HT2538 I get nothing but a grey screen at startup

When I turn on my 2008 iMac, I get nothing but a grey screen . . . put in the rescue disk (and held down the "C") and got the Apple logo and the little spinning think, but then to black screen? What to do? What is causing this?

Hello,
Have you blown the dust out lately?
If you boot up holding Option or alt key, how long will it set on that screen without going black?

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Hi, I downloaded Yosemite this evening. I downloaded o.k., it installed o.k. and then it restarted the Macbook and now it seems frozen. There is nothing but a grey screen, the apple logo and a bar that is half black

Hi, I downloaded Yosemite this evening. It downloaded fine, it installed fine and then it restarted the Macbook. Now it seems to be frozen. I have nothing but a grey screen with the apple logo and a bar that is half black and half grey. It's been like this for over an hour. Should I worry or is it still working at something? How do I fix this if it's not still working at installing something. Thank goodness for this poor old pc as backup.

Take each of these steps that you haven't already tried. Stop when the problem is resolved.
To restart an unresponsive computer, press and hold the power button for a few seconds until the power shuts off, then release, wait a few more seconds, and press it again briefly.
Step 1
The first step in dealing with a startup failure is to secure the data. If you want to preserve the contents of the startup drive, and you don't already have at least one current backup, you must try to back up now, before you do anything else. It may or may not be possible. If you don't care about the data that has changed since the last backup, you can skip this step.
There are several ways to back up a Mac that is unable to start. You need an external hard drive to hold the backup data.
a. Start up from the Recovery partition, or from a local Time Machine backup volume (option key at startup.) When the OS X Utilities screen appears, launch Disk Utility and follow the instructions in this support article, under “Instructions for backing up to an external hard disk via Disk Utility.” The article refers to starting up from a DVD, but the procedure in Recovery mode is the same. You don't need a DVD if you're running OS X 10.7 or later.
b. If Step 1a fails because of disk errors, and no other Mac is available, then you may be able to salvage some of your files by copying them in the Finder. If you already have an external drive with OS X installed, start up from it. Otherwise, if you have Internet access, follow the instructions on this page to prepare the external drive and install OS X on it. You'll use the Recovery installer, rather than downloading it from the App Store.
c. If you have access to a working Mac, and both it and the non-working Mac have FireWire or Thunderbolt ports, start the non-working Mac in target disk mode. Use the working Mac to copy the data to another drive. This technique won't work with USB, Ethernet, Wi-Fi, or Bluetooth.
d. If the internal drive of the non-working Mac is user-replaceable, remove it and mount it in an external enclosure or drive dock. Use another Mac to copy the data.
Step 2
If the startup process stops at a blank gray screen with no Apple logo or spinning "daisy wheel," then the startup volume may be full. If you had previously seen warnings of low disk space, this is almost certainly the case. You might be able to start up in safe mode even though you can't start up normally. Otherwise, start up from an external drive, or else use the technique in Step 1b, 1c, or 1d to mount the internal drive and delete some files. According to Apple documentation, you need at least 9 GB of available space on the startup volume (as shown in the Finder Info window) for normal operation.
Step 3
Sometimes a startup failure can be resolved by resetting the NVRAM.
Step 4
If a desktop Mac hangs at a plain gray screen with a movable cursor, the keyboard may not be recognized. Press and hold the button on the side of an Apple wireless keyboard to make it discoverable. If need be, replace or recharge the batteries. If you're using a USB keyboard connected to a hub, connect it to a built-in port.
Step 5
If there's a built-in optical drive, a disc may be stuck in it. Follow these instructions to eject it.
