OS X won't start, time to clean up the hard drive and re-install?

OS 9.2.2 is running on the machine, but OS X will not start -- I get as far as the gray screen with the pinwheel, or the blue screen, or the blue screen with the Mac OS X window with nothing in it. I ran DiskWarrior, Disk Utilities, and did an archive and install. I plan to go through the various steps at this link
http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=106464.
Assuming those do not work, can anybody help me (via link or instructions) with a step-by-step walk-through to
1. backup data and other necessaries to a Cobra external hard drive (can I drag and drop, or do I need to run a program?)
2. erase, inititialize and/or reformat the internal hard drive so that it's fresh and clean (might as well be thorough about this) and
3. reinstall both operating systems, with settings and preferences intact, if possible. I have all OS 9 and Panther disks.
I know it's a lot to ask, so thanks in advance!

I believe these would be the instructions you would need:
http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=60847
1. According to the instructions, you will simply restart to the first Restore CD.
2. Yes.
3. You will need to reset personal preferences if you want to start fresh. One or more corrupted preference files may be causing your problems.
According to the instructions, "Apple Software Restore will completely erase the contents of your hard disk or disk partition."
If you don't care about the applications that came with the iBook (such as AppleWorks), then you can do an Erase and Install with Panther instead of taking the longer route.
I would advise you not to drag and drop applications, but to install them from the original software discs or downloads so that you are using an installer application to install. An installer places the bits and pieces of an application where they need to be, and dragging and dropping does not always work.
This Apple Knowledge Base article suggests "Reinstall additional software one item at a time, restarting the computer after each install. For best results, use the computer for several hours after each installation to determine if that particular software contributed to the issue. Reinstalling everything at once without noting when the issue returned may lead to a need to repeat this process."

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I don't have many files, or many large applications on my MacBook Pro. 13'' with a 320 gb hard drive. However, Activity Monitor says I'm using almost half of it. What can I do to clean out the hard drive and keep only the files that I actually use?

I'm curious if there's a "defragging" or "cleaning" service available from Apple that I can use to take back some of my hard drive space.

Here are some links with information and caveats.
http://www.macworld.com/article/28636/2004/01/cleaningutilities.html
http://www.macworld.com/article/133684/2008/06/maintenance_intro.html#lsrc.mod_r el
http://www.macworld.com/article/133730/2008/06/maintenance_routines.html#lsrc.mo d_rel
http://www.macworld.com/article/28480/2003/12/handson.html#lsrc.mod_rel
http://www.macworld.com/article/42286/2005/01/preventmacdisasters.html#lsrc.mod_ rel

Need To Clean Erase My Hard Drive And Re-Install OS and Factory Software

I have a question. I am needing to erase then reinstall the OS and software that came with this Sep 2008 Macbook Pro. I am selling it and want to wipe out all my personal and work related data files I have created, and do a thorough erase. Then, with the disks that came with it I want to re-install the OS and the factory installed software. Does anyone have a link to the steps from Apple on how to accomplish this, and any do's and don'ts to help keep me out of trouble? Am replacing it with a new 15" MBP for work.
Thanks much in advance.
Reed

This is the way I prepare old machines that came with OS X installed, which allows them to act just like one from the factory. First, boot with the Apple Hardware Test disk that came with the machine, run the extended tests, and make sure everything passes. Then, boot with the restore disk(s) that came with the machine (holding down the C key until you get a screen), erase and zero the HD. When that's finished, reformat it Mac OS Extended, install the OS 9 drivers (if the machine can boot into OS 9), and then restore the software.
See
http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=31086 and
http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=301408 for restoring details.
When finished, click on the restart button, holding down the CMD+S keys. This puts the machine into single-user mode and gives you an Unix command line terminal screen. When the text stops scrolling, type in this command and click the return key:
*shutdown -h now*
This shuts down the computer; the next time it is turned on, the Setup Assistant will appear and the new user will get to personalize it. This also alleviates the necessity of presetting any display parameters, internet and e-mail settings, etc. As long as the monitor can hook up to the machine, the OS will select a usable resolution and the user can use the Display prefpane to suit their needs. They'll also have to run Software Update and bring everything up to the latest version.
Do note that you should also include all software disks and manuals that came with the machine. If there are 3rd-party apps, you need to include those disks and manuals, but only for those you want to transfer to the new owner—keeping those on your new machine and the old one, most likely violates the terms of usage.
James Sedgwick says: "I'm simple so that's why I try and keep it simple, just boot off your OS X CD, zero the drive, and shutdown. The new owner will use the bundled CD(s) to set it up the way they want it, easy peasey."
To reset Leopard to the Setup Assistant, see http://www.macosxhints.com/article.php?story=2007110800450816

I want to clean out my hard drive and re-install Tiger

I am copying my user folder and bringing it on to an external Hard drive. Is there anything that I should know before I do this. How do I make sure that I'm not deleting anything that I don't want to be deleted. What are some things I need to know. thanks

You may want to clone your whole drive to the External HD with Carbon Copy Cloner...
http://www.bombich.com/software/ccc.html
So you for sure don't lose anything.

