MacBook Won't Start and Hard Drive Full

My daughter's MacBook won't start up completely. It tells me to power off and power on again. I tried restarting using my Snow Leopard DVD and it won't let me load, re-install or restore because it says her hard drive is 100% full. Not sure how it got full and not sure how to get computer working again with no room on hard drive. Help please.

With MacBooks it's only the Late 2008 model 5,1 Aluminum Unibody and the Late 2009 model 6,1 and Mid 2010 model 7,1 White Unibody that don't have FireWire. Which one is hers?
You can get a larger hard drive (sounds like she needs one) and an external case. Put the larger hard drive in the MacBook and do a fresh install of the Operating System and the old hard drive in the external case.
For a hard drive try Newegg.com. For larger drives go to the left hand side. http://www.newegg.com/Store/SubCategory.aspx?SubCategory=380&name=Laptop-Hard-Dr ives&Order=PRICE
Or OWC http://eshop.macsales.com/shop/hard-drives/2.5-Notebook/
Here's a cheap SATA external hard drive case on eBay http://cgi.ebay.com/USB-2-5-SATA-HDD-HARD-DRIVE-EXTERNAL-ENCLOSURE-CASE-BOX-/120 636286623?pt=PCC_Drives_Storage_Internal&hash=item1c167ba69f
Here's video instructions on replacing the hard drive on the Aluminum Unibody http://eshop.macsales.com/installvideos/macbookpro_13_unibody_hd/
Here's video instructions on replacing the hard drive on the White Unibody http://eshop.macsales.com/installvideos/macbook_13_09_unibody_hd/

Similar Messages

Powerbook G4 10.4.11 won't start from hard drive . Tried repair, " The underlying task reported failure on exit (-9972).Invalid sibling link,invalid B tree header, invalid map node,invalid record type,the volume needs to be repaired.

Powerbook G4 10.4.11 won't start from hard drive . Tried repair, " Invalid sibling link,invalid B tree header, invalid map node,invalid record type,the volume needs to be repaired.Powerbook G4 10.4.11 won't start from hard drive . Tried repair, " The underlying task reported failure on exit (-9972).Invalid sibling link,invalid B tree header, invalid map node,invalid record type,the volume needs to be repaired.
The underlying task reported failure on exit (-9972).

kauribill wrote:
" The underlying task reported failure on exit (-9972).Invalid sibling link,invalid B tree header, invalid map node,invalid record type,the volume needs to be repaired.
The underlying task reported failure on exit (-9972).
This is a directory issue that Disk Utility cannot fix. Although it manifests itself as a software issue sometimes it may be hardware based. See DiskUtility reports "Underlying task reported failure" when repairing avolume http://support.apple.com/kb/TS1901?viewlocale=en_US". You can try using a utility like TechTool Pro, Drive Genius or Disk Warrior to repair and replace the directory. Another option would be to use the Archive and Install feature to reinstall. If the problem returns after correction you may have a failing or failed HDD.
cornelius

Macbook won't recognize external Hard Drive and issues with Time Machine

Hello everyone,
I have just bought a new Macbook Pro with Mountain Lion and I am currently having problems with Time Machine.
The issue begun in Snow Leopard: Time Machine was taking too long to backup, and would often not finish the backup because the external hard drive would be unwillingly ejected.
Now with Mountain Lion I have reformated the drive (Mac OS Journaled) and about a third of the way through had the same issue: the drive was ejected before the backup could be finished. I restarted the machine and it happened again. However, now the computer won't even recognize the external drive when I plug it in. I have also tried to power off/on the drive itself to no progress.
I have tested the USB port with another drive and the port is fine. I have also tested the usb cable and it is fine. And Disk Utility does not recognize the drive (even when I try the >diskutil list command in terminal).
Now, I can hear the drive humming normally when I turn it on, and it is not usb-powered (my electricity current does fluctuate).
Could the interrupted backup procedures have damaged the drive? And if so, wouldn't the computer recognize it anyway?
It is a 4 year old WD 1 TB that is used exclusively for TM and has never left the house.
Thank you for your time reading this and let me know if you need any more information that could help out.
Cheers!

From your description, I'd suspect a failing drive. Maybe time for a new external, especially as you've already re-formatted and it's still playing up.
I had a similar problem with one of my clone backups a few weeks ago - it failed, I erased it, re-cloned, worked a couple of times and then it failed again. Disk Utility didn't throw up any errors after re-formatting. I guess all disks die at some point.

