Can't boot off Apple Hardware Test disk

Can anyone suggest why my laptop won't boot off of its Apple Hardware Test disk anymore? I have not tried it in years, but want to try now. I have the original, and a copy I made years ago, and neither will boot. I can select them at startup disks in that preference pane in OSX, but then it fails to find it, and boots into OSX. I can boot into OS9 on the hard drive. I was able to partially boot off of a different AHT disk from my 12" Albook G4, but it gave the message that I can't use that disk since it is not meant for the Tibook. One idea is that TechTool tells me that "macintosh startup file was absent", and the Help file states:
"The Startup file is intended for use by systems that do not have built-in ROM support for booting from HFS Extended volumes. The first eight extents of the Startup File are stored in the Volume Header. This makes them easy to locate and read into memory. This file contains information used by the computer’s ROM to determine what program will boot the computer. In almost every case, this will be configured to point to the preferred System."
But it does not tell me how to restore this Startup file.
-how can i get my startup file back?
-my computer boots fine off the hard drive, so is this file used only to boot off a CD?
-any ideas why i can't boot off my AHT CD?

Hi, t. (That alias of yours sure is a mouthful.) I think in your shoes I would pose the question to the tech support people at Micromat (TechTool's developer). It's their error message, after all, and they should be able to explain it to you in as much detail as you need. Perhaps they'll shed some light on the original problem in the process.

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Can Apple Hardware Test disk work when a hard drive has no OS installed yet

I removed a bad original hard drive from a PowerBook G4 12" aluminum notebook. It made clicking sounds as it ran, and would not boot. I replaced it with a 320GB Western Digital HD. I also upgraded the original 512KB memory with 1GB.
Before removing the bad hard drive, I was able to boot just beyond the language selection dialog from a full installation CD (Mac OS X v10.2) while holding the "C" key during power on, but could not install it, of course, on the bad hard drive.
Now with new hard drive replacement in the PowerBook (formatted via fire wire from a MacBook Pro running Snow Leopard) and the upgraded memory, I ran a Disk Utility check via fire wire and found the new hard drive in the PowerBook to be in good working order and ready for an OS installation. However I can no longer boot the PowerBook G4 with the full installation CD in the customary manner, getting instead the flashing question mark over the finder folder icon.
I decided to see if there might be some other problem by using a PowerBook G4 Apple Hardware Test disk. Upon booting from the test disk, I get a message that declares the disk will not work with the PowerBook G4 machine.
What's up?
Message was edited by: techtoots

There's more to my original question than whats on the face of it. Please read more about this below. However, I will still wish to know if an AHT, say an original one if that's important, will do it's thing when no OS is installed.
Pretty sure that I'm NOT using either disk or sets of disks that came with this G4 PB. Included among what I do have are 6 grey disks:
__PB G4 Software Restore 1
__PB G4 Software Restore 2
__PB G4 Software Restore 3
__PB G4 Mac OS 9 Install v9.2.2
__PB G4 Mac OS X Install v10.1.4
__PB G4 Applications
And 2 Jaguar full install DVDs:
__Mac OS X v10.2 Install Disc 1
__Mac OS X v10.2 Install Disc 2
I was hoping to be able to find something useful among these disks - if not in a strait forward manner, them by some manner of hacking.
I know how to use my MacBook Pro create a disk image that will house any number of these DVDs. My thought is to create something that can be cloned to the PB G4 via fire wire. I just need to be sure how to daisy chain multiple DVDs in terminal mode, if more than one DVD is required in the cloning process.
I have placed an order for Leopard 10.5 - full installation DVD direct from Apple.
Once received, I will have 14 days to return it unopened. So, I want to be sure this PB G4 is operable before I break the seal on the Leopard package.
Therefore it's not so important that I clone everything from the original installation - just enough to see that the PB G4 boots and runs in Finder. If I can achieve that much, I will advance with Leopard 10.5 when it arrives.
My *PROCESSOR SPEED* is 1.33GHz
Other original specs:
L2 Cache 512 KB
Memory 512 MB
Bus Speed 167 MHz
Boot ROMV 4.8.3f1
Memory Slot 256 MB DDR-SDRAM

