Macbook stuck at the gray loading screen

Now when i try to turn on my Macbook, it goes to the gray loading screen with the Apple in the middle and stays there until i turn it off, so obviously, i can't use it right now. i'm just wondering what i've done and how i could possibly fix it...

This could mean several things, so let's just throw them all out and give you the chance to try them out?
== PRAM. Reset the PRAM by restarting while pressing Apple-Option-P-R, and wait until you hear the chime. Then let go of the keys.
== SAFE MODE. You can probably use your Macbook in Safe Mode. While booting, hold down the S key. You'll have access to the minimal keyboard in case you want to try a diagnostic.
== DIAGNOSTIC. If you can get there, update permissions. If you can download MainMenu free from the web, you'll get an all-purpose diagnostic of your computer.
== STARTUP DISK. Put in your startup disk (if you can) and reboot, pressing C. This will bring your your installation page, where you have other diagnostic options. Sometimes, starting up from the Startup Disk is all you need to reset things
There's a start!

Similar Messages

My MacBook pro is stuck at the gray loading screen. How do I fix it?

It's only a month old!
I have tried resetting parameter ram, restarting and holding option to. Load the lion recovery, but nothing seems to work.
Thanks for any help you can offer. This is very frustrating.

Resolution
Note: Some steps below may reset preference settings or registration settings.
Disconnect, test peripheral devices and network cables
Note: "Peripheral devices" refers to external devices other than what came with your Mac, such as hard drives, printers, or hubs that you connect via a USB or FireWire cable.
Shut down your Mac. If necessary, hold your Mac's power button for several seconds to force it to power down.
Disconnect all peripheral devices such as external hard drives or printers (leave only the display, a keyboard, and mouse connected).
Disconnect any Ethernet cables.
Start up your Mac.
If you can start up this way, one or more of your peripheral devices (or installed software related to the device) is probably causing the gray screen issue. Connect one device, then restart your Mac to test for the issue. Repeat the process until you locate the device at issue. Make sure the device is powered if it needs to be to operate correctly. Check with the manufacturer of the device for support or possible software driver or firmware updates that may be available for the device. Try a different cable with the device if possible (such as a different USB or FireWire cable).
Note: If you have multiple peripheral devices and the issue only occurs when they are all connected, but not when each device is the only peripheral connected, see the Additional Information section below.
If you are using a desktop Mac with a third-party keyboard and/or mouse device, and the issue still occurs, try starting up with an Apple keyboard and mouse connected instead. Try starting with no keyboard and mouse connected, then connect them after start up. Also, try a different USB port on your Mac.
If the gray screen issue persists with no devices connected, go to the next section (with the peripherals still disconnected).
Perform a Safe Boot
Simply performing the Safe Boot may resolve this issue.
Shut down your Mac. If necessary, hold your Mac's power button for several seconds to force it to power down.
Start your Mac, then immediately hold the Shift key. This performs a Safe Boot. Advanced tip: If you want to see the status of a Safe Boot as it progresses, you can hold Shift-Command-V during start up (instead of just Shift).
Note: A Safe Boot takes longer than a typical start up because it includes a disk check and other operations.
If your Mac starts up as expected, immediately try restarting.

On Startup, Stuck at the Gray Apple Screen & No Bootup

I used my powerbook last night and shut it down. Upon getting to work and turning it on, I haven't been able to get past the Gray Apple logo screen and loading dial.
I've been on several different boards and one gave me the steps to restart w/ the OSX install disk and hold "c". This worked, got me to the disk utility tool and I was successful in running a verification and repair. Here's the list of info it gave me:
Verify and Repair volume "Core HD"
Checking Journaled HFS Plus Volume
Checking Extents Overflow File
Checking Catalog File
Checking Multi-Linked Files
Checking Hierarchy
Checking Extended Attributes File
Checking Volume Bitmap
Checking Volume Information
The volume Core HD appears to be ok (in green letters)
So, from that, it "appears" to be ok, but I tried to do a restart from this area booting from the Core HD that contains my working content and I go right back to the gray loading screen.
_Any other advice before I take it to the Apple Genius Bar?_
_Possible issues to look for or tricks to try out?_
==========================
*Back info:* My battery has been going out lately and I noticed for the past week that I have to have my powersupply plugged into the powerbook in order to run (battery isn't keeping juice). So when I've had to disconnect the power supply to put the powerbook in my computer bag, the system shuts down and I have to restart w/ the power supply in.
_Could this have screwed up my HD or anything else?_
Thanks for any help in advance!
Rick in LA

