News: Repair Program for MacBook Drives

As someone who has done a lot of free tech support for friends and family, it seemed that a number of MacBooks were afflicted with faulty hard drives. Today, Apple announced that they would be taking care of the problem, even if the machines are out of warranty.

Apple’s announcement with complete details states:

Apple has determined that a very small percentage of hard drives that were used in MacBook systems, sold between approximately May 2006 and December 2007, may fail under certain conditions.

If your MacBook was purchased in the date range listed above and shows a flashing question mark on the screen, please take it to Apple or an Apple Authorized Service Provider and they will examine the hard drive to confirm if it is eligible for a replacement, free of charge, under this program.

Note: If your MacBook is not experiencing the symptom listed above, you do not have to contact Apple or any Apple Authorized Service Provider. As always, Apple recommends that you back up your data. Learn more.

Identifying Affected MacBook Systems

Symptom:A flashing question mark appears on screen when the MacBook is turned on.

Affected MacBook models

13-inch black and white MacBook models with the following processor speeds and hard drive capacities:

• Processor speed – 1.83GHz, 2GHz, or 2.16GHz
• Hard drive capacity – 60GB, 80GB, 100GB, 120GB, or 160GB

Next Steps

If your MacBook exhibits the flashing question mark symptom and matches the affected model descriptions above, the hard drive needs to be examined.

Please take your MacBook to the Apple representative most convenient for you:

• Apple Authorized Service Provider
• Apple Retail Store – Set up an appointment with a Genius.

If Apple or an Apple Authorized Service Provider confirms that your hard drive is affected, Apple will replace it with a new hard drive. You will need to have the original OS installation discs that were shipped with your product in order to re-install your operating system, other applications, and any backed up data.

If you need assistance finding the best service option in your area, you may contact Apple Technical Support for more information.

Additional Information

Some customers may have paid for out of warranty repairs that qualify under this program. Apple will contact affected customers (where contact information is available) with details on the reimbursement process. If you believe that you paid for a repair covered by this program and you have not been contacted, you may contact Apple Technical Support.

This worldwide Apple program does not extend the standard warranty coverage of the MacBook.

This program covers affected MacBook models for 3 years from their original date of purchase or until August 15, 2010 whichever provides longer coverage. Apple will continue to evaluate the repair data and will provide further repair extensions if needed.

Remember…always back up your data.