I have a white screen on boot up and it just stays there

Hello Whicker1,
The article linked below provides some useful troubleshooting steps and information that can help get your Mac booting.
Mac OS X: Gray screen appears during startup
http://support.apple.com/kb/TS2570
Cheers,
Allen

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The bar that says sending message wont go away it just keeps saying sending message yet all the messages are gone and recieved and it just stays there, ive tried restarting booting, syncing everything i cant think of

the bar that says sending message wont go away it just keeps saying sending message yet all the messages are gone and recieved and it just stays there, ive tried restarting booting, syncing everything i cant think of

Double tap the home button to bring up the multi-tasking bar, tap & hold any icon until they all start to wiggle, tap the red minus sign & close every app listed, tap home button when finished. Then reset your phone:
Press the sleep/wake button & home button at the same time, keep pressing until you see the Apple logo, then release.

Can anyone help me with a white screen on boot, chime and unresponsive keyboard

As stated in the title it boots up with a white screen and it chimes but i cant use any of the commands to get into the recovery or even boot from a cd or usb drive. I've taken out the hdd and put it back it and it doesnt seem to be the problem. Is there anyone who can tell me exactly whats wrong with it?

sqredreaper wrote:
model number a1286 im not exactly sure of the os seeing as i just received it yesterday,
A1286 isn't specific enough, I need more information for a exact model match.
http://everymac.com/ultimate-mac-lookup/?search_keywords=A1286
If I know the exact model, then I can tell if that came originally with Snow Leopard, we can install Linux.
Would it be possible for me to format the mac hdd from my pc?
Not with Windows, Linux might, but it would be a difficult.
Mac's as you know have EFI, which is loaded from a hidden partition on the boot drive.
Only OS X, their install disks (and 10.7+ Recovery HD parititon) can format the drive properly for a Mac to use, as they install EFI which the hardware requires for the at boot keys to be able to select Linux and install rEFIt in EFI firmware.
If your Mac meets 10.6 qualifications, then the 10.6 install disk can be ordered, the instruction for creating a dual boot system with Linux Mint.
Of course there is a problem, if the machine is too new, then hardware drivers to work with Linux might not have been circulating to use.
Apple doesn't supply the hardware drivers for Linux or anyone, so it takes hackers to get them and they have to have Mac's. (they rather use generic PC's)
Older Mac's pre-2011 I know where the drivers are at, on Ubuntu's site (Linux Mint is based on Ubuntu) however I don't know if latest versions of Ubuntu/Mint work with those drivers, I'll asume they do.
Hardware drivers are important because the machine won't work well without them, like no Wifi, video screen options etc. one just gets the bare minimal use.
Interest in running Linux on Mac's died when Apple released OS X 10.7, as the Recovery HD partition created a obstacle and Apple seems to be heading towards a closed system like on iPads and iPhones.
Linux needs open hardware like generic PC's, and the trend from Microsoft is like Apple, closing up hardware from anything but Windows running.
If you haven't installed Linux on a generic PC, I suggest you try that first as on Mac's it's the most difficult.

Have an iMac 2008/09 on starting today I have a white screen, an apple icon and a constant rotating sun, nothing else. I've tried turning off and disconnecting and reconnecting the power lead with the same results. Any thoughts? Many thanks Matt

Have a 2008/9 iMac on starting up today I have only a white screen, apple icon and a continuous revolving sun. Have tried turning off and on and disconnecting and reconnecting the power with no affect - any thoughts or advice please. Thanks Matt

If your iMac came w/system DVDs, do the following:
Disconnect all devices from the computer then do the following:
Boot up from your DVD that originally came w/the iMac while holding down the "c" key.
Select the language you wish to use, and then choose "Disk Utility" from the menu bar.
Your HD should appear in a panel on the left hand side of the window which opens. Select it and then click on the "repair disk" button in the right hand section of the window.
Once this process has been completed restart your computer and repair permissions directly from Disk Utility.
If Disk Utility is unable to complete the repair, you will need to use a stronger 3rd party utility like DiskWarrior, Techtool PRO (not Deluxe) or Drive Genius.

