MacBook Pro won't boot up past grey screen! Help!

Long story short, my Mac was working fine yesterday and then it froze. I held down the power button and didn't think twice about it. Now it won't start up past the grey screen. Actually, I just recently held down the "d" key before it started up and now I'm at Apple Hardware Test but I'm not sure what I'm suppose to do. My hardware is testing for something. Does anybody have any troubleshooting things I could try to help make it come back? I am very depressed it's not working. I tried calling Apple Support but the guy only sent me an e-mail telling me how to fix it.

AHT test can take up to 4 hours...
Intel-based Macs: Using Apple Hardware Test
You can also try Disk Utility (fsck)
Resolve startup issues and perform disk maintenance with Disk Utility and fsck

Similar Messages

  • Attn: macbook pro won't start up past grey screen NO MATTER WHAT

    my macbook pro won't start up past the grey screen, NO MATTER WHAT I DO. i've searched all the discussions on this, and NOTHING WORKS. nothing caused this either - i was just browing the internet and using ichat, and my computer shut down, and that is when this started.
    I am EXTREMELY disappointed with this bullstein. My computer works great, etc., and I support mac and apple to the nth degree, but then some stupid crap like this happens and I can't use my computer at all. I have to use my sister's **** ibook g3 to even do this.
    PLEASE HELP. do NOT post what you have already posted in the other discussions, and i've already been welcomed to the boards. I can't go to an apple store because i'm on vacation in new mexico for the summer, and there no stores anywhere near here. is there any real advice around here? I need to use my computer. That is why I spent close to $4,000 for it with upgrades and software.

    where can i get an install disc for the macbook pro?
    You really need to use the one that came with your MBP. If you don't have it, a retail Tiger OS X disc should work.
    also, could an archive/install potentially free up some harddrive space on my computer?
    No, it will actually use more space, so you will need at least 6G of free space. To clean your hard drive, use WhatSize.
    WhatSize >>
    -Bmer
    Mac Owners Support Group
    Join Us @ MacOSG.com
    iTunes: MacOSG Podcast
     An Apple User Group 

  • MacBook Pro won't boot up past gray screen?

    Okay, so I was running chrome and iTunes and spotify. Spotify was playing and Avast! Detected an infection and moved it to the chest. I quit chrome and opened up a Steam game called Garry's Mod, but it wouldn't open no matter how many times I tried it. So I tried to open chrome again and it bounced but didn't open. Tried to open system preferences and it opened but didn't show a window and wasn't responding. So I tried to restart but it wouldn't restart, so I force shut it down. Then it wouldn't go past the gray screen.
    So I restarted the PRAM. Didn't work. Tried booting into safe mode. Didn't work. When into single user and checked the directories I think. Didn't work. Called apple and repaired permissions and that didn't work. Then I downloaded OS Mavericks and reinstalled it. Didn't work. So I'm redownloading to see if it might work if i do it again. Otherwise, he said I'd have to completely restore and lose my data, which would suck. I don't have a backup unfortunately.
    What I'm wondering is if there's anything you think I could do that just might fix this?
    Or, is there anyway to save my data if it won't boot up and I don't have a backup? I have lots of writing and music I really would not like to lose.

    Your disk may be sick or dying.  As you surmised the top priority at this point is to make a copy of your data.
    First, check the health of the disk.  Boot in Recovery Mode (Boot, Command-R).  Run Disk Utility.  Click on the upper left disk icon.  Does the S.M.A.R.T. status say “Verified”?  If not the disk/SSD is unhealthy and needs to be replaced.  Click on the icon indented below, usually called “Macintosh HD” and Verify Disk.  If it finishes with a green “OK” message then all is well with the disk.  If it shows errors in red then you have found a problem to address once the system is backed up.  Do not attempt software repairs until you have secured the data.  Post back with the results of this test.
    If the disk will not show up at all in Disk Utility to run these simple testes then it is probably already dead.  A trip to an Apple store to confirm that would be in order.
    If you have an external disk drive you can use as a backup drive then do so.  If not I’m going to council you to purchase a drive you can use to replace your internal drive if need be.  The silver lining is this new drive will be much faster than the old one.  Google “Seagate 1 TB SSHD”.  You should find a drive for about $100.  Google “USB 3.0 enclosure”.  That should cost $10 to $20.  When they arrive plug the drive into the enclosure.
    Assuming it is still breathing you can recover the data without booting from the sick disk. 
    Reformat the external disk  Boot in Recovery Mode.  Start Disk Utility.  Plug in the new disk.  Select it’s disk Icon (the second one down, left justified). Select the Partition tab.
    Partition Layout > Single Partition
    Name: Emergency Recovery 1 (or whatever name you wish to use)
    Format: Mac OS Extended (journaled)
    Options… > GUID Partition Table > OK
    Apply
    Select the Restore tab.
    Drag the old system volume (Macintosh HD) to Source.
    Drag the new disk volume (Emergency Recovery 1) to Destination.
    Click on Restore.
    If that will not complete post back for another emergency data recovery method.
    If the backup succeeds use the First Aid tab in Disk Utility to select the old volume (Macintosh HD) and Repair Disk.  If it repairs with a green OK message, will it boot normally?
    Post back for further instructions.  How to proceed will depend on what has transpired to that point.