TS1363 The "ipod has been detected but could not be identified properly...." message occurs when I plug it in. This started happening after having replaced the hard drive and operating system. Is there any way to fix this problem? I have tried all the

Ever since having to replace my hard drive on my laptop and also the operating system, I cannot get my ipod to work with my laptop. I continually get this message. I have tried every troubleshooting procedure repeatedly and also have tried all the posts on the support communities. Can anyone help?

Nevermind that first part as I forgot that nothing shows up for the Nano at all in Device Manager,
The 2nd half of my reply still applies:
Otherwise, try uninstalling all USB root controlllers from your system, rebooting your PC, and reconnecting your Nano. This root controller drivers will automatically be re-installed upon reboot.
B-rock

My macbook pro won't start up. I get the white screen and the grey apple icon   the spinning wheel......and it doesn't change !

My macbook pro won't start up. I get the white screen and the grey apple icon   the spinning wheel......and it doesn't change !

Take each of these steps that you haven't already tried. Stop when the problem is resolved.
To restart an unresponsive computer, press and hold the power button for a few seconds until the power shuts off, then release, wait a few more seconds, and press it again briefly.
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 a desktop Mac hangs at a plain gray screen with a movable cursor, the keyboard may not be recognized. Press and hold the button on the side of an Apple wireless keyboard to make it discoverable. If need be, replace or recharge the batteries. If you're using a USB keyboard connected to a hub, connect it to a built-in port.
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 in OS X 10.9 or earlier, 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.

I downloaded Lion on my iMac. It apparently cleaned out the hard drive. Nothing shows up from before. It looks like a brand new computer. It is backed up on Time machine. Any idea of why this happened and suggestions on restoring? Thanks.

I downloaded Lion on my 4 yr old iMac. The download stalled at the last minute so I clicked "CANCEL". When it was restarted, Lion was there, with no apparent option but to go ahead and install so I assumed it was okay. Didn't transfer data from "another computer" when prompted - assumed it would transfer from that computer. It apparently cleaned out the hard drive. It looks like a brand new computer. None of my apps, programs, files, or thousands of photos.   It is backed up on Time machine, but it's a sickening sight. Any idea why this happened and suggestions before restoring? Thanks.

I cannot find this 300GB "Backup" in the Finder, only in the Storage info when I check "About This Mac".
You are probably using Time Machine to backup your MacBook Pro, right? Then the additional 300 GB could be local Time Machine snapshots. Time Machine will write the hourly backups to the free space on your hard disk, if the backup drive is temporarily not connected. You do not see these local backups in the Finder, and MacOS will delete them, when you make a regular backup to Time Machine, or when you need the space for other data.
See Pondini's page for more explanation:   What are Local Snapshots?   http://pondini.org/TM/FAQ.html
I have restarted my computer, but the information remains the same. How do I reclaim the use of the 300GB? Why is it showing up as "Backups" when it used to indicate "Photos"? Are my photos safe on the external drive?
You have tested the library on the external drive, and so your photos are save there.
The local TimeMachine snapshot probably now contains a backup of the moved library. Try, if connecting your Time Machine drive will reduce the size of your local Time Machine snapshots.

HT6030 I have 2011 iMac it came with os x 10.6.6 i just upgraded the hard drive and now i cannot install OS X 10.6.6 every time i start installing after selecting the language it come up with error " OS X can't be installed on this mac " please help

I have 2011 iMac it came with os x 10.6.6 i just upgraded the hard drive and now i cannot install OS X 10.6.6 every time i start installing after selecting the language it come up with error " OS X can't be installed on this mac " please help

Be sure to start your iMac using its original grey System Install DVD: Insert that disc and start your Mac while holding the d key. At the Mac OS X Utilities screen select Disk Utility and format the hard disk. Select "Mac OS X Extended (Journaled)".
Then, install OS X.

Hi guys i have an macbook 13 late 2007 and does not work when i start it up all u can see is blank white screen and after that its keep bepping high peech tone 3 times i was thinking the hard drive but im not too sure please guys help.