I have a white screen with an apple and nothing will work?

Turned my mac on and have a plain screen with an apple logo. Nothing will work?

Hi,
Some kernel extension or driver isn't loading properly, it seems. Try booting in Safe Mode by holding the Shift key down on startup until you reach the grey Apple backdrop with the spinning cogwheel and a progress bar. As soon as the progress bar shows up, you can let go of the Shift key.
Booting in Safe Mode takes a lo-ooong time, so be patient and don't interrupt (the computer booting, not me talking...). Once you've reached a workable Desktop, reboot in normal mode and tell us if it solved your problem.

I have a white screen on my ipod and can't use it

I plugged in my ipod to do an update on Itunes but it didn't finish the update. It is stuck on a white screen when it is plugged in and shows low battery when it is not. I've tried a forced restart and it isn't doing anything. It also is not charging right now.

Try:
- iOS: Not responding or does not turn on
- Also try DFU mode after try recovery mode
How to put iPod touch / iPhone into DFU mode « Karthik's scribblings
- If not successful and you can't fully turn the iOS device fully off, let the battery fully drain. After charging for an least an hour try the above again.
- If still not successful that usually indicates a hardware problem and an appointment at the Genius Bar of an Apple store is in order.
Apple Retail Store - Genius Bar

HT1320 I have a white screen cannot read anything and does not play any advice

My ipod nano has a white screen and I cannot see anything on it any advice

Reset iPad
Hold down the Sleep/Wake button and the Home button at the same time for at least ten seconds, until the Apple logo appears
Note: Data will not be affected.

TS1587 Hello, I downloaded an ntfs systemfile from tuxera and used it to convert a usb stick, my imac froze a while after so I turned it off the on and now I have blue vertical lines on boot up and the a white screen with lots of tine blue symbols, need h

Hello, I downloaded an ntfs systemfile from tuxera and used it to convert a usb stick so I could put more than the fat32 4gb on, my Imac froze a while after so I turned it off the on and now I have blue vertical lines on boot up and the a white screen with lots of tine blue symbols after, mouse pointer moves but thats about it.
Have used R and cmd to get a menu up but once I choose one of the four options my mouse is rendered useless and I cant get any further, have downloaded, to another usb stick recovery disk assisstant and am trying to use that in conjunction with the lion option on the previously mentioned screen, computer was responding really slowly and has now frozen on the terms of software license agreement (maybe the last hurdle!) can anyone pleeeeeease help!!!!!??????

It's likely that the boot drive is failing, or that there's some other hardware fault. Run the Apple Hardware Test.
Intel-based Macs: Using Apple Hardware Test
Even if the test is negative, you should make a "Genius" appointment at an Apple Store to have the machine tested more thoroughly.

Hi, I have an iMac which I just booted up and have a white screen with a blue folder with a question mark blinking on and off. Any help would be appreciated. Tommy

Hi, I have an iMac which I just booted up and have a white screen with a blue folder with a question mark blinking on and off. Any help would be appreciated. Tommy

That means your iMac could not find a system to use for startup. That may mean the internal hard drive has become faulty, or the hard drive mechanism is fine, but the startup volume ("Macintosh HD" unless you renamed it) may have some type of data corruption that makes it unbootable.
First, you should try resetting PRAM
http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1379
and if that does not help, use this procedure to reset SMC (power management). If your iMac is from 2008, this is the procedure for Intel (not PowerPC) Macs.
http://support.apple.com/kb/HT3964
(This forum category is for "iMac (PPC)," so if this iMac is older (with a PowerPC processor), please post back.)
Disconnect all peripheral devices. When you connect it back to power, if you have been using a power strip of some type, try connecting it directly to a wall outlet, by itself (at least initially). Start up with nothing but the power cord connected, then add only standard mouse and keyboard. If it works, run it that way for a while.
If PRAM and SMC reset have no effect, you should insert your Mac OS X installation disc (for the currently installed system) in the optical drive, and restart with the C key held down. This should get you to the Installer screen, where you can run Disk Utility from the Utilities menu.
In Disk Utility, does the internal hard drive appear in the sidebar? If so, select Macintosh HD in the sidebar and go to the First Aid tab. Use Repair Disk. If an error is found, note if Disk Utility was able to fix it or not.
You can then quit Disk Utility and attempt to restart normally.

