Macbook pro won't boot and when I tried to back up the hard drive I got "disk utility can't repair this disk backup as many of your files as possible"

My macbook pro froze and initially would not even recognize the power chord. Now it charges, but will not load up. I opened in in disk utility to try and back it up so that I could take it to apple to have it fixed but I got the message that said "disk utility can't repair this disk backup as many of your files as possible". How do I back up the files???

Nichelle215,
you can try the method described on this Apple page, in the “Instructions for backing up to an external hard disk via Disk Utility” section. (You can skip step 6, since you already know that your disk is irreparable.) Note, however, that this method is not guaranteed to work. Once you get your disk straightened out, you might consider purchasing an external hard disk for use as a Time Machine backup destination, so that a similar problem in the future won’t wipe out the only copy of your files.

Similar Messages

  • I interrupted a software update and my macbook pro will not boot. I have tried to reboot using the startup disc, I have tried to verify the disc, and repair the disc. It tells me I need to erase and reformat the hard drive then reinstall the operating sys

    I interrupted a software update and my macbook pro will not boot. I have tried to reboot using the startup disc, I have tried to verify the disc, and repair the disc. It tells me I need to erase and reformat the hard drive then reinstall the operating system. I do not have a back up of all my applications, my garageband music and other things. I also do not have time capsule set up on this machine, but I do have a 2 TB time capsule.
    Is there anyway to back up this corrupted drive so I can restore my applications later?

    There's an old saying.  If you don't have a backup disc, then there must be nothing important to backup.  That's just lesson #1.  Lesson #2 is to never interrupt a software update.  Not a good thing.
    OK, I'm sure you know this.  It just upsets me to read your story, knowing you have a lot of important stuff on your hard drive, and didn't use time machine.
    You're pretty much in a bad place.  My only hope for you is to boot to your Installation Disc, then using disk utility see if you can save the internal hard drive (by fixing what can be fixed).  You might be able to see your user folder and some of your apps.  I wouldn't even consider copying the library, because who knows what's been corrupted in there.
    Good luck.

  • My MacBook Pro won't boot and apparently my HDD is locked

    My MacBook Pro won't boot up. And it's says my HDD is locked when i try and reinstall OS. Help me please good people.

    you want to check how many threads with same question first, and look in
    Mac OS version forum that you have; and the notebook MacBook instead of the workstation forum for Mac Pro (non-laptop)
    Not a lot of detail to go by with "won't boot" though.
    Mac OS X Help
    Isolating Issues in Mac OS
    http://support.apple.com/kb/TS1388
    https://www.apple.com/support/osx/
    https://www.apple.com/support/quickassist/
    http://www.apple.com/support/mac101/help/
    http://www.apple.com/support/mac101/tour/
    Troubleshooting: My computer won't turn on
    https://support.apple.com/kb/TS1367
    Assume you know what your OS, how to use the Recovery Mode, and how to repair or do Safe boot and other tasks.
    General purpose Mac troubleshooting guide: Isolating issues in Mac OS X
    Creating a temporary user to isolate user-specific problems: Isolating an issue by using another user account
    Identifying resource hogs and other tips: Using Activity Monitor to read System Memory and determine how much RAM is being used
    Starting the computer in "safe mode": Mac OS X: What is Safe Boot, Safe Mode?
    To identify potential hardware problems: Apple Hardware Test
    General Mac maintenance: Tips to keep your Mac in top form
    MacBook Pro
    https://discussions.apple.com/community/notebooks/macbook_pro 
    https://discussions.apple.com/community/mac_os?view=discussions
    http://www.apple.com/support/macbookpro

  • MacBook Pro won't boot and is overheating

    My 2008 MacBook Pro started off having weird video problems.  Then it won't boot everytime.  Now it is not booting and is getting very hot while trying to boot.  Thanks in advance for any help.

    Intel-based Macs: Resetting the System Management Controller (SMC)
    Resetting your Mac's PRAM and NVRAM
    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.

