MBP - Boot up, No POST, No Beeps

Hi,
I have an issue with a MBP which will not boot.
I power on (with and without power adapter)
Symptoms:
No display
No chime and therefore POST
No keyboard(no caps light)
A solid sleep indicator
fans on
HDD on
cd drive spins
closing lid does not sleep
power adapter shows charging, and battery leds showing it is receiving charge
Ive reset PRAM, SMC, re seated the ram, moved ram around in different slots and configs, tried known working ram from a working source.
Ive checked most connections visible from removing top case.
Can anyone suggest any further steps before I start to think it needs a new logic board.
there is a ASD cd stuck in drive as no trackpad functionality (I was working on a wifi issue before this happened) therefore i cannot perform firmware restoration.
TIA
Scott

In terms of the stuck CD, you can remove it from the drive by opening up the MacBook, removing the optical drive from the chassis then very carefully removing the top cover from the drive. If you're lucky enough to have access to the Apple service source PDF, everything on how to do this is documented. Be sure to handle the optical drive by the sides only (and avoid handling the top/bottom and front of the drive).

Similar Messages

MBP Boots with 3 POST Tones - Only with CD in drive?

I think I am having an issue with my Optical Drive so it seems - just wanted to see if anyone else has some information on this.
My MBP 8,2 will boot to Lion successfully with no problem. I've been trying to downgrade back to Snow Leopard, after some kernel panics with the original SL disk I purchased for my old 4,1 - the Apple Support crew were puzzled and decided to send me a replacement copy of SL. (As I was trying to boot to disc, I would kernel panic with Lion installed and with NO operating system installed). I received my new SL replacement disk today, and I was overjoyed at the wonderful opportunity ahead of me to downgrade. Except...this time I was greeted with POST beeps. 3 beeps every few seconds. I see that is typically a RAM issue, so I called up Apple again and they once again were puzzled greatly by this problem. Awhile back, I created a backup drive with SL on it - plugged that in and tried to boot to disc, that also resulted in a kernel panic...which is making me think this is something greater than just the optical drive. I've made an appointment to take in my MBP to the Genius bar to see if there is something wrong with my Optical Drive. So basically one SL disc kernel panics, the other one POST beeps.
Now, here is another interesting question. I received this MBP 8,2 with NO install discs. Long story short, I only have the install discs from my 4,1. I received my 8,2 as a replacement from my 4,1 for free with a brand new warranty (had major failures with my 4,1 to bring them to replace the entire machine - buy the warranty folks!). I am looking for the MBP install discs that I used to have with my old 4,1 so I can run the Apple Hardware Test to see if perhaps on my own I can find something wrong - however I know the discs are usually MBP specific. If/when I find these discs - do you think I can use that AHT version for this new MBP? I found my sibling's 13 MBP install discs, but that would be a last resort attempt since it's for the 13 inch. I'm also assuming that my optical drive will co-operate enough for me to run it.
Anyone else in this kind of bizarre situation or has any recommendations for me? I realize I am going to the Genius Bar on Sunday - but I like to do a lot of my own testing and see what happens on my own. (Just because I've had a bad experience with one Genius Bar visit on my old 4,1).

Lucky for me I found (to where I thought I didn't receive them) the 15 inch MBP discs. I must have traded my old discs for the newer ones. And of course, I was able to get to the AHT and the Mac OS X 10.6 install screens. I think what happened is that I was putting in retail SL discs that were originally purchased for my laptop that was running Leopard in the first place. So I am guessing that my current MBP (pre-loaded) realized that those were not the proper discs, and that I should have been using the install discs (the grey ones) the entire time. Funny that none of the advisors over the phone recognized this either, even when they asked me what was pre-loaded on this machine and what type of disc I was using (I specifically explained I was using the disc I pre-ordered when Snow Leopard came out).
So I am now wondering, if the beeps with the retail version disc of SL were related. Because other than that, the machine boots flawlessly with the correct discs and without the discs, no POST beeps. I ran the quick AHT test, didn't indicate anything - but I will run the full one later.
I'm trying to think now if it is worth running into the store to have them look at the machine, because I think I localized the problem - putting incorrect discs into the machine and trying to get it to run. Might call them again tomorrow to see what they think (just because going to the Apple Store is really out of my way).

P67A-GD55 boot stops at POST 99 w/ 1-long+2short beep code.

