Mac G4 won't startup past the initial gray screen

Help! I went to my computer last night to find my screen totally dead (no dock, no top bar, just the wallpaper) so i did a hard reboot. Now, all it does is sit on the gray screen with the gray apple and the circular rotating startup icon. I've tried to fix it with the PRAM key strokes, but now the screen looks like it has zoomed in on the startup screen (apple and startup icon much bigger than normal). Any ideas how I can fix this?

This is the best way to Erase and Install. First backup all your important stuff, if you can, as the following will erase everything on your drive; it will be unrecoverable. Put your install disk in your Mac and Restart while holding down the C key. In Tiger, When you get to the install screen, don't click install and go to the title bar at the top of the screen and click on Utilities (in earlier OS's click on the installer menu).
Click on Disk Utility and choose the hard drive you want your OS on. Then click on the Erase tab. In Tiger, click on the Security Options button near the bottom (it's similar for Panther and Jaguar).
Once in there choose Zero Out Data (write zero's in earlier versions). This will map out any bad blocks on your drive and bring it back to almost new condition (providing there's nothing wrong mechanically with it, bad bearings, defective or damaged surface, etc.).
Once this is done, go back to the install screen and begin the "Erase and Install" installation. This will put a factory fresh system on a clean hard drive.
 DALE

Similar Messages

My Mac Mini won't get past the initial startup screen with the Apple logo. What can I do?

After a long distance move, my Mac Mini won't startup past the logo screen. What can I do?

Take each of these steps that you haven't already tried. Stop when the problem is resolved.
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, boot 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 you use a wireless keyboard, trackpad, or mouse, replace or recharge the batteries. The battery level shown in the Bluetooth menu item may not be accurate.
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, or if a firmware password is set, or if the startup volume is a Fusion Drive or 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 10. 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.

Mac book won't go past the start up screen.

So my mac book pro will not go past the loading screen where you see the apple symbol and the rotating gear thing. is there anything i can do to fix this or restart my OS?

http://support.apple.com/kb/TS2570 For the part that it says to startup by your disc and run disk utility, if you're running 10.7 or 10.8 you'll actually bootup holding down Command and R on startup. Hope this helps

When I start up my Mac it won't go past the grey screen. Any suggestions?

When I start up my MAC it won't go past the grey screen. Any suggestion?

Mac OS X: Gray screen appears during startup

My imac won't startup past the spinning gear and my apple keyboard is wireless but it won't connect, how do I fix the problem so I can get into safe mode?

My imac won't startup past the spinning gear and my apple keyboard is wireless but it won't connect, how do I fix the problem so I can get into safe mode?
Can anybody help me on this issue? I have already tried to replace the batteries but since the computer won't get past the spinning wheel of death then the keyboard won't connect.

Please follow Apple's advice in http://support.apple.com/kb/TS2570. If you need to get your hands on a wired USB keyboard, even a PC one will work fine.
Do not follow the previous poster's advice, that option is a "last chance" option. OS X is stable and in most cases a reinstall is never needed. Follow the directions in Apple's letter.

My macbook air won't get past the white apple screen. I've tried power cycling the batter but won't help

my macbook air won't get past the white apple screen. I've tried power cycling the batter but won't help

Take each of these steps that you haven't already tried. Stop when the problem is resolved.
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 you use a wireless keyboard, trackpad, or mouse, replace or recharge the batteries. The battery level shown in the Bluetooth menu item may not be accurate.
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, 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.

IBook G4 suddenly won't boot past the "booting OSX" screen.

My iBook G4 suddenly died and now won't boot past the "Starting OSX" screen. The blue bar goes all the way across but never moves to the next screen. I have my original disks, containing OS 10.4.5. I am trying to boot from the disk, but just keep getting the Installer program. When I try to choose a startup disk, it still won't start. Any help or ideas? This is urgent.
BTW, I am a photographer and was workig in PhotoShop7 -- a program I use all day, every day.

Start from the install disc again and choose Disk Utility from the menu. Highlight the drive on the left and click Repair Disk. If it reports errors and repairs made, repeat the process until no errors are reported.
John

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 received a message about an issue shutting down my laptop and when I restarted it won't go past the all grey screen. What do I do?

I received a message about an issue shutting down my laptop and when I restarted it won't go past the all grey screen. What do I do?