  • MacBook pro won't start up past grey screen

    Ive tried a PRAM reset four or five times- nothing. Won't boot into safe moDe. Tried the command line with fsck-fy and it says there is no problems with my had drive but still won't load up.
    it shows the grey screen with a clear spinning cog, then a blue screen, then the grey screen again, then blue, then grey before it goes to blue and stays there. I can move the cursor
    any help would be appreciated. I can't get a Genius Bar appointment for a week :/

    Please read this whole message before doing anything.
    This procedure is a diagnostic test. It’s unlikely to solve your problem. Don’t be disappointed when you find that nothing has changed after you complete it.
    The purpose of the test is to determine whether the problem is caused by third-party software that loads automatically at startup or login, by a peripheral device, by a font conflict, or by corruption of the file system or of certain system caches.
    Disconnect all wired peripherals except those needed for the test, and remove all aftermarket expansion cards, if applicable. Start up in safe mode and log in to the account with the problem. You must hold down the shift key twice: once when you turn on the computer, and again when you log in.
    Note: If FileVault is enabled, or if a firmware password is set, or if the startup volume is a software RAID, you can’t do this. Ask for further instructions.
    Safe mode is much slower to start up and run than normal, with limited graphics performance, and some things won’t work at all, including sound output and Wi-Fi on certain models. The next normal startup may also be somewhat slow.
    The login screen appears even if you usually login automatically. You must know your login password in order to log in. If you’ve forgotten the password, you will need to reset it before you begin.
    Test while in safe mode. Same problem?
    After testing, restart as usual (not in safe mode) and verify that you still have the problem. Post the results of the test.

  • Macbook Pro won't boot and getting gray screen, help!

    I have a Macbook Pro 15" from mid2011. The warranty just expired one week ago.
    I was normally using it without any problem, when suddenly the screen started to freeze and get some horizontal line. I had to force shut down with the power button couple times. The next day, my MBP wasn't booting during the startup.
    When I turn on, I can hear the chime, the Apple logo show up and the little wheel turns, but after those things the screen remaing gray without any thing happens.
    I have tried some steps that I found on discussion, forums, and websites like:
    - PRAM
    - cmd-s (to verify and clean the HD)
    - hold option and restore using a flash drive with Mountain Lion (after I choose the drive, I get a "blue" screen)
    - Remove the RAM and put back
    All those things weren't successful.
    What do you guys think I should do now?
    What are the main causes of gray screen or blue screen?
    Should I replace my RAM or HD?
    I'm avoiding to take to a technichian or a geek, because I have a lot of confidential work inside. Luckly, I have a backup of everything.
    I appreciate every reply made.
    Thanks!!

    Hi Eric,
    Thanks for your fast reply.
    Yes, I've tried cmd-R. I get a "blue screen" with vertical lines. Pretty weird.
    I'm unable to access the Disk Utility.
    Do you think the HD is damaged?

  • Macbook pro will not boot even to grey screen ??

    my macbook pro will not boot even to grey screen ?? Just stopped wprking after I closed the cover.

    What other indications are there, does the white light turn on, solid or pulsing?, do you hear the startup chime, or bong if you prefer. Can you hear the drive, the fans?
    More information from you will assist us trying to help you.

  • MacBook Pro won't boot up past the Apple logo! Help! :(

    I had to force the computer to shut down as it refused to force quit.
    I Have tried everything I can (Disk Utility - Repairing the disk.. even though the results came up as OK.. Ive re-installed Mountain Lion..) and had no luck!! The grey screen with the Apple logo and spinning wheel just stay there!
    Also, it refuses to go into Safe Mode, after holding shift the loading bar only loads up to almost half-way and then it disappears.
    Please help!! 

    I'm having the same problem with my macbook. Apple logo and spinning wheel.  I saw a video on youtube that said to reset prm and also to remove both sticks of ram and trying to boot one stick at a time (due to problem possibly being caused by faulty ram) I also tryed booting from disk and booting from safe mode, but everything has failed.  All I get is the Apple logo and spinning wheel.  Does this mean the hard drive has failed? Or is there another fix that I might try? If it is the hard drive it would suck, but I could go buy another one and replace it, but what would really suck is if it wasn't the hard drive to begin with.  Can anyone please help?
    Thanks....

  • I upgraded to lion and now my 2009 MacBook pro won't boot after the grey page.

