My MacBook Pro won't go past the grey screen. It only shows that it's loading and doesn't go any further.

Okay well, to start off, I got my MacBook from a distant family member who got a new one so they let me have their old one. They got it from a pawn shop so I don't have the disk that we got the OS from but it hasn't had any issues UNTIL NOW. I need to use my laptop for a homework assignment so please help me quickly. Everytime I turn it on it'll just stay on the loading screen, I left it for 4 hours yesterday and it still wouldn't work. I reset the (insert acronym here) thing already, the thing where you press control, option, P, R keys at start up. I really need help because my assignment is on the laptop and it's due tomorrow. Please help. ={ And I'm not entirely sure which OS it's using because I've never really checked.

Boot from the OS DVD you have for the computer.
Repair the Hard Drive and Permissions
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 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.
You can reinstall OS X, but the procedure depends on the version of OS X that is installed.

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MacBook Pro won't get past the apple screen on startup

The laptop won't startup. I get to the Apple logo and a spinning gear. I've tried starting it 3 times with the same result.

Take each of these steps that you haven't already tried. Stop when the problem is resolved.
Step 1
The first step in dealing with a startup failure is to secure the data. If you want to preserve the contents of the startup drive, and you don't already have at least one current backup, you must try to back up now, before you do anything else. It may or may not be possible. If you don't care about the data that has changed since the last backup, you can skip this step.
There are several ways to back up a Mac that is unable to start. You need an external hard drive to hold the backup data.
a. Start up from the Recovery partition, or from a local Time Machine backup volume (option key at startup.) When the OS X Utilities screen appears, launch Disk Utility and follow the instructions in this support article, under “Instructions for backing up to an external hard disk via Disk Utility.”
b. If you have access to a working Mac, and both it and the non-working Mac have FireWire or Thunderbolt ports, start the non-working Mac in target disk mode. Use the working Mac to copy the data to another drive. This technique won't work with USB, Ethernet, Wi-Fi, or Bluetooth.
c. If the internal drive of the non-working Mac is user-replaceable, remove it and mount it in an external enclosure or drive dock. Use another Mac to copy the data.
Step 2
If the startup process stops at a blank gray screen with no Apple logo or spinning "daisy wheel," then the startup volume may be full. If you had previously seen warnings of low disk space, this is almost certainly the case. You might be able to start up in safe mode even though you can't start up normally. Otherwise, start up from an external drive, or else use either of the techniques in Steps 1b and 1c to mount the internal drive and delete some files. According to Apple documentation, you need at least 9 GB of available space on the startup volume (as shown in the Finder Info window) for normal operation.
Step 3
Sometimes a startup failure can be resolved by resetting the NVRAM.
Step 4
If you use a wireless keyboard, trackpad, or mouse, replace or recharge the batteries. The battery level shown in the Bluetooth menu item may not be accurate.
Step 5
If there's a built-in optical drive, a disc may be stuck in it. Follow these instructions to eject it.
Step 6
Press and hold the power button until the power shuts off. Disconnect all wired peripherals except those needed to start up, and remove all aftermarket expansion cards. Use a different keyboard and/or mouse, if those devices are wired. If you can start up now, one of the devices you disconnected, or a combination of them, is causing the problem. Finding out which one is a process of elimination.
Step 7
If you've started from an external storage device, make sure that the internal startup volume is selected in the Startup Disk pane of System Preferences.
Start up in safe mode. Note: If FileVault is enabled, or if a firmware password is set, or if the startup volume is a Fusion Drive or a software RAID, you can’t do this. Post for further instructions.
Safe mode is much slower to start and run than normal, and some things won’t work at all, including wireless networking on certain Macs.
The login screen appears even if you usually log in automatically. You must know the login password in order to log in. If you’ve forgotten the password, you will need to reset it before you begin.
When you start up in safe mode, it's normal to see a dark gray progress bar on a light gray background. If the progress bar gets stuck for more than a few minutes, or if the system shuts down automatically while the progress bar is displayed, the startup volume is corrupt and the drive is probably malfunctioning. In that case, go to Step 10. If you ever have another problem with the drive, replace it immediately.
If you can start and log in in safe mode, empty the Trash, and then open the Finder Info window on the startup volume ("Macintosh HD," unless you gave it a different name.) Check that you have at least 9 GB of available space, as shown in the window. If you don't, copy as many files as necessary to another volume (not another folder on the same volume) and delete the originals. Deletion isn't complete until you empty the Trash again. Do this until the available space is more than 9 GB. Then restart as usual (i.e., not in safe mode.)
If the startup process hangs again, the problem is likely caused by a third-party system modification that you installed. Post for further instructions.
Step 8
Launch Disk Utility in Recovery mode (see Step 1.) Select the startup volume, then run Repair Disk. If any problems are found, repeat until clear. If Disk Utility reports that the volume can't be repaired, the drive has malfunctioned and should be replaced. You might choose to tolerate one such malfunction in the life of the drive. In that case, erase the volume and restore from a backup. If the same thing ever happens again, replace the drive immediately.
This is one of the rare situations in which you should also run Repair Permissions, ignoring the false warnings it may produce. Look for the line "Permissions repair complete" at the end of the output. Then restart as usual.
Step 9
Reinstall the OS. If the Mac was upgraded from an older version of OS X, you’ll need the Apple ID and password you used to upgrade.
Step 10
Do as in Step 9, but this time erase the startup volume in Disk Utility before installing. The system should automatically restart into the Setup Assistant. Follow the prompts to transfer the data from a Time Machine or other backup.
Step 11
This step applies only to models that have a logic-board ("PRAM") battery: all Mac Pro's and some others (not current models.) Both desktop and portable Macs used to have such a battery. The logic-board battery, if there is one, is separate from the main battery of a portable. A dead logic-board battery can cause a startup failure. Typically the failure will be preceded by loss of the settings for the startup disk and system clock. See the user manual for replacement instructions. You may have to take the machine to a service provider to have the battery replaced.
Step 12
If you get this far, you're probably dealing with a hardware fault. Make a "Genius" appointment at an Apple Store, or go to another authorized service provider.