Hardware Information:
          MacBook Pro (13-inch, Mid 2010)
          MacBook Pro - model: MacBookPro7,1
          1 2.4 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo CPU: 2 cores
          4 GB RAM
Video Information:
          NVIDIA GeForce 320M - VRAM: 256 MB
Startup Items:
          Executor - Path: /Library/StartupItems/Executor
System Software:
          OS X 10.8.5 (12F45) - Uptime: 0 days 0:37:49
Disk Information:
          Hitachi HTS545025B9SA02 disk0 : (250.06 GB)
                    disk0s1 (disk0s1) <not mounted>: 209.7 MB
                    Macintosh HD (disk0s2) /: 249.2 GB (97.41 GB free)
                    Recovery HD (disk0s3) <not mounted>: 650 MB
          HL-DT-ST DVDRW GS23N
USB Information:
          Apple Internal Memory Card Reader
          Apple Inc. Built-in iSight
          Apple Inc. BRCM2046 Hub
                    Apple Inc. Bluetooth USB Host Controller
          Apple Computer, Inc. IR Receiver
          Apple Inc. Apple Internal Keyboard / Trackpad
FireWire Information:
Thunderbolt Information:
Kernel Extensions:
          com.intego.Family-Protector.safe-boot          (10.7.5)
Problem System Launch Daemons:
Problem System Launch Agents:
          [failed] com.apple.AirPlayUIAgent.plist
Launch Daemons:
          [not loaded] com.adobe.fpsaud.plist
          [not loaded] com.Affinegy.InstaLANd.plist
          [not loaded] com.google.GoogleML.plist
          [not loaded] com.google.keystone.daemon.plist
          [not loaded] com.intego.commonservices.daemon.integod.plist
          [not loaded] com.intego.commonservices.daemon.taskmanager.plist
          [not loaded] com.intego.commonservices.icalserver.plist
          [not loaded] com.intego.commonservices.metrics.kschecker.plist
          [not loaded] com.intego.Family-Protector.daemon.plist
          [not loaded] com.intego.netbarrier.daemon.logger.plist
          [not loaded] com.intego.netbarrier.daemon.monitor.plist
          [not loaded] com.intego.netbarrier.daemon.plist
          [not loaded] com.intego.netupdate.daemon.plist
          [not loaded] com.intego.personalantispam.daemon.plist
          [not loaded] com.intego.PersonalBackup.daemon.plist
          [not loaded] com.intego.virusbarrier.daemon.emlparser.plist
          [not loaded] com.intego.virusbarrier.daemon.logger.plist
          [not loaded] com.intego.virusbarrier.daemon.plist
          [not loaded] com.intego.virusbarrier.daemon.scanner.plist
          [not loaded] com.intego.washingmachine.daemon.plist
          [not loaded] com.vmware.launchd.vmware.plist
Launch Agents:
          [not loaded] com.Affinegy.InstaLANa.plist
          [not loaded] com.brother.LOGINserver.plist
          [not loaded] com.google.keystone.agent.plist
          [not loaded] com.intego.commonservices.integomenu.plist
          [not loaded] com.intego.commonservices.taskmanager.plist
          [not loaded] com.intego.commonservices.uninstaller.plist
          [not loaded] com.intego.Family-Protector.agent.plist
          [not loaded] com.intego.netbarrier.alert.plist
          [not loaded] com.intego.netupdate.agent.plist
          [not loaded] com.intego.personalbackup.agent.plist
          [not loaded] com.intego.virusbarrier.alert.plist
          [not loaded] jp.co.canon.CUPSCMFP.BG.plist
          [not loaded] jp.co.canon.CUPSFAX.BG.plist
          [not loaded] jp.co.canon.UFR2.BG.plist
          [not loaded] net.culater.SIMBL.Agent.plist
User Launch Agents:
          [not loaded] com.adobe.ARM.202f4087f2bbde52e3ac2df389f53a4f123223c9cc56a8fd83a6f7ae.plist
          [not loaded] com.apple.CSConfigDotMacCert-karenarvay-SharedServices.Agent.plist
          [not loaded] com.google.Chrome.framework.plist
          [not loaded] jp.co.canon.Inkjet_Extended_Survey_Agent.plist
          [not loaded] ws.agile.1PasswordAgent.plist
User Login Items:
          Quick Emoji HD
          SNDesktopper
          Amnesty
          Antispam Engine
          Mail
          Belkin Router Monitor
          VirusBarrier X6
          Calendar
          Dropbox
          Messages
          Notes
          TomTomHOMERunner
          NetUpdate
3rd Party Preference Panes:
          Déjà Vu
          Flash Player
          Flip4Mac WMV
          Google Desktop
          Logitech Control Center
          Xmarks for Safari
Internet Plug-ins:
          AdobePDFViewer.plugin
          AdobePDFViewerNPAPI.plugin
          EPPEX Plugin.plugin
          Flash Player.plugin
          FlashPlayer-10.6.plugin
          Flip4Mac WMV Plugin.plugin
          Google Earth Web Plug-in.plugin
          iPhotoPhotocast.plugin
          JavaAppletPlugin.plugin
          QuickTime Plugin.plugin
          RealPlayer Plugin.plugin
          Scorch.plugin
          Silverlight.plugin
          SpeedDownload Browser Plugin.plugin
User Internet Plug-ins:
Bad Fonts:
          None
Top Processes by CPU:
              26%          Mail
               8%          WindowServer
               3%          EtreCheck
               3%          NotificationCenter
               2%          hidd
               2%          ps
               1%          Dock
               1%          Google Chrome
               0%          usernoted
               0%          fontd
Top Processes by Memory:
          172 MB             Google Chrome
          102 MB             Mail
          97 MB              Google Chrome Helper
          86 MB              Dock
          70 MB              CalendarAgent
          70 MB              SystemUIServer
          70 MB              Finder
          57 MB              com.apple.dock.extra
          45 MB              EtreCheck
          45 MB              WindowServer
Virtual Memory Statistics
          281 MB             Free RAM
          1.22 GB            Active RAM
          974 MB             Inactive RAM
          1.30 GB            Wired RAM
          408 MB             Page-ins
          0 B                Page-outs