*: SUCCESSFUL UPDATE! :*
So, I tried it all w/o success at home, but was optimistic since I could still see my files when running the disk utility.
I went to the Apple Store near my house and I explained the situation to the Mac Genius guy. Again, he was able to boot from another disk, but still not my internal disk.
Final Determination: Corrupted OS & the need to Archive & Reinstall OSX 10.5
*Result = SUCCESS!*
He said, that the OS must have gotten corrupted by way of an update that didn't fully take or a newly installed program that may have disrupted the system.
So, we reinstalled (took about an hour and some change), I got to play with all the new Apple toys and got access to my desktop again all for free. No charge and of course the customer service was friendly and accommodating.
So, I guess the stuck gray screen w/ apple logo could always mean a couple of things, but if the data is still there and you've run through all other options, you can always try an archive and reinstall. Worked for me and I'm posting this message from my operable Powerbook now.
Thanks for the helpful advice TJK. And thanks for sharing your experience Wim138. Hope this helps anyone experiencing the same issue.

I accidently downloaded something that made my webcam flash on spuradically even once i deleted it. when i restarted my computer it got stuck at the white loading screen with the grey apple and wont go past there..what is wrong? will applecare cover this?

i accidently downloaded something that made my webcam flash on spuradically even once i deleted it. when i restarted my computer it got stuck at the white loading screen with the grey apple and wont go past there..what is wrong? will applecare cover this? my computer also slowed down drastically before it stopped working..thanks! HELP PLEASE!

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 boot failure is to secure your 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 your last backup, you can skip this step.
There are several ways to back up a Mac that is unable to boot. You need an external hard drive to hold the backup data.
a. Boot into 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.”
b. If you have access to a working Mac, and both it and the non-working Mac have FireWire or Thunderbolt ports, boot 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.
c. 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
Press and hold the power button until the power shuts off. Disconnect all wired peripherals except those needed to boot, and remove all aftermarket expansion cards. Use a different keyboard and/or mouse, if those devices are wired. If you can boot 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.
If you've booted from an external storage device, make sure that your internal boot volume is selected in the Startup Disk pane of System Preferences.
Step 3
Boot in safe mode. Note: If FileVault is enabled, or if a firmware password is set, or if the boot volume is a software RAID, you can’t do this. Post for further instructions.
Safe mode is much slower to boot 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 your login password in order to log in. If you’ve forgotten the password, you will need to reset it before you begin.
When you boot 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, your boot volume is corrupt and the drive is probably malfunctioning. In that case, go to Step 5.
If you can boot and log in now, empty the Trash, and then open the Finder Info window on your boot 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 reboot as usual (i.e., not in safe mode.)
If the boot process hangs again, the problem is likely caused by a third-party system modification that you installed. Post for further instructions.
Step 4
Sometimes a boot failure can be resolved by resetting the NVRAM.
Step 5
Launch Disk Utility in Recovery mode (see Step 1.) Select your 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 reboot as usual.
Step 6
Reinstall the OS. If your Mac was upgraded from an older version of OS X, you’ll need the Apple ID and password you used to upgrade.
Step 7
Repeat Step 6, but this time erase the boot volume in Disk Utility before installing. The system should automatically reboot into the Setup Assistant. Follow the prompts to transfer your data from a Time Machine or other backup.
Step 8
This step applies only to older Macs (not current models) that have a logic-board ("PRAM") battery. Both desktop and portable Macs used to have such a battery. The logic-board battery is separate from the main battery of a portable. A dead logic-board battery can cause a gray screen at boot. Typically the boot failure will be preceded by loss of the startup disk and system clock settings. See the user manual for replacement instructions. You may have to take the machine to a service provider to have the battery replaced.
Step 9
If you get this far, you're probably dealing with a hardware fault. Make a "Genius" appointment at an Apple Store to have the machine tested. If you can't get to an Apple Store, go to another authorized service provider.

