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computer powers down after apple logo

I purchased a used macbook 2.0Ghz on ebay. I am trying to figure out what is wrong with it. I got a new hard drive for the computer as the old one was missing. I got a LION disk burned to DVD. I've tried to install the OS with DVD.

I can get it to the apple logo, after it stays gray for a few seconds. The pin wheel will start to turn then the computer powers down. I am guessing it spins for about 10 seconds. I can hear it accessing the DVD, but I don't feel or hear the hard drive being read.

I've tried all the key combos I can think of, nothing will make it work any more than I can get it to. I held down the option key at start up. The hard drive wouldn't show up, just the OS install disk.

Is it a hard drive cable or a logic board? If I need a new board, can I upgrade to a faster processor?

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It's hard to tell just how far you're getting with the installation procedure. If it boots fully to the 10.7 installation, I can't tell if it has, go to Disk Utilities and format the drive before proceeding to the actual installation. I also don't know if your 10.7 download is a complete and working download or if it has been used successfully. Do you have another Mac to boot into Target Mode or a retail copy of 10.6. Also please give the last three figures of your serial number. Buying machines to fix off eBay is very risky and you really need the proper tools and experience to repair them. I've usually already figured out what's wrong with them before I ever bid on one.

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apple has not released a full installation of lion through dvd . they have made only updation. mean to say you will only install lion on snow leopard 10.6.6 this is the minimum requirement . on this we can install a lion .

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i am not getting far at all into the installation procedure. The computer loads the install disk about 15 seconds and then does a power down. I couldn't get the computer to see the hard drive. Though it could see a USB drive when I hold the option key down at start up.

The last digits on the serial number are 1AQ

So I've found a logic board to buy and I am going to install it. Hopefully this will fix it as I won't put anymore $$$ into the computer.

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wow, I am so dumb. Could I clone a HD in my mac pro and put it in the macbook and it will work?

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Yes, use SuperDuper and clone the drive. The logic board replacement is THE VERY LAST thing to do. http://www.shirt-pocket.com/SuperDuper/S...

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ok... i found a old hard drive... it wouldn't boot normally. But I tried again and could get it to boot in safe mode. After I booted it and got to the desktop, a shut down screen pooped up. I hit cancel and the computer shut off. Also the track pad will track, but not click. I had to use a external mouse. The computer is running 10.6

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try without dvd . if the laptop showing same issue turning off after few mins then open the bottom case to check any damage to logic board or to any component. otherwise it is logic board . one more thing you cannot upgrade the newer model because the camera cable if different and display cable also different and heat sink also differ . so you have to buy the 2.4 or 2.0. these 2 processors supports your machine. i also have 2.4ghz one but thats under warranty apple replaced all the machine .

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wow... you are good! the computer was dropped before I got it. The screen isn't cracked, but the side is dented near the hard drive. I am trying one last thing before I give up.

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luke will be eternally grateful.
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