Grey Screen Problem!!

Hi there, I've now spent 2 days researching the whole internet and apple support site to find something that suites my problem, ...
I've tried a lot things they said that it might help, but nothing helped so far...
Here what happened:
I have an iMac 27" (an iMac 11,1) with Quad-Core i5 2,66 GHz, 8GB RAM and 1TB HD, I have Mac OS X Lion installed and updated everything ...
The night before I simply turned off my iMac, next day I wake up wanted to turn on my iMac and everything I can see is
the grey starting screen with the spinning gear, spinning for a while and then it freezed, ... nothing more, tried it a few times,
but it always ends up with a grey screen and a freezed spinning wheel, ...
I've already tried the safe mode, boot from cd, and check everything, the HD seems to be ok, ...
Is there anything else I can do to continue start my iMac normally and get back my data??
Or is there a way I can access my HD to rescue my data from HD and at least reinstall OS X to get it work again normally??
Hope that there is anyone out there who can help me, I'm getting totally frustrated with that

Well, progress of a sort!
When Disk Utility produces that 'error on exit' report, it typically means that the problem with the drive is sufficiently serious that it cannot resolve it. It means that the drive is sufficiently damaged (in terms of data integrity) that the often-used reinstall of MacOS using an archive and install won't work. The drive doesn't show up as available because MacOS can't write to it in that condition.
As such there are really only two viable alternatives. One is to obtain a better drive utility package and attempt to repair the drive with that, and the other is to use 'erase and install' to reformat the drive and install it again from scratch. Clearly, the latter would mean your data is lost, and thus if you haven't got a backup of data you need to keep, should be a last resort!
Utilities that might help are Disk Warrior (http://www.alsoft.com/DiskWarrior/index.html) or Tech Tools Pro (http://www.micromat.com/) Both utilities are commercial products and cost around $100, and neither have a trial download. Nor are either guaranteed to work.
You might instead consider a utility to rescue your files (for which you'll need an external hard drive to rescue them to) so that you can then erase and install the internal drive. A good file recovery utility is Data Rescue II (http://www.prosofteng.com/products/data_rescue.php) which is also $99, but for which there is at least a trial version to see if it can find your files before committing to purchasing a copy that will rescue them.

Similar Messages

Grey screen problems - the spinning beachball strikes again

Long story short, I have Macbook Pro mid 2012, Mountain Lion and it keeps crashing. I restore via Time Machine but invariably it'll freeze when I'm booted up and when I have to force-quit I get the spinning cogwheel when I restart. I've tried all the 'stuck on grey screen' suggestions but nothing's working. Also my Time Machine (an external hard drive) seems to be having problems as well - it sticks on 94mb backed up out of a few gb. All help gratefully received

If you have the free space on your Time Machine drive and it's formatted as GUID, then I would clone my internal drive. You can boot from the clone, erase the internal drive and install Mavericks as a clean install. It's easy to copy your data only from the clone to the new install. We can discuss getting the applications you need but doing it carefully to be sure they run under Mavericks.
Both of these applications can be used to create a clone.
SuperDuper! http://www.shirt-pocket.com/
CCC http://www.bombich.com/download.html
I have two articles you might find helpful.
Move your data to a new User or a new Mavericks partition
Create an OS X Mavericks Partition
**(Fair disclosure: NeedHelp4Mac is my site. I may receive some form of compensation, financial or otherwise, from my recommendation or link.)

IMac late 2009 i7 2t HDD, Grey screen problem on rebooting, tried all support recommendations inc re installation of Yosemite, now about to wipe HDD backing up from time machine would like to go back to mavericks on this 2 days before help please

OSX Yosemite gray screen at startup, tried all Apple Support recommendations inc reinstall, now need to wipe HDD backing up from time machine, would like to backup 2days before Yosemite installation ie Mavericks help please

Do a backup, preferably 2 seperate ones.
Revert to a Previous OS X
Revert Yosemite to Mavericks
If you do revert, I'd use Setup Assistant to restore your data. This process takes a while, so do it when you won't need the computer for several hours, based on my experience.

Grey Screen problem when using latest JREs

We use a Java based viewer supplied by a 3rd party.
Since the Direct3D Pipeline implementation into JRE 1.6 versions we have been experiencing issues with the Applet window appearing grey.
Adding the parameter -Dsun.java2d.d3d=false to the JRE resolves the issue, but we have numerous customers using this viewer & to have to add this parameter for all is painstaking.
I am wondering if there is anything else that can be done.
I also have the same issue on my computer.
It has a ATI Radeon HD 2400 Pro Graphics Card installed with the latest drivers available.
I have included the debug log for your information.
OS Version = OS_WINXP Pro
[I] CheckAdaptersInfo
[I] ------------------
[I] Adapter Ordinal : 0
[I] Adapter Handle : 0x6fe200ed
[I] Description : ATI Radeon HD 2400 Pro
[I] GDI Name, Driver : \\.\DISPLAY1, ati2dvag.dll
[I] Vendor Id : 0x1002
[I] Device Id : 0x94c1
[I] SubSys Id : 0xd021028
[I] Driver Version : 6.14.10.6891
[I] GUID : {D7B71EE2-D781-11CF-7369-082DA1C2CB35}
[I] D3DPPLM::CheckDeviceCaps: adapter 0: Passed
[I] ------------------
[I] Adapter Ordinal : 1
[I] Adapter Handle : 0xd90700cb
[I] Description : ATI Radeon HD 2400 Pro
[I] GDI Name, Driver : \\.\DISPLAY2, ati2dvag.dll
[I] Vendor Id : 0x1002
[I] Device Id : 0x94c1
[I] SubSys Id : 0xd021028
[I] Driver Version : 6.14.10.6891
[I] GUID : {D7B71EE2-D781-11CF-7369-082DA1C2CB35}
[I] D3DPPLM::CheckDeviceCaps: adapter 1: Passed
[I] ------------------
[I] D3DGD_getDeviceCapsNative
[I] D3DContext::InitContext device 0
[I] D3DContext::ConfigureContext device 0
[V] dwBehaviorFlags=D3DCREATE_FPU_PRESERVE|D3DCREATE_HARDWARE_VERTEXPROCESSING
[I] D3DContext::ConfigureContext: successfully created device: 0
[I] D3DContext::InitDevice: device 0
[I] D3DContext::InitDefice: successfully initialized device 0
[V] | CAPS_DEVICE_OK
[V] | CAPS_RT_PLAIN_ALPHA
[V] | CAPS_RT_TEXTURE_ALPHA
[V] | CAPS_RT_TEXTURE_OPAQUE
[V] | CAPS_LCD_SHADER | CAPS_BIOP_SHADER | CAPS_PS20
[V] | CAPS_AA_SHADER
[V] | CAPS_PS30
[V] | CAPS_MULTITEXTURE
[V] | CAPS_TEXNONPOW2
[V] | CAPS_TEXNONSQUARE
[I] D3DGD_getDeviceCapsNative
[I] D3DContext::InitContext device 1
[I] D3DContext::ConfigureContext device 1
[V] dwBehaviorFlags=D3DCREATE_FPU_PRESERVE|D3DCREATE_HARDWARE_VERTEXPROCESSING
[I] D3DContext::ConfigureContext: successfully created device: 1
[I] D3DContext::InitDevice: device 1
[I] D3DContext::InitDefice: successfully initialized device 1
[V] | CAPS_DEVICE_OK
[V] | CAPS_RT_PLAIN_ALPHA
[V] | CAPS_RT_TEXTURE_ALPHA
[V] | CAPS_RT_TEXTURE_OPAQUE
[V] | CAPS_LCD_SHADER | CAPS_BIOP_SHADER | CAPS_PS20
[V] | CAPS_AA_SHADER
[V] | CAPS_PS30
[V] | CAPS_MULTITEXTURE
[V] | CAPS_TEXNONPOW2
[V] | CAPS_TEXNONSQUARE
We also have the same issue on another office computer that has a NVIDIA GeForce FX 5500 Graphics Card with the latest driver installed.
Here is the log from that one also:
[I] OS Version = OS_WINXP Pro
[I] CheckAdaptersInfo
[I] ------------------
[I] Adapter Ordinal : 0
[I] Adapter Handle : 0x10001
[I] Description : NVIDIA GeForce FX 5500
[I] GDI Name, Driver : \\.\DISPLAY1, nv4_disp.dll
[I] Vendor Id : 0x10de
[I] Device Id : 0x0326
[I] SubSys Id : 0x0
[I] Driver Version : 6.14.11.7519
[I] GUID : {D7B71E3E-4066-11CF-EF7E-0B2000C2CB35}
[I] D3DPPLM::CheckDeviceCaps: adapter 0: Passed
[I] ------------------
[I] D3DGD_getDeviceCapsNative
[I] D3DContext::InitContext device 0
[I] D3DContext::ConfigureContext device 0
[V] dwBehaviorFlags=D3DCREATE_FPU_PRESERVE|D3DCREATE_HARDWARE_VERTEXPROCESSING
[I] D3DContext::ConfigureContext: successfully created device: 0
[I] D3DContext::InitDevice: device 0
[I] D3DContext::InitDefice: successfully initialized device 0
[V] | CAPS_DEVICE_OK
[V] | CAPS_RT_PLAIN_ALPHA
[V] | CAPS_RT_TEXTURE_ALPHA
[V] | CAPS_RT_TEXTURE_OPAQUE
[V] | CAPS_LCD_SHADER | CAPS_BIOP_SHADER | CAPS_PS20
[V] | CAPS_MULTITEXTURE
[V] | CAPS_TEXNONSQUARE
If you can provide any assistance in resolving this issue, I'd appreciate it.
Thanks
Ian