Step 6
Press and hold the power button until the power shuts off. Disconnect all wired peripherals except those needed to start up, and remove all aftermarket expansion cards. Use a different keyboard and/or mouse, if those devices are wired. If you can start up now, one of the devices you disconnected, or a combination of them, is causing the problem. Finding out which one is a process of elimination.
Step 7
If you've started from an external storage device, make sure that the internal startup volume is selected in the Startup Disk pane of System Preferences.
Start up in safe mode. Note: If FileVault is enabled in OS X 10.9 or earlier, or if a firmware password is set, or if the startup volume is a software RAID, you can’t do this. Post for further instructions.
Safe mode is much slower to start and run than normal, and some things won’t work at all, including wireless networking on certain Macs.
The login screen appears even if you usually log in automatically. You must know the login password in order to log in. If you’ve forgotten the password, you will need to reset it before you begin.
When you start up in safe mode, it's normal to see a dark gray progress bar on a light gray background. If the progress bar gets stuck for more than a few minutes, or if the system shuts down automatically while the progress bar is displayed, the startup volume is corrupt and the drive is probably malfunctioning. In that case, go to Step 11. If you ever have another problem with the drive, replace it immediately.
If you can start and log in in safe mode, empty the Trash, and then open the Finder Info window on the startup volume ("Macintosh HD," unless you gave it a different name.) Check that you have at least 9 GB of available space, as shown in the window. If you don't, copy as many files as necessary to another volume (not another folder on the same volume) and delete the originals. Deletion isn't complete until you empty the Trash again. Do this until the available space is more than 9 GB. Then restart as usual (i.e., not in safe mode.)
If the startup process hangs again, the problem is likely caused by a third-party system modification that you installed. Post for further instructions.
Step 8
Launch Disk Utility in Recovery mode (see Step 1.) Select the startup volume, then run Repair Disk. If any problems are found, repeat until clear. If Disk Utility reports that the volume can't be repaired, the drive has malfunctioned and should be replaced. You might choose to tolerate one such malfunction in the life of the drive. In that case, erase the volume and restore from a backup. If the same thing ever happens again, replace the drive immediately.
This is one of the rare situations in which you should also run Repair Permissions, ignoring the false warnings it may produce. Look for the line "Permissions repair complete" at the end of the output. Then restart as usual.
Step 9
If the startup device is an aftermarket SSD, it may need a firmware update and/or a forced "garbage collection." Instructions for doing this with a Crucial-branded SSD were posted here. Some of those instructions may apply to other brands of SSD, but you should check with the vendor's tech support.
Step 10
Reinstall the OS. If the Mac was upgraded from an older version of OS X, you’ll need the Apple ID and password you used to upgrade.
Step 11
Do as in Step 9, but this time erase the startup volume in Disk Utility before installing. The system should automatically restart into the Setup Assistant. Follow the prompts to transfer the data from a Time Machine or other backup.
Step 12
This step applies only to models that have a logic-board ("PRAM") battery: all Mac Pro's and some others (not current models.) Both desktop and portable Macs used to have such a battery. The logic-board battery, if there is one, is separate from the main battery of a portable. A dead logic-board battery can cause a startup failure. Typically the failure will be preceded by loss of the settings for the startup disk and system clock. See the user manual for replacement instructions. You may have to take the machine to a service provider to have the battery replaced.
Step 13
If you get this far, you're probably dealing with a hardware fault. Make a "Genius" appointment at an Apple Store, or go to another authorized service provider.

