Only grey screen, apple, and progress wheel

After an update, the MacBook put up a screen and told me to shut down. NO other options were available except the shutdown button. Since then I have tried starting up with the CD that came with the MacBook (Three, two black OS disks and a USB disk, It does not appear to be the full retail version with big X on it like photos I have seen in other chat threads) When I power up I ONLY get the grey screen, a delay for the apple, a further delay for the gear/progress wheel.
I have tried holding down various combinations of keys, including: shift; c; control; control and c; and waiting for several minutes after trying to restart. There is no chime. Occasionally I have tried holding down the power button for prolonged periods of time: I get a flashing power light, and then a tone (NOT the chime thing) then it goes to grey screen etc. and stays there with spinning progress wheel.
Any suggestions as to how to get my MacBook to read the OS CD?

You’re welcome.
Don’t known what the situation really is here, but if you can boot from the Install disc and Disk Utility reported no filesystem issues, you should be able to recover your data. The following is what I would have posted in my first reply if it wasn’t because of what you said about not being able to boot from the Install disc.
Problems arising right after installing a system update are usually the result of some filesystem corruption that should have been fixed first, or not having installed the update properly (e.g. applications running while installing it), or having ignored Apple’s “Important: Please read before installing” warnings, etc.
Verify/repair the startup disk (not just permissions), as described here:
The Repair functions of Disk Utility: what's it all about?
After having fixed all filesystem issues, if any, reinstall the update using the combo installer:
About the Mac OS X 10.4.9 Combo Update
Mac OS X 10.4.9 Combo Update for PowerPC
Mac OS X 10.4.9 Combo Update for Intel
If you cannot do this by normal means, but have an external HD with Mac OS X 10.4 installed from which to boot your Mac, or have access to another Mac with Mac OS X 10.4 installed and with a FireWire port to which connect your Mac in Target Disk Mode, you may be able to fix the problem by starting up that way, verifying/repairing the disk, then reinstalling the Combo Update (on the disk that doesn’t boot, not on the disk from which you’re booting to do this).
After installing the Combo Update, the computer may restart twice and the first restart may take several minutes. This is normal.
If the problem persists, you’ll have to consider doing a full Archive and Install, but make sure first that all the filesystem issues, if any, have been fixed, that you have enough space available on disk, and that all your data has been backed up (which again you can do connecting your Mac in Target Disk Mode to another Mac if you cannot do it by other means).
Take a look at the following articles for guidelines on how to properly install system updates:
Troubleshooting installation and software updates
Installing software updates

Similar Messages

IMac Will not boot up grey screen, apple, and spinning wheel

Help. Tax time is a good time for this.

The following support article is somewhat outdated. Where it refers to booting from an installation disc, you should boot from your recovery partition (if running 10.7 or later) by holding down the key combination command-R at the chime.
Mac OS X: Gray screen appears during startup

About imac (early 2008 24") stuck on grey screen apple logo spinning wheel

HI all just wondering if any body has experienced the grey screen apple logo spinning wheel and also switches off and back on all by itself after 5-10 minutes in the past or recent.
how did you get on did you sort it?would like to read some feedback on this subject thanks

Generally that indicates a serious problem with the hard drive.
Power down, hold alt key at power on, what shows as boot choices?
"Try Disk Utility
1. Insert the Mac OS X Install disc, then restart the computer while holding the C key.
2. When your computer finishes starting up from the disc, choose Disk Utility from the Installer menu at top of the screen. (In Mac OS X 10.4 or later, you must select your language first.)
*Important: Do not click Continue in the first screen of the Installer. If you do, you must restart from the disc again to access Disk Utility.*
3. Click the First Aid tab.
4. Select your Mac OS X volume.
5. Click Repair Disk, (not Repair Permissions). Disk Utility checks and repairs the disk."
http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=106214
Report what happens or doesn't please.