baftos wrote:
Did you try this: [http://java.sun.com/javase/6/docs/technotes/guides/jweb/applet/applet_deployment.html#JAVA_ARGUMENTS]?
Cool!

Powerbook G4 won't go past grey screen

I have a 12" 867 mHz Powerbook G4. The drive started making awful grinding noises so I assumed it was a bad drive (it's the original drive, rather old) so I purchased a new Samsung 160 GB drive on eBay. Disassembling was tricky, but I got the new drive in only to find that the computer didn't recognize it once I got it all back together. Disassembled it again, reinstalled the old drive to make sure I didn't screw up the connector ribbon. The old drive still spun, making the awful noise again. Disassembled, new drive, reassembled. Now nothing. Just a grey screen that lasts forever, even goes to sleep and wakes back up grey. I've tried all the various keyboard tricks (resetting PRAM, PRU, going "verbose") but to no avail. One other thing worth mentioning: the battery was pretty much kaput to begin with and to make matters worse, I dropped it during the assembly before the grey screen problem started. It got a little crack in the outer plastic housing, but looks fine otherwise. I mention this because I read something on one of these threads that this model does not have a separate PRAM battery but instead uses the main battery. HELP ME!

Welcome to the Apple discussions.
After you installed the new drive, did you boot from an OS X CD, and use Disk Utility, off the menu bar, to set up the disk? You need to establish a mac os extended (journaled) partition, on the hard drive before you can use it.

Reloading everything back onto laptop after a disc erase due to grey screen - steps

1) I have had grey screen problem & have done start jo sox re install. Now I want to reload all my files from time capsule back onto my 17inch pro.
What are the steps
The mac17 has had full backup just before it stopped. Last piece of software loaded was a flash player update for YouTube videos .
But worked ok after that . But had an coloured spinning wheel later when tried to close program's. then after a power restart could only get a grey screen. Tried disc repair & got messages to say invalid record count & invalid node structure . Worker my way through recommended grey screen restarts & now doing re install of OS X
2) I have since bought a Mac Pro 13 with retina display - due to the 17 mac pros weight.
I want to reload all my files onto this from time capsule. Link both via iCloud .

sabeque wrote:
4) make a new time machine backup with the fresh os and no data
This step is superfluous.
If reinstalling the OSX will allow you to make a Time Machine backup, do so.
Remember that the first thing you must do with a new HDD is to format it in Disk Utility>Erase to Mac OS Extended (Journaled). Only then can you install the OSX and the data from Time Machine.
5) restore from the first time machine backup on the old disk. If this works, great, but im worried that if I had corrupt data on the old drive then when I restore from the old disk, it will bring all that corrupt data onto the new disk. In this case, I would restore again from time machine but this time from the one I did in step 4 when the disk was fresh and clean. I will have lost my apps and have to count my losses. Is this a good plan or will this taint the new disk if the old data is corrupt?
What makes you believe that you have corrupt data? Is the issue not the HDD? Step four only copies the OSX and NO user data. That has no benefit for you. All of you applications should be on the first Time Machine backup, assuming it is successful.
Ciao.

Back up issue for MBP stuck on grey screen

Recently my MBP went down with the grey screen of death. I've tried all the steps recommended in Apple's support document up until archive and install and archive and erase. Before I try the final two steps I was hoping someone could advise me about a back-up issue, and how to restore if a new hard drive is needed.
I have been backing-up to an external hard-drive (western digital my book 1TB) quite regularly. My last back-up was only a couple of weeks before the grey screen problem and since then I'd uploaded some photos and messed around on a project in imovie. I can access the hard drive in target mode and have transferred the photos to an imac ( as well as a couple of other files that had been changed) and wondered what my options were from this point.
If I end up having to install and erase, will it be simple to restore all my files from the last time machine back-up or do I need to clone my HD with Carbon Copy Cloner? I've read that I would need to format my external hard-drive and partition it before cloning the MBP hard-drive, which would erase all my old time machine back-ups since it is not partitioned.
I'm quite confused as to how to proceed best and would really appreciate some input from more technical minded people than myself.
Thanks in advance.

I've tried all the available options, including archive and install and then erase and install, however, when I tried to erase got the following message:
'volume erase failed: could not unmount disk'
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Is the hard drive shot, even though I was able to access it in target mode to drag and drop my user folders on to an external hd?

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Anybody have similar experiences, or a solid idea of what the heck has happened to my machine?

