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Early 2011 Model: A1278 / 2.3 GHz i5 or 2.7 GHz i7 processor

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After the RAM upgrade come the Boot Problems

I upgraded to 8gb Crucial RAM (1333mhz ddr3 sodimm), and when I startup the computer, I get the chime and grey screen with the spinning wheel into PERPETUITY. I have been able to boot in safe mode, and it indicated that my system had been upgraded to 8gb of ram. However, the software and hardware problems while running in safe mode were bizarre:

1) After a shut down I was prompted to login to my user account, but the password wasn't recognized. My system is set to login automatically...

- Got into the OS in safe mode, regular disk, and I was able to log in as an admin with my password in preferences, but when I tried to change the user account password I received an error. When I tried an incorrect original password, it came back saying that I had used the wrong password. Weird.

2) I could connect to wifi, but internet only worked in Chrome. Firefox and Spotify did not recognize an internet connection on multiple wireless networks.

Help.

Answered! View the answer I have this problem too

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I think you have bigger problems here. Do you practice good ESD protection? You may have zapped something and/or your HD is encountering problems.

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tc- replace the original RAM and see if the problems persist. Next boot into your repair disk by holding down the option key on start up and selecting it. Next see if you can run Disk Utilities.

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Dan - even thought the 2011 13" i7 is not included in the video recall, I have had several of this 13" machine exhibit the same errors as the i7 15" models.

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@Mayer - I'm suspecting the SATA cable given the symptoms, if he didn't zap something in the process of installing the RAM. Very true on the GPU issue also hitting some of the 13" models. But the symptoms don't quite lineup here for that, I maybe wrong though

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I agree, if it fails to boot with the original RAM, then replacing the cable and possibly the hard drive if it's been ruined by the cable would be in order. You are aware that I use the 2012 cable for replacements.

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@Mayer - But of course, best to put in a better cable (SATA III)

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I believe I corrupted the HDD when I first installed the RAM because I had forgotten to unplug the battery connector.

It has been a huge headache, but not a big loss. I took the opportunity to swap out the HDD for an SSD and now I have a fresh install of OS X. All is well.

Thanks for the help everyone. The machine is much faster now.

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tcrbarwise will be eternally grateful.
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