Can't boot from USB on Macbook (Late 2008)

I have recently purchased a Late 2008 Macbook from eBay.
The Macbook had no HDD so i put a new one in, but because it is a brand new HDD it has no, OS.
So i burned a Mountain Lion OSX install to my 16gb USB using my iMac's disk utility.
But when i start up the mac and hold the option key nothing happens, it just stays on a white screen for a while and then goes onto the flashing question mark folder icon.
I don't know what to do please help.

The USB needs to be bootable....the instructions here should help http://www.techrepublic.com/blog/apple-in-the-enterprise/how-to-create-a-bootabl e-usb-to-install-os-x/
I would recreate the USB drive using those instructions & then try booting from it again.
~Lyssa

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Imac 21" mid 2011 can not boot from USB device?

Hi,
hope someone can help me.
Bought the new imac 21" and replaced the superdrive with a ssd drive.
Works great but it seems that the imac is not able to boot from any usb device.
I put my osx install disk in my external dvd drive and powered my mac.
While booting up (pressing cmd) the mac does not recognize my external dvd drive. This works great with my MBP late 2008. But the imac can not boot from the dvd drive. Also pressing "c" while booting does not work. Doing that a grey screen appears and after some time mac boots from hdd.
So i installed mac os via target mode over firewire withbmy old imac. This works.
But now i want to install windows on a bootcamp partition.
I can't boot from the windows 7 professional dvd, too. So i tried to create a bootable win 7 thumbdrive. Mac can't boot from this too. Reading many threads in some forum i tried with rEEfit. Reefit shows the usb thumbdrive whike booting, but using this will end in a black screen error from bios: "no bootable device....". Tried a knoppix on the usb thukbdrive, too.... No bootable device....
It seems that there is no way to boot from ANY external usb device like dvd drives or thumbdrives......
What more can i do? I tried for 2 evenings now, but nothing worked out for me......
Currently i don't see any any to install win 7 without an internal superdrive, but can this be??
Thanks for any comments.
Kwicks

Internal is definitely the easiest but you can boot from external HD or external optical drive, the mac is just very picky on what works and what doesn't.
For an external drive or usb stick it has to be GUID partition table and have 10.4.5 or better installed on it, for more info check this link out ( http://support.apple.com/kb/ht1948 )
Hope this helps,
Joe

How Can I boot from USB - Portege A200

Hi,
I've got an Portege A200 which is only a couple of years old but the hard drive no longer works. Initially I thought this was due to corrupting the boot record on the drive but after attempting to replace the hard drive (with two different drives) it is showing an IDE #0 error upon boot. I have therefore come to the conclusion the IDE controller chip has died.
In order to get the latop working I burned a cd with the ubunto ISO. This boots ok but due to only have 512Mb RAM the system is somewhat limited and anything installed is lost everytime I reboot.
I have now bought a 2Gb flash drive and installed ubuntu onto this. My next problem is that there appears to be no boot from USB HDD or USB Memory Stick option in the bios.
The possible options that I can think of are:
1) Upgade the bios so it supports boot from memory stick (although no HDD so not sure how I could reflash the BIOS or if there is even a BIOS upgrade that would support this functionality)
2) Create a cd which starts the boot process then tells the system to continue booting from the usb drive (Is this possible and does anyone know where I might be able to obtain such software)
3) Boot from CD but use the USB to retain any information saved / any installs etc (I guess similar to option 2 except the cd would manage the whole OS and the USB would just hold 'additional' information)
If there are any other options that anyone can think of I am happy to give them a go. Seems a shame to have to chuck a laptop that isn't particularly old because the IDE controller chip has failed on the mobo.
I apppriciate any help anyone can offer.
Many thanks,
Mark

Hi
First of all I have to say that its not possible to boot from the external USB device like the USB stick, USB CD/DVD drive or USB HDD.
Its possible only to boot from the external USB FDD (diskette) drive
However, not the booting possibilities are clear but I think you have misunderstood the IDE#0 error message. In m opinion the IDE controller is not faulty but only the new HDD is not compatible and not recognized by BIOS.
There are different reasons for this issue
Mostly this error message appears if the HDD master/slave/c-sel settings are not correct.
Usually such settings dont need to be changed or switched on 2.5 HDDs but some HDDs support an jumper which must be set in the right position. But I dont if your HDD supports this
Furthermore the not compatible HDD size could be the reason for such error messages!
So finally I would recommend contacting the ASP in your country to get a new, compatible HDD and to check if the same error persists.
Good luck

How can I boot from USB 3.0 disc on a Mac Pro 2013

I am just setting up a 2013 Mac Pro with a 4TB USB 3.0 external drive. I have cloned my boot disc over to it but have problems being able to boot from the USB drive.
It shows up in the startup disc in system preferences, but when selected as the boot disc and restarted it just boots from the internal SSD. Also have checked booting and holding the ALT key to see what happens but I am just shown the SSD and Recovery disc as options to boot from.
So it appears I can not boot from a USB disc on my new Mac Pro, is there a solution to this problem?