Well subject line tells most of the story:
P67A-GD55 boot stops at POST 99 in lower right of display and with 1-long+2short beep code.
I've found a note somewhere on these forums that 99 code means Super IO initialization, though I'm not sure if this is the checkpoint before or after that process.
I've found generic information that suggests 1long+2short beep code indicates a video card failure.
I'm surprised that the manual for the MB doesn't list these codes, and that they weren't listed in the troubleshooting FAQ on the MSI site. So I still wonder if it may mean something else.
I've disconnected all the SATA connections, and removed all pci cards except for the video card. Guess I'll try disconnecting the front-panel usb connectors too in a moment, but I'm running out of ideas.
With a EVGA GT520 video card, I get these symptoms regardless of which pcie slot I put the card in.
With a Galaxy 8400GS the beep code is the same but no output is ever visible on the display. It seems possible that I just need an adapter to use the other connector on this card to see the output though.
With a EVGA 7800GT the symptoms are the same as with the EVGA GT520
If I try removing the memory sticks I get 3-long beeps followed by system shutting itself down.

Run of the mil keyboard. (has a logo with a circle containing a crescent containing a D). Suppose I could switch to a usb keyboard around here somewhere.
Disconnected the logitec usb mouse that I had connected to the back panel with no change in symptoms.
Toughpower-650 power supply (had been in use on a system that was running an athlon x64 and the GT7800GT graphics card.
2 sticks PNY DDR3 PC3-10666 4G ("compatible with 1333MHz") 1 stick in each blue slot.
No idea how to tell you the UFEI/BIOS version. The manual says its "CLiCK BiOS" but since I've never seen anything but 98,99 and _ displayed by the BIOS I really don't know.
Removing the case front panel USB connectors didn't change symptoms.
Resetting the bios by the button at the back panel connectors (near keyboard connector) didn't change anything. (although it did not cause "system will boot automatically" as a line in the manual might suggest.
Tried using the JBAT connector to clear the bios as well and likewise no change in symptoms.
There are no peripherals connected other than case power switch, power LED and HDD LED at this point. Somehow I don't expect much change from disconnecting LED's. Case switch seems to be behaving normally in that it causes the boot cycle to start, and if pressed while the "99" is sitting there in corner of screen it causes machine to shut down.
No SATA devices are connected to it since they won't really be useful untill can at least get to the BIOS. The sata cables that would go to those devices are still connected to the MB.
CPU:i5-2400 3.1GHz 6MB Cache LGA1155 95W
Heatsink:Cooler Master Vortex PlusRR-VTPS-28pk-r1 connected to the CPU fan connector on MB.
No sysfan connections to MB.

My MBP A1226 display went black n no video output. I tried to reset pram n a hard reset still nothing. It boots up drive and volume beeps... It's running but no video. I'm out of warranty, is there something I can do without spending a fortune. Thnx rich

My MBP A1226 display went black n no video output. I tried to reset pram n a hard reset still nothing. It boots up drive and volume beeps like its running... It's running but no video. I'm out of warranty, is there something I can do without spending a fortune. Thnx rich

Hi, I have the same computer, same model and same problem with the same diagnosis, with no response from Apple for being out of warranty of 4 years, this is a shame!

MBP 2012 - frozen screen with lines & beeps

Hello all,
A couple of days ago, my 2012 MBP froze and I simply restarted it with no problem. I double-checked with Onyx that said my volume needed repairs; I ran Command + Recovery's DIsk Utility but when I booted back up, Onyx still said that my volume needed repairs. Since the computer was running fine, I thought that perhaps Onyx was being outdated for Mavericks. However, the other night a mass of little greenish lines appeared in little fields over the screen as it stood frozen. Normally if this ever happens, I simply restart it, but this time the screen turned to black and my MBP started emitting what sounded like beep sounds of death. I think about 3 or so were emitted, but I was so panicked that I just pressed the power button, to which the system booted up again. It seems as though there's no problem once again, but I ran Onyx and it says again that my volume needs to be repaired. Before I went to bed last night, I did a PRAM reset and I'm using it now for the first time since then and there doesn't SEEM to be a problem, but a sense of worrying isn't gonna go anytime soon about it (understandably so). My Apple limited warranty is going to expire soon, so I figure that I should take advantage of it to use it for any problem it might, because right now I'm in the midst of finals and papers and I need my MBP to work. Any suggestions or insight as to what's happening? I have to make an appointment with a local Authorized Mac repair shop in my town and I won't be able to go in to see them until Wednesday, so any advice or anything you might have would be greatly appreciated.
Many thanks in advance for all of your help and responses!

