Macbook Pro won't start up passed installer after failed lion update.

After installing what seems now to be a phony Lion update, my mac won't fully start up. Whenever i turn it on it will bring me to the installer and I can't seem to figure out how to start up on snow leopard again. I believe all my files are still intact. Whenever i turn it on it brings me to language options then utilities where i can choose to start from back up, disc utilites, reinstall lion, or use safari. Can anyone help me with this?

Since you appear to be running Lion do the following:
Reinstalling 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: Select Reinstall 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.

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MacBook Pro won't start at all - clicking noise with black screen

Early 2011 MacBook Pro won't start: makes clicking noise after power button is held down, but no screen movement and after click, sounds like computer just stops working. Already did a SMC reset, and undid battery to try to run on charger power only. Same result every time. Also, my Apple Care expired 3 days ago. A few weeks ago had to repair a disk using Disk Utility because there was a discrepancy between how much storage was in the drive versus how much was actually being used.

You likely have the problem that many of us 15" and 17" 2011 models are having: a faulty soldering GPU and as discussed here -> https://discussions.apple.com/thread/4766577?tstart=0. It usually, but not always, beings with screen glitches and then gets to the point where the machine will simply not boot.
It's ashamed that you're not longer under AppleCare which would have, at least, got you a new logic board. A new logic board, however, doesn't usually fix the situation - only a BGA Reballing of the GPU seems to have long-lasting fixes.
Read through a few the articles (not all of them!) and make the decision yourself - and then make the decision about whom your going to contact.
Good luck,
Clinton
MacBook Pro (15-inch Late 2011), OS Mavericks 10.9.4, 16GB Crucial RAM, Crucial M500 960GB SSD, 27” Apple Thunderbolt Display

MacBook Pro won't start after changing access rights

I did something very wrong. Unfortunately I changed the access rights of Macintosh HD for "everyone" to none.
Result, my MacBook Pro won't start anymore.
Already tried the installation disk, reset password for root and users. No result.
Help program "check acces rigths". Didn't work either.
How do I reset the access rights of Macintosh HD?

https://discussions.apple.com/docs/DOC-2240
The first solution is what you're looking for.

Macbook Pro won't start-up (black screen)

Hello,
I'm having some problems with starting my Macbook Pro
specs of my macbook pro are here: http://support.apple.com/kb/SP13 (15,4 inch 2,2 ghz)
My macbook pro won't start up anymore, i press the start-up button, it makes the 'krie'-sound then the vans start spinning slowly and then he get's quiet. (screen stays black and the light at the mousepad is on).
I tried:
-Connect it to power and wait 15 min. then try again -> same result
- hardware test (installation disc 1 and then press d) -> screen stays black but the disc starts spinning
- pram-reset, -> same result
the only thing i didn't do is check if my ram-sticks are still in position (i never bought new ram, but maybe it started to get loose)
what to do?
Message was edited by: Klapschaats

Just google Nvidia 8600m, and problem, or oh god my screen is dead, and see what comes up.
Once again, if you have a Macbook Pro from mid-late 2007, chances are you have a bad chip. They will replace your logic board, with another bad chip, which may or may not go bad. It's an obvious issue, Nvidia admits they have a problem, and Apple is just going to quietly resolve individual problems.
If your computer turns on but the screen doesn't, it's about 99% likely it's the GPU. Go ahead and let Apple replace it. Oh, and if you have a MBP from that time period and don't have apple care. GET IT NOW. You will most likely have a Black Screen Of Death at some point, and Apple care is cheaper than the repair (which may or may not work). Some people have gone though three logic boards. Good luck.
<Edited by Moderator>

My MacBook pro won't start. It is frozen on the gray screen with the apple. Please help?

My MacBook pro won't start. It's stuck on the gray screen with the apple logo.

Reinstall OS X:
Reinstall Snow Leopard without erasing the drive
Do the following:
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 the Combo Updater for the version you prefer from support.apple.com/downloads/.
Reinstalling 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: Select Reinstall Lion and click on the Continue button.
Note: You can also re-download the Lion installer by opening the App Store application. Hold down the OPTION key and click on the Purchases icon in the toolbar. You should now see an active Install button to the right of your Lion purchase entry. There are situations in which this will not work. For example, if you are already booted into the Lion you originally purchased with your Apple ID or if an instance of the Lion installer is located anywhere on your computer.