I'm not really sure what method that person was talking about. I just read he had a successful install so I posted it.
But I'll hazard a guess
1. copy your entire drive to a backup drive
2. boot into that drive and test it out - make sure its a flawless backup, it works, and the hard drive has no problems
3. eject that drive, disconnect it and reboot into the leopard install dvd
4. erase your main hard drive using disc utilities on the leopard install dvd -- you've made a backup, made sure that backup was good, and disconnected it so it's currently safely disconnected from the leopard install you're about to do. Also, on the hard drive you're erasing and installing leopard on to, many people recommend "Zeroing" it as well as erasing it. That option is part of the erase function in disc utilities on the leopard install disc.
5. do a clean install of leopard
6. follow step 4 from that original post exactly as that person described to do.
7. read the rest of what they said
That's pretty much it. With the backup/erase/clean install/import/ you pretty much get everything you need exactly the way you want it with very few things missing -- and you've done this over a clean install. Plus that poster did mention that you can select what you want to import from your backup hard drive.
It sounds like its a "clean install" method that gives you control via "import from machine" option in the installer. Control over what parts of your "old mac" you want to import into your "new leopard mac".
Hopefully that helps. It sounds more involved, but its actually pretty quick and provides you with a perfectly save backup in case anything goes wrong with the leopard install.

Trying to install snow leopard on my Macbook Pro. After already having problems with Grey screen, blinking file with a question mark, etc. Computer now says that one of the hard drives is failing.The "hitachi" drive says it's failing in disc utility.

o.k. So, I've been tinkering with several "self help" fixes for several days now with no positive results. I'll explain my initial problems and then end with my most current situation. In hopes that someone out there will have a good suggestion or possibly remedy for the issues i'm facing
First, my problem started after my wife played a game on my macbook pro and the computer froze. She went into a panic and decided to shut down via power button. When computer restarted she got the blinking file/grey screen and that problem continued for a couple of days before I began using steps from various support topics from apple concerning the grey screen/blinking file folder.
Ultimately, yesterday I decided to erase my Macintosh HD file as one tip suggested. Following the brief online and on screen (via the process) tips that were there. Once that was completed I attempted to reinstall snow leopard (my most current version on hand) into the pc.
At first, I thought this would work. It looked promising. But, after several hours the installation screen returned with failure. I attempted to repeat. And, even repair drives during this try and re-try process.
Now, today, one of the drives.. "hitachi..." states that it's failing and is in red letters with no ability to repair via the disc utility screen. The Macintosh HD drive shows that it's o.k. But, this drive is listed under the HItachi drive so I think that's where a problem might lay.
So, I guess my question really revolves around.. What if anything can I do to get the hitachi drive back up? (short of taking it to a repair facility and replacing.)
And, how on earth can i get my OSX back up to I have a laptop again.
Operating on a macbook pro here. It's my lifeline. Otherwise, I am using a Windows desktop that i'm not that fond of. lol
I'm trying to bring this 2006 laptop back to life. Trying to avoid a rather expensive repair or the purchase of a new laptop. Also expensive...
Any help would be appreciated.

Well, running on a 2006 model. I did not have a startup disc. Initially, it booted up on original software in 2006. Since then, I've upgraded to 10.6 via a box set. And, since then I think I popped it up to lion.
All I have on a disc is snow leopard. And, I can't get farther than the setup screen due to hard drive. I'm taking to a apple authorized repair store right now. We'll see what they tell me . I'm just going to weigh the cost of repair vs. buying new.
Another bad, stupid thing is I had no means of backing up my stuff. So, I might have lost things like music, vids, etc. we'll see if they can recover. If the cost is too much for repair I might just forget it and start over with a new system. Just not sure at this point.

I am having problems rebooting my mid 2009 macbook pro (grey screen other issues), need help!

I am having problems rebooting, I have experienced the same problem as others with the grey screen but my case is a little different, It started with my mid 2009 macbook pro acting a little slower than normal, the screen would freeze, mouse wouldnt move and i'd be forced to "force reboot" this went on for a couple of days until i was tinkering with the wifi connection and it froze again. I had to reboot and this time i noticed that it took a long time to get to the login screen. i put in my password and it went into infinite load (i also tried the guest account and other accounts with same result). i tried rebooting again and the same thing would happen. after several reboots, the screen just stayed grey, sometimes with the apple logo and gear sometimes without it. Since its a 2009, (and for the most part, still works like a champ) i decided test the ram, i took one stick of ram out at a time to see if i could notice anything wrong with them. when i stuck just one in, the mac was still having the same problem rebooting. i pulled that ram and and stuck in the other and i noticed that this time the apple logo never appeard and a big crossed out circle appeared. figuring that the ram must be the problem, i ordered new ram and installed it. i noticed that when i rebooted for the first time with the new ram it was rather quick and took me straight to the login screen and i was able to log in with no problem. at this point i thought the problem was solved, but i noticed the macbook still acting funny. at first, none of my files appeared on my desktop or in the finder window. after about 20 minutes, everything magically popped up. i also noticed long pauses/freezes with the colored pin wheel spinnig. i closed the laptop and opened it again and the screen just stayed black. i tried rebooting again, and again i got the grey screen with no signs of being able to log in... i waited about 20 minutes and tried to reboot again and again i was able to log in, however the macbook is still acting slow and will freeze with no signs of unfreezing without a reboot.
my macbook is 5 years old and has plenty of miles on it, so i understand if the thing needs to be replaced alltogether but does anyone know what could be the issue? could the bad ram have corrupted the hard drive in anyway? would re-installing the OS fix it?? and if so, how would i do that if i downloaded mavericks from the app store? are there any other solutions to this problem?
all my files and what not are backed up on an external HD so theres nothing on it that i'd miss desperately if i had to whipe the hard drive but id really like to get her working again without any whiping of the HD. if anyone can help me out, it'd be greatly appreciated

It is very difficult to offer troubleshooting suggestions when the "os version" you are using is unknown as each os has their own troubleshooting solutions.
How large is your hard drive and how much hard drive space do you have left?