FIRST thing to do is to backup your data to an external hard drive. You may lose everything otherwise.
After that is done, run the Apple Hardware Test. Follow this page carefully and if you do not understand anything ask here again.
Using Apple Hardware Test (AHT)
http://support.apple.com/kb/ht1509
Also, make an appointment with a Genius at an Apple store before your warranty expires!

Question 4 Audio Pros using MBP booted in Win XP- do Win audio apps work?

Are any of you audio pros successfully using windows audio apps on a MBP booted into Win XP?
I understand that most pros will use native Mac audio applications under Mac OS X - there are obviously plenty to handle almost any job. However... the fact is, there are some very cool audio applications available for use under Windows exclusively.
While I do currently own a PC, I have owned dozens of macs in the past (ranging from the 33MHz Quadra 950, through the PowerBook G4 1GHz & PowerMac Dual G4 1.25GHz - all while working as a professional audio engineer). With that said, my experience with virtually booting into Windows with a Mac was horrible at best - specificially when attempting to use Windows for specialized audio work. But I haven't worked on a Mac since the fall of 2004. In the past 3 years, a lot has changed with the Mac line.
If you're an audio pro who has had success using audio applications made for windows on a MacBook Pro 2.2 or 2.4GHz, would you please let us know which Windows audio application(s) you have used with success?
(Please, if you do not have direct experience using audio applications for Windows on your MacBook Pro, please refrain from posting. I'm looking for comments from professionals with first hand experience, not opinions on what might or might not work. My most sincere thanks in advance.)

It appears that you CAN use audio programs under Parallels without issue... I'm SOLD on this MBP. Thanks to oxxle from Germany for the assistance answering this question.

2008 mbp boots up with weird pattern on the screen

2008 mbp boots up with weird pattern on screen then says needs to restart but won't restart. Saw something about nvidia graphic card went bad and apple was replacing for free. Is that something apple is still doing and does that sound like my issue?

I know this is an old post, but people reading it may be interested by these two links:
http://totalpoop.com/apples-2008-macbook-pro-nvidia-graphics-card-recall.htm
http://support.apple.com/kb/TS2377
I got this problem with my previous 2008 Macbook Pro, and it appeared just after the recall ended! Here in Canada, Apple is charging close to $500 to replace the motherboard (and the graphics card). Recently, I discovered a computer chop in Montréal where they told me they can replace the GPU for $200. I left them my computer and will get it back in a week or so. I hope it will fix the problem.

BIOS Post Error Beeps on P7N Diamond

Hello. I have had this board for a few days now. I was playing a windows game and got a BSOD after a few minutes. The PC rebooted and I noticed the BIOS Post beeps were different. Before this there was just one long beep, which my research tells me that everything is ok. Now when I boot up I get 3 beeps ... 1 long, followed by 2 short. I researched this as well and found the following in my situation. According to AMI BIOS Beep Codes:
1 long, 2 short - Failure in video system An error was encountered in the video BIOS ROM, or a horizontal retrace failure has been encountered.
I'm not sure what this means exactly. It suggests 2 possible errors. Does this mean my video card is bad (8800GTS 512MB)? I have no idea what the second possible error ... retrace failure ... means. I am hoping that you might shed some light on this. Much appreciated.
My setup:
P7N Diamond
E8400
4x1GB Transcend PC2-8400 @ 1066 5-5-5-15
500GB Seagate 7200.10
500Gb Seagate 7200.11
X-Fi by MSI
MSI NX8800GTS 512MB
Thermaltake Toughpower 700W
Thermaltake Big Typhoon CPU Cooler
MS USB Mouse + MS USB Keyboard
LG DVD Reader + LG DVD Writer + Lightscribe