TS1367 My MacBook Pro will not go past the grey screen with apple logo in the middle

How do I fix this issue is there anything I can do

Hey there Gonzoeg850,
It sounds like you are unable to boot your computer to your desktop or log in screen. I do not know if you have tried these steps from the article you have up there, but that is exactly where I would start:
Troubleshooting: My computer won't turn on
http://support.apple.com/kb/TS1367
Verify you have a good connection from your Mac to the wall outlet by confirming the power cord and adapter if present are securely connected and plugged in. To check if the wall outlet is working, plug in a lamp or other electrical device.
If the wall outlet is working and you continue to have no power try another power cord or adapter if available. If it works you may need a replacement cord or adapter.
Note: See Apple Portables: Troubleshooting MagSafe adapters for further troubleshooting with MagSafe adapters.
Disconnect all accessories that are plugged in to the computer, such as a printer, hub, or other mobile device.
If your Mac supports user-installable memory, solid state drive, or hard drive, and you recently installed any of these, make sure they are installed correctly and are compatible with your computer. If possible, reinstall the original memory or drive into the computer to find out if the behavior persists afterwards.
MacBook Pro: How to remove or install memory
MacBook: How to remove or install memory
Mac Pro: How to remove or install memory
Mac mini: How to remove or install memory
iMac (27-inch, Late 2012): Installing or replacing memory
iMac: How to remove or install memory
Reset the SMC.
If you are still unable to start up your computer after trying each of these steps, visit an Apple Store or Apple Authorized Service Provider (AASP) for further diagnosis. If you plan to visit an Apple Retail Store, make a reservation at the Genius Bar using http://www.apple.com/retail/geniusbar/ (available in some countries only).Note: Diagnostic fees may apply for issues not covered under warranty or the AppleCare Protection Plan (APP).
Thank you for using Apple Support Communities.
All the very best,
Sterling

Macbook Pro wont start up past the grey screen

The computer is only four months old, fans sound like they are working, and the screen stays on when the power cord is out. I put in the Mac Os X disk today so that I could reset the admin password and as the computer restart for the program it's been stuck on the grey apple screen. If you have anything I can try and do that would be great

I had the same issue. I would start up my MacPro Desktop, and nothing happened but for the startup chime and the screen going blank. No Apple, no Beachball, no Nothing. I even tried booting from my DVD, and that would not work. So... it was dead, dead, dead and I could not do a thing about it. I tried all the rubber chicken procedures such as booting with the shift key, disconnecting everything, even the keyboard in the end, and taking out two of my four hard drives, doing all the things that the Mac Tech Support (on the phone) advised me to do.
Mac Tech support tried their best and booked an appointment for me at the Bondi Genius Bar, and I sat on the stool fully expecting to hear the worst. It turned out that the culprit was a corrupt internal eSATA disk, and when it was removed, the computer started up beautiully and recognised my other system disks.
Funny, I had removed the disk with Snow Leopard on it, thinking that it was a corrupt System disk, but no, it was another disk which I had fortunately up the night before this happened! I noted that the Mac was taking an inordinately lengthy time to shut down after that, which made me rather nervous about the next start up.
The defective disk had no system on it, and therefore, I never even thought of taking it out. It seemed to an illogical thing to do at the time, as I did not believe that a disk with no system could cause any problem.
Now I am sitting at my trusty Mac Pro and it is working Better than Ever, and I replaced the faulty 280GB disk with a Samsung 500GB disk I took out of my slow as a wet week LaCie Big Disk Network Attatched Storage. I re-initiallised this disk and it is now working flawlessly as I have been copying data to the SamSung disk now.
So, the upshot of all this is, is that nowhere is there any reference to a single disk in a bay that can cause the whole Mac not to start up properly! My advice is to those with that problem, remove your disks out of the bays, one at a time to find out if it is a disk causing the problem.