My macbook pro won't start up. I get the white screen and the grey apple icon   the spinning wheel......and it doesn't change !

My macbook pro won't start up. I get the white screen and the grey apple icon   the spinning wheel......and it doesn't change !

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.

My MacBook Pro won't start up it it will only give me a padlock

My MacBook Pro won't start up it will only gives me a big padlock

I sent it out for repair to PowerBook Medic because apple said they could fix it but for 1200 which I got it fixed for 800! So I thought but when it was returned it is doing the same thing that it was doing before when I just press the power button it is searching. And when I boot up in options it gives me the Big Padlock!
If apple knows how to bypass this how come it is not shared with the public when this is A TOP Issue that I see all the time. I never set a firmware password I thing the app.e Genius Bar set one when I had brought it in way before this problem.
If anyone knows how to bye pass this pad lock password I am all ears.
Thanks Suzanne

My MacBook Pro won't start. It's old, c 2008, any ideas?

My MacBook Pro won't start. It's old, c 2008. Have tried many suggestions on line: opt, cmnd, r,p, etc. Any suggestions?

Hey treasure hunter,
I found some help for when your computer won't turn on. Try each of these steps:
Verify you have a good connection from your Mac to the wall outlet by confirming the power cord and adapter if present are securely connected and plugged in. To check if the wall outlet is working, plug in a lamp or other electrical device.
If the wall outlet is working and you continue to have no power try another power cord or adapter if available. If it works you may need a replacement cord or adapter.
Note: See Apple Portables: Troubleshooting MagSafe adapters for further troubleshooting with MagSafe adapters.
Disconnect all accessories that are plugged in to the computer, such as a printer, hub, or other mobile device.
If your Mac supports user-installable memory, solid state drive, or hard drive, and you recently installed any of these, make sure they are installed correctly and are compatible with your computer. If possible, reinstall the original memory or drive into the computer to find out if the behavior persists afterwards.MacBook Pro: How to remove or install memory
Reset the SMC.
If you are still unable to start up your computer after trying each of these steps, visit an Apple Store or Apple Authorized Service Provider (AASP) for further diagnosis. If you plan to visit an Apple Retail Store, make a reservation at the Genius Bar using http://www.apple.com/retail/geniusbar/ (available in some countries only).
Note: Diagnostic fees may apply for issues not covered under warranty or the AppleCare Protection Plan (APP).
via: Troubleshooting: My computer won't turn on
http://support.apple.com/kb/TS1367
Welcome to Apple Support Communities!
Regards,
Delgadoh

I was messing around with .kext files in the MacintoshHD and now my MacBook Pro won't start up.

I was messing around with .kext files in the MacintoshHD and moved the system.kext and two others to my desktop and deleted the originals and now the MacBook Pro won't start up. All I get at start up is the apple icon then a bunch of text shows up part of which says Mac OS version: not yet set. then the apple icon turns into the power icon and tells me to turn off the computer. I've tried reinstalling from the install DVD by holding down option when powering on and selecting the install DVD and it just goes to a white screen with the apple icon and stays like that. I didn't have the disk utility on my Mac before this happened because I deleted it to make room on my computer a while ago so I'm not sure if that's why it won't load the install DVD but anyone who knows the solution to this with out going to get it repaired would be greatly appreciated. Thank you!

Never mind my dad just found the original install DVD and that worked. Before I was using an install disc that Apple sent me for another issue I was having, but thanks for replying so quickly and trying to help on this Thanksgiving day!!!

Hi! My MacBook Pro won't start! HELP !!!

