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Why does my MacBook Pro always freeze a few minutes after startup?

Hi there,

A few days ago my MBP stopped responding while in use. I restarted it with the power switch and since then it keeps freezing a few minutes after startup. I tried as many things I could as I spend the last few days browsing forums.

  • Booting in safe mode it still freezes
  • the apple hardware test did not reveal any issue
  • booting in recovery mode I checked the disk, the volume appeared to be ok
  • in the recovery mode there was the option of reinstalling Lion which I tried unsuccessfully as I would always get a ´unvailable check try again later' message
  • with the help of the original installation DVD I reinstalled os 10.6.7 but the problem persisted
  • As I had been thinking about upgrading, I replaced the original hd with a new ssd, on which I installed os 10.6.7 from the DVD... still no improvement... still freezing after a couple of minutes(rainbow wheel spinning and mouse still tracking)

So here I am a bit desperate and confused about what to do.

I cannot do any update or download since it will freeze, cannot connect to Apple Store because safari is not updated.

What kind of test could I perform to identify the origin of the problem?

Any help would be appreciated ! Thanks in advance!

Answered! View the answer I have this problem too

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18 Comments

Have you run a disk Utility repair permissions and repair disk?

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@avanteguarde - The clue here is the upgrading of the HDD to SSD.

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@danj that clue isn't in OP.

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@jfuki it would help to have mentioned you upgraded to SSD in the original question.

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@avanteguarde I did mention it indeed

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It sounds like you're hitting a common issue with the MacBook Pro's the HD SATA cable tends to breakdown over time as it gets abraded by the rough aluminum uppercase and/or the folds fatigue the foil wires inside.

Here's the IFIXIT guide: MacBook Pro 13" Unibody Mid 2012 Hard Drive Cable Replacement and here's the part you'll need: MacBook Pro 13" Unibody (Mid 2012) Hard Drive Cable. I strongly recommend you place some electricians tape when the cable rests in the uppercase to help prevent the rubbing on the rough surface. Also don't over do the bends as the fold wires inside are fragile.

I would redo your SSD's drives format and re-install the OS again, then restore your files from your backup.

If you're still running Leopard (10.6.7) You should upgrade to at least El Capitan as thats the first release that supports TRIM services natively. Frankly I would just go up to Sierra 10.12.x

If you jump to installing High Sierra you only have one choice GUID/APFS which is a new file system. If you want to compatibility with older systems you'll need to install Sierra instead then you'll have the older GUID/Journaled File System (HPFS).

MacBook Pro 13" Unibody (Mid 2012) Hard Drive Cable Image

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MacBook Pro 13" Unibody (Mid 2012) Hard Drive Cable

$34.99

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@avanteguarde yes I did that before and after the HD replacement

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@danj thank you for this insight. Is there a way I can make sure this actually is the problem? Should I take the SSD out and try to boot with it plugged on a USB port?

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Well you'll need to take the drive out some time or other. Sure you can connect it externally using a SATA to USB adapter like this one: Startech 2.5" SATA to USB adapter. I've done so many of these I'm very confident what your issue is - worn SATA cable.

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@danj I just removed the SSD and left the SATA cable unconnected. I made a new clean install of 10.6.7 from the DVD to the SSD that I connected with a USB cable. It boots from it but the problem is still here. Should I however order a new SATA cable or does that indicate a different issue? Thanks again

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Lets get a newer MacOS onto your system. Go here to download Apple App Store - MacOS Sierra

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J g will be eternally grateful.
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