Computer problem

[sofiaviolet]

Ever since getting a new battery for my laptop (the old one being rather swollen, to the point of interfering with the trackpad in its upward expansion, for several months), I've been experiencing random reboots.

I can't be sure of the immediate cause, because it always happens when I step out of the room, to get myself a snack or something. This morning, I left to pee, came back and started getting dressed, and then heard the little startup noise.

My suspicion is that it has something to do with requiring my password to wake it up, as I had no problems between getting the new battery and turning that feature on. I've now turned that feature off and will see if I can go a week without my computer restarting itself when I look away. However, I post this in case anyone has any better ideas.

The laptop in question is a Macbook from mid to late 2007, running 10.6.6. (Actually, maybe it's related to the most recent software update. I can't remember whether I turned on "require password to wake" before or after updating to 10.6.6, and I can't remember which of those was just before I started having issues.)

Comments

[pinesandmaples]

My Macbook has always done that when it experiences a bounce or jolt. Something related to the safety features built into the hardware. There is also the log out after 60 minutes of inactivity fix.

Also, your battery was swollen because the computer was overheating. The new one will do the same if you let the computer continue to overheat. That's another safety feature; the battery swells instead of exploding.

[sofiaviolet]

I'd be very surprised if it were getting jolted - it does this while sitting flat on my desk. If something were to shake the house badly enough to rattle the computer, I would expect to feel it in other rooms as well.

I would also be surprised if the computer were overheating - well, no, I wouldn't be surprised if it were overheating, it does run very warm - but I don't think there's any way short of an external cooling system to get it to run any cooler. I have been using it flat on my desk since February, and the battery problems didn't start until a while later.

I've never modified "log out after 60 minutes of inactivity" - it has always been disabled. But I toggled it on and back off again just in case.

[pinesandmaples]

Macbooks run hot. They always have. To make the computer slimmer, Apple took out a fan or two.

[sofiaviolet]

That was rather dumb of them. You'd think they would at least try to keep things under battery-breaking temperatures, even if their laptops still would render the average testicle mostly useless. :\

[holyschist]

It might be related to the battery connector/sleep switch. I'm trying to remember whether I had that issue when mine was mis-seated. Could be a heat sensor. There are other, more expensive possibilities (logic board failure is the main one). If the problem persists, I would suggest taking it to a Genius Bar if there's one near you, and if they can't help because it won't replicate the problem in store, take it to an independent repair shop for diagnosis (this would be about $60, probably) if you can afford it.

I would also suggest making sure you're backed up, in case it is a sign of an expensive problem that requires sending the computer away for repair, or makes getting a new computer look like a better idea (if it is the logic board, at this point you would probably be better off getting a refurbished computer in a newer model, or even a new computer).

[sofiaviolet]

I have Time Machine set up, so I do actually have backups! Although I really do hope it's not a hardware problem. :\

[holyschist]

That would be good, but...it doesn't sound good, especially with your previous battery (heat?) problems. I try to elevate mine on a wire rack for better air circulation, since they run hot--might be worth a try if you don't already do that.

The Genius Bar is free, although I have not found them to be fantastic at diagnosing hardware problems.

[sofiaviolet]

Wire rack. Good idea. I wonder if Ellie will let me steal one of her cooling racks... probably not, she needs them for cookies.

Oh, the Genius Bar is so bad with hardware problems. I think it took three trips to Cambridge and the replacement of most of my other hardware before they noticed the broken logic board that was causing kernel panic whenever the computer got warmed up.

[holyschist]

You can usually find good racks in the kitchen or dishwashing section of a store (I bet a thrift store would have some, too). My computer runs MUCH cooler when it's elevated. Depending on your ergonomic setup, you may want an external keyboard too, though.

[sofiaviolet]

My ergonomic setup... *sporfle* I mainly use the computer on my lap, actually, now that I have a futon in my room. But I don't generally put it to sleep unless I'm packing it up to leave the house. That's why I want the rack - so I can plop it on that while I sleep/shower/eat/do whatever else I do that isn't internets.

[holyschist]

Mine gets so hot I don't really like it on my lap! I use it on a rack even in bed (uh, my ergonomic setup is awful). And yet it runs cooler than the PowerBook I had before it...I really wish Apple would redesign their laptop fans to be more efficient.

[holyschist]

A battery connector/sleep switch problem should run about $60-90, if that's the issue (the part is about $30 and theoretically only moderately difficult to replace yourself, but that would be a gamble; reseating it would be free, but again, gamble).

[sofiaviolet]

Oh hooray! I'm not sure I would do it myself but I live with an ECE major who probably has the necessary skills.

[holyschist]

If they do and are willing to check it out, it probably wouldn't hurt anything. However, if it persists, I'd really recommend going to a licensed non-Apple repair place. When I took mine in they charged me $60 for labor to diagnose it and reseat the switch (it would have cost more to replace it if that had been necessary) and I have the peace of mind of knowing it wasn't my logic board.

Yeah, the Genius Bar is...really not there for actual hardware problems. Sometimes they can give you an educated guess, or tell you it doesn't seem to be a software problem.