MacBook Pro (13-inch) General Troubleshooting — Common Reset Procedures 28
2010-09-14
Common Reset Procedures
Resetting the System Management Controller (SMC)
The System Management Controller (SMC) is a chip on the logic board that controls all power
functions. If the computer is experiencing any power issue, such as not starting up, not
displaying video, sleep issues, or fan noise issues, resetting SMC may resolve it. To reset SMC:
1. If computer is on, turn it o by choosing Shut Down from the Apple () menu.
2. Connect power adapter to computer and to a working power source.
3. On built-in keyboard, press (left-side) Shift-Control-Option along with power button just
once. Important: Use Shift-Control-Option keys on left side of keyboard.
Note: When the LED on the MagSafe connector is orange/amber, resetting the SMC will
change it to green for a few seconds, indicating that SMC was correctly reset.
4. Wait 5 seconds and press power button to start computer. Note: If bottom case is removed,
you can alternately reset SMC by disconnecting both power adapter and main battery, and
holding down power button for 5 seconds.
For more information, refer to:
kBase #HT3964: Intel-based Macs: Resetting the System Management Controller (SMC)
Resetting Parameter RAM (PRAM)
PRAM stores certain system and device settings in a location that Mac OS X can access quickly.
Exactly which settings are stored in the computer’s PRAM varies depending on the type of
computer as well as the types of devices and drives connected. To reset PRAM:
1. If computer is on, turn it o by choosing Shut Down from Apple () menu.
2. Locate the following keys on the keyboard: Command, Option, P, and R. You will need to
hold these keys down simultaneously in Step 4.
Note: If keyboard does not have an Option key, use Alt key instead.
3. Press power button.
4. Immediately press and hold Command-Option-P-R keys.
Important: You must press this key combination before the gray screen appears.
5. Hold down keys until computer restarts, and you hear startup chime a second time.
6. Release keys.
For more information, refer to:
kBase #HT1242: Mac OS X: What’s stored in PRAM
kBase #HT1379: Resetting your Mac’s PRAM and NVRAM
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