Computer won't start from hard drive or CD, and won't perform system recovery.

I have an HP Pavilion g7-1314nr. Yesterday it froze and I held down the power button to turn it off. After turning it back on, it started a disk check. I turned it off during the disk check, and upon trying to boot it back up, it told me booting failed and to press CTRL-ALT-DELETE to try again. After multiple attempts, it stopped displaying this message. Under system diagnostics, I ran a boot test, and it failed. Attempting a system recovery brings up the start-up windows logo, and then a black screen with an enlarged cursor. This morning, I inserted a recovery disk and told it to boot from internal CD/DVD drive. Like system recovery, it brings the Windows logo, and then a black screen with an enlarged cursor. My computer is incapable of booting from either the hard drive or a CD. What do I do?

Hi @TeridaxXD001 ,
Thank you for visiting the HP Support Forums and Welcome. I have looked into your issue about your HP Pavilion g7-1314nr Notebook and issues with Windows 7 and starting up. I recommend to restore the BIOS defaults. You could restore the BIOS with this document selecting the reloading the BIOS default settings which should resolve the fan issue.
Here is a link to computer won't start for Windows 7. There is a section on getting past the HP Logo screen.
If that does not help at the end of the document it shows you to do a hardware test.
Please note remove any and all USB devices before troubleshooting. Disconnect all non-essential devices
Hope this helps you out.
Thanks.
Please click “Accept as Solution ” if you feel my post solved your issue, it will help others find the solution.
Click the “Kudos, Thumbs Up" on the bottom to say “Thanks” for helping!

Macbook won't recognize new hard drive tried a lot of things and need ideas

My MacBook rececently froze up and when i shut it down it just loaded with a folder question mark. I went through a lot of different discussions, and came on the conclusion my hard drive died! I bought a new one on ebay and i put it in myself. I tried loading software on it but it would not show my hard drive being there. I tried the PR+AppleOption but it still didn't show. I then went to disk utility and notice that the hard drive appeared there, but it wouldn't let me do anything with it. My warrenty is up and i was hoping i wouldn't have to take it in to the apple store, but i will at the end of the week if needed!

New drives need to be prepped before use:
Extended Hard Drive Preparation
1. Open Disk Utility in your Utilities folder. If you need to reformat your startup volume, then you must boot from your OS X 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 Installer menu (Utilities menu for Tiger or Leopard.)
2. After DU loads select your hard drive (this is the entry with the mfgr.'s ID and size) from the left side list. Note the SMART status of the drive in DU's status area. If it does not say "Verified" then the drive is failing or has failed and will need replacing. SMART info will not be reported on external drives. Otherwise, click on the Partition tab in the DU main window.
3. Click on the Options button, set the partition scheme to GUID (only required for Intel Macs) then click on the OK button. Set the number of partitions from the dropdown menu (use 1 partition unless you wish to make more.) Set the format type to Mac OS Extended (Journaled.) Click on the Partition button and wait until the volume(s) mount on the Desktop.
4. Select the volume you just created (this is the sub-entry under the drive entry) from the left side list. Click on the Erase tab in the DU main window.
5. Set the format type to Mac OS Extended (Journaled.) Click on the Options button, check the button for Zero Data and click on OK to return to the Erase window.
6. Click on the Erase button. The format process can take up to several hours depending upon the drive size.

Macbook Won't Recognize Internal Hard Drive

When my Macbook starts up I either get a grey screen or a flashing folder with question mark. It will not recognize the internal hard drive. After researching, I'ved tried everything out there. Opening in safe mode, reseting NVRAM, booting from Lion install USB flash drive. The internal hard drive just will not show up anywhere, even in disk utility. Answers I've found:
1. A key is stuck pressed down
Slap the keyboard a bit to dislogde any keys
2. Test Internal HD
Test by taking to genius bar and they will test HD for you
or test yourself by getting SATA cable to USB and connect to another Macbook. (Make sure you get the right cable, mine is SATA3 to USB 2.0).
3. If Internal HD is Dead
Buy new Internal HD (Solid State or SATA) - Crucial seems to be the best website. Note, you'll most likely have to do a fresh install of your operating system.
Installation tutorials are online, it's really easy.
4. If internal hard drive is not dead, then it could be a bad SATA cable.
I recomend getting someone else to replace this although there are tutorials online.
5. Top Case may need replacing (see #1) Not very likely, but very easy to do yourself, you can find them online around $120
I'll have an update tomorrow. Oh, and a screw is also stripped so it may take awhile to get out.
My specs: Macbook 2.16Ghz Part No.MB158LL/A (Black)

When a hard drive fails to appear in Disk Utility that usually means the drive has failed. I really don't understand the purpose of the rest of your post. I don't even know what the question is, but I'm guessing you want to know if the drive should be replaced. The answer would be, "Yes."

