Macbook won't start up all the way, just gray screen then shuts off...

When I turn my mac book on, it starts up and has the apple logo and the spinning gear thing. then after about 30 seconds or so, it shuts off. I tried the install disc and held c, then tried to repair my hard drive thing, but it said it had an error like this: "the underlying task reported failure on exit" and then under that it said something about 1 volume like not working or something and that was in red. anyone know anything else I could do to fix it? thanks

Hey man,
I regret to inform you that I am having the same issue. And I have found that EVERYTHING I have tried has not worked.
You can try all the things that are on the troubleshooting forum right here in the support section. But it didn't work for me. I even tried some further stuff.....to no avail. Some poeple have told me that I need to take out the RAM and try switching that. Haven't gotten to try that yet.
But from what I can tell right now, I'm gonna end up having to loose all my data and send it in and get a new computer. Which I like the sound of "a new computer"....but DON"T like the sound of "lost data." I'm a writer and musician...and I've archived my files on that of my music and writing....alas, the mourning process has begun.
But I hope that you end up in better shape! And do let me know if you find anything that works!!

Similar Messages

Macbook won't turn on all the way. Please help.

Macbook won't turn on all the way. At first it only showed the grey apple logo, but now it says that I need to restart the computer by holding down the power button for several seconds or pressing the restart button. I tried this already but it's not doing anything. Please help.

1) Make sure you have Blackberry Desktop Manager installed.
http://na.blackberry.com/eng/services/desktop/
2) On your PC, go to Start > Run and copy and paste the following line exactly (meaning with the quotation marks):
"c:\program files\common files\research in motion\apploader\loader.exe" /nojvm
3) The Application Loader Wizard will appear -- click "Next."
4) In the "Connection:" drop-down menu, you should see "USB-PIN: UNKNOWN". Click the "Next" button.
5) You should then see a list of applications ready to be installed for your Blackberry. Hit Next and Finish and you are well on your way to getting your Blackberry back to life. Congrats! Just don't disconnect anything and let the lengthy process finish completely.
NOTE: If you do not see a list of applications mentioned in step 5 and instead see the message "The Blackberry Desktop Software does not have Blackberry Device Software for the device that you have connected to the computer. Contact your wireless service provider or system administrator," then you must download Blackberry's Operating System for your carrier and device.
http://www.blackberryfaq.com/index.php/BlackBerry_Operating_System_Downloads
Just select the appropriate carrier and network type, select your Blackberry model from the list and download the latest version. Install this download and follow the above steps again and you should be on the right path.
1. If any post helps you please click the below the post(s) that helped you.
2. Please resolve your thread by marking the post "Solution?" which solved it for you!
3. Install free BlackBerry Protect today for backups of contacts and data.
4. Guide to Unlocking your BlackBerry & Unlock Codes
Join our BBM Channels (Beta)
BlackBerry Support Forums Channel
PIN: C0001B7B4 Display/Scan Bar Code
Knowledge Base Updates
PIN: C0005A9AA Display/Scan Bar Code

IBook won't start up all the way...

My iBook G4 has been great. But recently, I've experience a little trouble. Sometimes when it starts up, it seems to only startup part way.
Meaning, that none of my external connections work (iBook won't recognize any of my USB periferals like my printer and external mouse... and unfortunately my wireless internet connection is supported through a USB port, so when this happens, I can't log on to the internet!).
I've also noticed that when this happens, although I get my Mac OSX desktop, I don't see anything on the top-right-hand-side of the menu bar. So I do get my "apple" menu, and Finder, File, Edit, View, Go, Window, and Help on the left-hand-side, but nothing on the right (display control panel, volume indicator, Date/Time).
So, sometimes I start it and it starts up all the way and everything works fine. Other times I start it up, and I can't find my periferals, and I don't have anything on the right-hand sinde of the menu bar.
I have tried troubleshooting on my own by running Disk First Aid (everything checks out okay), and verifying and repairing my permissions. Doesn't help.
Any suggestions? Hopefully I can get some useful advice on this discussion board. If not, I will have to take it in for service.
iBook Power PC G4 933 MHz Mac OS X (10.3.9)

Hi mac824,
It sounds like some system corruption.
Download and reinstall the 10.3.9 Combined update. If that doesn't correct it, an Archive and Install should.

