Only Grey Screen on start

I had Captivate installed for several months and it worked
fine. But now, if I try to start it, I first see the splash screen
and after that the program window is just grey. I still can
minimize it but I can only exit it via the Task Manager
I already updated my Flash Player, reinstalled Captivate and
used the repair function. Nothing of it helped.
I would be glad if some of you could help me as I have to
finish some movies that are due next week. :-(

Hi 3lfe
I know you said you already upgraded your player, but did you
try it again just to be sure? My thought here is that maybe
Captivate is calling some obscure area of the player that would
only manifest the results in Captivate.
In case it will help, here are some other links:
Click here to view the
first different TechNote
Click here to view the
second different TechNote
Click here to view the
third different TechNote
Click here to view the
fourth TechNote
Hopefully you will find a resolution soon... Rick

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Mac book will not boot up,only grey screen with ? on it,Why?

Why won't my Mac book boot up,start up only grey screen with ? showing?

That folder with the question mark icon means that the MacBook can't find the boot directory. That can either mean it can't find the hard drive or the Operating System data on the hard drive is somehow corrupted.
With 10.4, 10.5 or 10.6 put your install DVD into the optical drive (CD/DVD drive) and reboot. Be sure to either use the disc that came with your Mac, or, if you installed a later Mac OS X version from disc, use the newer disc. 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) until the apple 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, 10.8 Mountain Lion or 10.9 Mavericks, boot from the recovery partition (Command +R on boot) and use Disk Utility to repair your OS 10.7, 10.8 or 10.9 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.
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Grey Screen at start-up - Troubleshoot harddrive and/or logic board?

Hi everyone. Sorry for the lengthy post, but hopefully you can help me - I've spent a lot of time on the boards already, but hoped you could clarify some things.
The problem is my Powerbook will not get past the grey screen at start-up. It will not boot off the 10.5 install disk and I can't eject the install disk to run the hardware test disk. Removing 3rd party ram, resetting PRAM, NVRAM, attempting to boot in 'safe' mode haven't helped. The harddrive is softly clicking/searching.
So some questions:
1) Is it possible that an interrupted time machine backup will bork the drive to the point where it wont boot? (See back-story below). I wouldn't have thought so, but prove me wrong.
2) Should I be able to boot from the install disk if the harddrive is stuffed?
3) If it is hardware, it's either the logic board or the drive. Is there any way to determine what it is (eg: is it possible to do a remote hardware test?)
Edit: Just tried mounting the drive in target disk mode using an iBook, but it wouldn't mount. Powerbook displays a black screen.
Oh, and I should point out that this is well out of warranty and any fixes would have to be cheap : ). Basically I need to determine if it's the drive or the logic board, preferably without having to buy and install a new drive when it may not be the problem.
Any help or advice would be appreciated.
Cheers
- Ben
Here's the back story if it's any help; recently upgraded to 10.5, created a base install disk image of all installed and registered apps (in the event that my drive failed). Copied data etc from the previous system over. It ran fine for a few days. This morning I ran time machine for the first time, left the computer for a while, came back and the screen was black (as if it was just displaying black, as opposed to off). Thinking it was just a display issue (which I've seen before), I put the system to sleep (power button, then 's'), woke it up again; still black. So I forced a shut down (wouldn't allow me to do a normal shut down, because dialogue boxes must have been preventing it) and on boot I got the grey screen.
-------

Hi Ben W. I don't have a good answer for you, but based on your information and what you've done, I think I would try starting the machine after disconnecting the harddrive. That requires taking the top off first, for which instructions are on ifixit.com.
I can conjecture that a blown HD is preventing normal operation, perhaps sucking the power down, disrupting the optical drive, etc. This is purely conjecture, but costs you nothing but your time. If this turns out to be the case, I figure the optical drive should start responding again (hold C key during reboot, etc).

My old MBP (2005) often crashes, freezes or shows grey screen at start up. Also track pad often does not work. I have re fomatted the HD and reinstalled system but to no avail. Genius bar says possible faulty HD, but suspect logic board, any ides any body

My old 17" MBP (2005) often crashes, freezes or shows grey screen at start up. Also track pad often does not work. I have re fomatted the HD and reinstalled system but to no avail. Genius bar says possible faulty HD, but I suspect logic board. All checks out OK on the Apple Diagnostic bench. Can a Logic board go intermittant?? Any Ideas any body??

Ive repaired 1000s of laptops over the years (translate: diagnose and replace parts).
Its not that old, Ive owned 100s of laptops (most were free) ....some I still have are nearly 13 years old and still perfect, ....some extremely expensive ones died in under a year.
other than becoming obsolete at some point, there isnt really any "will spoil on" data like Milk for solid state computer parts, ....alas.
You can have a $5000 laptop die in 4 months, and a junker one keep kicking after 10 years.... Ive seen that firsthand countless times.
Common logic dictates that "very expensive = long life" in computers,..... but all the repair people will tell you just the opposite.
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Repair the Hard Drive and Permissions - Mavericks, Lion/Mountain Lion
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
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 then click on the Repair Permissions button. When the process is completed, then quit DU and return to the main menu. Select Restart from the Apple menu.
Reinstall Mountain Lion or Mavericks
OS X Mavericks- Reinstall OS X
OS X Mountain Lion- Reinstall OS X
Note: You will need an active Internet connection. I suggest using Ethernet if possible because it is
three times faster than wireless.

