MacBook won't start from HD or DVD

White MacBook (A1181) will not start up on HD or system disc. Normal startup gives folder with blinking ? and with system DVD inserted, gives endless message to "shut down by holding the power button and then press again to startup"
It was working fine, went to sleep, woke up in an unresponsive state so I did a forced shut down. Now it will not startup. I get a white screen and either an Apple or a folder with blinking ? depending on whether I'm trying to start with a DVD or from the HD.
HELP!!!!

No, because even if you're using a DVD as a boot disc, your HD still has to be the one to ultimately read it through the optical disc reader. The DVD is just being read as another partition in a drive. Had the partition been bad, then it would have booted fine. (Even if you haven't really partitioned anything yourself, your "Macintosh HD" is your standard 1 partition. It's kind of like... to put it "real world," having departments in a department store. The whole "store" is your hard drive, but your "Macintosh HD" is a department, and your DVD is a department, like Macy's, Shoes and Clothing.)
Message was edited by: Ryesen_Grear

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MacBook won't start from CD

My MacBook won't startup from it's CD. Instead, it ejects the disk.
If ANYOE has a solution to this probloem, PLEASE respond below.
Thanks, Nathan.

There are a number of possibilities here.
Bad install disk. Test with another disk to make sure the MacBook is not ejecting all disks.
Bad optical drive. Test the disk in another computer.
Firmware password set on the MacBook which will not allow it to boot from any external source.
Best of luck.

MacBook Pro 17 - 10.5.8. Won't start from HD or DVD

Hi, I have a 2009 MacBook Pro 17, which isn't feeling well at all.
It all started when I forgot my account password (It's my personal machine but an overly 'helpful' IT guy at an old company I worked at set himself up as Admin on my mac and then left, as I did shortly after - so I've never had admin access which was never a problem really).
As I don't think I still have the discs that came with the laptop (moved house a few times / they could be in storage) I looked at trying to reset my account password in single user mode. The first step of this was to do a 'fsck -fy' and here it told me I had a 'disk0s2: I/0 error.' and 'Invalid node structure' and the volume check had failed.
So that was a concern, I then borrowed a friends install disk (I think it was 10.6?) and tried that, at this point the laptop would recognise and boot from the DVD - but I couldn't access disk utility.
So I thought I'd buy a copy of 10.5.8 Leopard from ebay - that came this week - and trying to boot from that disc has had no success - if I hold the option key at start-up nothing happens I just get a grey screen and spinning icon. Stranger still if I hold the 'C' key down on start-up the machine goes to grey then chimes and continues to chime like a PRAM reset!
So now when I try to boot the machine normally from the HD I get the Apple logo and spinning wheel, which is on screen for a while, then the machine powers down.
I can still get it to start in single-user mode, and it used to get me to the account login screen once I typed 'exit' in this mode. But now when I do type 'exit' it returns to a grey screen and then shuts down.
I don't have a back-up of my hard drive so my priority is trying to rescue what I can. I don't want to waste money on Disk Warrior or something if I can't boot from the DVD?
So what can I do? Any help gratefully appreciated.

Any reinstallation is not going to be successful if you have invalid node structure. You have bigger fish to fry here than worrying about DVD access.
Mr Simpson wrote:
The first step of this was to do a 'fsck -fy' and here it told me I had a 'disk0s2: I/0 error.' and 'Invalid node structure' and the volume check had failed.
You also mention that the 10.6 disc would read from the DVD but not allow you into Disk Utility? What happened when you tried to access it? Was it selectable and then didn't do anything?
We can't really narrow down whether it is the DVD or anything else at this time.
If you don't have a backup of the information it is probably toast if you cannot get Disk Utility to work. I would normaly suggest DIsk Warrior but that is a $79 gamble if you are not sure if the drive is working or not. It may be your last hope to recover whatever you can from the drive.
Also, what was the original OS installed on the machine before it crashed? Was it 10.6 or was it the 10.5.7 you mentioned?

Apple Hardware Test won't start from original Apple DVD

I'll make this one short and to the point, and here're what I did to try to start the Apple Hardware Test - and failed:
1) Disconnected all connected network and hardware except the bare essentials (Apple USB keyboard and mouse).
2) Insert DVD#1 of the original iMac media (then OS X v10.5.2)
3) Shut off iMac. Start, holding 'D' key (with the iMac DVD#1 in the drive)
4) Keep holding 'D' key, AHT didn't start, instead the DVD disc ejects, and the grey screen shows folder with question mark, nothing happens thereafter.
5) Repeated 10x, no difference.
Somebody knows what's wrong?