My Macbook won't get past the start up screen

Hey everyone
I have a Macbook that's about 3 years old. I did an software update yesterday and since doing it the computer won't get past the start up screen. There's just the Apple logo and the rolling ball thing. It's been stuck there for around 30mins and nothing changes. I'm not really sure what has happened but I was wondering if there is any way I can fix it.
Thanks for your time.
Bevan

Hey Lyssa
I don't have a back up but I'm not to worried about that as it's my traveling computer and I only use it for the web and some word processing.
I don't have the disks with me right now as I'm away from home. I'm not sure what I had updated, I think there was a lot because I hadn't don't it in a long time.
If I can start it in safe mode what should I do?
Thanks.
Bevan

Why won't the admin console go past the initial splash screen?

Directory server is version 4.16, console is 4.2. Master server is running under Solaris 8, slave server is running under Solaris 7. Console won't load the directory instance on the Master (a different problem, which is why I'm trying to use a different console). Tried using the console on the slave and I can't get any further than the initial splash screen "Please log in...". Tried using the console on a Red Hat Linux 7.2 machine and I get the exact same result. startconsole -D produces:
/usr/netscape/server4/bin/base/jre/bin/jre -native -ms8m -mx64m -cp .:/usr/netscape/server4/bin/base/jre/lib/rt.jar:/usr/netscape/server4/bin/base/jre/lib/i18n.jar:./swingall.jar:./ssl.zip:./ldapjdk.jar:./base.jar:./mcc42.jar:./mcc42_en.jar:./nmclf42.jar:./nmclf42_en.jar com.netscape.management.client.console.Console -D -A http://noc2.iu13.k12.pa.us:17718
Netscape-Console/4.2 B
RemoteImage: Create RemoteImage cache for sysLoader
startconsole -f log.txt doesn't work - it won't accept -f as an argument.

Kevin Myer wrote:
Directory server is version 4.16, console is 4.2. Master server is
running under Solaris 8, slave server is running under Solaris 7.
Console won't load the directory instance on the Master (a different
problem, which is why I'm trying to use a different console). Tried
using the console on the slave and I can't get any further than the
initial splash screen "Please log in...". Tried using the console on
a Red Hat Linux 7.2 machine and I get the exact same result.
startconsole -D produces:Try using the "-x nologo" option.

MacBook won't boot past the apple logo screen!