TS3274 My ipad2 is not responding..I want to restart it but i can get nothing but a black screen with only the apple logo and a small gear icon. It occasionally beeps but no other response. Any ideas as to what may be wrong and what I can do?

My ipad2 is not responding..I want to restart it but i can get nothing but a black screen with only the apple logo and a small gear icon. It occasionally beeps but no other response. Any ideas as to what may be wrong and what I can do?

Try:
- iOS: Not responding or does not turn on
- If not successful and you can't fully turn the iPad fully off, let the battery fully drain. After charging for an least an hour try the above again.
- If still not successful that indicates a hardware problem and an appointment at the Genius Bar of an Apple store is in order.

ITunes store won't load. The progress bar freezes at about 50% and I get nothing but a white screen.

I'm running iTunes 10.5 beta 7 but this issue has been happening since I was running 9. One day I clicked on a link for an app I saw on techcrunch and it pulled up in iTunes as being in the UK store. I clicked ok and my iTunes hasn't worked since. I can log into my account but can't access anything in the store or Ping. I've googled this issue and found some similar sounding stories but none of the solutions have worked. I've uninstalled and reinstalled, turned of the itunes store in parental settings and checked "except for iTunes U", I've uninstalled apple aplication suport and installed safari and every other option I have found and nothing has worked.
Sometimes if I let it sit long enough what looks like an unstyled version of the store comes up but is completely unusable.
Just to be clear, this has been happening since before I was running any beta software or OS.
Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you gchin.
I emailed apple support and they got back to me, I did what he said and it's fixed! SOLUTION found- see below.
I said:
"I can't access the iTunes Store. When I click on it the progress bar stops at 50% and I'm left with a blank white screen (no error msg). I have uninstalled and reinstalled, run the iTunes diagnostics (it said all was ok), gone through all of the online help material and I've tried turning off my firewall. Nothing works. I can't sync my iphone either (stops on verifying iPhone so I think it's getting stuck on trying to contact the store). Plzz help."
They replied:
"Greetings from Apple iTunes Store Customer Support! I am ########.
I understand that you have had issues accessing the iTunes Store. I know how eager you are to have this issue resolved. I will certainly assist you.
#########, for this, I recommend that you attempt to resolve this issue by once again uninstalling iTunes and QuickTime, and then reinstalling the latest version of each. To do this, first ensure that you are logged in to an Administrator user account on your computer, then follow the instructions in the appropriate article:
Removing and reinstalling iTunes, QuickTime, and other software components for Windows Vista:
http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1923
Note: Titles you purchased from the iTunes Store or imported from CDs are saved in your iTunes folder by default and are not deleted by uninstalling iTunes. Backing up your iTunes Library regularly is recommended.
After successfully uninstalling iTunes and QuickTime, please ensure you have upgraded to the latest Service Pack for Windows by installing all updates available to you on Microsoft Windows Update:
http://update.microsoft.com
Once you have the latest Service Pack for Windows installed, download and install iTunes for Windows (which includes QuickTime):
http://www.apple.com/itunes/download
If you continue to experience difficulty with this issue, you may wish to contact Apple technical support. A representative will be able to tell you about Apple's complimentary and fee-based support options and can help you determine which option might be most helpful.
Please find the appropriate phone number here:
http://www.apple.com/support/contact/phone_contacts.html
Thank you for contacting iTunes Store Support. Have a nice day!
Sincerely,"
AND IT WORKED happy customer.

How do i fix a blank screen ? I power on but i get nothing but a white screen

I turn on my phone but i get a blank screen how do i fix this????????

Hi D.o,
Let's get that issue resolved for you. If you have a phone with a removable battery, please remove the battery and leave it out for a few minutes. Then re-insert the battery and power on the device. If this did not resolve your issue, we do need to gather some more information to further assist you. What type of phone do you have? Does your phone have any physical damage?
Please let us know if you need further asistance. Thanks.
NidiaA_VZW
Please follow us on Twitter @vzwsupport

When I open up a 2nd tab from my gmail I get nothing but a blank screen & no search bar

When I open firefox I go into gmail right away or renew my session. When I go to open a 2nd tab to search for something on the interenet I get a blank white screen w/no search bar. I then tried going to the orange firefox dropdown box and click on find. This does no good either.

I would just like to add to this thread. I have tried everything and every way listed here and found my own solution, for those of you who were having the same issue as me.
1. Type "'''about:config'''" in your search bar
2. Click "'''I'll be careful, i promise'''"
3. Type "'''newtab'''" in the search bar
4. Find "'''avg.userPreferences.newtabDisabledByUser'''"
5. Set value to '''true''' by either '''doube clicking''' or '''right click > toggle'''
This immediately deactivated the AVG new tab feature and reset my browser to it's default settings.
Hope this helps!

Whar do you do if you go to the app storee on your iphone 5c and get nothing but a blank screen?

What does one do if you go to the app store on an iphone 5c and all you get is a blank
screen?

Hi hs from sc,
Thanks for visiting Apple Support Communities.
You may find the steps in this article helpful if you only see a blank screen when you visit the iTunes Store or App Store:
Can't connect to the iTunes Store
http://support.apple.com/kb/ts1368
Regards,
Jeremy

Sybase Central UI draws nothing but a grey screen

I'm running under RedHat Linux 7.3 with kernel 2.4.18-5. I'm launching the Sybase Central tool and once the UI comes the entire contrents of the window is greyed out. After launcing it numerous times and spending hours, I was able to launch it and have it render successfully only once. Why does this happen? What can I do to correct the problem?
Thanks...

