Is it normal that my macbook keeps malfunctioning?

39% Normal
21 Comments

I bought a MacBook air last November and I've encountered many issues with it. First, It wouldn't pick up wi-fi then the hard drive somehow crashed and it had to be replaced. Then, after I got it fixed there were times where I could hear its insides getting loud and it felt like it was overheating and I got locked out of it.

Now, of all times the bloody thing is stuck! I had it on for a short amount of time and I went on a clothing site. I've been on this site many times before with no problems, but this time the arrow got stuck! I tried to turn it off but it can't turn off because the arrow won't work.

I figure I can get it to turn off by letting the power run out. I don't want to have to take it to apple because 1. I have some BDSM pages on my tab and I don't want anyone to see them and 2. I don't want to lose all of my photos and my bookmarks. Is it normal and is there a way I can fix it?

Voting Results
39% Normal
Based on 18 votes (7 yes)
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Comments ( 21 )
  • Antir0b0t
    11 years ago

    Parrallels is a program that enables you to use Windows and the Mac operating system at the same time. It eats up a lot of RAM so sometimes it can cause trouble. But if you don't have it, don't worry :)

    49GB is definitely enough space for the computer to operate normally. And since Activity told you had 2+GB free that shows your RAM is dispersed good as well.

    With your added information I'd still recommend a reinstall if the operating system, and an easier step is resetting Safari. Basically cleans out old system files and cache crap. you can do that from the Safari tab by the apple>reset safari. Pay attention to what you check on the next window though. IF you save your log in passwords and stuff in Safari you want to uncheck "reset saved names and passwords" . But definitely give Resetting Safari a go, it can help! :)

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  • Antir0b0t
    11 years ago

    You can export and save your bookmarks. Just go to the file tab>export bookmarks. Save them onto something, like a flash drive. Then when you get everything sorted you can import them back at the file tab>import bookmarks.

    Slowness is caused by a few different things. Have you installed any new software lately? do you use Parallels by chance? How much RAM do you have? Is your Hard Drive storage close to being full?

    If it's a software issue reinstalling the operating system takes care of it, unless it's caused by software YOU installed. Also, depending on your RAM you might want to upgrade it. If the system memory usage is high adding RAM clears the slowness up right quick. To check that just click on Spotlight in the top right of your screen, (the magnifying glass icon) and search for Activity Monitor. That will show you how much memory you're currently using and you'll know if it's related to your RAM. I see you don't know how to check for RAM, just click on the apple-select about this mac-on that little window it will say "Memory:___GB"

    Lets just say I'm an experienced tech support agent and deal with this kind of stuff all day. So I'd love to help you if you need it!

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    • Avant-Garde
      11 years ago

      Thank you, I'll try to remember that.

      The only thing I remember installing recently was Google Earth. I have done updates on things like Flash, mac, iTunes, What are Parallels? I tried to find my RAM but I can't. I looked up how, but when I clicked "About this Mac" there was nothing about the RAM. I have 49.18GB out of 120.47GB.

      There isn't a hourglass icon but I did find Activity Monitor. It still doesn't mention anything about RAM, though. It did say that I have 2.33GB free.

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  • MRmr
    11 years ago

    Lol with nearly 2gs you could buy an Alienware, or build a vastly superior computer. Atleast you know for next time..

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  • MRmr
    11 years ago

    Its a Macbook..of course its going to have problems.

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    • Avant-Garde
      11 years ago

      It really sucks. The main reason I paid all this money for it was for the "Security" and "superiority". What a let down:/

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      • MRmr
        11 years ago

        Howmuch did you pay for it? What are the specs?

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        • Avant-Garde
          11 years ago

          The computer itself was about $1000+ and I think after I paid for the apple care and some other crap it was nearing the $2000's.

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          • Antir0b0t
            11 years ago

            If your AppleCare is still valid just call apple support and they can help you trouble shoot over the phone with no charge!!

            To find you RAM amount just go to the black apple>about this mac>It'll have "Memory: ___ GB"

            Lets just say I know tech support and deal with these kinds of issues on a daily basis. If you're still having trouble I'll always be willing to give you direction!

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            • Avant-Garde
              11 years ago

              It still should be valid. The thing I find the most frustrating is when the last few times I've gone there for problems I would explain it to them but, the problem would never happened when they checked it. The only time, probably my second time going there, they were able to find anything was when it had completely crashed. What I've noticed is that it usually makes the loud overheating sound when I have a lot of tabs going on yet, despite when I close them the sound and increasing temperatures still increase.

              Thank you.

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  • aardvarkaardvark
    11 years ago

    You could have gotten malware from those bad websites, even on a Mac there are some trojans (because even a Mac has Java and Flash which are exploitable). Have you tried quitting other programs and just running one thing at a time?

    1 Backup to an external drive.
    2 Clear your browsing history.
    3 Take it in to an Apple store.

    By the way, how much RAM does your MBA have? It needs to have at least 4 GB for the operating system you have to run smooth.

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    • Avant-Garde
      11 years ago

      Thank you. It thankfully unstuck itself and I closed all but one page and so far so good.
      I don't know how much GB it has. MBA? I've tried looking and I can't find the amount.

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  • OswaldCobblepot
    11 years ago

    Get an external hard drive (or even a USB key, depending on how much data you've got), move your BDSM, copy your other data, & take it to the Apple Store. Piece of cake.

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    • Avant-Garde
      11 years ago

      Most of what I have in my mac is photos which I got from my phone. I did have a USB with some of my art in it and I left the thing attached to my mac and it somehow got filled up with tumblr pages:/ I've written down the fetish sites I was on and I closed all of my pages except for one and it hasn't been making loud sounds from within or getting stuck. I'm hoping it'll be fine for now.

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      • VioletTrees
        11 years ago

        Pro tip: the people at the Apple store do not give a shit about your fetishes. Have you SEEN the people who work there? You know they're some kinky mother fuckers.

        Seriously though, I'm sure they deal with that shit all the time. As long as you weren't looking at anything illegal, you'll be fine.

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        • Avant-Garde
          11 years ago

          It was nothing illegal O_0 The store I go to extremely busy most of the time and there's no privacy. That means if I did happen to have on of those sites up anyone in almost any direction could see my stuff and I don't think I could deal with that sort of embarrassment.

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  • VioletTrees
    11 years ago

    Hold down the power button for a few seconds, and it will shut down.

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    • Avant-Garde
      11 years ago

      I believe I tried that, but it didn't worked:/

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  • dinz
    11 years ago

    I have Mac computers for a very long time and my experience with them have been good.

    My suggestion is to reimage your laptop with a fresh copy of your OS and see if that does the trick.

    Once this Mac dies on me, I'm going back to Windows, Vista fucking pissed me off and I've been impressed with the later Windows operating systems.

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    • OswaldCobblepot
      11 years ago

      Windows 7 was fine, but still nowhere near as good as OS X from a usability standpoint. Windows 8 is a joke.

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    • Avant-Garde
      11 years ago

      How can I do that?

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