Lost apple hardware tests disk

Does anybody know where i may be able to obtain another copy of the apple hardware test disk? I thought it was on my installation disks but its not.
imac g5 rev a 60g hd 1G Ram Mac OS X (10.4.1) upgraded for mac os x 3.9

Dennis-
Did you try this:
1. Insert Install Disk 1.
2. Restart & hold option key as it start up.
3. Click Apple Hardware Test when available startup volumes appear.
4. Click the right arrow.
5. The Apple Hardware Test main screen should appear.

Won't Boot to Apple Hardware Test or accept Boot Commands

Hi All,
I would appreciate some help with this issue, I am trying to boot up to the Apple Hardware Test on my Install Disk 1 that shipped with my MacBook Pro 2.4GHz Model #A1226 ordered new with 4 gigs of memory (around Aug. 2007). I am currently running 10.5.6 and the install disk of course contains the Tiger OS. I have nothing plugging into my computer, other than the Power Adapter. I have the proper install disk inserted in the computer and am holding down the "d" key on my built in keyboard throughout startup, but it will not go to the AHT. It simply boots to the normal login screen for Leopard. In fact the only boot commands that I see any visible or audible confirmation that it has taken effect is the option key, taking me to selecting a Startup Manager and holding down the Power Button gives me a tone from the internal speaker after a few seconds.
Below are what I have tried with seemingly no effect:
"d"
"c"
"t"
Option-Command-"p"-"r" (no beeps)
Command-"v"
Command-"s"
Shift (not sure I should see or hear any confirmation, I don't have any login items set right now so I can't tell if it has any effect)
I have not tried an of the networked drive boot commands as I don't have any networked drives
The only way I have been able to boot from either the optical drive or another disk is either holding down the option key during boot up or selecting the drive from the startup manager in system preferences.
I can't seem to access the AHT an in any way. The reason I am trying to access it is because I have had a few weird intermittent problems that I can't put my finger on and would like to be able to rule hardware out.
I also just replaced my HD with a WD 320 gig drive after my original drive failed due to a physical error. I just restored my data, and all seems to be running well after a permissions repair and a disk repair while booted up on my install disk.
The intermittent problems I was talking about are very vague and rare so I is difficult to describe them other that just a hunch that something is still a bit off. One is the display, every once in a while, showing what looks like a massive bar code or UPC code on my screen. This is not like the bands with soft edges that seem to be a well documented issue with the early MBP but transparent lines of alternating width and brightness with hard edges. Again it looks just like a UPC code transposed on my screen. The other items are random freezing of the OS or the mouse and the fact that my keyboard does not respond to any but a few boot commands. Again all the things are either rare and intermittent or do not come up in daily use of my machine. But when taken together, seem to add up to the conclusion there is still some issue present (at least in my mind).
To recap my specific questions relate to not being able to run the Apple Hardware Test and many of the boot commands having no effect. If you can shed light on the other items mentioned, great!
Thank you!

At a guess, I would think this error code has to do with the video artifacts you are experiencing. You might try reseating all the cables to the display. If the position of the screen makes a difference, there may be damage to a cable, particularly where it goes through the hinge.
Apple is the keeper of the error codes. If you have access to an Apple Store, you could probably ask about this.
Don't know about the other intermittent problems. Does an external keyboard work? If so, there's likely a problem with the internal, maybe even again, a cable or connection.
You could also try creating a new use account and see if the keyboard and mouse problems persist. If not, there could be some sort of software corruption in your usual account. Ditto with the freezing.
Good luck!

Can you torrent the Apple Hardware test?