Macbook won't boot from Hard Drive of Disc Drive!

So I bought a Macbook (Mid-2010) from a friend recently and I can't seem to get it to boot from the hard drive or optical drive. At first I tried booting from the HD it already had and when I didn't have any luck, I went out and bought a new one. It still won't boot. I'll turn it on, it'll chime and will try to load, and then I'll get the "You need to restart your." message. I've tried booting from disc (Leopard & Snow Leopard) and will still get the same message. I have also tried all possible startup key combinations and haven't had any luck. I don't have the original DVD it came with. So was wondering if any of you guys out there have experienced this. I would like to hear your tips before I go to an Apple Store and see if they can get it fixed for me.

"You need to restart your." message
That is referred to as a "kernel panic"...
Try here > Tutorial: Avoiding and eliminating Kernel panics | MacFixIt - CNETReviews
I don't have the original DVD it came with
You will need those discs. 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.
You can check the startup disk using the Disk Utility application located in /Applications/Utilities if you can boot in Safe Mode, but you cannot make repairs without the install disc.

Macbook won't see internal hard drive sometimes

I've got a core duo macbook that's been giving me trouble for awhile. The original hard drive crashed and I replaced it, then the new hard drive crashed and I had some issues with kernel panics, etc. I can boot off my firewire drive and it seems to work fine, but I put in a 3rd hard drive today to give it another chance, and it won't mount when I boot from the installer disk. I booted from the external hard drive, and initially the internal hard drive did not mount. The second time I opened Disk Utility, the hard drive was there, so I tried to format it, but I get the pinwheel and nothing happens. I'm running OS 10.5 with 2GB of ram. I'm thinking it's a logic board issue as I was getting kernel panics at one time, but haven't seen any lately. Any help?

When a hard drive fails to appear in Disk Utility that usually means the drive has failed. I really don't understand the purpose of the rest of your post. I don't even know what the question is, but I'm guessing you want to know if the drive should be replaced. The answer would be, "Yes."

MacBook won't boot from hard drive or CD

My MacBook will not turn on. When the power button is pressed the chime sounds as normal and the grey screen appears but it will not go any further. It also refuses to boot from a CD when c is held down. The CD spins up but it does not load. The computer was water damaged in December and this killed the hard drive but I replaced it and it worked fine again for about a month. Does anyone have any suggestions?

Thanks for the advice, doesn't seem to have worked though.

Mac Book Pro won't start from hard drive when turned on

I have a new 15 in Mac Book Pro with 10.8.1. When I turn it on it always boots to the disk utilities rather than my harddrive. I select my startup disk and reboot. It starts fine. But when I shut it off the same sequence repeats. I have verified my drive and selected the hard drive as my startup disk.
What is happeneing? What should I try?

Step by Step to fix your Mac

Macbook won't start up, CD drive makes noise on regular intervals

The computer itself turns on (power gets to it) but the screen stays black and the disc drive makes the noise as if I just fed it a CD, pulsating on regular short intervals.
I just had to get a new hard drive for the thing a few months ago. I have not dropped it or knowingly damaged it in any way.
I don't have any money, so I hope this is going to be an easy fix...
Thanks!

You can try a PRAM reset. Press the power button to turn it on. Press and hold RP+optioncommand. Release the buttons until you heard the second louder chime sound. If this doesn't work, then a SMC reset is recommended. Unhook the power cord. Take out the battery. Press and hold the power button for 5 seconds. Put the battery and the power cord back and start the computer. If this doesn't work, then you need to go to an Apple Store as it most likely could be a hardware issue.

PowerMac G4 won't start, pull Hard Drive?