G5 won't start up all the way with new monitor

My employer was getting rid of two 22" Viewsonic CRTs, so I figured I'd use one to upgrade my 19" monitor that's connected to my dual 1.8 G5.
When I connect either of the 22" monitors, the G5 won't startup all the way. It just hangs (although the mouse is movable) before the desktop appears.
Both monitors are operational and work fine when connected (via a VGA adaptor) to my macbook pro.
The G5 works totally fine when connected to my old 19" monitor.
Here's what I've tried:
• zapped the PRAM (numerous times)
• plugged the 22" monitor into a different AC outlet (in case it was sucking too much power to allow the G5 to boot fully)
• swapped the video card in the G5 with an identical one from the same model G5 at work.
Nothing helped. This is really perplexing. Why would the monitor keep the computer from fully booting?
thanks!

Might give a try with Applejack...
http://www.versiontracker.com/dyn/moreinfo/macosx/19596
After installing, reboot holding down CMD+s, (+s), then when the DOS like prompt shows, type in...
applejack AUTO
Then let it do all 5 of it's things.
At least it'll eliminate some questions if it doesn't fix it.
The 5 things it does are...
Correct any Disk problems.
Repair Permissions.
Clear out Cache Files.
Repair/check several plist files.
Dump the VM files for a fresh start.
As long as you don't have a USB connection in tandem with a Universal Power Supply, which can cause problems. Unplug the USB cable if you do.

My Laptop Won't Start Up All The Way Anymore

Hi, I recently took a trip and stayed in a hotel room. On the coach bus on the way to the hotel, my laptop (and iBook G4) worked just fine (but couldn't access the internet, obviously). Once I got to the hotel, I realized they had free wireless. This didn't connect very well, so I plugged it into the Ethernet cable they had provided in the room. All was going well for a while. Then I restarted my laptop, and it wouldn't start back up completely. I can see my background, and if I move my mouse to the bottom of the screen, the Dock slides up as usual. But I can't run any programs from there, and my desktop still has no icons and the top menu bar won't come up. It's as if the operating system isn't loading all the way or something. Please help.
And in case this helps any more, the last thing I did was install a plugin pack for Quicktime. I got these off of the Quicktime website, so they should in theory be legit. I'm pretty sure they're compatible even though I have an old OS (I'm still running Panther), because I downloaded them BECAUSE of their use in Panther. So I don't know if this has anything to do with it. Did I maybe get a virus? I've always been told it's highly unlikely to get a virus on a mac.
Thanks.

Anthony:
Welcome to Apple Discussions.
To reiterate what have always been told, it is very unlikely that it is a virus. There are no known viruses for Mac OS X in the wild.
Next, I don't think the software you downloaded is responsible for what you are experiencing.
First, try this:
• Shut down the computer.
• Locate the following keys: Command, Option, P, and R. You will need to hold these keys down simultaneously later.
• Turn on the computer.
• Press and hold the Command + Option + P + R keys immediately after the startup chime.
• Hold keys down until you hear the startup chime for the third time.
• Release the keys and immediately hold down Shift key to start up in Safe Mode.
• Log in and empty Trash.
• Restart normally and log in.
If that does not help try Repair Disk
Insert Installer disk and Restart, holding down the "C" key until grey Apple appears.
Go to Installer menu (Panther and earlier) or Utilities menu (Tiger) and launch Disk Utility.
Select your HDD (manufacturer ID) in the left panel.
Select First Aid in the Main panel.
(Check S.M.A.R.T Status of HDD at the bottom of right panel, and report if it says anything but Verified)
Click Repair Disk on the bottom right.
If DU reports disk does not need repairs quit DU and restart.
If DU reports errors Repair again and again until DU reports disk is repaired.
If DU reports errors it cannot repair you will need to use a utility like Tech Tool Pro or Disk Warrior
A few questions:
You have an iBook G4. What is the processor speed?
How much RAM do you have installed?
What is the total capacity of your internal HDD?
How much available capacity/free space do you have?
Is your internal HDD the one that shipped originally with the computer?
Do you have an up-to-date backup?
Do you have the original install disks?
cornelius

MacBook Won't Boot Up All The Way

Hi, I have had my macbook for quite a while, and it has had problems before like a non working battery and random brightness changes but ever since I installed the latest security update it will not boot up all the way, first it takes a long time for it to pass the white screen with the Apple logo and loading circle, after that it reaches a blue screen, with no response. Once it made it to my desktop background but none of the icons or dock showed up. Any help?

I have the same problem mentioned in the original message. I downloaded the updates and my computer will no longer boot up. I put in Disk one of the install disc, but that did nothing and now I can't get the disk to eject. I was going to try disk 2, but can't get disk 1 out.