The warranty entitles you to complimentary phone support for the first 90 days of ownership.
If you bought the product in the U.S. directly from Apple (not from a reseller), you have 14 days from the date of delivery in which to exchange or return it for a refund. In other countries, the return policy may be different. If you bought from a reseller, its return policy applies.

Can't boot from USB or DVD. HP Pavilion g6-2257sr

My new notebook HP Pavilion g6-2257sr don't let me to boot from USB device.
When notebook's booting, I pressed ESC and F10. Then I set up UFEI boot order - USB-device / DVD / OS selector.
I use official Windows 7 disk, and several own USB devices with bootable images.
But rebboting use hard drive's OS all the same.
Please help. I want to delete current OS from my notebbok.
This question was solved.
View Solution.

Hi:
I would make a set of recovery disks first before proceeding.
To boot the PC you need to go into the BIOS and enable legacy mode.
Then you should be able to boot from another device.

How can I boot from USB drive?

I have installed a Kingston SSD drive on my Macbook Pro. The original HDD is now in a USB enclosure. I tried to boot from the supplied CD by selecting it in the preferences. However they supplied a CD with Aarons for Windows. Now I cannot either clone my HDD to the SSD or boot from the original HDD. How can I override the CD as boot disk?

Boot Using OPTION key:
1. Restart the computer.
2. Immediately after the chime press and hold down the
"OPTION" key.
3. Release the key when the boot manager appears.
4. Select the disk icon of the external USB drive.
5. Click on the arrow button below the icon.

HP Stream 7-Windows 10 doesn't boot, I can't recovery 8.1 because can't boot from USB-HELP please!!

Hi everybody, I'm new here!
I am (scuse me: WAS) enjoying a Stream 7
Some days ago I tried to install Windows 10 TP upgrading 8.1 with Bing. After some waiting time it succeeded, but unfortunately I forgave to put in the tablet's SSD the hp drivers, thinking they weren't necessary. So touchscreen, WiFi and all the other stuff didn't work. After I collegated via OTG a keyboard and a mouse I managed to use Windows 10.
Trying to install drivers, my fault, I opened an .exe of Realtek (maybe for the audio), tablet asked to reboot and after that I cannot access to Windows anymore.
I tried to boot Windows 8.1 from a USB, but it doesn't boot, the same even if i disable secure boot.
With disabled bitlocker Windows gives this error
In boot option I set these settings
I put the usb in this way:
The Stream doesn't consider the USB absolutely XD
If I enable again the secure boot Windows gives this error (that at 99% is caused by the .exe I installed):
Rebooting the Stream a couple of time with secure boot it goes in a menu (where touchscreen works) where there are a lot of options to reset Windows, but none of them works. If I try to format from this menu it asks for my account's password, but it doesn't accepts the mine :/
If I try to open the recovery (from volume minus button when it starts) it gives this message:
Waiting for help,
Thank you for your patience!
This question was solved.
View Solution.