Holding down C key does start the Mac OS X installer; in which I was able to "partially" diagnose that my HDD is toast by using the Disk Utility. It formats (erases), but as soon as I finished erasing, I tried to verify the disk, and it says it already has problems and cannot be repaired.
I am thinking if during the loading of AHT (from DVD), it tries to cache some files onto the internal hard drive. Since my drive is no good - thus the reason for my using AHT, which is to find out if I get a 4HDD/11 type error - the AHT simply cannot load under my circumstances.

After 10.4.11 upgrade Macbook won't start can't boot from external HD

Hi guys,
I just suffer as all other that after try ti install the 10.4.11 update my macbook won't start, I have a external HD with a image of my macbook but went I press and hold the option key I only see the bootcamp parttion and my internal HD, I don't see the external HD.
How can I boot from my external HD if I have a bootcamp partition?
Thanks

I follow the robotobi post and solve this issue.
Thanks robotobi

Macbook won't start

Macbook won't start up. Sounds like disc drive is spinning but screen remains dark as though startup file is not booting.

Did you also try reset of NVRAM/PRAM?
http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1379
When you tried the Command + Opt + P + R keys on restart, held almost
immediately and through the time period it should chime on startup, did
you keep holding those keys down, so as to force it to repeat the chime?
You should do this (if possible to tell) through Three chimes, before you
let those keys go; that would be indicative of a NVRAM/PRAM reset.
Aside from the details and troubleshooting processes in the SMC reset
article from Apple Support, that could shed some light on the issue, if
these were done in their subscribed order before finally trying the SMC.
Have you tried System Management Controller (SMC) reset more than once?
http://support.apple.com/kb/HT3964 {and those other troubleshooting bits}
Depending on which MacBook you have, the details may vary; with some
you could try several items not possible with a later model, such as a hard
reset of the computer (remove battery, hold power button, etc) and other
details I am not going into now... Here's something that worked for this one:
•My MacBook won't boot, no start chime, just DVD spinning sound:
http://www.ifixit.com/Answers/View/6271/My+MacBook+won%27t+boot,+no+start+chime, +just+the+DVD+spinning+sound.
There are some ideas there which may help. At least as far as trouble-
shooting. If you have access to an Apple Store with Genius Bar in the
USA or Canada, you could call ahead for an appointment to have one
of their staff genius tech persons diagnose and troubleshoot this issue.
In other locations, there may be fees charged to accommodate services.
Anyway, I an not certain what to suggest next.
Did you try booting from the Snow Leopard DVD?
Good luck & happy computing!

Macbook won't start after recent update

Hi Guys,
Got a problem with a month old Macbook. Clicked for the recent updates and after it restarting the Macbook won't start up past the Apple logo and the rotating symbol beneath it.
Any ideas ? Thanks in advance
Nick

Hi Nick,
Check out these two articles:
http://support.apple.com/kb/TS1541 (Mac OS X 10.5: Troubleshooting installation, startup, and login issues)
http://support.apple.com/kb/HT2956 (Troubleshooting Mac OS X installation from CD or DVD)
Running Disk Utility and trying to verify the startup volume or starting up in Safe Mode would probably be the next best course of action.

Macbook won't start, just a flashing folder w/ "?" appears

macbook won't start, just a flashing folder w/ "?" appears
this happens after it hanged-up and I turned off the power

That folder with the question mark icon means that the MacBook can't find the boot directory. That can either mean it can't find the hard drive or the Operating System data on the hard drive is somehow corrupted.
Put your install DVD into the optical drive and reboot. As soon as you hear the boot chime, hold down the "c" key on your keyboard (or the Option key until the Install Disk shows up). That will force your MacBook to boot from the install DVD in the optical drive.
When it does start up, you'll see a panel asking you to choose your language. Just press the Return key on your keyboard once. It will then present you with an Installation window. Completely ignore this window and click on Utilities in the top menu and scroll down to Disk Utility and click it. When it comes up is your Hard Drive in the list on the left?
If it is then click on the Mac OS partition of your hard drive in the left hand list. Then select the First Aid Tab and run Repair Disk. The Repair Disk button won't be available until you've clicked on the Mac OS partition on your hard drive. If that repairs any problems run it again until the green OK appears and then run Repair Permissions.
If your hard drive isn’t recognized in Disk Utility then your hard drive is probably dead.