I'm having frequent Kernel Panics and I need to check the hardware in my system. I don't remember if my system ever came with an Apple Hardware test disc. Do you think Apple would frown on torrenting an ISO of the Hardware test? If not, is there anybody who could share?
I couldn't find a way to download it off apple.com. You would think they would provide it for registered mac owners. Who else would ever need it?
This is for an Intel Mac Pro. I guess they are unique to every system.

ezgoodnight wrote:
I'm having frequent Kernel Panics and I need to check the hardware in my system. I don't remember if my system ever came with an Apple Hardware test disc. Do you think Apple would frown on torrenting an ISO of the Hardware test?
they most certainly would.
If not, is there anybody who could share?
the hardware test is available on the original install disk that came with your computer. there is no separate disk for it. instert install disk 1 reboot and hold "d" at the chime. this will boot you into the hardware test.

Can't get into Apple Hardware Test mode

Hi,
I want to run a hardware test, but when I follow all the instructions laid out (insert install disc (in my case Leopard 10.5.4), restart mac while holding the D key) the mac just continues to boot up as normal.
I don't understand why it's not booting in AHT mode. The Leopard disc isn't the original install disc that came with the machine, the original discs would've been Tiger, but this is a bought and paid for Leopard dvd. AHT should be on there right? I don't have the Tiger discs anymore.
Lee

HI Lee,
You need the original install disks that came with your iMac in order to run the Apple Hardware Test. Those disks are "*machine specific"* ...
The Leopard disk you purchased is just the Mac OS X for Leopard install disk...
Contact AppleCare here: http://www.apple.com/support/products/ and see if they can help you.
Carolyn

My Mid-2011 iMac with pre-installed Lion can't load AHT (Apple Hardware Test) over internet

I have a Mid-2011 iMac (3.4GHz) of which Apple's Support document for the Apple Hardware Test (http://support.apple.com/kb/ht1509) says:
Some Macintosh computers that shipped with OS X Lion support the use of Apple Hardware Test over the Internet. These computers will start up to an Internet-based version of AHT if the hard drive does not contain AHT.
Well, this doesn't work for me. My Mac is on a DHCP-supporting router which has constant internet connection. Yet, when I turn off the Mac and then on again, holding the D key down even before the screen turns on, the Mac does indeed react to this key as it's then turning the screen on and taking another about half minute before it continues with the boot process along with showing the Mac symbol. Without the D, the Mac symbol comes up quickly.
So, it appears that the iMac is indeed trying to get AHT over the internet. Just that it doesn't succeed in it, and probably timing out after a while.
Any suggestions how to fix this?

Re
extract from kb article
PPPoE (where there is no router handling the PPPoE connection)
No
No
Captive-Networks (where you click an "Agree" button to access the Internet)
Yes
No
Proxies (where specific proxy servers must be configured in network preferences)
No
No
Certificate-based authentication / 802.1x
No
No
try check if you are in that case for your internet acces ?
could be a firewall problem too , if is possible try desable firewall ( or any internet filter )
no you can not see a wifi selection if you are wired ( using cable )
by the way D key for AHT need to be pressed AFTER start up sound , and hold at min one minute
HTH
Pierre

Where can I get an Apple Hardware Test CD? (for a dual 867mhz G4 powermac)

My Powermac G4 Dual 867mhz is having issues. It either won't boot to the 10.5 server DVD, or if It does, it hangs with the spinning gear.
Booting to the 10.5 workstation CD works great.
The 10.5 Server CD is good, as I've tested it on my G5.
I want to use an Apple Hardware Test CD to do some heavy-duty scanning, but I bought this G4 off eBay and have no original CD's. Where can I find them?

Hi-
Download a copy of the AHT here.
Burn it to CD, and off you go.