Ibook stuck on the grey loading screen

Stupidly i was messing around and accidentally unlocked the battery which fell out while my ibook was on sleep method. Now the ibook will only start up and get stuck on the grey loading screen.
I fear i have corrupted the hard drive, i have tried resetting the logic board by logging into the base router( i don't know if thats the right terminology), i did this by pressing power, then holding down apple key and v. But when i do this after the normal writing on the screen finishes, a message comes up saying
"Warning completing a zero block transfer"
I have reset my logic board before but this message has not come up.
Any help resolving this issue would be fantastic.
Thanks in advance!!!!!!!

Not resetting?
Well that presents a problem because you need to check the startup disk, repair the disk if necessary, or restore OS X using OS X Recovery
You can resstore from a Time Machine backup using OS X Recovery if necessary.

My ipod touch is stuck in the apple loading screen

my ipod is the 3rd gen it was frozen so i had turned it off than i turned it back on to find the appe loading screen its been on for thw past three hours i tried to connect it to itunes but its lock and i cant put my passcode in to unlock it help please

Try here:
iOS: Not responding or does not turn on
Also try placing the iPod in recovery mode and restoring via iTunes. For recovery mode:
iPhone and iPod touch: Unable to update or restore

My mac is stuck on the grey loading screen?

My mac, is stuck on the grey startup screen. I have tried everything that everyone has said. Yes, I have reset the PRAM, I have tried a safe reboot, I'm NOT resetting it! It just won't start up, I have a seagate 3TB backup drive, but I have no way to get inside the computer, so I can't activate it.
Please help!

Not resetting?
Well that presents a problem because you need to check the startup disk, repair the disk if necessary, or restore OS X using OS X Recovery
You can resstore from a Time Machine backup using OS X Recovery if necessary.

My MacBook Pro is stuck on the gray boot screen

I hope someone out there can help. When I try to turn on my MacBook, it chimes and then sits on the gray screen with the wheel thing spinning.
I tried booting in safe mode, clearing the PRAM and I have tried booting to the install disk and running disk repair and permissions repair. No change. When I restart, it goes back to the gray screen and stays there.
Any help would be very helpful.
Cheers.

Hi DWB,
When I boot to the Install Disk, I am able to run Disk Utilities. But even though the HD is declared verified and working, when I try to reboot the computer using the HD, it stalls on the gray screen.
I tried holding d and nothing happened.
Holding Cmd+V opened verbose mode and after a few restarts using Cmd+V to verify that the problem was consistent, I can say that it is.
The last 9 lines (let me know if you need more...I was just wanting to avoid typing them all ) are:
com.apple.launchd 1 com.apple.launchd 1 *launched[1] has started up. *
com.apple.launchd 1 com.apple.launchd 1 *Verbose boot; will log to /dev/console. *
Bug: launchtl.c:3557 (23930):6: ioctl((s6, SIOCAIFADDR_ING,&ifra6) != -1
Running fsck on the boot volume...
Executing fsck_hfs (version diskdev_cmds-491~1).
launchctl: Dubious permissions on file (skipping): /Library/LaunchDaemons
launchctl: Dubious permissions on file (skipping): /System/Library/LaunchDaemons
launchctl: Dubious permissions on file (skipping): /etc/mach_init.d
AppleIntelCPUPowerManagement: initialization complete
There is only what appears to be a white cursor on the next line and that is where it hangs.
I hope that you will know what all that means.

My iPhone is stuck in the apple loading screen

My iphone is stuck on the apple boot logo with the loading bar under it, and my computer doesn't say that it is plugged in. I've already tried holding the home and power button trick to turn it off, but my home button had been broken before this so it dosent do anything. I dont know of any other ways to get it out of this screen and working again.

NVM... broke down and called Apple Care. Pressed on/off button and held it for a few minutes before pressing home button. In recovery mode, but at least it is doing something now!

Stuck at the gray open screen.

My Mac Pro was working perfectly fine and then the next time I started it up it gets to the grey screen with the apple logo and the loading gear and that's it it stays there. What can I do to fix this and get my Mac working again?

Mac OS X: Gray screen appears during startup
and are Mac Pros.