My macbook pro will not get past the gray screen with the apple logo and a loading bar.

My macbook pro will not get past the grey screen with the apple logo after attempting to load for hours. I have already tried resetting the NVRAM/PRAM and a couple other tricks and no luck. Anyone out there have suggestions for my problem? Help would be much appreciated since i use my computer for everything at school and i am in desperate need to get this baby working again.

You didn't say which OS in your tag, but maybe you might find something here.
http://support.apple.com/kb/TS2570
http://support.apple.com/kb/PH4191
http://support.apple.com/kb/PH7213
http://support.apple.com/kb/HT4125
http://support.apple.com/kb/HT2213

Hi guys. I've had my MacBook Pro for 2 years now. Last night it suddenly kept glitching to a dark grey screen every now and then, then it would flash yellow / blue spots, and now it won't go past the grey screen even when I reboot it. I don't think I can

Hi guys.
I've had my MacBook Pro for 2 years now. Last night it suddenly kept glitching to a dark grey screen every now and then, then it would flash yellow / blue spots, and now it won't go past the grey screen even when I reboot it.
I don't think I can access my disk anymore as I've moved across countries since I've first gotten my laptop. it was working perfectly fine before it kept going to the dark grey screen with a little blue on the bottom.
If it helps, my camera light is still on, and it seems that my computer is working properly itself, but won't go past this grey screen.
I'm a college student and am really panicking about this - can anyone please tell me what to do?
Thank you & sorry for the long post.

What operating system are you running on it? (iOS 5.1 is for iPhone, iPad...not a Mac).

My MacBook won't boot past the grey screen.. help!

Today I was having a problem with Safari. For some reason, it kept restarting. This annoyed me, so I restarted my MacBook. Unfortunately, it won't boot past the grey screen, with the thing spinning in the middle. I've been into disk utility and it says my HDD is fine. I restarted from this, and yet it still won't boot. Can anyone suggest what's wrong/what to do?
Thanks in advance

Retrieving data using Target Disk Mode:
1) Shut down both computers
2) Connect the two computers using a Firewire cable
3) Start up the working computer.
4) Once the working computer is ready, startup your MacBook with the T key held down.
5) Your MacBook's hard drive should appear as an external hard drive on the working Mac. Drag & drop any files you want to save.
~Lyssa

When I start up my Mac it won't go past the grey screen. Any suggestions?

When I start up my MAC it won't go past the grey screen. Any suggestion?

Mac OS X: Gray screen appears during startup

My macbook pro keeps getting stuck on the grey screen

my macbook pro keeps getting stuck on the grey screen eventually im able to get it into safety mode yet i dont have the disc needed to restore or reboot it what should i do

See Grey Screen
https://support.apple.com/kb/TS2570
https://discussions.apple.com/message/16276201#16276201
You didn't mention your MBP model or OS X version. But the link above should help you.

My MacBook won't boot past the grey screen showing a folder sign with question mark, My MacBook won't boot past the grey screen showing a folder sign with question mark, My MacBook won't boot past the grey screen showing a folder sign with question mark

Hi, I need some serious help immediately. I have been using an external hard disc to watch movies and stuff on my MacBook. However last night I removed the external hard disc accidentally without closing the programs that were still using the data from the hard disk and hence the complete MacBook got hanged and nothing responded. I tried using command Q to shut down the program buy it didn't help either. So finally I gave up and shut down the MacBook manually by pressing the power on/off button.
However when I tried restarting my MacBook I faced a serious problem. The start up won't boot beyond the grey screen showing a folder sign with a question mark sign in it .. I just don't know what to do. Somebody please help me and guide me through this problem
Awaiting quick response
Gratitude in advance
Regards
AJ

If you try booting your Mac holding down the Option key, you should see the icon for Macintosh HD. Try selecting that to boot. If you can get in that way, go to System Preferences > Startup Disk and select your Mac HD, then click Restart.
If you can't see the Mac HD, the volume may indeed need repair as Niel said.