Your computer shut down because of a problem. Mac grey screen

Recently I have been having issues with my Mac.
The computer will freeze for no apparent reason and the screen goes ever so slightly blue, then crashes to grey screen - 'Your computer has shut down... blah blah blah' and then it restarts itself and i get a kernel panic (Below is the msot recent one).
At christmastime I installed extra RAM which could be a problem but I think the problem occurs when using Google Chrome. I have tried to switch to Safari for the time being to see if that eliminates the problem but I did use Chrome at some point today.
I believe that I lasted longer without the problem while I was using Safari.
Any help reading the panic log would be appreciated!
Cheers
As I was writing this (on Safari) the screen went completely black and restarted to the grey screen
Report:
Anonymous UUID:       54E61FB9-8E93-6428-45F2-05526730A5C1
Wed Jan 15 19:34:06 2014
panic(cpu 0 caller 0xffffff800e8dc19e): Kernel trap at 0xffffff800ecb937d, type 14=page fault, registers:
CR0: 0x0000000080010033, CR2: 0xffffff807e9633d4, CR3: 0x000000002250d000, CR4: 0x0000000000000660
RAX: 0xffffff802f88fb78, RBX: 0x0000000000000000, RCX: 0x0000000000001400, RDX: 0x0000000000000008
RSP: 0xffffff80be9633c0, RBP: 0xffffff80be9634b0, RSI: 0x0000000000000000, RDI: 0xffffff801f13c0c0
R8: 0x0000000000000096, R9: 0xffffff802f88fb00, R10: 0x0000000000000001, R11: 0xffffff801e0a0900
R12: 0xffffff802f88fb00, R13: 0x0000000000000000, R14: 0x0000000000000000, R15: 0x0000000000001400
RFL: 0x0000000000010246, RIP: 0xffffff800ecb937d, CS: 0x0000000000000008, SS: 0x0000000000000010
Fault CR2: 0xffffff807e9633d4, Error code: 0x0000000000000000, Fault CPU: 0x0
Backtrace (CPU 0), Frame : Return Address
0xffffff80be963050 : 0xffffff800e822f69
0xffffff80be9630d0 : 0xffffff800e8dc19e
0xffffff80be9632a0 : 0xffffff800e8f3606
0xffffff80be9632c0 : 0xffffff800ecb937d
0xffffff80be9634b0 : 0xffffff800ecb982e
0xffffff80be9634e0 : 0xffffff7f90342cea
0xffffff80be963660 : 0xffffff7f90342a03
0xffffff80be963670 : 0xffffff7f90307cd0
0xffffff80be963680 : 0xffffff7f90307d45
0xffffff80be963690 : 0xffffff7f902e9b11
0xffffff80be9636d0 : 0xffffff7f902ec085
0xffffff80be963700 : 0xffffff7f9033cb50
0xffffff80be963780 : 0xffffff7f90324cc0
0xffffff80be9637e0 : 0xffffff7f903255ba
0xffffff80be963830 : 0xffffff7f90325aa0
0xffffff80be9638a0 : 0xffffff7f903261a8
0xffffff80be9638e0 : 0xffffff7f902f31ca
0xffffff80be963a60 : 0xffffff7f90322b20
0xffffff80be963b20 : 0xffffff7f902f1cb9
0xffffff80be963b70 : 0xffffff800eccc226
0xffffff80be963b90 : 0xffffff800eccd821
0xffffff80be963bf0 : 0xffffff800eccb28f
0xffffff80be963d40 : 0xffffff800e8b6008
0xffffff80be963e50 : 0xffffff800e826bb1
0xffffff80be963e80 : 0xffffff800e8139b5
0xffffff80be963ef0 : 0xffffff800e81e003
0xffffff80be963f70 : 0xffffff800e8c921d
0xffffff80be963fb0 : 0xffffff800e8f3e26
      Kernel Extensions in backtrace:
         com.apple.GeForceTesla(8.1.8)[67BAF872-A238-3787-AB74-22297A51FE8F]@0xffffff7f9 02e0000->0xffffff7f903aafff
            dependency: com.apple.iokit.IOPCIFamily(2.8)[447B4896-16FF-3616-95A2-1C516B2A1498]@0xffffff 7f8eed2000
            dependency: com.apple.iokit.IONDRVSupport(2.3.6)[86BA68C6-18DD-30A1-ABF6-54597AD6C277]@0xff ffff7f8f334000
            dependency: com.apple.iokit.IOGraphicsFamily(2.3.6)[38E388A5-92D6-3388-B799-F2498E582287]@0 xffffff7f8f17e000
            dependency: com.apple.nvidia.classic.NVDAResmanTesla(8.1.8)[0A1B6F41-168D-307A-BABD-162F3B3 C2786]@0xffffff7f8f344000
BSD process name corresponding to current thread: WindowServer
Mac OS version:
13A603
Kernel version:
Darwin Kernel Version 13.0.0: Thu Sep 19 22:22:27 PDT 2013; root:xnu-2422.1.72~6/RELEASE_X86_64
Kernel UUID: 1D9369E3-D0A5-31B6-8D16-BFFBBB390393
Kernel slide:     0x000000000e600000
Kernel text base: 0xffffff800e800000
System model name: MacBookPro7,1 (Mac-F222BEC8)
System uptime in nanoseconds: 5774181339652
last loaded kext at 789315214894: com.apple.filesystems.smbfs          2.0.0 (addr 0xffffff7f90cb2000, size 335872)
last unloaded kext at 352614516015: com.apple.filesystems.msdosfs          1.9 (addr 0xffffff7f90cb0000, size 57344)
loaded kexts:
com.regularrateandrhythm.driver.RowmoteIREmu          1.0
com.sophos.kext.sav          9.0.53
com.splashtop.driver.SRXFrameBufferConnector          1.6
com.splashtop.driver.SRXDisplayCard          1.6
com.Cycling74.driver.Soundflower          1.6.6
com.sophos.nke.swi          9.0.53
com.logmein.driver.LogMeInSoundDriver          1.0.2
com.globaldelight.driver.BoomDevice          1.1
com.apple.filesystems.smbfs          2.0.0
com.apple.filesystems.ntfs          3.11
com.apple.driver.AppleHWSensor          1.9.5d0
com.apple.driver.AGPM          100.14.11
com.apple.filesystems.autofs          3.0
com.apple.iokit.IOBluetoothSerialManager          4.2.0f6
com.apple.driver.AppleMikeyHIDDriver          124
com.apple.driver.AppleHDA          2.5.2fc2
com.apple.driver.AudioAUUC          1.60
com.apple.driver.AppleSMCLMU          2.0.4d1
com.apple.iokit.IOUserEthernet          1.0.0d1
com.apple.Dont_Steal_Mac_OS_X          7.0.0
com.apple.driver.AppleHWAccess          1
com.apple.driver.AppleMikeyDriver          2.5.2fc2
com.apple.driver.ACPI_SMC_PlatformPlugin          1.0.0
com.apple.GeForceTesla          8.1.8
com.apple.iokit.BroadcomBluetoothHostControllerUSBTransport          4.2.0f6
com.apple.driver.AppleLPC          1.7.0
com.apple.driver.AppleBacklight          170.3.5
com.apple.driver.AppleUpstreamUserClient          3.5.13
com.apple.driver.AppleMCCSControl          1.1.12
com.apple.driver.SMCMotionSensor          3.0.4d1
com.apple.driver.AppleUSBTCButtons          240.2
com.apple.driver.AppleIRController          325.7
com.apple.AppleFSCompression.AppleFSCompressionTypeDataless          1.0.0d1
com.apple.AppleFSCompression.AppleFSCompressionTypeZlib          1.0.0d1
com.apple.BootCache          35
com.apple.driver.AppleUSBTCKeyboard          240.2
com.apple.driver.AppleUSBCardReader          3.3.5
com.apple.iokit.SCSITaskUserClient          3.6.0
com.apple.driver.XsanFilter          404