HP Compaq dc7700 won't boot up. Beeps continuously and is stuck at the Windows loading screen.

My computer is a HP Compaq dc7700 Convertible Minitower desktop computer. The operating system is a Windows 7 32-bit.
When I try to boot up my desktop it just has the continuous beeping noise, there's no real pattern or red light. About 5 days ago I got a blue screen, but ignored it since when I rebooted it the pc worked fine. The only big change I've amde recently is installing World of Warcraft on the computer, other than that I don't remember making any big changes to the computer at all.

Hello @ Jjradb
Welcome to the HP support boards. Lets see if we can help you out with your boot issue.
If you could please post back with your complete system information. What I will need is your complete model number and product number, along with that your notebooks Operating System.
Here is a link you can use that will help you find your model and product number for your hp notebook.
How Do I Find My Model Number or Product Number?
One thing you can try until you post me that information is. This resolution was provided by @DavidPK on the following link.
My Hp Laptop freezes at the startup screen.. Help!
Thank you
Please click the "Thumbs Up" on the bottom right of this post to say thank you if you appreciate the support I provide!
Also be sure to mark my post as “Accept as Solution" if you feel my post solved your issue, it will help others who face the same challenge find the same solution.
D5GR
I work on behalf of HP

TS3694 Help! When I try to restore my iPhone 5s i keep getting restore errors 11 or 17. the last time i tried restoring it the iPhone got stuck at the restore loading screen

Please help me

From the article that the thread was started from:
Resolve communication issues
Related errors: 17, 1004, 1013, 1638, 3014, 3194, or 3000-3999. These alerts refer to gs.apple.com, say "There was a problem downloading the software," or say the "device isn't eligible for the requested build."
Check the hosts file or TCP/IP filtering, which might cause communication issues between iTunes, ports, and servers
Check for hardware issues
Related errors: 1, 3, 10-47, 1002, 1011, 1012, 1014, 1000-1020, 1669.
Try to restore your iOS device two more times while connected with a cable, computer, and network you know are good. Also, confirm your security software and settings are allowing communication between your device and update servers. If you still see the error message when you update or restore, contact Apple support.
Error 1015 might happen after making unauthorized modifications to iOS, also called "jailbreaking."

Ibook G4 freezes either when its on the grey loading screen or the blue screen. Sometimes I get it to my desktop but it always freezes in like a minute. Someone help I really need this computer!

I have tried everything online and my iBook g4 wont stop freezing. Safe Mode doesnt even help, it still gets stuck on the blue screen! It either gets stuck on the grey loading screen or the blue screen. Rarely I am able to boot past everything and get to my desktop but after about 30 seconds it freezes again. This laptop was passed down to me and I have no original papers or disks that came with this laptop. I am really trying to figure this out without buying a disk because if it doesnt work I wont be out $60. Someone help I have tried putting it in safe mode single mode holding c down during start up! I need more options.. Please this is the only computer I have right now! (PS: I know warranty has expired a long long time ago)

Hello,
Some information you may or may not have read.
Troubleshooting portables that won't turn on or start up
http://support.apple.com/kb/TA25686?viewlocale=en_US
Troubleshooting: My computer won't turn on
http://support.apple.com/kb/TS1367
Without the disk you are limited on options. It could be an issue with the hard drive and would required the disk to run disk utility.

HT201210 How do I fix my iPod when it is stuck on the Apple loading page?

My iPod is stuck on the Apple loading screen when you turn it on and it will not change off that screen. It happend when after I tried to update my ios Operating System. Please help!

well the thing is ive tried to reset and restart and i cant restore because it wont sync to itunes

Ibook g4 gray loading screen

hi all i need help, i have a g4 ibook which was working fine until i tried to connect to the internet and it froze, so i restarted it an now it wont get past the gray loading screen with the apple logo. i have tried to reboot from the install disc by pressing C but it does nothing it just goes straight to the gray screen again. any ideas anyone?

Welcome to the Forum!
Strange. You should be able to boot up from your install DVD.
Try starting up in SAFE MODE. Restart holding the shift key down. This will perform some basic repairs as it does so. Post back.

Macbook stuck at the gray loading screen

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