My macbook won't start up i have used the option command p r while holding down power button but not done.. please help guys

my macbook won't start up i have used the option command p r while holding down power button but not done.. please help guys

It not polite to repost asking fro more help three minutes after initial post.
Recovery mode is Command & R keys after depressing and releasing the Power button for a normal startup.
OS X: About OS X Recovery - Apple Support
That only works for Lion and later.
What exactly happens when your try to boot to Recovery?
Try starting in Safe Mode resetting the SMC and NVRAM/PRAM
OS X: What is Safe Boot, Safe Mode?
Intel-based Macs: Resetting the System Management Controller (SMC)
About NVRAM and PRAM
What model MacBook Pro and what OSX version was on the Mac?
Have you tried booting from an OSX install DVD?
When you try to start doe the Power light light?
This is the Mac Pro desktop forum. I requested your post be moved to the MacBook Pro laptop forum.

Macbook won't start - apple icon turns to circle with diagonal line/slash

My Macbook won't start. When I turn on the power, the apple icon appears but then after a while it changes to a circle with a diagonal line/slash, then it just shows a gray screen.
The last time I used the computer I did several software updates. Could this be causing the problem? Any suggestions for getting my computer operating again?
Thanks for any help/advice.

Yup, i encountered the same experience after a strange failed USB-loading, and a sudden shutdown of my macbook.
Luckily i manage to "safe-boot" (pressing "Shift" key once starting up the mac) my macbook so that i can save the necessary files before will lose them all.
After that i popped-in my SL Installation DVD, and did the reinstallation process. Fortunately, everything works as charm and everything is back to normal after Spotlight has done it's hard work.
Happy Apple user once again.

After installing latest update Macbook won't start up.

After installing the latest update my macbook won't start up. Instead of the login screen I get a flashing map icon with a question mark. My uncle says that means it can't find the startup disk and I had to startup from the install disk holding C but it didn't work. I'm quite desperate because I need my macbook for school (writing & producing music). I type this on a friend's computer... How can I fix this? Or do I really have to go to a mac store and part from my macbook for an unknown time...? :'(
I don't exactly know what version I have (can't check it now either) but it's at least 10.6.something and I always install the updates...

Hi
Anything unusual happen during the 10.5.3 update installation phase?
What type of iMac are you using? Your tag says G5 but also Intel core processors - it can't be both.
Try this:
-First unplug your computer and wait 10 minutes
-Next, simultaneously reinsert the power cord while pressing the power button for 5 seconds then release
-Press the power button again to start the computer - this resets the computer's system management unit (SMU) which controls your machines power functions.
-Next, press/hold down the P/R/option/command keys for 3 Apple chimes. This clears the machine's PRAM. After the 3rd chime release those keys and immediately hold down the Shift key to put the machine into Safe User Mode
-If you get to a log-in screen (may take several minutes as repair functions are occurring on the boot), log-in. When the login is complete, restart the computer as usual.
If no go, I suggest taking the machine to a certified Apple tech, or if you live near an Apple store to the Genius Bar.
Post back
Message was edited by: Hawaiian_Starman

MacBook won't start on battery/shuts down when power adapter is removed

Help & advice needed please.
My MacBook won't start without external power, it gives a whir then a click then nothing. Once started up, if I remove the external power it just shuts off.
The battery shows at 98% & charging. Coconut Battery shows the following:
Current battery charge 4126 (& increasing as I type)
Maximum battery charge 4200
Current battery capacity 4200
Original battery capacity 5200
80%
Battery loadcycles 111
Age of your Mac 6 months
Charger connected yes
Battery is charging yes
Does anyone have a clue why the Mac won't power itself on the battery when everything else seems like it works?
Cheers!