com.apple.iokit.IOAHCIBlockStorage          2.4.0
com.apple.driver.AirPort.Brcm4331          700.20.22
com.apple.iokit.AppleBCM5701Ethernet          3.6.9b9
com.apple.driver.AppleUSBHub          650.4.4
com.apple.driver.AppleFWOHCI          4.9.9
com.apple.driver.AppleAHCIPort          2.9.5
com.apple.driver.AppleUSBOHCI          650.4.1
com.apple.driver.AppleUSBEHCI          650.4.1
com.apple.driver.AppleSmartBatteryManager          161.0.0
com.apple.driver.AppleRTC          2.0
com.apple.driver.AppleHPET          1.8
com.apple.driver.AppleACPIButtons          2.0
com.apple.driver.AppleSMBIOS          2.0
com.apple.driver.AppleACPIEC          2.0
com.apple.driver.AppleAPIC          1.7
com.apple.driver.AppleIntelCPUPowerManagementClient          216.0.0
com.apple.nke.applicationfirewall          153
com.apple.security.quarantine          3
com.apple.driver.AppleIntelCPUPowerManagement          216.0.0
com.apple.AppleGraphicsDeviceControl          3.4.12
com.apple.kext.triggers          1.0
com.apple.iokit.IOSerialFamily          10.0.7
com.apple.driver.DspFuncLib          2.5.2fc2
com.apple.vecLib.kext          1.0.0
com.apple.iokit.IOSurface          91
com.apple.iokit.IOBluetoothFamily          4.2.0f6
com.apple.iokit.IOAudioFamily          1.9.4fc11
com.apple.kext.OSvKernDSPLib          1.14
com.apple.driver.IOPlatformPluginLegacy          1.0.0
com.apple.nvidia.classic.NVDANV50HalTesla          8.1.8
com.apple.iokit.IOBluetoothHostControllerUSBTransport          4.2.0f6
com.apple.iokit.IOFireWireIP          2.2.5
com.apple.driver.AppleHDAController          2.5.2fc2
com.apple.iokit.IOHDAFamily          2.5.2fc2
com.apple.driver.AppleSMBusPCI          1.0.12d1
com.apple.driver.IOPlatformPluginFamily          5.5.1d27
com.apple.driver.AppleBacklightExpert          1.0.4
com.apple.driver.AppleSMBusController          1.0.11d1
com.apple.nvidia.classic.NVDAResmanTesla          8.1.8
com.apple.iokit.IONDRVSupport          2.3.6
com.apple.iokit.IOGraphicsFamily          2.3.6
com.apple.driver.AppleSMC          3.1.6d1
com.apple.driver.AppleUSBMultitouch          240.6
com.apple.iokit.IOUSBHIDDriver          650.4.4
com.apple.iokit.IOSCSIBlockCommandsDevice          3.6.0
com.apple.iokit.IOUSBMassStorageClass          3.6.0
com.apple.driver.AppleUSBMergeNub          650.4.0
com.apple.driver.AppleUSBComposite          650.4.0
com.apple.iokit.IOSCSIMultimediaCommandsDevice          3.6.0
com.apple.iokit.IOBDStorageFamily          1.7
com.apple.iokit.IODVDStorageFamily          1.7.1
com.apple.iokit.IOCDStorageFamily          1.7.1
com.apple.iokit.IOAHCISerialATAPI          2.6.0
com.apple.iokit.IOSCSIArchitectureModelFamily          3.6.0
com.apple.iokit.IO80211Family          600.34
com.apple.iokit.IOEthernetAVBController          1.0.3b3
com.apple.driver.mDNSOffloadUserClient          1.0.1b4
com.apple.iokit.IONetworkingFamily          3.2
com.apple.iokit.IOUSBUserClient          650.4.4
com.apple.iokit.IOFireWireFamily          4.5.5
com.apple.iokit.IOAHCIFamily          2.6.0
com.apple.iokit.IOUSBFamily          650.4.4
com.apple.driver.NVSMU          2.2.9
com.apple.driver.AppleEFINVRAM          2.0
com.apple.driver.AppleEFIRuntime          2.0
com.apple.iokit.IOHIDFamily          2.0.0
com.apple.iokit.IOSMBusFamily          1.1
com.apple.security.sandbox          278.10
com.apple.kext.AppleMatch          1.0.0d1
com.apple.security.TMSafetyNet          7
com.apple.driver.AppleKeyStore          2
com.apple.driver.DiskImages          371.1
com.apple.iokit.IOStorageFamily          1.9
com.apple.iokit.IOReportFamily          21
com.apple.driver.AppleFDEKeyStore          28.30
com.apple.driver.AppleACPIPlatform          2.0
com.apple.iokit.IOPCIFamily          2.8
com.apple.iokit.IOACPIFamily          1.4
com.apple.kec.pthread          1
com.apple.kec.corecrypto          1.0
Anonymous UUID:       54E61FB9-8E93-6428-45F2-05526730A5C1
Wed Jan 15 17:03:55 2014
panic(cpu 1 caller 0xffffff800adda9b0): "vnode_rele_ext: vp 0xffffff8026f282d0 usecount -ve : -1. v_tag = 0, v_type = 1, v_flag = 84800."@/SourceCache/xnu/xnu-2422.1.72/bsd/vfs/vfs_subr.c:1788
Backtrace (CPU 1), Frame : Return Address
0xffffff80158f35e0 : 0xffffff800ac22f69
0xffffff80158f3660 : 0xffffff800adda9b0
0xffffff80158f36a0 : 0xffffff7f8b1be77e
0xffffff80158f36c0 : 0xffffff7f8b1bdf70
0xffffff80158f39f0 : 0xffffff7f8b1bfeb3
0xffffff80158f3a30 : 0xffffff800afb3671
0xffffff80158f3a90 : 0xffffff800addf80d
0xffffff80158f3ae0 : 0xffffff800adf4360
0xffffff80158f3b80 : 0xffffff800ade5f15
0xffffff80158f3c30 : 0xffffff800ade67d2
0xffffff80158f3f50 : 0xffffff800b03de23
0xffffff80158f3fb0 : 0xffffff800acf3e06
      Kernel Extensions in backtrace:
         com.sophos.kext.sav(9.0.53)[00000000-0000-0000-0000-000000000000]@0xffffff7f8b1 bd000->0xffffff7f8b1c1fff
BSD process name corresponding to current thread: mds_stores
Mac OS version:
13A603
Kernel version:
Darwin Kernel Version 13.0.0: Thu Sep 19 22:22:27 PDT 2013; root:xnu-2422.1.72~6/RELEASE_X86_64
Kernel UUID: 1D9369E3-D0A5-31B6-8D16-BFFBBB390393
Kernel slide:     0x000000000aa00000
Kernel text base: 0xffffff800ac00000
System model name: MacBookPro7,1 (Mac-F222BEC8)
System uptime in nanoseconds: 78786791674337
last loaded kext at 78774646540958: com.apple.filesystems.msdosfs          1.9 (addr 0xffffff7f8d102000, size 65536)
last unloaded kext at 78756353100860: com.apple.filesystems.msdosfs          1.9 (addr 0xffffff7f8d102000, size 57344)
loaded kexts:
com.regularrateandrhythm.driver.RowmoteIREmu          1.0
com.sophos.kext.sav          9.0.53
com.splashtop.driver.SRXFrameBufferConnector          1.6
com.splashtop.driver.SRXDisplayCard          1.6
com.Cycling74.driver.Soundflower          1.6.6
com.sophos.nke.swi          9.0.53
com.logmein.driver.LogMeInSoundDriver          1.0.2
com.globaldelight.driver.BoomDevice          1.1
com.apple.filesystems.msdosfs          1.9
com.apple.driver.AppleUSBCDC          4.2.1b2
com.apple.filesystems.smbfs          2.0.0
com.apple.filesystems.ntfs          3.11
com.apple.driver.AppleHWSensor          1.9.5d0
com.apple.driver.AGPM          100.14.11