Hi everyone. I think I have found a solution to this problem. Short background story, I too tried to install Windows 10 (10049) via Windows Update but I was never successful - got stuck at around 30% for more than an hour. I tried to restore to 8.1 but it gave me that 0xc000000f error. Luckily I had made a recovery image to USB before updating to Windows 10.
Please note that by doing this method, you will obviously lose your data.
Here's what you'll need:
- Recovery USB (if you don't have one, grab it from this link and I thank you that person from another post). Follow the instructions, this is just basically clean, format to FAT32, set primary and active, and then drag and drop the files and folders from the USB folder to the root USB drive. This particular recovery is from a 5701 model, there is actually no difference between Stream 7 models in terms of hardware, but software is configured differently (different language setup/format) depending on the country/region it's sold.
- OTG cable
- Powered USB hub
- USB Mouse and Keyboard
- A moment of your time
1. Plug in the OTG cable to the tablet, and then plug in the USB hub to power and to the OTG. After that, plug in the USB mouse and keyboard and Recovery USB to the USB hub.
2. Boot the tablet to BIOS by holding down Power + Volume Down at the same time, until you reach the Startup Menu.
3. Press F10 and navigate to System Configuration > Boot Options. In this menu, we'll have to restore the settings to default.
So if you have disabled Secure Boot, you first need to Clear All Secure Boot Keys and then Load HP Factory Default Keys. Then enable Secure Boot.
Make sure UEFI Boot Order is also default to as follows: OS boot Manager, USB Diskette, USB CD/DVD, Network Adapter.
If you did not make any changes, proceed to 4.
4. Be prepared to go back to the Startup Menu, because as soon as you press F10 and hit Yes, the tablet will automatically restart. So press and hold the Volume Down button after you hit on Yes.
5. Press F9 and select Boot From EFI File. If you've done the recovery image ghosting correctly onto the Recovery USB, you should see two entries. One should be RECOVERY and the other may depend (it could be SYSTEM or No label). Select RECOVERY, and then select bootmgr.efi.
At this point the tablet will boot off from the USB and will bring you to Windows Recovery.
6. Select your keyboard layout, and navigate to Troubleshoot > Reset your PC.
If the drive partition/boot manager is not damaged, it will ask for a recovery key. You can actually skip this step and hide the numpad, revealing the option Skip this drive if you don't have the recovery key anymore, or just really want to start anew.
If the drive partition/boot manager is damaged, the Reset will proceed and will ask you to select a target operating system. In my case it was Windows 8.1.
7. The next screen will be about Reset your PC telling you what's going to happen. Tap Yes > Yes, repartition the drives > Fully clean the drive > Reset.
The tablet will now do its thing and restore to factory default.
After restoration, a BIOS screen will come up asking if you want to clear the TPM keys. Select Yes, and this will create a new key for the restored installation, bringing you back to a fully factory default tablet.
Notes:
I recommend not installing a generic Windows 8.1 ISO that is copied straight to the USB drive using the Windows 7 USB/DVD Tool or RUFUS. They won't be compressed or the same as WIMBOOT, which will take up more storage space than stock recovery.
You could actually install another version of Windows 8.1 on the tablet, assuming you know what you are doing (ie. making a WIMBOOT image).
You could also actually install Windows Technical Preview directly, again, assuming you know what you are doing.
This is just a guide to help you try recover your tablet from a failed Technical Preview installation. I hold no responsiblities over your actions.
What I recommend is that use 8.1 for now, and wait for the official release (or at least a more stable Technical Preview release for this tablet if you can't wait that long) of Windows 10.

How can I install Windows 7 by USB? MacBook late 2008 10.6.8 Boot Camp 3.0.4

Someone please help...
I have tried software update and no luck. I think my Boot Camp on Mac 3.0.4 is not showing me the right option on creating a USB installation. It asks me to load Windows 7 CD when I don't have it, I bought it online... Every download I tried from Apple is .exe and I am losing hope on this one...

You can only install Windows from a USB with one of these Macs:
- MacBook Pro with Retina display.
- Mac mini (Mid 2010 and later).
- iMac (Late 2012).
- MacBook Air.
If you bought Windows in Internet and you got it in a ISO image, you can burn it into a DVD. Simply double-click the ISO image, open Disk Utility, right-click the ISO image in the sidebar and burn it

Downgrading from Mavericks to Snow Leopard, can't boot from USB drive

I'm attempting to do a clean install of Snow Leopard on a 2010 Macbook. The MB had recently been upgraded to Mavericks, but because it was running slowly, I decided to downgrade. (If you respond to this post, please don't ask me why I'd make this decision.)
As with any other clean install I've done--all pre-Mountain Lion--I backed everything up, I created a .dmg file of the Snow Leopard, and made a perfectly good, bootable USB drive with the OS (1 partition, GUID table); I tested this USB drive on another Macbook, one currently running Snow Leopard, by holding option as I booted up. It works fine and gets to the installation screen.
I booted the Mavericks Macbook while holding command+r, and I erased the main HD. I then formatted it with 1 partition, with a GUID table. All was normal.
But here's where the problem starts. I plugged the USB drive into the formerly Mavericks computer, and held option for the bootloader. It recognizes the OS. But when I click the arrow to proceed, it inevitably has a kernel panic and tells me to restart the computer.
I re-made my bootable drive, and I tested it again on the other machine. Again, it's still fine. Plugged it into my main machine--again, a panic.
Using command+r to reach disk utility, I've now erased and repartitioned the computer's hard drive several times, even using the advanced-security erase feature. Still, the panic.
When I hold command+r at boot, it always forces me through the Internet Recovery. The only option offered to reinstall OS X is with Lion, which I didn't buy with my Apple ID.
What can I do?