My Macbook pro won't get passed the grey startup screen

My apple macbook pro is not getting passed the gray screen with the apple and spinning circle. I have tried pressing comand-R or shift-command-v, and nothing happens what so ever. I listened to my hard drive, and it sounds fine. It sounds like it is running, and there is no clicking sounds from it or anything, and haven't been any at all. Nothing seems to make it respond

Direct you to the proper forum for MacBook :
MacBook Series Forums
https://discussions.apple.com/community/notebooks?view=discussions
https://discussions.apple.com/community/mac_os?view=discussions
http://www.apple.com/support/macbookpro

Macbook pro won't go past the apple logo (Lion)

I've installed Java Runtime, and after that tried to use "software update" but the application quit.
Tried to restart, but it stays stuck on the apple logo (with the wheel turning) for ages. Restarted in recovery mode, ran disk utility, repaired permissions and verified disk. no problems found. Restarted again, still the same thing - won't go past the apple logo.
If reinstall is the only way to go, is there a way to access this hard drive to back up files (it is a recent computer, still hadn't made any backups...)
Thank you all, help would be much appreciated!

Shut down and startup holding command-r keys into Recovery Disk from there choose Disk Utility and Repair Disk.
polymolly wrote:
I've installed Java Runtime, and after that tried to use "software update" but the application quit.
Tried to restart, but it stays stuck on the apple logo (with the wheel turning) for ages. Restarted in recovery mode, ran disk utility, repaired permissions and verified disk. no problems found. Restarted again, still the same thing - won't go past the apple logo.
If reinstall is the only way to go, is there a way to access this hard drive to back up files (it is a recent computer, still hadn't made any backups...)
Thank you all, help would be much appreciated!
Ooops you've been there, done that. You can use Target Disk Mode if you have another Mac.
EDIT: Was the Java Runtime from Software Update?

My MacBook Pro won't go past the white apple page

My computer won't go past the white apple page with the spinning wheel when you turn it on.

This should fix the problem:
Reinstalling Lion/Mountain Lion Without Erasing the Drive
Boot to the Recovery HD: Restart the computer and after the chime press and hold down the COMMAND and R keys until the menu screen appears. Alternatively, restart the computer and after the chime press and hold down the OPTION key until the boot manager screen appears. Select the Recovery HD and click on the downward pointing arrow button.
Repair the Hard Drive and Permissions: Upon startup select Disk Utility from the main menu. Repair the Hard Drive and Permissions as follows.
When the recovery menu appears select Disk Utility. 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 main menu.
Reinstall Lion/Mountain Lion: Select Reinstall Lion/Mountain Lion and click on the Continue button.
Note: You will need an active Internet connection. I suggest using Ethernet if possible because it is three times faster than wireless.

The Macbook Pro will not start past the grey Apple logo screen? Any help will be most welcome?

The Macbook Pro 13, late 2009 will not start past the grey Apple Logo screen? Any help will be most welcome? Thanks

Have you tried booting with the install disc that came with your computer?
Find it and then run Disk Utility to verify your hard drive. If errors are found, try to repair the disk.
It sounds as if the hard drive might be failing.
Clinton

MacBook Pro won't get past gray start screen - RunTime corruption error

Hi, I am a novice when it comes to fixing things, so I will make a Genius Bar appointment, but I thought I would consult this community first in case anyone has experienced this same issue:
I was using my 13 in. MacBook Pro this morning after not using it for a couple weeks. (It was running fine last time.) It started up fine, and the few applications I was using worked OK. Then I got an error saying I needed to update my Java in order to access my work VPN. I didn't think twice about downloading the Java upgrade. Once the Java download was complete, I thought I might need to restart to get the VPN to recognize the update. And that was the last time I was able to see my desktop. I restarted, and the could not get past the gray screen. I did this twice. Then I did a safe boot (showing the status of the progression), and that when I saw this message over and over and over:
hfs: RunTime corruption detected on MacIntosh HD, fsck will be forced on next mount.
hfs: BlockMarkFreeInternal () trying to free unallocated blocks (10865570,8) on volume MacIntosh HD
(I snapped a pic with my phone - that's how I transcribed it.)
This ran for about 20 minutes before I suspected it wasn't actually doing anything, and I forced it to shut down by pressing the power button.
I just tried to start it again (fingers crossed, hoping for a miracle), but no such luck. Does anyone have any ideas? Is all lost? Thank you in advance for any recommendations!
Jennifer

I should add that I don't know if the Java download is responsible - could just be a coincidence that it was the last thing I did/downloaded before restarting.

My MacBook Pro won't go past the grey screen. It only shows that it's loading and doesn't go any further.

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