com.apple.filesystems.autofs          3.0
com.apple.iokit.IOBluetoothSerialManager          4.2.0f6
com.apple.driver.AppleMikeyHIDDriver          124
com.apple.driver.AppleHDA          2.5.2fc2
com.apple.iokit.BroadcomBluetoothHostControllerUSBTransport          4.2.0f6
com.apple.driver.AppleSMCLMU          2.0.4d1
com.apple.driver.AppleMikeyDriver          2.5.2fc2
com.apple.GeForceTesla          8.1.8
com.apple.driver.ACPI_SMC_PlatformPlugin          1.0.0
com.apple.driver.AppleUpstreamUserClient          3.5.13
com.apple.driver.AppleBacklight          170.3.5
com.apple.driver.AppleMCCSControl          1.1.12
com.apple.driver.AudioAUUC          1.60
com.apple.iokit.IOUserEthernet          1.0.0d1
com.apple.Dont_Steal_Mac_OS_X          7.0.0
com.apple.driver.AppleHWAccess          1
com.apple.driver.AppleLPC          1.7.0
com.apple.driver.SMCMotionSensor          3.0.4d1
com.apple.driver.AppleUSBTCButtons          240.2
com.apple.driver.AppleIRController          325.7
com.apple.driver.AppleUSBTCKeyboard          240.2
com.apple.AppleFSCompression.AppleFSCompressionTypeDataless          1.0.0d1
com.apple.AppleFSCompression.AppleFSCompressionTypeZlib          1.0.0d1
com.apple.BootCache          35
com.apple.driver.AppleUSBCardReader          3.3.5
com.apple.iokit.SCSITaskUserClient          3.6.0
com.apple.driver.XsanFilter          404
com.apple.iokit.IOAHCIBlockStorage          2.4.0
com.apple.driver.AirPort.Brcm4331          700.20.22
com.apple.iokit.AppleBCM5701Ethernet          3.6.9b9
com.apple.driver.AppleUSBHub          650.4.4
com.apple.driver.AppleFWOHCI          4.9.9
com.apple.driver.AppleAHCIPort          2.9.5
com.apple.driver.AppleUSBOHCI          650.4.1
com.apple.driver.AppleUSBEHCI          650.4.1
com.apple.driver.AppleSmartBatteryManager          161.0.0
com.apple.driver.AppleRTC          2.0
com.apple.driver.AppleHPET          1.8
com.apple.driver.AppleACPIButtons          2.0
com.apple.driver.AppleSMBIOS          2.0
com.apple.driver.AppleACPIEC          2.0
com.apple.driver.AppleAPIC          1.7
com.apple.driver.AppleIntelCPUPowerManagementClient          216.0.0
com.apple.nke.applicationfirewall          153
com.apple.security.quarantine          3
com.apple.driver.AppleIntelCPUPowerManagement          216.0.0
com.apple.AppleGraphicsDeviceControl          3.4.12
com.apple.kext.triggers          1.0
com.apple.iokit.IOSerialFamily          10.0.7
com.apple.driver.DspFuncLib          2.5.2fc2
com.apple.vecLib.kext          1.0.0
com.apple.iokit.IOBluetoothHostControllerUSBTransport          4.2.0f6
com.apple.iokit.IOFireWireIP          2.2.5
com.apple.driver.AppleHDAController          2.5.2fc2
com.apple.iokit.IOHDAFamily          2.5.2fc2
com.apple.nvidia.classic.NVDANV50HalTesla          8.1.8
com.apple.driver.IOPlatformPluginLegacy          1.0.0
com.apple.nvidia.classic.NVDAResmanTesla          8.1.8
com.apple.driver.AppleBacklightExpert          1.0.4
com.apple.iokit.IOSurface          91
com.apple.iokit.IOBluetoothFamily          4.2.0f6
com.apple.iokit.IOAudioFamily          1.9.4fc11
com.apple.kext.OSvKernDSPLib          1.14
com.apple.driver.AppleSMBusController          1.0.11d1
com.apple.driver.AppleSMBusPCI          1.0.12d1
com.apple.driver.IOPlatformPluginFamily          5.5.1d27
com.apple.iokit.IONDRVSupport          2.3.6
com.apple.iokit.IOGraphicsFamily          2.3.6
com.apple.driver.AppleSMC          3.1.6d1
com.apple.driver.AppleUSBMultitouch          240.6
com.apple.iokit.IOUSBHIDDriver          650.4.4
com.apple.iokit.IOSCSIBlockCommandsDevice          3.6.0
com.apple.iokit.IOUSBMassStorageClass          3.6.0
com.apple.driver.AppleUSBMergeNub          650.4.0
com.apple.driver.AppleUSBComposite          650.4.0
com.apple.iokit.IOSCSIMultimediaCommandsDevice          3.6.0
com.apple.iokit.IOBDStorageFamily          1.7
com.apple.iokit.IODVDStorageFamily          1.7.1
com.apple.iokit.IOCDStorageFamily          1.7.1
com.apple.iokit.IOAHCISerialATAPI          2.6.0
com.apple.iokit.IOSCSIArchitectureModelFamily          3.6.0
com.apple.iokit.IO80211Family          600.34
com.apple.iokit.IOEthernetAVBController          1.0.3b3
com.apple.driver.mDNSOffloadUserClient          1.0.1b4
com.apple.iokit.IONetworkingFamily          3.2
com.apple.iokit.IOUSBUserClient          650.4.4
com.apple.iokit.IOFireWireFamily          4.5.5
com.apple.iokit.IOAHCIFamily          2.6.0
com.apple.iokit.IOUSBFamily          650.4.4
com.apple.driver.NVSMU          2.2.9
com.apple.driver.AppleEFINVRAM          2.0
com.apple.driver.AppleEFIRuntime          2.0
com.apple.iokit.IOHIDFamily          2.0.0
com.apple.iokit.IOSMBusFamily          1.1
com.apple.security.sandbox          278.10
com.apple.kext.AppleMatch          1.0.0d1
com.apple.security.TMSafetyNet          7
com.apple.driver.AppleKeyStore          2
com.apple.driver.DiskImages          371.1
com.apple.iokit.IOStorageFamily          1.9
com.apple.iokit.IOReportFamily          21
com.apple.driver.AppleFDEKeyStore          28.30
com.apple.driver.AppleACPIPlatform          2.0
com.apple.iokit.IOPCIFamily          2.8
com.apple.iokit.IOACPIFamily          1.4
com.apple.kec.pthread          1
com.apple.kec.corecrypto          1.0
Model: MacBookPro7,1, BootROM MBP71.0039.B0E, 2 processors, Intel Core 2 Duo, 2.4 GHz, 6 GB, SMC 1.62f7
Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce 320M, NVIDIA GeForce 320M, PCI, 256 MB
Memory Module: BANK 0/DIMM0, 4 GB, DDR3, 1067 MHz, 0x029E, 0x434D33583447534431303636202020202020
Memory Module: BANK 1/DIMM0, 2 GB, DDR3, 1067 MHz, 0x80CE, 0x4D34373142353637334648302D4346382020
AirPort: spairport_wireless_card_type_airport_extreme (0x14E4, 0x8D), Broadcom BCM43xx 1.0 (5.106.98.100.22)
Bluetooth: Version 4.2.0f6 12982, 3 services, 23 devices, 1 incoming serial ports
Network Service: AirPort, AirPort, en1
Serial ATA Device: ST9500325ASG, 500.11 GB
Serial ATA Device: MATSHITADVD-R   UJ-898
USB Device: Built-in iSight
USB Device: Internal Memory Card Reader
USB Device: BRCM2046 Hub
USB Device: Bluetooth USB Host Controller
USB Device: IR Receiver
USB Device: Apple Internal Keyboard / Trackpad
Thunderbolt Bus:

