Please help: laptop problem: Macbook startsup and shuts down really slow...

My gf's Macbook is having problem recently. Normally, it starts or shuts down in about 30 secs. But recently, it takes forever to start and to shut down. I mean it took about 10 mins. I formatted the harddrive and reinstall the system for her, the problem remains. Now it also takes forever to open an application ie safari. I thought either the memory or harddrive is having problem. She just bought it March htis year in China and the warranty only allows her to send it back to China to fix. We are in Canada now. Just wondering if anyone has any idea that can fix the problem so she doesn't have to send it bakc to China? Any help would be really appreciated.

 

Did you register the notebook in Canada. If so you shoudl be apple to call apple and get some help from Apple Canada.

 

you can easily check the hard drive using disk utility.
With this you can verify and repair the hard-drive. This should at least let you know if the issue is with that or some other hardware.
For the memory, I believe there are memory testing programs (maybe others can suggest some good ones?), but if not you could try pulling out one stick, then rebooting, and then the other stick.
If these fail I would call apple canada, explain your situation, and I'm sure with a bit of a sob, they will help you out.
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Run the Apple Hardware Test by putting the OS X installation DVD into your Mac, and restarting while holding down the D key.

 

Something definitely isn't right... here are a few common troubleshooting steps you may want to try (in order):

1. Run the Apple Hardware Diagnostic Test by restarting your computer with the Mac OS X Installation DVD inserted into your optical drive and hold down D as soon as the computer restarts.

2. Clear the memory for the PRAM by restarting your computer while holding down the key combination of Command-Option-P-R and wait for the "chime" sound 3 times before releasing these keys.

3. Clear the SMC memory (System Management Controller) by turning off your Mac, removing the AC adapter and the battery, and holding down the power button for about 15 seconds. You can then go ahead and put the battery back in and reconnect the AC adapter and turn the computer on.

4. You may also want to try booting Mac OS X in "Safe Mode", which does not load certain kernel extensions and clears a lot of cache files. To do this, simply hold down the Shift key on your keyboard while booting, you should eventually be presented with a login screen with the phrase "Safe Mode" in bold, red colored text. You can now shut the computer down (you may need to click on the "back" button and click on Shut Down) and then restart normally.

If all of the above fails, I would recommend making an appointment with the Genius Bar at an Apple Store or visit an Apple Authorized Service Provider for further assistance.

 

Thanks a lot guys for the advices. Would defintely try it out tonight...

 

wow,,Mercellus,,thank you..I tried # 1 and 2 and still not working. Right after i tried #3, the laptop started like a charm....now everything runs smooth..Thank you..

 

I am glad to hear that step #3 resolved the issue for you and that your Mac is healthy again! It could have just been some errant data in the System Management Controller's memory that was causing the computer to act up; mind you that kind of situation doesn't happen often, so hopefully it'll be the last time you ever have to encounter it.

 

How would you go about performing option #3 on a MacBook Air where you can't remove the battery?

 

http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1411?viewlocale=en_US&locale=en_GB

 

But......but......now I have to click on a link to get the info???? Couldn't you have just pasted the answer in????

Thanks.

 

It's a cruel and unfair world, I know. Especially on NBR