  • MacBook Pro won't boot, and then frozen by SBBOD

    My MacBook Pro constantly freezes when I try to perform any task.  I frequently encounter the spinning beach ball of death.  Even if I don't see it then accomplishing anything is nearly impossible!  The computer starts up very slowly and displays the gray screen and spinning gear for a prolonged period of time.  Often times the computer won't start up at all and freezes on the gray screen.
    My System
    15" MacBook Pro - mid 2009
    2.8 Ghz Intel Core 2 Duo
    4 GB RAM
    Hard drive has 370 GB free out of 500
    Fixes attempted
    Repaired disk permissions
    Uninstalled nonessential apps, including antivirus software (Avast was removed months ago)
    CPU activity appears ok, frozen processes stopped
    Trash emptied
    Computer booted in safe mode, still got the SBBOD
    This has basically rendered our computer nonfunctional and useless!  For example, it took me nearly 30 minutes just to write this message.  Any help will be greatly appreciated!

    Then:
    Fixing a Mavericks Installation Problem
    How to manage a failed OS X Mavericks installation | MacFixIt - CNET Reviews.
    Try these in order:
    1. a. Resetting your Mac's PRAM and NVRAM
        b. Intel-based Macs: Resetting the System Management Controller (SMC)
    2. Restart the computer in Safe Mode, then restart again, normally. If this doesn't help, then:
         Boot to the Recovery HD: Restart the computer and after the chime press and hold down the
         COMMAND and R keys until the Utilities 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.
    3. Repair the Hard Drive and Permissions: Upon startup select Disk Utility from the Utilities 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. Select Restart from the Apple menu.
    4. Reinstall Lion/Mountain Lion, Mavericks: Reboot from the Recovery HD. Select Reinstall Lion/Mountain Lion, Mavericks from the Utilities menu, 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.

  • Macbook Pro won't boot and getting gray screen, help!

    I have a Macbook Pro 15" from mid2011. The warranty just expired one week ago.
    I was normally using it without any problem, when suddenly the screen started to freeze and get some horizontal line. I had to force shut down with the power button couple times. The next day, my MBP wasn't booting during the startup.
    When I turn on, I can hear the chime, the Apple logo show up and the little wheel turns, but after those things the screen remaing gray without any thing happens.
    I have tried some steps that I found on discussion, forums, and websites like:
    - PRAM
    - cmd-s (to verify and clean the HD)
    - hold option and restore using a flash drive with Mountain Lion (after I choose the drive, I get a "blue" screen)
    - Remove the RAM and put back
    All those things weren't successful.
    What do you guys think I should do now?
    What are the main causes of gray screen or blue screen?
    Should I replace my RAM or HD?
    I'm avoiding to take to a technichian or a geek, because I have a lot of confidential work inside. Luckly, I have a backup of everything.
    I appreciate every reply made.
    Thanks!!

    Hi Eric,
    Thanks for your fast reply.
    Yes, I've tried cmd-R. I get a "blue screen" with vertical lines. Pretty weird.
    I'm unable to access the Disk Utility.
    Do you think the HD is damaged?

  • MacBook Pro won't boot and shut down on its own.

    Hi, I am running a Macbook Pro. My problem is that the OS froze during use, and I could not move the cursor. As which point I force shut down by holding the powerswitch. From that point onwards I could not get the machine to boot, it keep getting stuck at the grey screen with Apple icon. After loading at the grey screen for 15-20 mins it shuts down on its own.
    I've tried to reset SMC (shift-control-option + power button) and PRAM (Command-Option-P-R) but it dint work. Please help. Thanks.

    It appears your problem occured after you upgraded to 10.8.2, but if you did it right after the SSD and RAM switch then it's hard to tell exactly what is causing the issue.
    I advise returning back to factory, hold command option r boot and wipe everything and reinstall 10.8
    ..Step by Step to fix your Mac
    If the problem continues, then make a warranty/AppleCare call, hopefully you didn't strip the screw heads or leave any other tell tale damage inside.
    If your fine on 10.8.2 for some time, then switch the RAM and do a hardware test extended or Rember or Memtest to make sure the new RAM is not the issue.
    If that's fine then Carbon Copy Cloner to the external SSD and hold option key down to boot from it and test that.
    Then do the internal SSD switch and test that.
    Take your time, Mac's are so finicky and you can't just slap this or that and expect it all to immediatly work like it should.