So my MacBook started freezing up and I went to restart it and it wouldn't boot past the grey logo screen with the spinning gear. Its pretty old and therefor still has the Leopard operating system. I've been trying to run Disk Repair using a Snow Leopard install disc but it just gets about 30% done and then doesn't go any further. Eventually I stopped the disk repair and just tried installing OSX but when it asks me what drive I want to install on there are no options available to click. I've got alot of unsaved work on this old thing and would love to get it running soon! Any help would be extremely appreciated! Thanks

I've been trying to run Disk Repair using a Snow Leopard install disc
Install discs are "machine specific" .. you can only use the install disc that came with the Mac for repairing the hard disk.
You may not have enough free space on the startup disk.
Follow the directions for starting up in Safe Mode
A Safe Mode boot can take a little longer then a normal boot so be patient.
When you see the Desktop, right or control click the MacintoshHD icon. Click Get Info. In the Get Info window you will see Capacity and Available. Make sure there's a minimum of 15% free disk space.
If there isn't enough free space, help here > Freeing space on your Mac OS X startup disk
You can use Disk Utility to verify the startup disk from Safe Mode but you can't repair the disk. You will need the install disc that came with your MacBook for that. While you have Disk Utillity open check S.M.A.R.T. status at the bottom of the window. Make sure it says: Verified
When you are finished, click the Apple menu icon top left in the screen. From the drop down menu click Restart.
If you don't have the original install discs you may be able to request a replacement. You can get replacement System Install & Restore CD/DVDs from Apple's Customer Support - in the US, (800) 767-2775 - for a nominal S&H fee. You'll need to have the model and/or serial number of your Mac available.

My G5 shut down + when it restarted it won't go past the grey apple screen

here's a general rundown of how I got to this point...
last yr the hard drive on my '05 G5 went, so i had it replaced (6-7 months ago) and for the last 2-3 months i've had problems with involuntary shut downs (cut to black) it started happening once a day and then there were days where it would happen more often and then less often and eventually got to a point where it was happening every 5-20 minutes, so i brought it in to get looked at and was told that it was the power supply that was malfunctioning. I mentioned that I would likely be buying a new mac in the coming weeks ( i did yesterday) and was told that I should be ok between now and then without having it fixed and then when i did get my new computer they would transfer all of my old data onto the new computer and would be installing the new power supply before selling it to a local school. then, 3 days before I was going to get my new mac, it shut off yet again, but when it rebooted it never went past the grey apple screen. after 4 or 5 minutes the fan comes on and is amazingly loud and this is where it stays until i shut it off. i'm not sure if this is simply the power supply finally going going gone or if this has something to do with the very new hard drive or who knows what else; i just want to get my info from the old computer onto the new and hopefully get the couple hundred dollars that i was told my g5 was worth. is there something i can do to get past the grey screen before i bring it in?
thanks in advance,
Jeremiah

I doubt that your data have been lost, the hard drive should be fine. Too bad that you're going to sell it, you could have used the hard drive in an enclosure to back up your new computer to. Please remember to make frequent backups/clones, I use SuperDuper! and it works perfectly. I have used it to re-clone a drive from the external when things have gone bad, you can also boot from a SuperDuper! clone.
Anyway, let us know how things go, I'm pretty sure your drive will be fine.

My G-5 Won't go past the Grey Apple Screen......HELP HELP HELP

I have a G-5 PowerMac.
Its about a year old.
I have used it more than sparingly. I bought it for video editing and have no other programs installed on it that didn't come with the computer besides Final Cut Pro
I tried to turn it on this morning to edit a project i'm working on and the thing just wont get past the Grey Apple Screen.
I really need help here. My hardware warranty runs out on December 31st and I dont have money for the Applecare $250 is really steep.
Help me turn the thing back on and get my editing going please
Email me at [email protected] if you can help me out
thanks
Chris
Power Mac G5 Dual Processor Mac OS X (10.4)

Hey Cris
I just got thru the same problem. My G5 was only 30 days old. I contacted Apple and after many phone calls I ended up purchasing the Applecare.
The parts were on back order for two weeks and they ended up replacing the logic board and the processor.
Good Luck!!!

My laptop won't load past the main blue screen

Hi, I went to restore my laptop to a previous point, it did the usual things, it switched it's self off to then restart again but won't load past the main blue windows 7 home premium page, it it keeps flickering as well, I've tried switching on and off and taking the battery out, nothing works, never had this happen before :-S

Hello again, sorry that the steps that I we have attempted have not resolved the issue. I have a tool that you can try. It's called the HP Support Assistant. If you have any computer issues, the Support Assistant will find them and give you solutions to the issues or resolve them for you. Please click on the link that I have provided. http://h10025.www1.hp.com/ewfrf/wc/softwareDownloadIndex?softwareitem=ob-110990-1&cc=us&dlc=en&lc=en...
Thanks again.
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W a t e r b o y 71
I work on behalf of HP

Mac G4 won't startup past the initial gray screen

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