Manual
MacBook Pro 17-inch (original, Core 2 Duo, 2.4/2.6GHz, 2008) Troubleshooting — General Information 162
Software Troubleshooting Tips and Tools
All MacBook Pros require an Intel-compatible Mac OS.
For the MacBook Pro (17-inch), use Mac OS X 10.4.6 or later only.•
For the MacBook Pro (17-inch Core 2 Duo), use Mac OS X 10.4.8 or later only.•
For the MacBook Pro (17-inch 2.4GHz), use Mac OS X 10.4.9 or later only.•
For the MacBook Pro (17-inch Early 2008), use Mac OS X 10.5.2 or later only.•
Login window and account
Mac OS X requires at least one user account to be established—the Administrator’s account.
By default, the Accounts system preference pane has the “Log in automatically [Admin’s name]”
checked. This automatic login setting allows the system to boot into the Finder without having a
login prompt. However, if this box is not checked, you need a password to get to the Finder, and
you need to create a user account after you reinstall system software.
Customer forgot password
If the customer forgot the password for the computer:
Insert the MacBook Pro Mac OS X Install Disc 1 DVD.1.
Restart the computer while holding down the C key on the keyboard.2.
When the installer appears, chose Reset Password under the Installer Utilities menu3.
Follow the on-screen instructions.4.
Safe Mode
Safe Boot is a special diagnostic way to start Mac OS X when troubleshooting. Safe Mode is the
state Mac OS X is in after a Safe Boot. Starting up in Safe Mode does ve things to simplify the
startup process and operation of the computer:
It forces a directory check of the startup (boot) volume. It is identical to using Disk Utility’s •
Repair Disc or the fsck –fy terminal command.
It loads only required kernel extensions (some of the items in /System/Library/Extensions).•
It disables all fonts other than those in /System/Library/Fonts•
It moves to the Trash all font caches normally stored in /Library/Caches/com.apple.ATS/(uid)/, •
where (uid) is a user ID number such as 501.
It disables all startup items and any Login Items.•
To start up into Safe Mode (to Safe Boot), do this:
Be sure the computer is shut down.1.
Press the power button.2.