Won't boot from Apple Hardware Test or 10.1 Install disc

Disk utility states that I need to boot from a CD and then run Disk Utility to repair my disk. However, neither CD seems to be recognized as a viable startup disk from either holding down the C key or trying to select it as a startup disk in System Prefs.
FYI, I am running 10.6 and trying to boot from a 10.1 disc and an Apple HT disc with SW version 1.2

There is no way any Intel Mac will run with 10.1 -- it was released before there was any Intel support in the OS.
Every Mac model requires a specific version of the Apple Hardware Test to support its hardware. (If yours is the "Late 2008" black MacBook, the Mactracker database says it requires version 3A147.) Somewhere in the fine print of your original grey system disc set, or on any other grey system disc for any model, you will find the version of AHT it contains, if it contains any version. Unless that version is the same as your Mac requires, it won't work.

I can"t open the apple hardware test from the applecare support website

i received the applecare training program for my birthday and while exploring the applecare service source website i found a image file of the apple hardware test (AHT) for each model along with a pdf of the service manual and a pdf of the AHT service codes. The problem i'm having is, i cant open the image of the AHT.

After downloading that image, open it and it will show up mounted in your desktop. Then, open Disk Utility (in /Applications/Utilities), right-click your Apple Hardware Test image in the sidebar and burn it to a DVD. Finally, start your computer from the disc, holding the C key, so Apple Hardware Test should start, always that you have the correct version for your computer.
You have Apple Hardware Test in the Applications disc that came with the computer. In that case, hold the D key while your computer is starting

HT201257 Can I reinstall the Apple Hardware Test?

After an OS reinstall, with a Macintosh HD erase, I've lost the ability to run the Apple Hardware Test directly from my drive.
Now when I try to run it, it only does so from Internet Recovery Mode, which does not sit right by me, once it used to do so without requiring an internet connection and no official Apple article, specifically, warns you that any OS reinstall process can lead to this situation (at least none that I have discovered...)
Is there any way I can get back that feature, which I presume would be installed in a Recovery partition?

I was actually responding to your statement "I've lost the ability to run the Apple Hardware Test directly from my drive." and provided the link (see the Use Apple Hardware Test section) so that you can make sure you were performing the test correctly.
Sorry, that the Article was of no help to you.

Where can I get a Apple Hardware Test 2.1.1 DVD??

I bought a Powermac G5 in 2003 and now the AHT 2.1 that came with it doesn't even run, owing to firmware updates it seems. I've searched all over the website to find out how I can get an updated AHT. I called Apple Support and they said they wouldn't even sell me a AHT 2.1.1 disk. They said I had to go to a Genius Bar to get a disk, but then I called the Apple Store and they said that they don't give out these DVDs and that I would have to do the hardware test in-store.
Which I plan to do, but I really want an updated AHT to have with the computer. Why doesn't Apple make updated AHT disks available to order from the Apple Website?

An update: I went to the Apple Store (Cambridge, MA), and they did give me a updated AHT. Hooray. But they said that I should normally order one for $10 from Apple Support. But two days ago Apple Support told me that I should go to the Apple Store to get a AHT. I think Apple Support needs to make it clearer in their manual for the support reps that customers are allowed to order updated an AHT from them.

HT201257 Can't start in Apple Hardware Test

iMac late '09 quad i5 2.66 GHz 8GB ram, OSX 9.2: I am having video problems. I cannot get the computer to boot into Hardware Test by holding down the D key. Everything is disconnected but the keyboard. Any suggestions?

Then, pop in the install disc containing AHT (normally named Applications Install Disc), launch the Termial app, copy & paate in this command, and hit the return key. That will make all hidden items visible.
defaults write com.apple.finder AppleShowAllFiles 1
Then, navigate down the Applications Install Disc to: /System/Library/CoreServiced/ where you should see a folder named .diagnostics. If so, then copy & paste this command into the Terminal app window, hit the return key, enter your admin password at the Password: prompt (nothing displays on the screen), and hit the return key again.
sudo cp -R /Volumes/Applications\ Install\ Disc/System/Library/CoreServices/.diagnostics /System/Library/CoreServices/.diagnostics
That should copy the AHT folder to your machine and you should see it in /System/Library/CoreServices/. If so, hide the normally hidden things with this command:
defaults write com.apple.finder AppleShowAllFiles 0
Eject the App install disc, restart, holding down the D key, and AHT should launch.