White Screen at Boot When Attempting to Access Recovery or Select a Boot Disk

Introduction
I want to share a solution for a problem I encountered that Apple technical support was unaware of (they said they would create a new kdoc when I called them to share my problem and its solution) and for which I could find no documentation online.
First, this is really a tip rather than a question, but I did leave it marked as a question in case anyone wants to earn some points by responding with a different solution to the problem I am about to describe. Additionally, I do not have a enough points to post a "Tip" so I am just starting a discussion instead.
Next, when I encountered the problem I am about to describe, I had not yet enabled a firmware password.
Finally, a massive "Thank you!" to the Great Pondini (James Pond - http://pondini.org) for helping me learn so much more interesting stuff about various OS X features and functionality (all for no charge) over the years.
Now on to why I have started this discussion...
The Problem
I recently purchased a new MacBook Pro (Core i7, SSD, etc.). After working with Setup Assistant to transfer everything from the most recent Time Machine backup of the older MBP I was replacing, applying all OS updates, and then enabling FileVault 2 and letting the requisite disk encryption process complete, I decided to I would go ahead and just proactively repair any permissions and ACLs for my user directory just in case any repair was necessary.
However, after shutting down my MBP, waiting, and then starting it up with Cmd-R being pressed while turning the MBP on, nothing would happen - I would just have a white screen with no Apple logo, no EFI login, no Recovery Console, nothing (and I waited for a very long time for something to show up). My only option was to do what I really do not like doing and that was to just power my new MBP down.
So, I tried again, this time holding down Opt while turning my computer on so as to select a disk at boot. The same problem returned.
Just to check, I once again started up while holding down the Shift key to attempt a Safe Boot. No dice.
Prior to trying all of this I made sure that I did have the Apple Recovery Partition in addition to my user partion and the EFI partition, so I did not understand why this would be happening. Why could I not boot into Recovery? Why could I not select a boot disk? And, why could I not go into Safe Boot?
To be safe, I started up and logged into my MBP as I normally would, then set my startup disk to be my Recovery USB for OS X 10.8, restarted, and verified all three partitions (and, since I had my Time Machine disk connected all three times I forced the computer to power off, I verified it as well). I then set my startup disk back to my SSD, and logged in and got online to see if anyone else had experienced this issue. After making sure I was not being crazy and using key combinations that were somehow made irrelevant, I shut my MBP down and walked away for a few minutes.
The Solution
So what solved my problem? A good 'ol reset of the NVRAM (aka/fka PRAM). If you are not familiar with how to reset the NVRAM:
Power off your Mac and go do something else for 30 seconds to a minute.
Press and hold down the Opt, Cmd, P and R buttons, and then press the power button. I have big hands and this is a one person operation for me. If you are not so "lucky", find someone to press the power button as you hold those four buttons down.
Continue holding those four buttons down through the first startup chime and then release all four of them only after the second startup chime is sounded.
So, for some reason, I had to reset the NVRAM on a brand new MBP that had been started up only once and restarted only once when I enabled FV2. Maybe something cached needed to be cleared out following the FV2 process, or maybe something funky was carried over after it was setup in the factory and shipped direct to me from China.
The moral of the story is: If you have strage issues during the startup of your Mac, just reset the NVRAM and try again. This has worked for a number of strange issues on various Macs for me in the past and proved to be useful once again on a brand new MBP that I never would have thought needed its NVRAM reset so soon into its lifecycle.
Special Note
There are two processes I always complete and recommend to others following a major software update (e.g. upgrading to a new version of OS X) and when I restore or otherwise transfer the most recent Time Machine backup to my current Mac or to a new one.
First, following a major or massive software update, go into Disk Utility, select your system and data drive(s), and then just click on "Repair Permissions" (Choosing "Verify Pemissions" will result in having to then click "Repair Permissions" if any permissions need to be repaired, so remove one click from the process).
Second, after transferring from a Time Machine backup, I like to make sure that my user directory permissions are good to go before any time is allowed for problems with those permissions to set in. If you are not familiar with the user directory permissions and ACL repair process (this process is not the same as the "Repair Permission" functionality in Disk Utility), here is how to do it:
Shutdown your Mac and wait about 30 seconds.
Press and hold down Cmd-R and then power on your Mac. Once the Apple logo with the spinning wheel shows up, release those two keys.
From within the Recovery Console, open a new Terminal session via the "Utilities" menu.
Invoke the following command (all one word, lowercase): resetpassword
In the "Reset Password" application that opens, select the disk that your user home directory is on, and then click the "Reset" button at the bottom underneath the "Reset Home Folder Permissions and ACLs" heading and wait for the process to finish. Any messages displayed can typically be safely ignored. If you want to be sure, search for information regarding any messages that you do not like.
Restart your MBP and enjoy using it.
(Note that if you have FV2 enabled, you will need your FV2 Recovery Key to actually reset your password. This is one of many reasons that I enable FV2 - anyone can startup a Mac and go into the Recovery Partition if it exists and reset a password, but having to also enter the FV2 Recovery Key adds a nice extra layer of protection. In addition to that, setting a Firmware Password makes it nearly impossible to start up from any disk other that that which is currrenlty installed in your Mac without knowing the Firmware Password - another security bonus. If someone gets ahold of your Mac, and you have FV2 enabled and an appropriately complex Firmware Password set, then them using your Mac as their own becomes a decently difficult process. It's by no means perfect computer security, but it makes it more challenging for someone to steal and use your Mac.)
If anyone has any other tips to share or additional solutions to problem I described, please discuss and share.

