Chosen Solution
I use this PC as my DJ computer. I rely on working USB ports to work with my controller/mixer. I WAS running Yosemite (as I dont trust sierra and beyond). To get ready for the most recent gig I ran updates. In my experience with apple keeping the base OS the same and running updates takes care of issues without killing performance, at least until now. I ran the updates and the USB ports no longer work. I have done SMC resets, I have cleared the NVRAM(PRAM). The MBP is running SMC 1.68f99. Now where I feel 99% sure that apple screwed me in the update vs just a hardware failure at the logic board. When I search for information on the SMC I found a downloadable from apple with the firmware as 1.68f98. I dont know what firmware it was on previously because I didnt think to check it before updating. whoops i trusted apple. My thought to fix would be to downgrade but the only how to I have found has the use of a bootable USB device…which I cant use since the USB ports dont work. I thought about using a thunderbolt to usb adapter but there are only like 2 out there and theyre $80…wtf isnt older tech supposed to get cheaper. Does anyone have a solid way of downgrading the SMC version. Also I am currently running HighSierra as I thought an OS update would solve the issue. WRONG. I am open to the idea of replacing the Logic Board but I would really like to try to get the SMC rolled back to rule out software before hardware.
Try starting up in Safe Mode (hold down the Shift key on start up). If they are working now, you may have picked up a virus. Very common on DJ’s machines because of questionable sources of music downloads. Use a good “Paid For” antivirus to clean it. I use Symantec Endpoint Protection. Get rid of any “Clean my Mac, Fix my Mac, Keep my Mac programs as you have no idea of what those programs are doing.