Start up screen is gray with apple sign and won't start up all the way

My girlfriends 13" macbook was running fine and then the internet browsers went down and she had to force quit everything. But when we went to go start it back up it went to the grey screen and just had the spinning wheel and didn't go any further. If anyone knows how to fix this please let me know asap.

Put your install DVD into the optical drive (CD/DVD 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.
Or if you are running 10.7 Lion, boot from the recovery partition (Command +R on boot) and use Disk Utility to repair your OS 10.7 partition.
When it does start up, you'll see a panel asking you to choose your language. Choose your language and 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.
After repairing use Startup Disk from the same menu to choose your hard drive for restarting from your hard drive.

MacBook won't turn on all the way

So for the past few weeks my battery has gone from having over an hour of charge to barely a half hour of charge. I still bring it with me to class. Yesterday my computer finally lost its charge during the spinning wheel of death as it was trying to re-authenticate the Internet certificate for my university. I didn't have a chance to plug my computer back in for another six hours. When I did, the screen was frozen and I had to force it to shut down. I tried to restart it, and it wouldn't get past a gray screen with the apple icon and a spinning dash wheel of black. I left it on for a bit before shutting it off and letting the battery charge some more. I did this two more times before the battery was fully charged.
Finally, when the battery was fully charged, I tried to turn it on again and all I got was the original screen, like the past three times. I went to bed and unplugged the adapter, to see if it would do anything in the morning. I tried to turn it on again and got the same screen, so I turned it off and popped out the battery to see if anything was wrong with that. I popped it back in and tried it again, and when that didn't work I shut it off and came on here for help. I followed all the instructions for resetting the SMC as that was my only option left. Now that I've done that, the gray screen still comes up, but once I leave it up for long enough the blue screen comes back up. It doesn't say anything else, though; it's just a blank Mac-blue screen.
Thoughts? Help? I really don't want to take it in to get repairs because I have absolutely no cash (broke college student) and I need my computer working very very soon because it's finals week.
This is the first serious trouble I've had with my computer, other than a little battery problem I had weeks ago (water issues, got easily solved, though it nearly gave me a heart attack). The fact that I've had my computer this long makes me wonder if I need to get any new parts or even just a new MacBook.

Try restarting with the 'Option' key held down. It should direct you to a screen that allows you to select your hard drive as the startup source. Once you're at your desktop, launch Sys-Pref's and ensure your drive is selected in 'Startup Disk'.

IMac won't start up all the way

Okay, so I was updating the iMac, it was either on the quicktime update or the 10.4.7-10.4.8 update, I'm not sure.
When i restarted the computer (it prompted me to) and it started up the upper most bar wasn't there and none of the programs will start up and there are no icons on the desktop... Any ideas? I already started up from the install disk and repaired the disk and repaired permissions...

Thanks for your quick response.. I don't have a 6 pin to 6 pin firewire cable though. I can burn the file to a disk, the problem is in executing it, because the media doesn't show up on the mac, so is there a way I can execute it in single user mode via command line?

My PowerBook won't start up all the way

When I turn on my PPC PowerBook it brings me to a gray screen that says
BAD DEPTH= 1 0
here= (some combo of letters and numbers)
(another combo of letters and numbers)
BYTE-LOAD-FILE: failed, unknown word, HERE= (combo of letters and numbers)
Apple PowerBook (date, time, etc.)
Copyright
All Rights Reserved
Welcome to Open Firmware, the system time and date is (date, time)
To continue booting, type "mac-boot" and press enter.
To shut down, type "shut-down"
So that's what happens when I turn it on. When I type in shut-down, it shuts down. When I type in "mac-boot" it brings me to a new screen with a picture of a folder symbol that flashes and alternates between a picture of the 'Finder' smiley face icon and a question mark.
So I press the power button and it shuts off.
I saw on a troubleshooting guide on the Apple site that you should put in the install disk and press and hold the C button upon restarting the computer. I did this, but that didn't do anything and my computer doesn't respond when I press and hold the "C" button. And now it seems like the install disk is stuck in there because it doesn't eject the disk no matter the screen.
I've tried other things like resetting my computer's PRAM and resetting the computer's PMU. But that doesn't work. If anything, it seems that when I do that my computer doesn't even open with the Open Firmware screen I mentioned above...it just makes the startup chime, I can here the fan, but the screen remains black.
Any other advice? I remember this happening to my computer about a year ago, and I know I used to install disc to fix it, but I can't remember the steps I took.
Thanks for any and all help.