Quote from: loonym on 06-March-08, 08:58:24
I also get the faint short beeps after the initial louder long beep but I never associated this with usb devices or really attached any significance to it.
UPDATE: Ram MEMTEST86+ for 8 hours - no errors.
Replaced the USB keyboard connector with normal keyboard - and using a single tethered USB mouse - get 1 beep on startup.
Put in USB keyboard - get two beeps on startup.
Put in USB remote wireless mouse and get 3 beeps on startup....
Conclusion: Beeps seem to be USB related not error related.
Sierra2 below- the office deskietop being refurbished...
Added USB extension cable to link to the Dell Screen; and then connected a other couple of UBS devices to the three open ports on the board and one to the Screen [Screen is not USD2 - other ports are USB2]
Apacer MultiCard Reader
Wireless Mouse
Wireless Keyboad and
an extra USB [tethered] mouse.
All was fine until I added the 5th USB device - and then thought it was just missing the mouse driver - but on reboot - heard a few more beeps [didnt listen that closely post midnight] and got various stops eventually getting through to WIN. Then it went bellyup unstable and kept rebooting - unpredictably and intermittently but within 5 to 10 min of each windows adventure.
Removed all but the wireless keboard and the tethered mouse - and it has settled down - but am now getting three short beeps at the start. In setting this up yesterday - no beeps at all with a USB mouse and standard keyboard connector. Sound at start is maybe one beep and two short ones or three short ones - neither of us listening can tell. I guess I need to hook up the case speaker as the board speaker is pretty small.
AMI BIOS beeps diagnostix says it is likely a faulty RAM error on 2 or 3 beeps
But now, seeing this about the P7N Diamond, I am beginning to wonder if it is a USB related issue. Maybe too many USB devices. P4M900 has 2 x 2ports. Just wondering if adding more than 4 USD devices really cause unstability?? Will run MEMTEST86+ on the RAM this evening to check. Totally wierd- especially for a supposedly stable and simple board... Thanks for any ideas... k2

FM2-A75MA-P33 - no video/post/bios/beeps.

Hi everyone,
I built a PC with these parts:
APU: AMD A-Series A6-6400K X2 SFM2
Motherboard: FM2-A75MA-P33
RAM: Crucial Ballistix 4GB DDR3 PC3-14900 CL10 BLS4G3D18ADS3CEU
HDD: Seagate BARRACUDA 500GB 7200RPM 16MB ST500DM005
PSU: Corsair VS350 ATX2.31 350W CP-9020052-EU
When I first turned it on, it got no video, so I assumed it was that the BIOS is too old. I borrowed an external GPU, attached it and was able to get to BIOS. The BIOS version was V11.1, so the APU should work (according to the MSI website). In any case, I flashed it to V11.2 and still no changes. No video/post/bios/beeps when using the onboard graphics.
The BIOS displays the CPU name properly, even with the Radeon xxxxHD in the name, but when I go to the Integrated Graphics Devices Configuration in the BIOS, the only option there is Initiate Graphic Adapter set to PEG and it's grayed out, can't change it.
Not sure if it is relevant, but when removing the RAM it does not beep, neither with or without the external GPU.
Also I have noticed, that without RAM, when the fans speed up and then slow down, the power button has to be long pressed to turn off the PC. But when having the RAM and GPU, when it goes through the boots and sees that there is no OS, it displays a message and can be turned off by a short press on the power button. Same thing happens without the external GPU, but there is no video output, so I assume it does go through the boot process.
I've tried both the VGA and the DVI port, with cables and a monitor that works on another PC, I've also tried to clear the CMOS and flashed bios back to V11.1 (the one the motherboard came with).
I saw somewhere mentioned that the Initiate Graphic Adapter option can get disabled do to overclocking or some other BIOS settings (I have the default settings though). Is there anything I can try changing to enable it?
I am also thinking of installing on OS with the external GPU in it, and then maybe the video will output after it successfully boots.
I guess I could also try reseating the APU, but not sure if that would help.
Thank you in advance!

Quote from: Svet on 16-August-13, 15:47:18
what external VGA you use?
can you boot when using onboard one ?
do you see anything on the screen?
is there any beeps?
The external GPU I use is Asus GT 620.
I am not sure if I can boot with the onboard one, as nothing is displayed on the screen when using the onboard one. It might go through the boot process and stop when detecting that there is no OS installed yet. I'll try to see if it boots to LiveCD when I get home or install an OS using the external GPU.
When using the onboard GPU, I do not see anything on the screen.
There are no beeps.

C855D-S5116 will not post get beeps 3long 2short 3long 2short

C855D-S5116 will not post get beeps 3long 2short 3long 2short
please help I dont want a 450 dollar paper weight...

Hi there, i have a toshiba satellite C855D-s5303 with a similar problem. Once turned on it gives a similar beep code and displays nothing. the RAM module and the hard drive are both ok couse i tried them on a diffrent toshiba succesfully. If you figured out how to fix your toshiba may you please bother to offer some help.
The beep code is 3 long 2 short 3 long 2 short. I've tried suching for its meaning without any succes.