My imac won't start up past the grey screen, apple and spinning clock

Hi there. First time posting - usually either apple support website or previous threads solve the problem. Alas, not this time.
I have an intel imac - can't tell you much about the details as I can't get any info out of it. I installed snow leopard about a year ago - no issue since then other than occassionally the screen goes black but nothing major.
Yesterday, I backed up to my usual passport backup and then today, it froze. I couldn't turn it off or restart at all so resorted to the power button. Since then, I can turn it on, it goes to the grey screen (no blue screen) and I get the apple logo and the spinning clock/wheel. For hours and hours....
So, I tried one of the apple support pages and worked through - peripherals, safe boot, NVRAM, PRAM, tried to reboot with mac osx disc (the original not snow leopard) - nothing. Absolutely nothing changes - same old grey screen, apple logo and spinning clock/wheel.
HELP - do I try and reboot with the snow leopard disc? I don't know what to do next - I am no techie so half the threads don't even sound like English to me.
Thanks in advance, hope you geniuses out there can help me out.
abcvic

Thanks for the reply.
I had tried to reboot with the original disc but it never worked. The imac just spits out the disc and eventually, I am back at the grey screen, apple logo and wheel spinning. I tried it one more time following your reply. Same outcome.
My instal disc 1 had the instruction re hardware test which I have also tried with no success. I can't remember if it came with a disc 2 though I seem to have a couple - I also have a macbook and that seems to be still alive even if it is slow.
I tried to reboot with Snow Leopard disc - power on, chime then hold down C key. Same old - grey screen, apple logo and wheel spinning. Disc spat out eventually.
Any other suggestions welcomed or I am off to Apple tomorrow.

Help! Stuck on white/grey screen apple logo spinning wheel

Hi, I wonder if anyone can help me?
I have a MacBook pro snow leopard 10.6 It won't start up it freezes on the white/grey screen with the apple logo. I have tried it in safe mode it has the bar underneath as it loads up to half way it goes off & the spinning wheel just carries on spinning forever!
I have tried cmd & v typed in a few things that I saw other people do then on the black screen white text the page is full of Disk0s2: I/O Error   tried rebooting but same thing happens doesn't start up.
Then I put my mac os x snow leopard 10.6.3 installation, features and refinements disc in but still nothing! I'm stuck anybody know what to do?
Thanks in advance if you can help me.

If it won't boot with the just the c key held down off the disk, it could mean there is a firmware password set.
If it won't boot off the disk with just the option/alt key held down, that means firmware has been wiped if all you see is a white screen.
If it has a firmware password, it should have asked you for it with a screen with a lock icon on it.
However it also could mean there is a hardware problem or the 10.6 disk is dirty, scratched, defective or not from Apple (warz).
Or your keyboard is bad or your using a external one and not the built in keyboard.
I think you might have to look into the possibility your EFI firmware has been hosed.
See this section of my User Tip here: ..Step by Step to fix your Mac
Need machine/operating system identification help?
Find the serial number, thus the model number and thus gives the operating system that originally came with the machine. However gives not what operating system version the boot drive was later upgraded to. Do not use older OS X verisons to repair newer verisons. It is possible to use the original operating system version installed on another boot drive to recover files from a later operating system non-booting drive.
https://support.apple.com/kb/HT1159#MacBook_Pro   https://support.apple.com/kb/HT1349
https://support.apple.com/kb/HT1559   http://www.everymac.com/ultimate-mac-lookup/
If the computer just ignores the at boot key commands (without showing the firmware password request) especially if you boot to a white screen (no initial boot screen), it might be your EFI firmware stored in NVRAM memory has been wiped. EFI is like a powerful operating system type firmware that loads before OS X or Windows in Bootcamp loads, programs can be installed in EFI, even malicious ones. (why it's very important to trust the source of your instaled software)
To restore EFI you need to use the identification links above to find the exact model of your machine. Then use another computer to download the correct EFI firmware from this Apple.
https://support.apple.com/kb/HT1237
Then follow these instructions to burn it to a cd or USB (untested) and apply it to the non-booting Mac. It likley will take 2 reboots for it to take hold and return the at boot key commands.
https://support.apple.com/kb/HT2213
..Step by Step to fix your Mac

My MacBook is getting stuck on the start up screen (apple icon, progress wheel). What can I do?

I've tried the normal troubleshooting stuff (turn off and restart, remove battery and restart, SMC reboot) but it keeps getting stuck on the initial start-up screen.

Boot from your OS installer disk and use disk utility to repair the disk.