  • Macbook Pro won't boot up - i have tried a few steps and still no luck

    I have MCP late 2011 - running the latest Mountain Lion.  I just had it at the apple store a few weeks ago for a routine checkup.  Everything was fine.
    I was using it last night and it locked up.  I did a hard restart, got the startup chime, then the gear spinning, then shortly after the pointer appears.  It turns to the pinwheel and sits forever.  the white screen dims to a 'dirty white/brown' color and it will just stay like this.
    I restart and enter safe boot.  During the startup - I see the progress bar and it gets about 1/3 complete then the screen changes and the safe boot login page appears.  I am the only user, along with the guest option.  If I select my profile and password the gear will just spin forever and the pinwheel returns again.  Nothing happens.  If I select guest-- it will work. 
    Using guest - I used the disk utility.  I repaired the disk - and it says everything is ok.  I also repaired the disk permissions.  It found a lot of problems with itunes and extensions from that.  It states all have been repaired, however if I restart and then rerun the disk utility: it catches the same permission errors... like it never was repaired.
    I also tried the FSCK  after the command S startup ... it says it all was good but no change.
    So -  is it a problem with my profile?  What am I missing?  Is it the HDD?  Is it the OSX?  I travel extensively and I used my timemachine before I departed.  I keep that at home as a safe copy... but now I am on the other side of the world!!  AGHH! 
    This machine is still covered under applecare... until march.    Help!?
    Thanks -  JC

    Hello Jaycakes
    The next thing to try is to reinstall OS X Mountain Lion, check out the articles below for further troubleshooting.
    Mac OS X: Gray screen appears during startup
    http://support.apple.com/kb/TS2570
    OS X Mountain Lion: Reinstall OS X
    http://support.apple.com/kb/PH10763
    Regards,
    -Norm G.

  • My MacBook Pro Won't Start and I've tried all of the suggestions I can find to no avail. What should I try?

    When I boot the computer I get the flashing question mark. I have tried:
    1.) Holding 'C' to access the 'Startup Utility' but the only thing that accesses is the Wireless Internet access.
    2.) Holding [cntrl. option, power button] but that didn't access anything
    3.) Holding [shift] to access safe mode, but that didn't access anything
    It also suggested loading the 'startup disk' that came with the laptop, but I'm digging through the box and I don't seem to have one.
    I don't seem to have access to removing the battery (I, at least, don't see the battery and would have to take the thing apart to access it)
    The problem started with a stuttering/ skipping of the functions a couple of days ago- of which I started this thread: https://discussions.apple.com/message/17083016#17083016
    That seemed to solve the issues until this morning when a video I was playing suddenly froze. I restarted the computer and the flashing question mark appeared.
    Can anyone help with this please?

    A flashing question mark appears when you start your Mac
    Holding 'C' to access the 'Startup Utility' but the only thing that accesses is the Wireless Internet access.
    You hold the C key down when booting from your install disc. Hold down the Option key to prompt the Startup Manager window where you can select the startup disk. If the startup disk is not available from that window then it's likely failing or has failed.
    Holding [cntrl. option, power button] but that didn't access anything
    Just the Option key.
    It also suggested loading the 'startup disk' that came with the laptop, but I'm digging through the box and I don't seem to have one.
    It's an "install" disc, not startup disc and you need those discs to repair your Mac or take it to an Apple store or Apple certified repair shop, Since you don't have those discs and you can't boot in Safe Mode (Shift key) you have no way to verify the disk.
    Replacement disc(s) from Apple:   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.
    And hopefully you removed all vestiges of MacKeeper.

  • MacBook Pro won't boot after trying to install 10.7.3 update. Start up stalls at Apple logo and spinning gear.