PC NOT POSTING (NO BEEP ERRORS/CD ROM&FLOPPY = NO POWER)

Before i begin i just want to say that i recently RMA'd my MSI K8n Neo Platinum socket 754 motherboard and they sent me back a refurbished one, this was a few weeks ago..
My setup:
MSI K8n Neo Platinum Socket 754
Windows XP Pro
Athlon 64 3200+ CPU
ATI x800 XT PE vid
SOund blaster audigy sound card
Ultra X-Connect 500 Watt P/S ( Had Antec 430 Watt True Power BEFORE putting in Ultra X-Connect)
Kingston Hyper-X 2x512 RAM
So im using my PC like normal.. it locked up (dont know why). So i reset the system (hard reset).. as soon as i hit reset, the PC shut off. I turn off the power from the back, wait a while and turn it back on. I turn the PC back on and it turns on fine, BUT it doesnt POST. There is no response from the monitor and nothing happens. The PC seems to be running fine however there are no beep errors or anything, nothing is being displayed on the monitor. Also, it seems the TWO dvd-rw drives i have are not getting power(they didnt open when i pressed the open buttons). So i figured maybe my power supply is bad. I had a NEW Ultra X-Connect 500 Watt P/s that wasnt in use so i opened it up and put it in (took out 430 Watt Antec).. After all said and done i turned on the PC and SAME THING. No post, no beep errors, nothing.. cd roms wouldnt open still. So i tried resetting CMOS and samething. MY ram is only a few weeks old and none of the symptoms point to the ram or any other devices. I already ruled out the Power Supply. Im starting to think that MSI sent me another bad board from the RMA.. I just got it only a few weeks ago. What do you guys think?
UPDATE: I removed the IDE cable of the CD-roms that leads to the motherboard and turned on the PC. Now they have power and open and close perfectly fine.. all signs point to mobo.

So I know none of my LED's or switches need to be rotated as they have worked for weeks. Nonetheless I tried it and here is what I found out. When I took the power sw plug out and turned on the power from the back, it still turned on without me doing anything. Infact now that I think about it, everytime i have turned ont he power from the back, the computer has automaticaly turned on without me having to press the power switch.
Thus, I think the power switch thing is shorted and it is always trying to give it the first bit of power. I think the motherboard keeps thinking like it is just being turned on and that is why it is not working. RMA time, unless anyone has got anything else.

No POST, No Beeps ***** solved *****

Greetings all,
Need some help on this one,
I set up my system the other day with new mobo ram and gpu,
Turn it all on and nothing,
Will not post or beep,
I have tested in and out of the case checked the ram and psu and changed gpu still the same,
I have tested the cpu in a mtes mobo and all ok so this has got me stuck,
Info :
Mobo : K9A Platinum ( bios sticker info : 686 Amibios Va 71 1424 )
Psu : Hiper typr R 580W
Cpu : Amd athlon 64 x2 6000
Gpu : BFG NVIDIA GeForce 8800 GT OC 512MB PCIe 2.0
Ram : OCZ Gold Edition 4GB (2x2GB) DDR2 PC2-8500C5
Just can think what it can be,
Would really apreachate any help you can give,
Kind regards
Steven

Greetings,
Not been able to test with another psu as yet now,
Here is the link for my psu you mite be able to work more out than me,
http://www.hipergroup.com/products.php?lv=3&cate=1&type=30&pid=10&w=1440&h=713
I have not touched jbat pins so i guess its on default as this point,
As for the power connectors use all of them,
- ATX 24-pin power connector
- ATX 4-pin 12V CPU power connector
- ATX 4-pin VGA power connector
Also tested with just the 24pin conector,

X58A-GD45 won't post, no beep, no signal-black screen

Hello everyone,
Been having troubles with motherboard that I just picked up to replace my old EVGA board since it decided to call it quits. When I start my system, it's a black screen with no post or beeping with the monitors remaining blank.
My system specs are as follows:
i7 930 @2.8GH
Hyper 212+ HSF
6GB DDR3 G-Skill 1600
850 Watt ThermalTake BW
SLI GTX 460 1GB
Seagate 320GB Barracuda
1TB WD Green Edition
Philips DVD/CD Drive
Now, I've tested all of my parts out on a separate machine and they all checked out fine.As for this build, I've tried different PCI-E ports with my GTX 460 GFX cards, with and without my HDD's plugged in, tried different sticks of ram in DIMM slot 0, plugging in and unplugging additional adapters like front header USB and sound, tried reseating all of the power connectors and plugs.
At the moment, the only thing that is on my board right now, is one 2GB stick of DDR3 in DIMM slot 0, CPU, one GTX 460, an HDD and my keyboard.
I've already tried searching the forums for relevant topics and only came up with one that was somewhat relevant
https://forum-en.msi.com/index.php?topic=144599.0
Quote from: sastraxi on 10-January-11, 11:19:15
The problem? bent pins on the mainboard
Not particularly sure what pins he is talking about.

