MacBook Pro static screen on startup

positivenote

Hi all, my MacBook Pro (2011) won’t boot up and the screen displays just static like an old tv. Can anyone advise on how this might be able to be fixed... I have recently had to use an external usb WiFi dongle as I was unable to connect through the laptops integrated WiFi, not sure of its related.
I have a lot of stuff saved to the hard drive of this machine, is there any hope of retrieving it ? If I’m looking at having to get a new machine
Thanks

Alanstrainor

Does it work with an external monitor?

I would guess that this is a GPU issue, and unfortunately this is not an easy or cheap fix. I think it spells the end of the machine.

You will be able to get your hard drive out of this machine, so I wouldn't be overly worried about that. If the machine works with an external monitor (I would presume not...) then you can save them to a USB stick. But otherwise I think your best bet would be to take the hard disk out, and either buy or borrow a USB->SATA2 connector to plug the hard drive into another computer.

positivenote

Alanstrainor wrote: »

Does it work with an external monitor?

I would guess that this is a GPU issue, and unfortunately this is not an easy or cheap fix. I think it spells the end of the machine.

You will be able to get your hard drive out of this machine, so I wouldn't be overly worried about that. If the machine works with an external monitor (I would presume not...) then you can save them to a USB stick. But otherwise I think your best bet would be to take the hard disk out, and either buy or borrow a USB->SATA2 connector to plug the hard drive into another computer.

Thanks for reply. As someone who can’t really afford to fork out the cost of a new MacBook is this ‘fixable’ ie:get and replace parts etc?
Cheers

Alanstrainor

I just don't know enough about this machine to say how much it will cost, or if indeed it is the GPU that has failed. If you google "Macbook Pro 2011 GPU" you'll see a tonne of pages talking about the problems this generation of laptop had. Apple even extended support on the laptop as a result. But this support seems to have ended now (worth double checking with your serial number: https://www.apple.com/ie/support/macbookpro-videoissues/)

I'm relying completely on google here, but it seems some people have had some success "fixing" this:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vrBLJIepJXU

It looks like a relatively convoluted process, but it's worth a shot.

positivenote

just to update on this and maybe get a little advice. Technicians in work say its a Hardware issue and most probably a motherboard replacement is whats needed. They can copy everything off of the hard drive which is great to be honest. Cost of replacing and getting fixed is going to be north of 4/500 euro so im thinking of replacing.
Basically ive always been a mac user but the technicians are saying to me that id get much better value going PC. I have a lend of a laptop until christmas but I am now in the market for something.

Any advice would be welcome under the following spec:
Under 500€ budget
will be used for Photoshop editing, internet usage (streaming etc) but predominantly using office.
Ideally something that has a 13 inch screen
8g ram
Decent processor

As i say I can wait until post christmas sales if needed but maybe Black Friday offers could be better.

Any help would be really appreciated

ED E

You wont get a decent spec under 500 new, keep an eye on Dell Outlet for a refurbished unit.