Hi! My MacBook Pro won't start! I have tried everything I can think of like Safe Mode (doesn't work), Recovery (does not find Recovery Drive), Booting with OS Snow Leopard Cd (doesn't work)...
I have really no clue about what to do now... I paid quite a lot of money for this computer and am pretty short of money nowadays! Would like to repair with help rather than having to take it to Apple Store.
Has anyone had this same problem?
All I get is white screen + grey Apple and spinning grey disk... it's 100% frustrating! Any help would be more than welcome since I think i've tried EVERY SUGGESTION on this Support Center and Youtube videos...
This MBP is from 2011, runs on OS X 10.6.8
I tried booting with OS X Snow Leopard CD, it didn't work! (my cd player works! recognizes the Snow Leopard CD, but then never opens it... goes back forever to the with screen + apple and spinning disk)
I don't care about the content, it's OK if i lose all DATA... I just want to bring this Mac BACK TO LIFE!
When i run coomand on root# fsck -fy --> RESULT = my HD was checked and seems to be FINE!
Thanks

Please make a Genius Appointment and take it in for service.

Spilled liquid on MacBook Pro - won't start - any suggestions?

spilled liquid on MacBook Pro - won't start - any suggestions?

Thank you both for your responses! I watched a video on how to remove the hard drive - special tork(?) screwdriver and too many steps for me to feel confident about doing it myself, so I took the computer to an Apple Store - and thank God, the hard drive appeared undamaged - they are transferring the data to a new Macbook Pro. The loss of data was the scariest part, so I am breathing again!
The laptop was three years old, I was hoping for another year or so before upgrading, but such is life. I appreciate your upfront advice.

MacBook Pro won't start up after chime, MacBook Pro won't start up after chime

MacBook Pro won't start up after chime, MacBook Pro won't start up after chime

Try resetting the SMC.
Barry

Macbook Pro won't start properly... keeps restarting without chime!

Macbook Pro won't start properly... keeps restarting without chime!
Late 2007 Macbook pro. OS upgrade worked great for me.
I have had this problem on and off for a month or so. I simply cannot figure out what the issue is. I have tried poerup with and without AC power and with/without battery installed.
Starting in Safe mode does not help.
Trying to start with a disk does not help.
It sort of seems like it might be an internal power issue or GPU issue.
It also feels sort of like a software compatibility issue since my Macbook Pro gets reallly slugish for no apparent reason sometimes and IU have to restart.
I have three different anti-virus programs so I doubt it is a virus issue.
I noticed all this start after I did a Mountain Lion upgrade and then tried to start up VMware Fusion. Fusion seemed to just bog down the computer horribly but did not cause a system crash.
I need to edit an important sequence on Final Cut Pro and don't want it to freeze me out!
Anyone who has had this problem and resolved it please let me know
God bless

Systematically run through this list of fixes.
..Step by Step to fix your Mac
If it doesnt chine it doesn't mean much, the mute could be on or you installed a anti-chime software.

I've updated to yosemite from Mavericks, but since i can't connect to the internet I used my time machine back up which was march 2013. Now my macbook pro won't start and ends with a prohibited ted sign. Any suggestions pls.

I've updated to yosemite from Mavericks, but since i can't connect to the internet I used my time machine back up which was march 2013. Now my macbook pro won't start and ends with a prohibted sign. Any suggestions pls.

Install or Reinstall Yosemite, Mavericks, Mountain Lion, or Lion from Scratch
Be sure you backup your files to an external drive or second internal drive because the following procedure will remove everything from the hard drive.
How to Clean Install OS X Yosemite
OS X Mavericks- Erase and reinstall OS X
OS X Mountain Lion- Erase and reinstall OS X
OS X Lion- Erase and reinstall Mac OS X
Note: You will need an active Internet connection. I suggest using Ethernet if possible
because it is three times faster than wireless.

HT1379 Guys please help? My MacBook Pro won't start up. I have tried the resetting Mac's PRAM and NVRAM procedure with no success. All I see is just the black or grey screen although I hear the drive running.

Guys please help? My MacBook Pro won't start up. I have tried the resetting Mac's PRAM and NVRAM procedure with no success. All I see is just the black or grey screen although I hear the drive running.

Hold shift key down while booting should get you in
go through this list and get back with me
Step by Step to fix your Mac

Macbook Pro won't start up passed installer after failed lion update.

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