Quote from: Henry on 09-April-11, 09:17:22
I'm pretty sure he's referring to the pins in the CPU socket. Re-seat the CPU and check the socket with a magnifier for any bent/damaged pins wen you get the CPU out. Best to remove the MB from the case to do this and before you re-install it all back in the case test and make sure everything works.
That what I figured he was alluding to. Well, I've removed the mobo from the case and the CPU from the socket. I inspected it a magnifier tool I have - all of the pins appear to be fine; no bending or damage.
**EDIT: Replaced the mobo battery and it posts. Looks like the mystery is solved. Thank you Henry for offering some assistance, I appreciate it.

MBP Boots sometimes - If logic or main board bad, what can I expect?

The Symptoms:
MBP Boots only occassionally. When it does not fully boot you can hear the disk and fan very slowly wind up, over the course of a minute. There is no startup chime. The screen never comes on and remains dark, no external monitor comes up, the keyboard and usb ports are disabled, and the latch light glows steady and dim. It doesn't repond to startup key commands and the disk you can hear doing something but nothing comes on.
I've swapped out the ram, booted into safe mode (when I can get it to boot), run disk utility and disk warrior, among other tools, booted from a flash drive to run diagnostics. Disk checks out fine, zapping pram, resetting smc, all this does nothing. Genius bar did diagnostics and couldn't find anything wrong, but offered me the repair depot.
Conclusions:
So after researching many threads the past few days, a trip to the apple store with some diagnostics, and further testing/swapping ram/resetting pram and smc, I've come to the conclusion that I must have a problem with the logic board or main board. My computer only starts up after about 5 cold boot attempts and/or some of the above processes. Once it's up and running it's fine. When it doesn't boot the drive spins up, the fans come on, but the screen/keyboard/usb etc are all inactive, and the latch light is a steady dim white. When the computer does boot it runs fine.
Question:
My question is, should I expect more serious problems in the near future, or is it at least possible that I could limp along for some months in this condition? I have the option to possibly submit it to repair depot for refurbishing, but if I could make it at least through some june update news I could make a more informed decision about what to do.
Any and all information, experience, or suggestions are much appreciated.

I agree with you that the people who staff the genius bar are not genius' but technicians, and are of varying degrees of competency. However if you are offered what is referred by some as a 'depot repair', consider it very seriously.
My experience is as follow with my old 2006 MBPs: Several years ago I had a serious problem with the display and was offered said repair that would fix the display issue and any thing else that was found to be faulty.
The following was replaced;
     The Display
     The Optical drive
     The Airport card
     The top cover
          (the old one had dents in it and there was no expectation on my part that it would be replaced)
      The keyboard
      The bottom case
      The RAM cover
The total cost was a fixed price of $310 which was told to me up front. That is what I paid (plus tax). The invoice showed a total of $1240. I still have that MBP and it still looks and operates as new. This repair was not done locally, but at an off site location. I suspect it was done by very well qualified technicians.
If you are offered such an option and your budget can accommodate it, I suggest you take it. You also get a 90 day warranty with it.
Ciao.

MBP: boot to Windows 7 from external drive?

MBP: booting to Windows 7 from an external drive? Is this poss?
Further, is it possible with a 1TB external drive to partition it to two 500MB volumes, and have one (a) with a bootable clone of the OSX, and the other (b) with 64 bit Windows 7?
I would keep (a) ready in case of a HD failure on my MBP, and use (b) for a couple of PC progs I have that I don't want to go to the trouble of buying the Mac version. They run fine on a PC.
Also would be good for checking cross-platform compatibility of websites.
Would these work with eSata connections (Time Machine doesn't)? or else I'll go FW800.
Cheers!

No, as mentioned 10's of dozens of times, Windows won't.
OS X has always allowed booting from Firewire, and now USB (but that is slow).
Casper 6 will backup Windows to another drive, as will Windows Home Server to external devices.
Many programs can be run through a VM like VirtualBox, Paralells, Fusion.
SuperDuper is just one of the more popular programs to backup (clone) OS X and have it bootable.
Never rely on just one backup set or drive.
If you can go with eSATA (ExpressCard) that is faster but FW800 would be okay and be bootable, eSATA probably not.
Check http://www.macsales.com/firewire for both

MBP - Boot up, No POST, No Beeps

Similar Messages

Maybe you are looking for