    Hi,
    I just upgraded to lion, my computer restarted, and I was able to use it for quite some time with the new software.  It was upgrading the display pad software and when it finished required a reboot, which it did.  Upon restarting my Mac is now stuck on the grey screen which is supposed to show login info and a place to type in your password, but it doesn't.  All I see is grey.
    I'm currently reinstalling lion, so hopefully that will help.  Any suggestions? I want my computer back!

    Does anyone know how to get the version for Lion?
    I just asked that in another thread:
    Does Safari go the way of MobileMe?
    https://discussions.apple.com/message/15790649
    The Safari download page specifically says the version is for Snow Leopard, and only offers this version, and when I try to install it, the routine gets blocked complaining that it needs Snow Leopard.
    I also tried to simply remove the app in order to use Software Update. But this is blocked as well.
    http://www.apple.com/safari/download/

  • Macbook Pro won't boot! Deep sleep?  HELP!

    Hi,
    Recently I started to experience problems with my Macbook Pro. When I'd boot into OSX, the system's screen would go completely blank after a couple of minutes of use.
    I booted from a CD and repaired the disk.
    I then booted my XP Pro partition on boot camp and started scan disk. IT stalled at 92%, so I left for a little while...
    When I came back, the screen was completely blank again. I rebooted the computer.
    This time, the screen stayed blank. The LED light on the front was glowing, the fans were running, but nothing was happening. I couldn't eject a CD in the drive.
    I can get the system to display the grey screen and even boot a little ways into OSX by reseting the PMU or removing the RAM and reseating it. However, IT doesn't last very long until screen goes blank and I get the problem of being unable to boot again. I have managed to boot to the hardware test once, and it reported no problems with my hardware.
    Any help in figuring out whats up would be much appreciated.
    Thanks.

    Hi pcmuse,
    try this step below stated :
    1. Power up your MBPro.
    2. Hold down these combinations : OptionCommand+PR.
    Hold these keys until you hear 4 "bong" sounds before you let go of the keys.
    See if the machine can boot up to OS.
    3. If it fails,try to hold down these keys : ControlOption+ShiftPower upon powering up of your machine.
    The next best thing to do after step 3,is to do a RESTORE on your machine and see if works.
    If all else fails,I suggest that you bring your machine down to a nearest AASP as I suspect that you might have a faulty Hard Drive.

  • MacBook Pro won't boot - stays on black screen and beeps every few seconds

    Hi,
    My MacBook Pro has been having issues - when powered on wont boot past the white screen and more recently will just stay on black screen and beeps every 5 seconds. I had someone look at it and it seems apparently the motherboard is the problem
    and either needs fixing or replacing. As I am traveling in Nicaragua the closest apple store is in Managua (capital). Would I be able to get the motherboard looked at and replaced if need be at this apple store? Also, does anyone know the approximate price for the motherboard to be replaced? Up until a few days ago the laptop was still turning on and working every now and then but now stays on black screen and beeps.
    Any advice would be very helpful!
    Thanks

    Welcome to Apple Support Communities
    It means that your Mac's memory is damaged > http://support.apple.com/kb/HT2538?viewlocale=en_US&locale=en_US
    First, replace the memory modules. You can buy more memory at OWC or Crucial. It can also be replace by a reseller.
    If it doesn't work, the RAM slots are damaged, so your logic board has to be replaced. It costs more than a half of the price of your MacBook

  • Macbook Pro won't start up past blue screen

    I'm running OS X 10.5.7 on my MBP, along with a boot camp partition. My superdrive has been playing up for the past few months, and upon learning that the 2.1 firmware update could be responsible, I obtained the update and attempted to re-flash the firmware myself. To do this I had to edit a system file and spoof my version number to 10.4.9; I couldn't flash the drive otherwise.
    I used textwrangler to edit the file /System/Library/CoreServices/SystemVersion.plist - I had to unlock the file to do this. I saved it, used the flashing utility and rebooted as instructed, and then encountered the issue. The screen turns from grey to blue, and the "loading" indicator appears briefly before disappearing again - this happens repeatedly until I power my computer off.
    I started up in single-user mode and performed a fsck - this repaired some filesystem issues I wasn't aware I had, but did nothing to fix the problem. Running in single user mode, however, did reveal that the loginwindow.app was crashing repeatedly, and crash reports were being saved in a log directory.
    Attempting to start in safe mode results in it sitting on the loading indicator at the grey Apple logo screen for upwards of twenty minutes with no results (save my computer getting increasingly warm).
    I've long since mislaid the discs bundled with my MBP as well as my Leopard disc.
    Windows XP still boots with no problems.
    What exactly is the cause of this issue? I wouldn't have thought the file I edited and not being able to get past this blue screen were connected. Is there any way I can restore it?
    I also have a Macbook at my disposal - are there any feasible solutions which would involve booting another machine in target disk mode?
    Message was edited by: fnool
    Message was edited by: fnool