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keeping getting a grey screen on start up, with a folder with a question mark in it?

Go step by step and test.
http://support.apple.com/kb/ts1440
Startup Manager to select Startup disk.
http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1310
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Steps 2 through 8
http://support.apple.com/kb/PH5836
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Hi BDAqua,
I just did the repair as you suggested. T ran the disc repair, and twice it cam back, the volume macintosh seems ti be okay, I also ran the verify and permissions repair, both came back okay.
I was actually hoping that they would find something, so they could repair. I shut the computer down, and restated with out holding a key, and I started up great. I'm baffled. I have moved 20 GB to an external hard drive, as I only had 10% open space.
I have Tech Tool 6, would you recommend to run a repair check on that, or just leave well enough alone.
I agree with you on the new Mac's, I have problems with no disc for back up, until they realize their mistake I will stay with Snow a Leopard. This is the first problem I have experienced, so I can't complain. Their last programs are not as perfected as under Steve, prior to his handling over the reins, hope this is not going to be the future we can expect from Apple.
I will wait to here back as to your suggestion regarding the Tech Tool check
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Gratefully,
Cheri

My MacBook Pro shows a grey screen at start-up how do I fix this problem?

My MacBook Pro shows a grey screen when I try to login and won't go onto my homepage. Why has this happened and how do I fix it?

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.” The article refers to starting up from a DVD, but the procedure in Recovery mode is the same. You don't need a DVD if you're running OS X 10.7 or later.
b. If Step 1a fails because of disk errors, and no other Mac is available, then you may be able to salvage some of your files by copying them in the Finder. If you already have an external drive with OS X installed, start up from it. Otherwise, if you have Internet access, follow the instructions on this page to prepare the external drive and install OS X on it. You'll use the Recovery installer, rather than downloading it from the App Store.
c. 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.
d. 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 the technique in Step 1b, 1c, or 1d 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 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 11. 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
If the startup device is an aftermarket SSD, it may need a firmware update and/or a forced "garbage collection." Instructions for doing this with a Crucial-branded SSD were posted here. Some of those instructions may apply to other brands of SSD, but you should check with the vendor's tech support.
Step 10
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 11
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 12
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 13
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.

Mac frozen at grey screen at start up. OS will not load. Any Tips?

I Have attempted to recover. I have also checked disk integrity and safe mode start. Nothing will keep it from hanging during the boot up process. A grey screen displays after the status line gets halfway at boot

SilveyBerry,
1. Hold down the Power Button and both volume buttons at the same time for 15 seconds and then wait 1 minute. Then hold down the power button only until the red light flashes then release it and wait for the PB to reboot which will be about 4 minutes. Make sure you got all the buttons at the same time, it can be difficult to do.
2. When it reboots, tap the gear icon in the top right corner and scroll down to Security. Perform a Security Wipe of the PB. You will lose all files you have added to the PB. Since this is a new unit, you likely do not have any files on it.
3 When you get the Security Wipe done, tap the Battery icon, tap restart. Let me know when you are at this point because there is another procedure to carry out. I will have to find it and I will post it here.

Could the grey screen on start up mean a harddrive failyre?

I have been having a problem with starting my IMAC G5. I am running OS X (10.3.9) and have had the machine since March 2005. This started two weeks ago and has gotten worse since then. It makes the start up chimes and goes to a grey screen and sometimes the grey screed with the Apple logo and then just stops, there is no spin sound either. For a while it would finally start after three or four trys, several days later I had to start using install disk 1 to get it started. Even with that it would take two or three trys.
I used the hardware test disk that came with the machine and it showed everything fine. Next I used the start up disk 1 with c key down and used disk utility and ran verify disk permissions and then repair permissions. everything was checked and repaired. I then ran disk repair just in case and it checked out ok also. I thought I had it fixed.
The next day could not get it to start up. Stopped at grey screen. I got the disk 1 out again and rebooted to install disk to go through it again but this time no harddrive was showing, only my install disk. rebooted again and got the same thing. Third time I had the harddrive back. Did the thing again. etc
Rebooted and everything worked fine till the next day. Repeat same thing all over.
I think that the harddrive for some reason is not turning on and that is the problem. Is it a drive going out? Software?
Two weeks worth of this. I have the Apple Care protection plan. Is it time to call them?
Thanks,
Dick

Dick,
If you have gone through all of the steps/suggestions stated in the above link and its associated links and if you choose to try Tech Tool and have no luck then it is probably time to try a reinstall of your system. If for any reason that you cannot do that at this time then, yes, I think it is probably time to talk to someone at Apple Care.
It would seem that you have exhausted all remedies other than that that I can think of and apparently others that have posted to your topics.
The only causes of grey screen startup that I have seen have been due to hardware or software conflicts and are usually to my knowledge corrected when these are corrected (such as bad ram, conflicting software, pci cards, bad USB devices etc.) I would truly be surprised that it would be a bad drive causing those symptons but I have been surprised before.....
Good luck,
littleshoulders [:-)

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

Only Grey Screen on start

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