Hello,
Have you blown the dust out lately?
If you boot up holding Option or alt key, how long will it set on that screen without going black?

Yesterday suddenly the search function of the App store stopped working. I can search for an App, select one from the suggestions then i get nothing but a white screen.

Anyone else have this issue? How did you resolve?

Anyone else have this issue? How did you resolve?

My Mac won´t load. When I turn it on, I type the password, then it starts to load, but nothing happens. It gets stuck on the grey screen with the apple logo. I can´t go to an Apple store since I´m working in Bolivia. Thanks

When I turn it on, I type the password, then it starts to load, but nothing happens. It gets stuck on the grey screen with the apple logo. I can´t go to an Apple store since I´m working in Bolivia. Thanks

RhysWills1,
which model MacBook Pro do you have, and which version of OS X is installed on it?

Turning on and the apple chime is heard but won't get past the first grey screen

Turning on the Mac and hearing the chime but not able to get past the initial grey screen.

Hello Daryl,
Also let us know what Operating System you have on your Mac.

I am trying to upgrade Mac OSX from 10.7.4 10 .7.5 .But, the grey screen is coming for hours. What should i do?

i am trying to upgrade Mac OSX from 10.7.4 10 .7.5 .But, the grey screen is coming for hours. I pressed the alt key and was taken to options viz. Restart to install MAC again, use time machine. I don't have back-up and so restarted to install MAC again. Can i cancel this now. I want my data to be secure. What should i do?

If you cancel an install there's no telling what state it will leave your Mac in. Let it finish or fail.
Then get a disk, it can even be a pocket drive if it's large enough and back up all your own data.
After that, boot up holding command-r keys into your Recovery Volume.
The screen should give you these choices...
Restore from TM backup
Reinstall Mac OS X
Get help online
Disk Utility
First run Disk Utility Repair Disk, if you get errors run until no errors reported or reports "the disk cannot be fixed". Then, choose Reinstall OS X.

Mac Pro gets stuck on the grey screen and won't finish booting

I have a Mac Pro 1, 1 recently (successfully) upgraded to snow leopard that gets stuck on the grey screen with the spinning rainbow cursor (after the apple logo and brief blue screen) and won't finish booting up. This happened after my computer froze up and I had to force quit. I checked out the forums and I tried all the all the suggestions (like disconnecting peripherals) and appropriate disk utilities, saw no errors with the HD reported, and had no trouble doing a safe boot (everything works o.k. there) or starting up from the software disk to perform the repairs. I did notice that during the repair permissions command, it gets stuck in the last few minutes, the CD starts to chug along, and everything freezes and I have to force quit. This happens every time I try it. I eventually backed everything up, erased the HD and reinstalled the OS, reset PRAM and NVRAM, but I'm still getting the grey screen on restart. Tech tool deluxe reports a "fail" on the video RAM, but everything else seems to check out. Could it be a graphics card issue? I did notice some funky visual glitches occurring prior to the breakdown. Any other ideas?

I wouldn't trust Apple Disk Utility to do a hard drive repair, but I would go with TechTool Pro 5/6 if you have that instead of Disk Warrior from Alsoft.
Clone the drive, though you should have some bootable backup clones already; repair the clone; then boot and work from that drive. Always have a working copy of the system.
And off load all your data to other drives.

L505 - nothing but a white screen

Hello everyone,
I need help. My L505 is displaying nothing but a white screen. I turn it off, turn it back on and there's nothing but a white screen. I can't do anything to get rid of it. I am unable to access my home screen. All I have is a white screen. Any help or suggestions would be greatly appreciated
Thanks,
Steve

Try these suggestions:
What can I do if my Windows 7 or Windows Vista laptop won't start?
- Peter

My macbook pro keeps getting stuck on the grey screen

my macbook pro keeps getting stuck on the grey screen eventually im able to get it into safety mode yet i dont have the disc needed to restore or reboot it what should i do

See Grey Screen
https://support.apple.com/kb/TS2570
https://discussions.apple.com/message/16276201#16276201
You didn't mention your MBP model or OS X version. But the link above should help you.

HT2538 I get nothing but a grey screen at startup

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