As of today, my MacBook and I have been together for 40 days. Yesterday, while I was happily surfing (on battery), it powered down with no warning. Okay, these things happen. I plugged it in, restarted, and all seemed to be fine. Battery was about 70%. I did other things on my other machines and when it was about 90%, unplugged it and everything was good. This morning after using it unplugged for 1.5 hours it did the same thing, but decided to only work with the power adapter, not on battery alone. When trying to boot without AC, it would try to spin the CD and then fall back into off. When on AC, if I pulled the adapter, it would last two seconds and go blank. I made an appt. with the Apple store (Fashion Show Mall, Las Vegas) for 3:20pm. I got there right at 3:20pm and the monitors showed I was 5th in line. Store was fairly packed, at least one patron at every display item. Monitors also said the next MacGenius appt. was "approx. 8:30pm." Glad I made an appt! I was served about 15 min. later, during which time the monitors had changed to "No more MacGenius appts. available today, please try tomorrow." However, one guy came by without an appt. and was told he would be put on standby and to come back in 30 min.
Once I explained my issue with my MacBook battery, my Genius tried one of his batteries. "I just want to make sure it's your battery and not your motherboard." My machine worked fine, so he said "No problem, I'll have you out of here in 10 minutes." He got me a brand new battery, tested it, and put my old one in a box on the rear counter with four others. He pulled the serial number from the "About this Mac" area, didn't need my receipt for purchase date or anything. I had even printed this page: http://www.apple.com/support/macbook_macbookpro/batteryupdate/ to use as ammunition, but didn't need it. He did approve highly of my dashboard widget "iStat pro", available here: http://islayer.com/.
So the battery issue is a very common problem, and one that Apple has tried to deal with as painlessly as possible for the consumer. My Genius did ask if the battery showed an "X" in the icon bar, and I said no. Just wouldn't run on battery. On the way out of the store, one of the 3 MacBooks, in fact the one closest to the door, had an "X" on the battery icon. When I unplugged the power, it shut down immediately! The moral of the story is to contact Apple immediately with problems and give them a chance to fix them. Hope this helps others.

How do I backup all my files if my Macbook won't start up?

So a few days ago, my dad and I got into a fight - he reacted by pouring coffee all over my macbook, then continuously slammed it on the floor. There wasn't really much I could do for my macbook then, except the basic procedure of powering it off, turning it upside down, then waiting for a couple of days to use it. Luckily enough, my macbook was able to turn on, but it got stuck on the logo screen and couldn't go any further than that.
I had already planned to diagnose my macbook after an earlier water spill, and spent over $500 on tools/replacements. I bought an external hard drive to backup my computer files with before diagnosing it - but now I can't really do that since my macbook won't start up. Is there any way I can boot it up just to back up my files before they get lost forever?

yes, the HD contains all you data, SEE PIC BELOW of macbook
Do you have 2 HD in your macbook? Some macbooks are modified and have removed DVD/Superdrives and contain a second hard drive (if you didnt do that, it isnt in there)
The HD itself is sealed, however the internal armature and heads are fragile, these are like records and needle.
obviously torturing these HD heads is like shaking an old record player with its needle and arm (bad idea)
The HD is like a metal sealed box (in simple explanation)....which is GOOD.....since liquid doesnt get in there...
what is BAD is what is inside that box is fragile
also what is bad is that the underside of that "BOX" contains a control board which CAN get ruined by nasty liquids.
if this was also possible to do with the hard drive.
No, dont think of putting any liquid ON / IN the HD, ..as said the HD is sealed, but it does have a circuit board on it (controller board) you cant see in this pic above,.....nasty liquid on it can of course fry the ability to access the data ON the HD platters inside......data recovery experts can get around this,....so can I, but its costly and very "painful" to do.
see picture of that control board here> http://www.irisvista.com/tech/laptops/Toshiba-Portege-R500/small/remove-hard-dri ve-10sm.jpg
inside of a HD:

My macbook won't start up, it gets stuck on the blue screen. can it be fixed? i suspect a hacking due to a strange phone call earlier which i thought was a scam.

my macbook won't start up, it gets stuck on the blue screen. can it be fixed? i suspect a hacking due to a strange phone call earlier which i thought was a scam.

Reinstall OS X without erasing the drive
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 Mac OS X 10.6.8 Update Combo v1.1.

MacBook won't start up (mainboard)

Hi to everybody!
My MacBook won't start up anymore.
I know since several week that the mainboard has problems: when I pressed on the bottem around the battery, it restarted randomly.
I didn't send it in yet because I needed it and could live with this flaw.
But now it doesn't start again. I just hear one single click from the disc-drive and then nothing happens. I'd just need to reboot it ONCE to backuo my data before sending it in.
Do you have any ideas how I could make it work?
Thanks,
Bensch

You will need another mac to do this, but if you follow this article it will show you how to mount your drive as an external harddrive on another computer.
Or else you could just remove your harddrive.
but give this a try first.
http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=58583

MacBook won't start from HD or DVD

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