    Is there any way I can restore it?
    Did you make a backup of the file? Always a wise thing to do when messing with system files.
    Not sure if pico works in SUM but it would be worth a try to edit the file again to revert it to its proper version. If that fails, you will need to get your Leopard disc for an Archive and Install. Might be able to get a replacement one from Applecare at little cost.
    Good luck and let us know what happens.
    Edit:
    Just saw you have another Macbook available. If both machines were running same OS you might be able to copy the file from one computer to the other. I would do this as root though then run a Permissions Repair in Disk Utility afterward
    Message was edited by: theonlydean

  • MacBook pro won't boot up with the screen after Yosemite

    since updating to Yosemite  my Mac book hasn't woken up from sleep
    i can hear it turn on when I hit the power button but no screen or keyboard lights up
    really need some help please
    my Mac book pro is only 2-3 years old

    Hi Bizzlewood,
    Welcome to the Apple Support Communities!
    I know it can be both frustrating and concerning when your computer doesn’t seem to wake from sleep. There may be a few different troubleshooting steps I would suggest in this situation. Please refer to the attached article for troubleshooting information.
    OS X: When your Mac doesn't sleep or wake
    Your computer cannot wake from sleep
    Make sure your computer isn't powered off by pressing the power key for one second.
    If you're using an external display, make sure your display is not powered off or unplugged.
    If you are using a Mac notebook:
    Make sure the computer's battery is charged. Try connecting the power adapter to the computer, then press the power button for one second to see if the computer powers on.
    Make sure the AC power cord is connected securely to the power outlet, and that the outlet it is working correctly. Confirm the power adapter or cable is attached firmly.
    If your computer is plugged into a power strip, make sure the power strip is not turned off. Check to make sure other items connected to the power strip are receiving power.
    Confirm the right power adapter is connected on Mac notebook computers. If a lower wattage power adapter is used than the one that came with your Mac, it may not provide enough power to charge the battery while the computer is powered on. Make sure there is no debris in the MagSafe port that might prevent charging. When your MagSafe cable is connected properly, you should see a green or orange light on the connector.
    If the issue is still not resolved after verifying the above information, please be sure to follow the steps listed at the bottom of the article in the Additional troubleshooting section. 
    Cheers,
    Joe

  • Macbook pro won't boot - how do I retrieve emails?

    Hey guys
    I've got a common problem that my Macbook pro won't boot. Sometimes I get stuck on the grey screen with spinning wheel, sometimes on the blue screen with spinning wheel
    I've scoured the internet on another machine and tried every trick I can find with the MacBook Pro including
    Disk / Permissions repair from install disk (says the HD is fine)
    PRAM
    Single User
    Soft
    It seems like my only option at the moment is an Install and Archive. I can mount the MacBook Pro on another machine with a firewire and remove files and backed up a lot on a hard drive before it died
    What I am worried about is how to retrieve some emails from the machine that only exist locally because I have deleted them from the server
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    Would Migration Assistant work?
    If anyone could help me with this or suggest any other methods for bring my machine out of a coma I'd really appreciate it
    d

    Try a different adapter. If you don't have access to a known-good adapter any other way, make a Genius Bar appointment at an Apple Store.

  • MacBook Pro won't boot after trying to install 10.7.3 update. Start up stalls at Apple logo and spinning gear.

    MacBook Pro won't boot after trying to install 10.7.3 update. Start up stalls at Apple logo and spinning gear. Computer won't even start in safe mode.

    My daughter's MacBook Pro was doing exactly the same thing.  I don't know if it had anything to do with the latest update.  She called me about a week ago saying that her MacBook began running slower by the day .  She then called me Friday and told me that it wouldn't get past the gray screen and the gear just kept on spinning.  I did everything I could over the phone including Safe mode which it wouldn't go into and thought maybe it was the hard drive.  She took it to the Apple store.  Originally, they also thought it was the hard drive.  It ended up being a corrupted operating system (Lion).  Apple genius simply re-installed Lion and she's back up and running.  Good thing she backed up right before it crapped out.  She'll be restoring everything tonight.  Don't know if re-installing Lion will help your situation, but it did the trick for my daughter.

  • My 2007 MacBook pro won't boot up beyond a White screen any ideas what to do?

    My 2007 MacBook pro won't boot up beyond a White screen any ideas what to do?

    Odd how this hasn't been archived yet.
    I'm getting the same thing with my Macbook, but can't boot past the white screen. An Apple store in KS suggested I needed a new hard drive, but I've already put two in there and it's still doing the same thing. I really don't want to buy another motherboard like I had to a couple of years ago.
    My choices are either buy a cheap drive to boot from and remove the current one to put into an external case, or save the money by not buying a new motherboard and putting it as a down payment toward a Mac mini.

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