Macbook won't start past grey screen/apple; won't start OS disc

I know this issue has probably been talked about a million times, but I still can't seem to find a working answer... and what better to make my first post than this problem?
Anyway, I was streaming a movie online on my 13 inch black Macbook (OS: Leopard; Bought: 2007), when I suddenly had to leave... so I closed my computer and left. A while later when I came back, the computer was off. I tried to turn it on, but it only got to the grey screen with the Apple and spinning wheel, which I've let sit for upwards of an hour before giving up. Anyway, I reset the PRAM, and of course even tried to start from the OS disc (Leaopard Disc, original OS dvd that came with it, and even a Snow Leopard disc), but the disc never loads. I have rebooted while pressing Option, and the disc shows up but when I click on the arrow it just goes back to the grey screen/apple logo/spinning wheel for a while before I get frustrated and turn it off.
Anyway, if anyone has any suggestions or can help me out I would be eternally grateful. I don't want to have to take it to the Apple store (I'm a pretty broke college student), and I have backups of everything on my HD so reinstalling the OS is no issue to me. I'm just willing to do whatever I can to get it working. Thank you, and again sorry for probably repeating what millions have before me.

Startup - Gray, Blue or White screen at boot, w/spinner/progress bar
Startup - Gray Screen
Startup Issues - Resolve
Startup Issues - Resolve (2)

TS2570 I have the gray screen problem with the white apple and spinning wheel

I have the gray screen problem when it boots to the white apple and spinning wheel, but when I tried safe booting and doing the fsck thing I think I only made it worse, because it now starts, the safe mode progress bar comes on, (no matter if I press any keys or not) and after a minute shuts down again by itself. I also tried the command option, p, r thing and that did not work either, only brought me to the gray screen with the white apple, spinning wheel, and bar, and it promptly shut down. I am thinking more and more that I need the disk, but im not sure I have it. is it possible to order a new one online or is there another thing I can try? there is not an apple store nearby, and ereasing my data is not an option.
Also Im not sure what my exact opporating system is, but I did buy and download mountainlion in August so It is pretty new

Welcome to the Apple Support Communities
The hard disk is damaged. Take the Mac to an Apple Store

Won't boot up, only grey screen w/ don't park symbol, spinning wheel

Won't boot up, only grey screen w/ don't park symbol, spinning wheel

this link may help you http://support.apple.com/kb/TS2570
let us know how it turns out
and good luck

TS3148 my mackbook air starts up with a persistent grey screen, apple logo and spinning gear

my mackbook air starts up with a persistent grey screen, apple logo and a spinning gear. It will not show the login window

Press and hold the power button down to force a hardware shutdown (emergency use only!)
Next find the Shift key and hold it and press the power button, the machine will boot into Safe Mode.
Next backup your files to a external drive just in case.
Emergency backup procedure
Drag and drop copy your users file folders (music, pictures, documents etc) to a regular external powered drive as soon as possible.
Do not use, setup or trust only TimeMachine at this troubled time as it will copy corrupted data and we need just your users files safe just in case. TimeMachine cannot be used with a Windows PC.
Unmount and Disconnect all external drives once the backup process is completed.
Note:
If you have any over 4GB sized files, those won't copy to a standard formatted FAT32/MSDOS drive from the factory, if you need to save these 4GB+ files use another blank/empty drive and use Disk Utility to format it 1 Partition, Option: GUID, Format: OS X Extended Journaled (or the standard default one for older Mac's).
Mac's cannot copy to nor format a NTFS drive. ExFAT format to be used with a Windows machine must be right click formatted by Windows, not OS X (does it wrong) XP macines can install a free exFAT update from Microsoft. Vista-Win 8 can format exFAT.
Formatting a drive will erase all data on it.
Most commonly used backup methods
Your problem is likely due to a incompatible third part at boot kernel extension file that some program installed into OS X at some time.
If you can recall which programs you installed using your Admin password then that's a good place to start and update or uninstall those programs.
The next solution is a #8 Reinstall Just OS X + Software Update fully, this will replace OS X with a new copy, fix OS X if it's the cause and kick out ALL third party kext files out of OS X.
You also can manually drag and drop the third party kext files (if you know what they are) out of of the System/Library/Extensions folder and reboot.
..Step by Step to fix your Mac
Solving at boot kext issues in Snow Leopard

Started My MBP and only got Apple and spining wheel, wont start up?

I started my A1286 2009 MBP, and only got the apple and the spining wheel. tried doing a fresh install using the MBP repair disks and everytime it says Error during installation. started it up Pressing the "C" and using the "option Key" no success?
I hear the HD running but it never starts. Replaced HD then tried using disk utility to format HD but it wont, because cant unmount HD. tried to erase HD but it wont unmount to erase.
I talked to a Apple repair shop and he said maybe it is the HD connction cable which is $25.00, but then he said it could also be the Logic board $299.00.
Has anyone had the same issues and had success in getting the problems solved?