Sorry, but this didn't help me. From what I gather, Mavericks (or maybe Mountain Lion) included a firmware update that, for some reason, prevents users from downgrading to anything before Lion. This makes things difficult, because I didn't buy Lion--I made the leap from SL to Mavericks.
Here's the strange part, I learned: When I enter Internet Recovery, I'm prompted to reinstall Lion, not Mavericks. And because I didn't buy Lion, my Apple ID/password, which are asked for, don't help.
Anyone else with suggestions? None of my USB-based installations are working, and I'm feeling out of luck. I don't want to spend money at the Apple store...

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I am running RAID 0+1 on SATA 1 thu 4, SATA 5 + 6 are DVD drives, nothing on the 2 eSATA ports.
Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

The only time the USB storage appears is during POST. In the BIOS the 4 hard drives used for the RAID are listed, the 2 DVD drives are listed, but no USB storage. In the F11 boot selection it offers the 1st floppy, NVRAID and the 2 DVD drives. The same are offered the boot sequence section of the BIOS options.

Mobo Support for booting from USB hdd

Hi,
I have a K8N Diamond.
How can I check whether my mobo can support booting from USB hdd?
I know it can boot from the USB-CDROM.
If not, do I need a bios update?

Quote from: Stu on 21-January-08, 00:38:45
How to identify your BIOS and m/b version
But please don't go flashing your BIOS just for the sake of doing so.
Your USB HDD will be listed under Hard Disks in BIOS, there won't be a USB-HDD option
Wow, thanks for the link and the pointer. I've found out where the USB hdd is now.
I won't flash my bios for the sake of that thanks to you, but I'm upgrading to a Dual-Core soon and I realised my bios is w7100nms v1.0.
So I have to flash my bios soon. Any tips regarding this?

Bootcamp woes, unable to boot from USB and DVD drive reads all DVDs blank

My partner and I are completely unable to install Windows using Bootcamp. We have tried dozens of solutions on the internet.
2011 iMac (purchased in by me and my partner 2012) reads all DVDs as blank. We have (hilariously) another Mac, an MBP, that has the same exact problem. You'd almost think "Superdrives" eventually just stop working or something. So obviously we can't install Bootcamp on the iMac using a DVD.
But what about a USB stick? Well after modifying the plist file and writing a bootable Windows USB and trying to boot from that, we were greeted with the mysterious and apparently yet-unsolved "no bootable device" error.
So our iMac can't boot from USB drives or read DVDs. We've only owned it for two years. And this is the second Mac we've owned where the Superdrive has died. And we don't even use DVDs more than like once a year.
But anyway, can someone tell me what we're supposed to do if we want to install Windows aside from throwing money away to buy another Superdrive that is probably going to die again in a year? Maybe a way to make our mac boot from our USB stick? Something?
Thanks.

Should you have another drive with a MBR, use it to rule that issue out. Alternatively create a GPT on the flash drive and try to boot from it.
What options are there for the usb controller/boot priorities/order/options? Does the laptop recognize the usb flash when already in bios setup? Should there be any form of choosing the device to boot, use that with the flash drive in the socket, then switch it with the external drive.

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Hi
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I used to press F12 after restart and choose from USB. After downloading the bios, the system refuses to boot from the USB (external CD drive). However, if I place the same CD into the unit's CD drive, and choose boot from CD after pressing F12, the unit boots fine. This only happened after the bios update.
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13" late 2011 MacBook Pro has frozen after Yosemite installation. I can, however, boot from a clone of my MacBook Air that is on an external drive. Despite the fact that I can boot from the external, could it be the RAM that's the prob

My daughter's 13" late 2011 MacBook Pro has frozen (null sign displays) after Yosemite installation. I can, however, boot from a clone of my MacBook Air that is on an external drive. I reinstalled Yosemite on the MBP HD, but it still hangs in mid install. Despite the fact that I can boot from the external, could it be the RAM that's the problem? I'd happily put 8 GB in if it seems probable that would solve the problem. I've tried all the suggested procedures that I've seen posted here. Disk Utility, and my older version of DiskWarrior indicate the HD is OK. I have DiskWarrior 5 on order.

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From the 4 option menu select Disk Utility.
Run Disk Utility>First Aid, Verify and Repair.
If the disk cannot be repaired, it will have to be replaced.
Ciao.

Can't boot from USB on Macbook (Late 2008)

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