Mac laptops forum: Macbook

it leaves out a number of things.

Does it say this in a multitude of languages?
What OS are you running?
Have you upgraded the RAM lately?
Will it start up correctly if you hold down the Shift key?
Will it start from the OS X installation disk or from the disks that came with the machine?
What flavor of Macbook is it?

The answers to the above may give us a clue as to what is causing the suspected Kernel Panic

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What sort of MacBook is it?

Can you start it from the AHT disk? (Apple hardware test)


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where it tells me nothing.

Unless you are going to play the game and work with me, there is not much more I can do to help you.

Remember, you are the only one that knows exactly what Macbook you have, how old it is, when it started to do all this stuff, what the error message looks like, what you have tried.

Given that your machine will not start from the AHT disk or, apparently, from the OS X installation disks, it would sound like your machine has some serious problems.

I have never seen a "restart your computer" message that was not in a multitude of languages.
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and the 2008 versions shipped with 10.5

I also suspect that the picture is of one that kinda looks like the one they have.
Hey, It's got an Apple on it.

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and with the optional AppleCare, always advised on a laptop, they get repaired for free for 3 years.

As I mentioned earlier, I have not see a "you must restart your Mac" message that was not in a multitude of languages.

Have you tried Zapping the PRAM? Start up with the Control + Option + P + R keys held down at the first chime and hold them all down for a further two chimes.

Have you tried starting in Safe Mode. Hold down the SHIFT key at the chime and keep it down until you see the spinning gear

Have you tried starting in Single User mode? Hold down the "S" key at the chime and keep it down until the spinning gear

Have you tried starting with the AHT disk in the DVD drive and holding down the "D" key?

Any chance of a picture of this "restart" screen?

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It's only in english

is actually in multiple languages.

So now we know it is a Kernal Panic.

Faulty memory may be a factor here, especially as they are unable to start the Mac from any media, including the original Restore disks.

It also will not start in Safe Mode.


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We bought it as a Macbook

Without a picture of the message you're getting, we're just fumbling around in the dark hoping we get lucky. Kernel panic messages have always been in about 5 different languages, which you say you aren't getting. So that means something else is going on which either you're not explaining very well, or none of the rest of us have ever run into.

We're either going to need to see a photo of this message, or you'll have to take it somewhere to be looked at, because there's only so much we can do working blind like we are.

clicking on my username and choosing email from the resulting profile page.

That, and a picture of the message, maybe could help here

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You could take the picture with mac-OS by typing together :

Command+shift+3

I am not able to get it to work, I have an estimate of $699 to get it fixed.
Not sure when I will be able to get it fixed.

Thank you for all your messages.

That assumes it's just one part. I work as an Apple repair tech, and there have been times where a system comes in with Problem A, and while I'm trying to verify that Problem A actually exists and someone didn't just misdiagnose (which sadly happens all too often) I find Problems B and C. And it's not always a case of where someone guts a system, then returns it.

I appreciate all your advice.
Somehow, I have to get it fixed sooner or later. The Macbook was a present from my husband just before he passed away.

Thank you again for all your help

Here is what I was told, I did not take it to them, I just emailed them the issue:
The error message you describe is called a kernel panic. It can be caused by faulty hardware, specifically by a faulty logic board. We can repair your current logic board for $699. Due to the complexity of logic board repairs, they generally take 3-5 business days to complete. This price would include all installation and part costs, and free round-trip ground shipping (we do have expedited shipping options available). Additionally, each one of our orders comes complete with a free full diagnosis by our Apple Certified technicians, in hopes of eliminating all possible problems with your machine, and giving you the widest range of repair or replacement options. After we complete the analysis we will make it a point to contact you with the results, and will not perform any repairs with out your authorization or prior consent.
Typically most services can be completed within one business day of receiving your machine and your approval of repairs (with the exception of Logic Board repairs). To send in your machine for service you may place an order over the phone by calling 877-622-3473 or online at http://www.myservice.com/macbookpro.html. If you have any other questions or concerns, feel free to contact me at the information provided below.



I am so gratfull for your help, I am not handy but if you know someone who can fix it for less than the $699, I am willing to ship it over.

Thank you again