    MacBook Pro won't boot after trying to install 10.7.3 update. Start up stalls at Apple logo and spinning gear. Computer won't even start in safe mode.

    My daughter's MacBook Pro was doing exactly the same thing.  I don't know if it had anything to do with the latest update.  She called me about a week ago saying that her MacBook began running slower by the day .  She then called me Friday and told me that it wouldn't get past the gray screen and the gear just kept on spinning.  I did everything I could over the phone including Safe mode which it wouldn't go into and thought maybe it was the hard drive.  She took it to the Apple store.  Originally, they also thought it was the hard drive.  It ended up being a corrupted operating system (Lion).  Apple genius simply re-installed Lion and she's back up and running.  Good thing she backed up right before it crapped out.  She'll be restoring everything tonight.  Don't know if re-installing Lion will help your situation, but it did the trick for my daughter.

  • MacBook Pro won't boot with new hard drive, but a different MacBook Pro will

    So here are the details. My friend and I both have 13-inch Mid 2010 MacBook Pro's. Same processor and specs since they were purchased at the same time, but originally had 250 GB hard drives. His hard drive failed and needed a new one. Put a 500 GB Seagate Momentus 5400.6 in his computer, and tried using a flash drive with "Install OS X Mavericks" on it to install Mavericks on his new hard drive. No matter what, it wouldn't install. I finally was able to install OS X 10.9.4 on it by connecting the new hard drive to my computer with a USB hard drive enclosure. I put the hard drive back inside his computer and it wouldn't boot (stuck on the gray screen with apple logo and a spinning wheel). I then attached to the hard drive to his computer externally with the USB enclosure, and then it booted and worked perfectly.
    So, it seemed like the problem was with something inside his computer, but then I switched our drives, and that doesn't seem to be the case anymore. I put my original hard drive into his computer, and his new hard drive into my computer, and they both booted and worked perfectly, so I have no idea why his computer will not boot with the new hard drive internally.
    To summarize, his computer boots with: 1) new hard drive connected externally (won't work if it's internal), and 2) my hard drive internally
    but my computer boots with: 1) new hard drive connected externally AND internally, and 2) my hard drive internally.
    Both hard drives have OS X 10.9.4 installed
    If anyone has any idea what's causing this and how to make his computer work with the new hard drive internally that would be greatly appreciated.

    So after switching the internal SATA cables from each computer, now we have
    His computer, with my SATA cable:
    1) Worked with every hard drive!
    My computer, with his SATA cable:
    1) Works with 1 TB Toshiba hard drive
    2) Works with 500 GB Seagate hard drive
    3) Works with my original hard drive
    4) Flashing folder with question mark with his old hard drive
    So it turns out you were right! Definitely had something to do with the SATA cables. But it's still strange that mine was able to boot with all the hard drives except the one that was originally in his. So it seems like it was some combination of his SATA cable and something else, since when his SATA cable was in his computer only 1 hard drive (my original) worked, and when it was in my computer, 3 hard drives worked. But at least its working, and I'm just gonna keep our SATA cables switched since that seems to work out fine

  • My MacBook Pro won't go beyond a white screen, after I pushed the restart button. How can I get it to a login? I have routinely backed it up, but don't know how to bring that up, nor if I have a boot file on that external disk. Help!

    My MacBook Pro won't go beyond a white screen, after I pushed the restart button. How can I get it to a login? I have routinely backed it up, but don't know how to bring that up, nor if I have a boot file on that external disk. Help!

    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.

  • Macbook pro won't boot, stuck on white apple screen

    Noticed today, that my macbook pro won't boot . It gets to the white apple screen with the spinner under the apple logo. It stays like this for a long time without doing anything except spinning.
    I've powered down and tried to boot up several times.
    I have boot camp and windows on my mac and when the white screen appears, I can press Option to bring up which hard drive and the Windows partition will load without any problems.