Not sure what your Mac issues are but they're not good. Try these commands in Open Firmware if you have not already.
1. If the Mac no longer boots to Open Firmware then force it to Open Firmware:
Command-Option-O-F
2. Once in Open Firmware try resetting the PRAM from there:
reset-nvram
reset-all
3. while you are in Open Firmware you can attempt to eject the DVD with:
eject cd

Help! My MacBook won't turn on all the way!

When I turn my MacBook on, the gray screen pops up and where the Apple logo should be, there's a circle with an X type thing going through it (more like a \ actually, kind of like the no smoking signs without the cigarette) I've tried restarting, what else can I do?

Try restarting with the 'Option' key held down. It should direct you to a screen that allows you to select your hard drive as the startup source. Once you're at your desktop, launch Sys-Pref's and ensure your drive is selected in 'Startup Disk'.

Macbook Pro won't start at all, no chime, no gray screen, nothing

My 2+ year old MacBook Pro won't start. Nothing happens when the start button is pushed, no chime, nothing. I've tried Control-Command-Start; nothing. I've tried with and without power connected; nothing. I've unplugged the power adapter from the wall, still nothing. Any ideas?

You can try a SMC reset, but it that doesn't power something it needs repair or replacement.
https://support.apple.com/kb/HT3964
Sometimes if the battery was really drained or old, it takes a long time to get it started charging again, like a couple of weeks.
https://support.apple.com/kb/TS1713
https://discussions.apple.com/message/16276201#16276201

My Mac won't start up all the way

if it gets to any screen, it's paw reset... So I reset and it won't restart.

Not sure what your Mac issues are but they're not good. Try these commands in Open Firmware if you have not already.
1. If the Mac no longer boots to Open Firmware then force it to Open Firmware:
Command-Option-O-F
2. Once in Open Firmware try resetting the PRAM from there:
reset-nvram
reset-all
3. while you are in Open Firmware you can attempt to eject the DVD with:
eject cd

G4 won't start up all the way! Help!

My G4 was working fine last night. This AM, I go and it's acting very funny. So I shut it down (by holding power button, nothing else was working) and reset the PRAM. Now I get the chime, the apple logo and the spinning circle, then it goes to a blue screen with a spinning circle and nothing happens. Help! I'm not real sure which version of OS X I have...and whether I have a Ti or Alum. Geez. Any help is greatly appreciated.

Hi Christie,
How was it "acting funny," exactly what was it doing?
Find your Installation disc, either the original or the 10.5 you currently have installed. Insert this disc and at the same time press the power button. Immediately hold down the c key and keep holding it until you see “Preparing Installation” or a screen asking you to select your language.
Go to the Installer Menu (Utilities Menu in 10.5/Leopard) and open Disk Utility.
Select the top item in the panel on the left side, which should be the manufacturer's name for your HD.
What does it say for S.M.A.R.T. status at the bottom of the main DU window?

Get start-up chime, gray screen, then shuts off

I have an eMac that will start up, but once the screen turns gray and the gear starts going around in a circle, it powers off. I tried to read some of the other posts.
1. I tried unplugging the cord from the computer for a while - no change.
2. I went into the open firmware and did those three commands - it stayed on long enough to do that and then when it restarted - no change
3. I did a cmd-option p+r, I forget what that is called, but... - no change
4. I hooked up my firewire drive and was able to boot from it. I was going to do a netrestore, but the HD was not in the list for target source. What does that mean?
I am a computer teacher new to Macs and any help is greatly appreciated.
eMac Mac OS X (10.3.9)

Strange; not that Disk Warrior was able to repair your hard drive --- it has an excellent reputation for that --- but that a damaged disk directory (which is what Disk Warrior repairs) would cause the Mac to shut down. The expected failure mode for a severely damaged disk directory would be to see it stuck at the grey startup screen (lesser directory damage can manifest as unvalidly large untrashable files; e.g., a 128 GB file on a 40 GB hard drive).
In your place I'd be working feverishly to make sure all my data is backed up (and verify the backups). Something's not right. If you open Disk Utility, what's shown for the SMART status of the drive?
Opening up the eMac to replace the hard drive is a non-trivial process and requires care, both to avoid the dangerous voltage levels on the CRT yoke and to avoid damaging the power button leads, and of course voids any remaining warrenty, but plenty of people have done so (try Googling "Apple eMac Upgrade Guide"). You can find internal hard drives from 40 GB to over 300 GB at prices from US$80 to $600 but figure somewhere in the $100 - $150 range for the drive.

Macbook won't start up all the way, just gray screen then shuts off...

Similar Messages

Maybe you are looking for