Error when booting from Apple Hardware Test (AHT) CD

Just downloaded AHT 1.2.6 from here for my 2nd-hand Power Mac.
Burned it to CD with Disk Utility on my iBook, booted from it on the Power Mac, and received the following message after the "loading..." splash screen:
invalid memory access at %SRR0: 00034870 %SRR1: 00003030
This left me at a command prompt, from which I chose to shut down the Mac.
My Mac version is PowerMac3,6 4.4.7f1. Is this error down to using an incorrect AHT CD, or something fundamentally wrong with my RAM? I did test my RAM after purchase with Rember and possibly also with Tech Tool Pro 4.5.3 - no errors reported then.
SiR G.
EDIT: The Power Mac now has its original graphics card installed, not the ATI Radeon 9800 Pro; however, it still has the Sonnet card in place as the boot disk runs from this.
Message was edited by: SiRGadaBout

Hi,
You have the same problem as I, but I also noticed your firmware is a little off. The absolute last firmware update should have given you: "4.4.8f2". Here, have a look at mine.
Machine Name: Power Mac G4
Machine Model: PowerMac3,6
CPU Type: PowerPC G4 (3.3)
Number Of CPUs: 2
CPU Speed: 1.25 GHz
L2 Cache (per CPU): 256 KB
L3 Cache (per CPU): 2 MB
Memory: 2 GB
Bus Speed: 167 MHz
Boot ROM Version: 4.4.8f2
Yeah, I get the same problem as well with the AHT CD, strange as it seems. I tried removing DDR chips one at a time to find the culprit. It seems that I have been unable to figure out why it goes to the open firmware command line and prints: invalid memory access at %SRR0:00034870 %SRR1: 00003030. I ran memtestosx with applejack and although it took hours for it to complete, it gave me fantastic reports of all my memory functioning normally. I do notice the following with my memory:
Size: 512 MB
Type: DDR SDRAM
Speed: PC2600U-25330
Status: OK
DIMM1/J22:
Size: 512 MB
Type: DDR SDRAM
Speed: PC2600U-30330
Status: OK
DIMM2/J23:
Size: 512 MB
Type: DDR SDRAM
Speed: PC2600U-30330
Status: OK
DIMM3/J20:
Size: 512 MB
Type: DDR SDRAM
Speed: PC2600U-30330
Status: OK
**NOTICE that one of my memory sticks is PC2600U-25330, and the rest are PC2600U-30330. Could it be that one of my memory sticks in PC3200 memory and all the rest are PC2700? Help!

Where can I get an Apple Hardware Test CD?

Hello all,
I need a AHT disk for my PBG4 (1GHz) to test to see a problem (see http://discussions.apple.com/thread.jspa?messageID=4957021#4957021) and I'm wondering if somebody could somehow upload a copy to the internet so that I can figure out what the problem is.
Thanks in advance!

Just to be clear:
The problem is that your display backlight goes out sometimes, but only when the computer is running on less than a full battery charge. With a full charge, or when running on AC power, the problem does not occur. And you don't see any other untoward symptoms or behavior other than the lack of backlighting. And the backlight does come on, even if it soon goes out again.
It seems likely that some component related to the backlight — whether the inverter board, the backlight cable, or the backlight tube itself — is not working as intended +if and only if+ it's getting a little less than full power. But I would have guessed that the power management unit in the PB was put there specifically to make sure every component gets the amount of power it requires, and if the PMU can't do so, it should put up a low-battery warning and soon afterward put the PB to sleep. This line of reasoning, such as it is, suggests to me that the Power Management Unit on the logic board isn't doing its job, or isn't doing the whole job. And if the PMU is at fault, the logic board must be replaced.
Of course not being an electrical engineer, I don't know whether this is real reasoning, or just nonsense that I'm mistaking for reasoning.

Can't boot off Apple Hardware Test disk

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