Hi kiplin1995,
Thanks for visiting Apple Support Communities.
If you have not already, I would recommend removing the additional RAM and seeing if the issue persists. See this article for more information:
OS X: When your computer spontaneously restarts or displays "Your computer restarted because of a problem."
http://support.apple.com/kb/TS4636
Check internal RAM and third-party hardware
Turn off your Mac.
Reseat the Apple RAM, and remove third-party RAM and third-party internal hardware. If you do not have the Apple RAM that came with the system, reseat the third-party RAM.
Turn on your Mac.
Use your Mac for the amount of time it would usually take for a kernel panic to occur.
If the kernel panic does not occur: The third-party RAM or internal third-party hardware may need to be replaced.
If a kernel panic does occur: Bring your Mac to an Apple Store, or an Apple Authorized Service Provider for service and support. Be sure to ask that, if the drive needs reformatting or replacing, they contact you about escalating your case to a special data recovery service. If you plan to visit an Apple Retail store, you can make a reservation (available in some countries only).
Best,
Jeremy

How can I solve grey start-up screen problem?

Hello all,
my seemingly healthy mid-2010 Macbook running the latest version of OS 10.6 has suddenly become unresponsive and won't boot up past the initial grey screen. Below is a list of things that I thought were relevant:
Over the last few months there have been frequent (a few times a week when connecting via USB internet dongle) kernel panics associated with Telstra Sierra AirCard 320U (https://discussions.apple.com/thread/2776956?tstart=0 ; http://www.mac-forums.com/forums/os-x-operating-system/210007-continued-kernel-p anics-can-damage-my-machine.html )
Not sure if related, as this happened when not connected (but hadn’t signed out of USB modem account, which other users say could affect things).
Then yesterday, having removed dongle and connected to internet via ethernet (routed through modem to AirPort): -
Machine was really slow – almost freezing, then froze up.
Hard re-boot.
Got folder icon with question mark.
Did another hard re-boot and got the grey screen of death.
Tried re-booting with install disk.
Didn’t get far until I re-set SRM and PRAM, but once booted up and using disk utilities from install disk the hard drive wasn’t even showing. In Terminal it was listed as five disks of 500GB (approx.), the size of my hard drive, but couldn’t get to mount from Terminal.
On another re-boot (with option key) to choose start-up disk, the HD appeared, but as soon as I clicked on it, it ‘puffed’ (like when you remove an icon from the dock) away.
I read on a forum that a loose connection could be the fault (I just had a battery replaced at the Apple Store, so thought it could have been nudged then), so I removed and re-installed the hard drive.
This seemed to fix it and I booted up from the hard drive, logged in and everything seemed to be fine. I did a backup (previous was two days ago, but good to not lose anything!) to Time Machine, ran Disk Utility, verified disk, repaired permissions, looked at the SMART status and everything was fine.
Then the machine slowed down again. I opened Disk Utility again and the HD wasn’t even listed and slowly the machine froze again and now won't boot up even from the install disk. Just sitting on the grey screen of death. Have reset SMC and PRAM but no response.
Any suggestions very welcome!
Also, any insights into whether this is a HD problem or something else. I live very remotely, so taking it in for service is not feasible, due to both time, but mostly cost. If, despite the apparent OK SMART status and Disk Utility verification it is definitely the HD I can easily get another - if it's something else, well it might be time to buy a new mac.

After having no luck, I later tried removing and reinstalling HD, but that was no help. I then re-installed an old failed HD and was able to log in using Installation disk (but not prompt hardware test by holding D key at startup). Disk utility showed no HD (which may be expected as it was a failed drive). I then restarted again with no problem.
I powered down and returned the current HD and was able to start holding down C to boot from disk. Once I was in, Disk Utility showed my HD correctly and I performed a Verify on the disk and ‘Macintosh HD’ as well as repaired permissions on both and the result for all was a pass.
I then used the Startup tool to select the HD as the startup disk and this appeared to be successful. At the login screen I re-started again, this time in Safe Mode, which was also successful. I then saved some media files that are excluded from Time Machine backup and did a Time Machine backup to two separate disks. When I tried to check the time machine history of one of the disks (‘enter time machine’) the machine froze again. I selected restart from the options after pressing the power button, then restarted in Safe mode. Then I created a bootable clone on an external hard drive – just to be sure!
After updating software I then re-booted and ran Apple Hardware Test (extended) off the Installation disk, which ran for 2 hours and found no problems.
I am going to run a test on the RAM (even though I'm pretty sure the hardware test does that) - any other thoughts still very welcome!
I think the next step is to erase the disk and reinstall the operating system. I'm assuming something got corrupted there ...
Will also go through these steps - https://discussions.apple.com/docs/DOC-3353

First MBP Grey Screen/Boot Problems/Only boots in Safe Mode

Hi everyone,
I've spent the last few days researching previous troubleshoots and threads on the subject, but haven't had much luck unfortunately.
This is a 2011 MBP, 2.2 GHz, 4 gb RAM, 15 inch. As a preface, I use(d) an external monitor via my MBP's mini-display port, and at some points, the monitor (both) would become distorted, vertical lines running down, and then both would freeze, so I immediately thought my GPU was going. Then after a few restarts after the problem occurred a few times, I got the infamous boot issue: the grey screen (after viewing the spinning logo), so to the forums and research it was.
Now, my MBP will boot in safe mode with no issues. Getting it to boot off of a disc with the "C" option works about 50/50, but I usually end up being able to get to it.
This is what I've attempted thus far from everything I've read:
Repaired Disk: repaired
Repaired Permissions: repaired (both of which I did in safe-mode AND from disc-booting, if that helps)
Reset SMC
Reset PRAM
Reinstalled factory RAM (2 x 2 gbs) ((I had a 2 gb stick and an 8 gb stick) Status of RAM via Profiler: OK
Removed peripheral devices to give that a shot with no luck
Reinstalled OS X (Snow Leopard, by the way, from disc)
Performed both abridged AND extended Apple Hardware Test: No problems found (which is what took me away from Logic Board or GPU issues..)
Used Time Machine backups to restore from previous working date (I regularly backed up my MBP) and have two seperate external drives with backups, though no clones.
Reformatted my entire 750 gb HD, last night, reinstalled the OS X, did not try and restore from Time Machine (as I know I could do that at a later date) and following completion of the OS X install and upon the "restart" requested of me, my MBP had a dark blue freeze, so I cold booted to the same problem of the grey screen, which is where I'm at now.
Summary:
Can Safe Boot with no issues. Reformatted drive. Reinstalled OS X (10.6.7, software update to 10.6.8). Operating with original RAM, went through trouble shoot procedures.
From what I've read, a lot of people have said to replace the MBP Hard Drive cable (SATA) cable, which I have ordered per my model, so I'm waiting on that.
Is there anything else I can do, or try in the meantime? I'd like to know peoples' thoughts on if my HD has failed (thought DU says it's fine) and the fact I can boot in safe mode, and whether a hard drive cable replacement is a probable fix.
This MBP was purchased NEW in June of 2011 and has been well maintained.
Thanks for any thoughts, suggestions, critiques,...anything.

