the AC device transformers so a lower voltage device gets to powerful a transformer plugged in which then burns the port. All, lighting storms or power outages or surges can damage things as well. Best to use a surge suppressor or UPS unit.

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