Which OS X is installed on your Mac ?
Troubleshooting advice can depend on that information.

White screen on boot, wrong resolution in dual-display mode

Hello,
I recently installed the software driver for a Brother HL-2040 laser printer on my 12 in. iBook G4. I was prompted to reboot, which I did. When my computer restarted, only a gray-white screen appeared.
It seems that the LCD is out of phase or something similar. Some garbled content displays in the right third of the screen, top to bottom, but it is almost the same value of gray-white as the rest of the screen, nothing discernable.
Interestingly, when I attach my iBook to an external CRT monitor (Dell P991), my iBook LCD displays correctly at 800x600 resolution (as well as the mirror on the CRT monitor).
When I open the Display panel from sysprefs, it shows 800x600@85 for the CRT and 1024x768@60 for the LCD. If I try to change the LCD settings, I encounter an out of phase display on the LCD (sometimes tiled display of my desktop, sometimes gray-white screen, depending on resolution and refresh rate).
If I disconnect the external monitor cable, the laptop screen returns to the gray-white screen.
I have reset the PRAM & NVRAM following Apple's documentation. The first time I did this, there was no change in the display. The second time, I encountered the spinning gear during start-up, which was immediately followed by the gray-white screen.
I have repaired the disk permissions and verified the disk via the Disk Utility.
Does anyone know how to correct this issue?
If you have any questions for me or need more detail, please let me know.
Thanks for the help.

Here's an update:
I tried installing the most recent driver from www.brother-usa.com for the HL-2040 laser printer. This did not cause any change.
I tried creating a new user on the computer, but the issue seems to be at the system level as the display problem occurs when I boot-up.
I ran the Apple Hardware test via the OSX 10.4 install CD1. This did not turn up any negative results, however it indicated I had 16MB of VRAM instead of 32MB. Also, it showed the resolution at 800x600 instead of 1024x768.
When I have my external CRT monitor connected and I enter System Preferences > Displays, I encounter two windows. The window for the CRT shows the only two options as 640x480 and 800x600. The Default Display (which I assume is the LCD) shows a variety of resolutions and refresh rates. I select 1024x768@60Hz, which at least shows the screen, however the actual LCD resolution is 800x600.
Does anyone have any ideas of what may be causing this issue at the system (not user) level?
Thanks again!

TS1587 trying to install Snow Leapord. System restarted 1/2 way through install. now i have a white screen with an apple on it. what do i do?

trying to install Snow Leapord. System restarted 1/2 way through install. now i have a white screen with an apple on it. what do i do?