    Exacty what happens when you try to boot up from the disc that came with your computer?  Are you holding down the c key?  Have you tried holding down the "option key?"  Are you able to run the Hardware Test - Intel-based Macs: Using Apple Hardware Test
    Shut down your computer and disconnect all peripherals (keyboard & mouse if pertinent) from your computer.  Now reboot.
    If the Mac starts up normally, shut it down again and then plug in one of the peripherals (keyboard or mouse first) and start up your computer again.  If it does so successfully repeat the process, adding one peripheral at a time until your Mac acts up.  At that point, disconnect the last peripheral you added, reboot your Mac and search the peripheral vendor's website for an updated driver. 
    If no driver exists or the problem remain after installing the new driver, try a different cable or a different port on your Mac.
    If none of the above works, again disconnect all peripherals from your Mac, hold down the "shift" key to start up in "Safe Boot" mode. 
    If the Mac starts up correctly, restart without pressing the "shift" key.
    If your computer still does not start up properly, shut it down and restart it while holding down the Apple+Option-P-R keys; keep holding "all 4 keys" down until you hear the startup sound "twice."
    If none of the above work Disconnect all peripherals from your computer. Boot from your install disc & run Repair Disk from the utility menu. To use the Install Mac OS X disc, insert the disc, and restart your computer while holding down the C key as it starts up.
    Select your language.
    Once on the desktop, select Utility in the menu bar.
    Select Disk Utility.
    Select the disk or volume in the list of disks and volumes, and then click First Aid.
    Click Repair Disk.
    (If Disk Utility cannot repair, you will need a stronger utility (3rd party) - Diskwarrior or Techtool PRO)
    Restart your computer when done.
    Repair permissions after you reach the desktop-http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=25751 and restart your computer.
    Remove any 3rd party ram.
    Reinstall Lion - This will install a "fresh" copy of Lion without archiving old system files but leaves the rest of your files in place.
    If your computer is still under warranty or you have Apple Care, take full advantage of it by letting tech support deal with your problems.  It's what you're paying them for.
    Out of warranty - take the computer to an Apple store or an AASP.  Whichever is more convenient for you.

  • MacBook pro won't boot up Keeps turning off

    MacBook pro won't boot up.  When power button pressed the white screen w apple comes on w progress bar but shuts off before bar completed. If I move cursor or hit buttons it boots but will turn off if cursor stops Moving or stop pushing buttons.  Just started happening.   Ran hardware test and all shows ok.  Any ideas??

    Thanks for all the help; however, I still continue to have problems booting off of any other media.
    I've tried the Apple CD w/ no success - I made an image of the apple cd and restored it to a USB drive, and it won't boot. I've tested both methods on another mac, and both options boot fine.
    I'm going with my last restort here and am going to install OSX on a portable USB HD, and try to boot off of that (no clue if it will work given the outcomes of the other things I have tried). From there I'm going to backup the HD, and try DW as suggested.
    Any thoughts as to why the mac refuses to boot off of any other media? It always boots halfway and then tells me I need to shutdown my mac.
    Thanks again,

  • Macbook pro won't boot after installing update 10.9.3

    macbook pro won't boot after installing update 10.9.3

    Please read this whole message before doing anything.
    This procedure is a diagnostic test. It’s unlikely to solve your problem. Don’t be disappointed when you find that nothing has changed after you complete it.
    The purpose of the test is to determine whether the problem is caused by third-party software that loads automatically at startup or login, by a peripheral device, by a font conflict, or by corruption of the file system or of certain system caches.
    Disconnect all wired peripherals except those needed for the test, and remove all aftermarket expansion cards, if applicable. 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. Ask for further instructions.
    Safe mode is much slower to start up and run than normal, with limited graphics performance, and some things won’t work at all, including sound output and Wi-Fi on certain models. The next normal startup may also be somewhat slow.
    The login screen appears even if you usually login automatically. You must know your login password in order to log in. If you’ve forgotten the password, you will need to reset it before you begin.
    Test while in safe mode. Same problem?
    After testing, restart as usual (not in safe mode) and verify that you still have the problem. Post the results of the test.

Maybe you are looking for