Hi everyone,
I've spent the last few days researching previous troubleshoots and threads on the subject, but haven't had much luck unfortunately.
This is a 2011 MBP, 2.2 GHz, 4 gb RAM, 15 inch. As a preface, I use(d) an external monitor via my MBP's mini-display port, and at some points, the monitor (both) would become distorted, vertical lines running down, and then both would freeze, so I immediately thought my GPU was going. Then after a few restarts after the problem occurred a few times, I got the infamous boot issue: the grey screen (after viewing the spinning logo), so to the forums and research it was.
Now, my MBP will boot in safe mode with no issues. Getting it to boot off of a disc with the "C" option works about 50/50, but I usually end up being able to get to it.
This is what I've attempted thus far from everything I've read:
Repaired Disk: repaired
Repaired Permissions: repaired (both of which I did in safe-mode AND from disc-booting, if that helps)
Reset SMC
Reset PRAM
Reinstalled factory RAM (2 x 2 gbs) ((I had a 2 gb stick and an 8 gb stick) Status of RAM via Profiler: OK
Removed peripheral devices to give that a shot with no luck
Reinstalled OS X (Snow Leopard, by the way, from disc)
Performed both abridged AND extended Apple Hardware Test: No problems found (which is what took me away from Logic Board or GPU issues..)
Used Time Machine backups to restore from previous working date (I regularly backed up my MBP) and have two seperate external drives with backups, though no clones.
Reformatted my entire 750 gb HD, last night, reinstalled the OS X, did not try and restore from Time Machine (as I know I could do that at a later date) and following completion of the OS X install and upon the "restart" requested of me, my MBP had a dark blue freeze, so I cold booted to the same problem of the grey screen, which is where I'm at now.
Summary:
Can Safe Boot with no issues. Reformatted drive. Reinstalled OS X (10.6.7, software update to 10.6.8). Operating with original RAM, went through trouble shoot procedures.
From what I've read, a lot of people have said to replace the MBP Hard Drive cable (SATA) cable, which I have ordered per my model, so I'm waiting on that.
Is there anything else I can do, or try in the meantime? I'd like to know peoples' thoughts on if my HD has failed (thought DU says it's fine) and the fact I can boot in safe mode, and whether a hard drive cable replacement is a probable fix.
This MBP was purchased NEW in June of 2011 and has been well maintained.
Thanks for any thoughts, suggestions, critiques,...anything.

Is this a new variant of the 'grey screen, won't boot' problem?

Hello all. My second hand Powerbook G4 starts, the bitten apple comes up, then there is no further boot up action. The situation leading to this was as follows;
- firstly, starting but going to a blank/grey screen and staying there. The new variant alluded to, which I have not been able to find referred to, was that at this stage, one could for a while, actually type letters (coming out in white). After a while this stops.
- researching this problem here I followed the advice in the Grey Screen article - http://support.apple.com/kb/TS2570
one on resetting the PMU - http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1431#faq11
and on using Target Disk Mode - http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1661
None of this helped in the slightest with these symptons.
Because I was away on holiday at the time I did not have access to system disks, or actually using Target Disk Mode. On returning I used TDM to successfully connect to the PB, and it became evident that there is a drive problem. I had taken quite a few edited videos with me and it was possible to copy some off, but not others. Data that refused to copy always led to having to restart the machine because the 'copy' mode would refuse to cancel. I also reinstalled the OS, and using another PB used TDM to allow Diskwarrior and Disk Utility to work on the poorly machine. Both were able to do some work, but not complete all their tasks. The SMART, so called, diagnostics always came up fine.
Now if I turn it on the grey screen stage is not reached, the apple symbol comes up and stays there, with no spinning wheels.
So, is there anything else I can do?
Is the grey screen with some typing possible relevant or interesting in any way?
Thanks!
Stephen

Hello,
It's possible to have two Mac OS X's installed on one drive.
Have you tried this:
Restart whilst holding down Command-S
The screen should turn black and load some text
At the prompt type
fsck -fy and press Return
Hopefully some repairs will be performed.
At the prompt type
reboot and press Return
If that doesn't provide any help then try starting in safe mode.
http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1455
Once in safe mode, you can set the startup disk and reboot.
If that don't help, then all I can suggest is a clean install of the OS.
Using a Mac OS X install disk either retail or for a PowerBook G4, boot and upon selecting the destination drive, select option, then erase and reinstall.
A fresh install should resolve this problem as a last resort.
Best of luck, let us know how you get on.

Disk repair and Apple Hardware Test says HD has no problem but grey screen still persists on MBP

5 days ago while on vacation, my MBP just froze with the grey screen, apple logo and spinning gear.
I performed all that was instructed on the following discussions:
http://support.apple.com/kb/TS2570
except Archive and Install installation of MAC OS X and Erase and Install MAC OS X since I was able to save my files in my husband's MBP via Firewire Target Disk Mode. At this point, I am still apprehensive in erasing my files and installing again the MAC OS X.
When I did the Disk Repair under the Disk utilities, it says that my Mac Os X is ok. (It also said ok when I did the fsck -fy when I till did not have my CD when I was on vacation)
I also tried the Apple Hardware Test (AHT) to further l test the hardware of my MBP and performed an extended checking and after an hour, its says that my HD has no problem.
Yet, after all these, when I restart my computer, it still has the grey screen with apple logo and spinning wheel!
Can anyone tell me what else can I do??? Appreciate any help!

I like the free demo of SuperDuper to make clones. It's free, Leopard and Snow ready and is easy to use. If you buy the full version you can do incremental backups.
You should use Disk Utility to do a Disk Repair, as shown in this link, booted up on your install disk, before you make a clone of it. I use DiskWarrior for that instead.
I then partition my external disk, in Disk Utility, with a partition that is the same size , actually a tad bigger, as my system disk. I then use SuperDuper to clone my system disk over to that partition.
With a clone on an external FireWire drive (USB drives are not bootable on PPC Macs but are on some Intel Macs) you can bootup on it to do your repairs, on the main drive, or just run your Mac anytime you have trouble with your main drive.
That's why I like clones better then Time Machine. You can just bootup on them and use your Mac.
On the DiskWarrior thing, I use DW once a month to try and catch errors in my system from getting too far out of hand. It has repaired every little and big issue I have ever had with my three Macs.
And I have had times when Disk Utility's Disk Repair says everything's fine but my system was still having issues. Disk Utility, in my experience, cannot be totally relied on to find and report all issues. It just isn't robust enough.
I run DiskWarrior, it does find errors, repairs them and I'm back in business. I swear by it!
DALE

Grey Screen Problem!!

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