Boot from the installer disk and start again, you did backup before you started this, right?

My intel imac White screens when booting

My intel imac White screens when booting. I have completed; power off restart - comnd-option p-r
While off I held power button 30 sec power cycled holding the apple button.

Try to restart in Safe Mode and let us know what happens.
Roger

I have a iMac (20-inch, Mid 2009). On start up It will sit at the White screen with the logo and the wheel that spins under it. It will not go past this point? Any ideas?

I have a iMac (20-inch, Mid 2009). On start up It will sit at the white screen with the logo and the wheel that spins under it. It will not go past this point? Any ideas?

Question (?) Mark, Blinking Folder, or Gray Screen at Startup
These are related but not identical issues. Their causes are outlined in Intel-based Mac- Startup sequence and error codes, symbols. Solutions may be found in:
A flashing question mark appears when you start your Mac
Mac OS X- Gray screen appears during startup
In most cases the problems may be caused by one or more of these:
a. Problem with the computer's PRAM - See Resetting your Mac's PRAM and NVRAM.
b. Boot drive's directory has been corrupted - Repair with Disk Utility.
c. Critical system files are damaged or deleted - Reinstall OS X.
d. The disk drive is physically non-functional - Replace the hard drive.
Note that the information I have provided is what Apple recommends, If other users suggest different solutions than found here, then be sure what they recommend does not impact on your warranty, if any, or ability to get continuing Apple service.
Please don't start removing drives or changing cables unless you know what you are doing and have exhausted other non-invasive alternatives outlined here. If you perform any work yourself that is unapproved by Apple, then you will void any warranty you may have and lose all further Apple Support.
Repair the Hard Drive and Permissions
Boot from your Snow Leopard Installer disc. After the installer loads select your language and click on the Continue button. When the menu bar appears select Disk Utility from the Utilities menu. After DU loads select your hard drive entry (mfgr.'s ID and drive size) from the the left side list. In the DU status area you will see an entry for the S.M.A.R.T. status of the hard drive. If it does not say "Verified" then the hard drive is failing or failed. (SMART status is not reported on external Firewire or USB drives.) If the drive is "Verified" then select your OS X volume from the list on the left (sub-entry below the drive entry,) click on the First Aid tab, then click on the Repair Disk button. If DU reports any errors that have been fixed, then re-run Repair Disk until no errors are reported. If no errors are reported click on the Repair Permissions button. Wait until the operation completes, then quit DU and return to the installer.
If DU reports errors it cannot fix, then you will need Disk Warrior and/or Tech Tool Pro to repair the drive. If you don't have either of them or if neither of them can fix the drive, then you will need to reformat the drive and reinstall OS X.
The main difference if you are using Lion or Mountain Lion is that you must first boot from the Recovery HD. Simply boot from the Recovery HD to perform the above.
Reinstall Snow Leopard Without Erasing The drive
1. Repair the Hard Drive and Permissions
Boot from your Snow Leopard Installer disc. After the installer loads select your language and click on the Continue button. When the menu bar appears select Disk Utility from the Utilities menu. After DU loads select your hard drive entry (mfgr.'s ID and drive size) from the the left side list. In the DU status area you will see an entry for the S.M.A.R.T. status of the hard drive. If it does not say "Verified" then the hard drive is failing or failed. (SMART status is not reported on external Firewire or USB drives.) If the drive is "Verified" then select your OS X volume from the list on the left (sub-entry below the drive entry,) click on the First Aid tab, then click on the Repair Disk button. If DU reports any errors that have been fixed, then re-run Repair Disk until no errors are reported. If no errors are reported click on the Repair Permissions button. Wait until the operation completes, then quit DU and return to the installer.
If DU reports errors it cannot fix, then you will need Disk Warrior and/or Tech Tool Pro to repair the drive. If you don't have either of them or if neither of them can fix the drive, then you will need to reformat the drive and reinstall OS X.
2. Reinstall Snow Leopard
If the drive is OK then quit DU and return to the installer. Proceed with reinstalling OS X. Note that the Snow Leopard installer will not erase your drive or disturb your files. After installing a fresh copy of OS X the installer will move your Home folder, third-party applications, support items, and network preferences into the newly installed system.
Download and install Mac OS X 10.6.8 Update Combo v1.1.
Reinstalling Lion/Mountain Lion Without Erasing The Drive
Boot to the Recovery HD: Restart the computer and after the chime press and hold down the COMMAND and R keys until the menu screen appears. Alternatively, restart the computer and after the chime press and hold down the OPTION key until the boot manager screen appears. Select the Recovery HD and click on the downward pointing arrow button.
Repair the Hard Drive and Permissions: Upon startup select Disk Utility from the main menu. Repair the Hard Drive and Permissions as follows.
When the recovery menu appears select Disk Utility. After DU loads select your hard drive entry (mfgr.'s ID and drive size) from the the left side list. In the DU status area you will see an entry for the S.M.A.R.T. status of the hard drive. If it does not say "Verified" then the hard drive is failing or failed. (SMART status is not reported on external Firewire or USB drives.) If the drive is "Verified" then select your OS X volume from the list on the left (sub-entry below the drive entry,) click on the First Aid tab, then click on the Repair Disk button. If DU reports any errors that have been fixed, then re-run Repair Disk until no errors are reported. If no errors are reported click on the Repair Permissions button. Wait until the operation completes, then quit DU and return to the main menu.
Reinstall Lion/Mountain Lion: Select Reinstall Lion/Mountain Lion and click on the Continue button.
Note: You will need an active Internet connection. I suggest using Ethernet if possible because it is three times faster than wireless.

