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Mid 2012 model, A1278 / 2.5 GHz i5 or 2.9 GHz i7 processor.

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usb 3.0 ports are not working

both usb ports on my mac book pro have failed simultaneously and when any device is connected to the posrt , such a s a n external hard drive< it will not engae nor show up on the desktop

can anyone offer me some help

Answer this question I have this problem too

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I would recommend getting a USB power meter USB Mini Voltmeter it should help you figure things out.

USB Mini Voltmeter Image

Product

USB Mini Voltmeter

$9.99

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All of your MacBook USBs not working is actually better news than one failing. It’s unlikely that all of your ports would fail at once which means the fix is probably an easy one.

Three things you can try, starting with the most common fix.

1. Reset the SMC

Resetting the SMC (System Management Controller) is a simple fix that cures a wide range of hardware issues.

Resetting the SMC on a MacBook

  1. Shutdown your MacBook.
  2. Connect the power adapter.
  3. Hold Shift+Control+Option and the Power button at the same time.
  4. Release all the keys at the same time.
  5. Let your MacBook boot up as usual and the SMC will be reset.

2. Check for updates

Outdated firmware and software results in various hardware issues, including... Yep — Mac USB ports not working.

Check for system updates by opening the App Store and clicking on the Updates tab. If updates are available, click on the Update button next to each application that you want to install.

3. Reset PRAM/NVRAM

The PRAM (Parameter RAM) and NVRAM (Non-Volatile RAM) hold information about various USB components. Resetting them could be the solution to your USB woes.

It’s a slightly different process to resetting the SMC, but no less difficult.

  1. Shutdown your Mac.
  2. Restart it, holding down Command+Option (ALT)+P+R as you do.
  3. Hold down the keys until you hear a sound and see the screen flash.
  4. Listen for the chime sound and let the Mac boot up as usual.

Hope this will help you.

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Greg Cvitan will be eternally grateful.
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