Davidv2 wrote:
I started my A1286 2009 MBP, and only got the apple and the spining wheel.
This is known as a Gray Screen issue and it usually can be repaired by the #8 Reinstall OS X + Software Update fully method which will give a new OS X cop over the old one.
..Step by Step to fix your Mac
Also you usually can get into the machine by holding the Shift Key down (wired or builtin keyboard) for Safe Mode and then backing up users files first.
Most commonly used backup methods
Tried doing a fresh install using the MBP repair disks and everytime it says Error during installation. Started it up Pressing the "C" and using the "option Key" no success?
You have to hold the C or option key on a wired or built in keyboard with the disk in the machine, then boot it and it will either directly boot (c key) or you select it to boot via Startup Manager and click the arrow.
This might not work is if there is a firmware password set or your EFI firmware has been wiped off the NVRAM chips.
If it was a firmware password it would ask you for it with the c key, if the option key you have to first head to Firmware Password Reset under the Utilities menu and enter it, then disable it.
If you don't have EFI firmware, it usually boots to a white screen and no at boot keys work at all, there is a method in the Steps to reinstall it manually from cd, but you need another Mac.
Replaced HD then tried using disk utility to format HD but it wont, because cant unmount HD. tried to erase HD but it wont unmount to erase.
There is Terminal under your OS X 10.6 disk > Utilites and I have commands here to force unmount a drive.
Drive won't "unmount". First check for Spotlight or open programs using the drive/volume, reboot.
Force unmounting launch Terminal type diskutil list and press enter/return for a list of devices.
Take the Identifier and add here for volumes: diskutil unmount force Identifier and press enter/return.
Take the Identifier and add here for disks: diskutil unmountDisk force Identifier and press enter/return.
I talked to a Apple repair shop and he said maybe it is the HD connction cable which is $25.00, but then he said it could also be the Logic board $299.00.
It might be the cable, but I would place the original drive back in and run through the Steps for software repair first, I suspect the #8 Reintall Just OS X + Software update fully should get you working again when you get to it.
The 10.6 disk has to be clean and polished on the bottom, any smudges or scratches and it's not going to work well.

Gray apple and spinning wheel only

I installed an update from the update scheduler. At first I couldn't print, I restarted the computer and it went to the background display only, no icons. I shut down the power and now all I get is the gray apple and spinning wheel.

I would advise against the PMU reset. It will not solve a problem with botched software update, and can make matters worse if you have an Intel Mini.
Since your forum name is SeattleMom, I'd suggest you take the Mini to the genius bar at your local Apple store and have them sort this out. Be sure to give them a full description of the steps that preceded the problem.

When my Mac battery dies and I turn it back on, it always crashes on the grey screen with the progress bar, then it restarts (taking forever) and does not remember any of the programs I was running. MacBook Pro 13 inch running Mavericks

When my Mac battery dies and I turn it back on, it always crashes on the grey screen with the progress bar, then it restarts (taking forever) and does not remember any of the programs I was running. MacBook Pro 13 inch running Mavericks

http://osxdaily.com/2014/10/17/os-x-yosemite-installation-stuck/
also use the Command-L to view logs during installation

Update the iPad 2 with new iOS uppgrade, but after the screen only show the apple and nothing else. has been the case since yesterday. have turned off the iPad and turned it on again many times, but still only apple shown. What should I do?

UPdate the iPad wjith new iOS upgrade that where shown under settings on the iPad, but after I did the upgrade the screen has only shown the apple and I can't get back. This has been the case since yesterday. Have turned off t.he iPad many times, but every timebwkhen Ibturn it on again the screen onöy show the apple icon and nothing else happends. What should I do? Anyone having the same problem and how can this be solved?

Did you try to connect in recovery mode, explained in this article?
iOS: Unable to update or restore

TS1367 when the white start screen comes on with the apple and spinning wheel but underneath it there is a bar. Once the bar fills up my MacBook goes off what is that? What do I do?

start screen comes on with the apple and spinning wheel but underneath it there is a bar. Once the bar fills up my MacBook goes off what is that? What do I do?

Have you tried a safe start by holding the shift key when you boot? If that works, and it can take a while to complete, see if a regular boot now works. If it does, you need to free up space on your hard drive.
If a safe boot doesn't work, you need to either boot from an OS X DVD or go into target disk mode to connect via firewire cable to another mac to free up space on your hard drive. You need 5GB min, with 10% to 15%, or more, better, for systems usage. If you have a backup, move some data files to it, erase them and empty the trash.

Only grey screen, apple, and progress wheel

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