Imac wont boot - i get a white screen with apple logo, and it loads to about 10%, then screen goes black

imac wont boot - i get a white screen with apple logo, and it loads to about 10%, then screen goes black

Hey there mtriest,
It sounds like you are unable to boot the iMac successfully as it keeps shutting down when you try to boot. I suggest the troubleshooting from the following article named:
Mac OS X: Gray screen appears during startup
http://support.apple.com/kb/ts2570
Disconnect, test peripheral devices and network cables
Note: "Peripheral devices" refers to external devices other than what came with your Mac, such as hard drives, printers, or hubs that you connect via a USB or FireWire cable.
Shut down your Mac. If necessary, hold your Mac's power button for several seconds to force it to power down.
Disconnect all peripheral devices such as external hard drives or printers (leave only the display, a keyboard, and mouse connected).
Disconnect any Ethernet cables.
Start up your Mac.
If you can start up this way, one or more of your peripheral devices (or installed software related to the device) is probably causing the gray screen issue. Connect one device, then restart your Mac to test for the issue. Repeat the process until you locate the device at issue. Make sure the device is powered if it needs to be to operate correctly. Check with the manufacturer of the device for support or possible software driver or firmware updates that may be available for the device. Try a different cable with the device if possible (such as a different USB or FireWire cable).
Note: If you have multiple peripheral devices and the issue only occurs when they are all connected, but not when each device is the only peripheral connected, see the Additional Information section below.
If you are using a desktop Mac with a third-party keyboard and/or mouse device, and the issue still occurs, try starting up with an Apple keyboard and mouse connected instead. Try starting with no keyboard and mouse connected, then connect them after start up. Also, try a different USB port on your Mac.
If the gray screen issue persists with no devices connected, go to the next section (with the peripherals still disconnected).
Perform a Safe BootSimply performing a Safe Boot may resolve this issue.
Shut down your Mac. If necessary, hold your Mac's power button for several seconds to force it to power down.
Start your Mac, then immediately hold the Shift key. This performs a Safe Boot. Advanced tip: If you want to see the status of a Safe Boot as it progresses, you can hold Shift-Command-V during start up (instead of just Shift).
Note: A Safe Boot takes longer than a typical start up because it includes a disk check and other operations.
If your Mac starts up as expected, immediately try restarting.
If the Safe Boot does not work, or the restart after a successful Safe Boot does not work, go to the next section.
There is additional information in the article with further troubleshooting if needed.
Thank you for using Apple Support Communities.
Cheers,
Sterling

I have a white screen on boot up and it just stays there

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