MacBook problems troubleshooting: Try Safe Mode and disabling startup items before taking your machine to a service center

Apple CEO Tim Cook speaks under a graphic of the new MacBook Pro.REUTERS/Beck Diefenbach

Apple's Macbooks rose to popularity as the alternative and rival to the Microsoft Windows PC. It has been proven to be a versatile machine that can help with productivity, although of course it has its share of flaws especially in older models. Thankfully, some of the problems require really easy fixes.

For example, if a user finds that he cannot boot into his Mac computer, it might be worthwhile to check out Mac's Safe Mode. Yes— Safe Mode is a feature popular for fixing common Windows booting problems, but Apple's laptops have the feature, as well.

All the user has to do to access this is to turn on the MacBook and hold down the Shift key. The Apple logo will appear, and then a login screen a few moments later. It will be okay to release the Shift key once the login screen appears to enter one's credentials.

What Safe Mode does is boot the computer with the bare minimum amount of drivers needed to run the machine. This way, the user can easily isolate the problem. The offending item may be a program, a faulty driver, or even a wrong connection. Either way, Safe Mode helps the user pinpoint the item by disabling unnecessary background apps.

Another reason why a MacBook would not start or even freeze at a blue screen is the startup items. These are programs that start automatically when the MacBook does, so when they present a problem, there is no way for the user to immediately stop them.

Fortunately, users who can access System Preferences and then Users & Groups will find a list of "Login Items" that start with the MacBook. Users can try disabling the startup programs from this menu, and some trial and error can isolate the problematic programs.

Still, if troubleshooting gives the user no avail, the safest bet may be to bring the machine to an authorized Apple service center. Technicians there should know the machine better and would make recommendations on what to do. This would prove especially helpful since Apple recently admitted a lot of problems regarding not only MacBooks but iPhones, as well.