My PowerMac G4 Dual 450 (Digital Audio) won't start-up. It's dead. I've replaced the battery and reset PMU, still nothing.
I also have a new iMac. Can I pull the hardrive out of my old G4 and put it in an external case and access it with the iMac? Will the iMac recognize it? Anything else I need to do?
Thanks.

Get an external Firewire case & install the HD. Firewire is much faster than USB 2.0, and currently, unless you have a USB 2.0 PCI card, your USB 1.1 is very, very slow. You should be able to access all the files.
Be sure you followed Apple's PMU reset procedure. Also, look at the tips on this site Mac PRAM, NVRAM, CUDA/PMU & Battery Tutorial
 Cheers, Tom

Macbook won't recognize external hard drive

I installed a new hard drive and then installed Snow leopard and my computer can't seem to find my external hard drive. I'll plug and unplug and nothing comes up. The USB ports both seem to be working fine with my thumb drive. Help- trying to salvage what I can from my time machine after a hard drive crash!
Please help!
Thanks,
Heather

External drives don't show up on Desktop by default. First, connect the external drive, and then, open a Finder window. After that, you should see your external drive in the Finder's sidebar, under "Devices". If you want to show it on Desktop, open the Finder menu (on the menu bar) > Preferences > General, and tick "External drives"

My Macbook won't start, and I must reinstall the disk. I haven't used time machine to back up, and I want to use an external drive to back up now. How can i do this from the utilities page?

I am currently in Zambia on missions work and my computer is constantly exposed to heat. I have just been trying to avoid using it during the hottest part of the day. Today though, I started it up and it was stuck on the grey page with the rotating circle for over an hour, then once the circle left, it remained frozen on the gray page. I used command + r at startup to go to the utilities page to analyze the disk. It found that there were problems with the disk, but then it could not fix those problems and told me to backup as much information as I could and reinstall or redo it all. I haven't ever used time machine to back up any of my information, but i have an external drive that I can use right now to backup my files. I can't get into my computer though to backup the files. How can I use this external drive to backup my files while the computer is currently messed up? Please help.

Emergency Backups (Data Recovery)
A)          Format an external disk:
          (This will erase all data on the external disk.)
          Boot in recovery mode (power then Command-R).
                    Alternative: Network recovery boot (power then Command-Option-R keys)
          To format (and erase) the destination recovery disk:
          Plug in the drive you are about to erase.
          Select the volume that is NOT your system disk.
          Click on Partition.
          Pull down under Partition Layout to 1 Partition.
          Click on Options…
          Select GUID Partition Table.
          Name: Emergency Backup (or whatever you prefer)
          Format: Select Mac OS Extended (journaled)
          Click Apply.
          Click Partition.
B)          Try to boot in Safe Mode (power then Shift key).
          (This will be a slow boot. Be patient.)
          If it won’t boot in Safe Mode, jump to C.
          If it boots in Safe Mode, try to boot in normal mode.
                    If that fixed your problem then start a Time Machine backup.
                    http://support.apple.com/kb/ht1427
                    https://discussions.apple.com/docs/DOC-4055
          If not, boot in Safe Mode again.
          Go > Computer.
          Double click on the system disk.
          Drag the Users folder to the recovery disk.
C)          To clone the disk:
          Boot in recovery mode.
          Select Disk Utility.
          Try to repair the system disk twice.
          Whether or not the repair succeeds:
          Drag and drop the system disk to Source:
          Drag an drop Emergency Backup to Destination:
          (Take care not to reverse this order.)
          Click Restore (the lower Restore button).
Once your system is healthy, maintain two reasonably current backups. (Time machine restores can fail.)
Create either two Time Machine backups (good) or one or more Time Machine backup(s) and one or more bootable-clone backup(s) (better).
          Use Carbon Copy Cloner or SuperDuper! to create bootable-clone recovery disks.
          See https://discussions.apple.com/docs/DOC-3045
          and https://discussions.apple.com/docs/DOC-6031

Macbook won't start and continuously beeps

Help

I have the same problem but it beeps for less than a second every five seconds or so.
Before that it froze while trying to connect to the Apple store via iTunes.
Keyboard, mouse and pad were all useless.
A long press on the power button switched it off
I reset the SMC but it had no effect. (Removed battery and power cable. Pressed power button for 5 seconds.)
Now it has a black screen and the recurring beep.

MacBook Won't Start and Hard Drive Full

Similar Messages

Maybe you are looking for