Hi guys i have an macbook 13 late 2007 and does not work when i start it up all u can see is blank white screen and after that its keep bepping high peech tone 3 times i was thinking the hard drive but im not too sure please guys help.

Try to reset the PRAM first then go from there.
http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1379

Sometimes cannot start PC: problem with Hitachi SATA Hard drive and K7N2G-ILSR

I have major problem with my 160Gb SATA Hitachi hard drive and my MSI K7N2G-ILSR motherboard. Sometimes the PC can be started, sometimes it cannot.
After I installed a clean build of Windows XP Pro SP1 onto my new hard drive (as the only hard drive in my PC) and install all the necessary drivers, the system runs smoothly. However, after about 2 to 3 weeks, sometimes when I start the PC, it cannot detect the hard drive and hence it claimes that it cannot find any VMI Pool Data (i.e. no OS detected). What makes it really horrible is that, it is like the lottery everytime when I start the PC. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't. The highest record was 8 consecutive failures (by resetting or by turning the power off and on again) before I can start the machine properly. Also, the system sometimes just crashes in the middle of operating.
I have already sent the hard drive back to Hitachi. Got the same model of hard drive back as replacement, but the replacement has the same problem, except with the replacement drive the PC can be started eventually after many tries, while with the previous drive it is possible that the PC cannot be started until after a few days later.
Also, it seems that my drive can detect either SATA hard drive or PATA hard drive, but not both. (If I leave my old PATA drive connect in the primary IDE channel, Windows cannot detect the new SATA drive.)
Is my motherboard faulty? Can it only use PATA drive?
My PC's spec is as follows:
AMD Athlon XP 2500+
512Mb PC3200 SDRAM (set to run at 166MHz)
Hitachi 160Gb SATA Hard drive on 1st SATA channel (Model #HDS722516VLSA80)
Sony DVD+-RW drive and Panasonic DVD-ROM drive on secondary IDE channel
Use onboard video (GeForce MX)
US Robotech V92 internal PCI modem
SoundBlaster Audigy 2 Player soundcard
Onboard audio disabled
300W PSU
OS is Windows XP Pro SP1 (with all latest security patches up to date)

Quote
Originally posted by Raven_
Quote
Originally posted by boucher91
Along the same lines the sata drives use more power than the pata drives...
sata usually faster spin rate, pata is slower spin rate...
that is not entirly correct.
many harddrives just come with different ways to connect them.
the only sata drives i now that spins faster is western digital raptors 10k rpm.
all other is running at 7200rpm.
older drives run at 5400rpm
Yes to get the full benefit of RAID, the Raptors are the way to go.Anything else, no significant difference.

My HP computer's hard drive crashed. I have replaced the hard drive and reinstalled all of the software. I have copied my I tunes library from my backup hard drive to the new one. How do I restore the permissions? This is the 3 rd time I have had to d

My HP computer's hard drive crashed. I have replaced the hard drive and reinstalled all of the software. I have copied my I tunes library from my backup hard drive to the new one. How do I restore the permissions? This is the 3 rd time I have had to do this. THe share screen says you are limited to 5 ??

No backup is not good.
You can transfer itunes purchases from an ipod. File>Transfer Purchases

I have a 1st Gen Time Capsule 1tb. It turns on, boots up and turns green for 5-10 mins, but then turns solid orange and then blinks orange. I have removed the hard drive and replaced the power supply . . . still the same problem. Suggestions?

I purchased a used 1st Gen Time Capsule with a 1 tb hard drive.
When I plugged it in and did the initial setup, it worked fine, but gave me a hard drive error. A few minutes later the green light turned solid orange, then blinking orange, then the status light went off. The lights in back stayed on.
I removed the hard drive and rebooted, it turned green for 5-10 minutes then reverted back to a solid orange, blinking orange, then went off.
Next I purchased a remanufactured internal power supply, and installed it (without the hard drive in). It turned green almost immediately. After about 15-20 minutes, I decided to try to install the hard drive again, booted it up, and tried to erase the hard drive with was working properly according to the software. It stopped erasing the disc after about 20 minutes and turned solid orange again, then blinking, then no status light (but back lights were still lit).
I'm a bit flabbergasted at this point, any suggestions on what to do next? I think i've pretty much replaced everything except the logic board, but can't seem to find any information on the symptoms of a logic board malfunction.
Thanks!!!!!!!

A Gen3 is identical board to a Gen4 although they have some differences in firmware and wireless card was updated on every model.. but a Gen3 is substantially faster than Gen1, Gen2 which also have identical boards.
You can with careful shopping get a Gen3 pretty cheap.
Most use a delta power supply which I think is a lot better than the flextronics used in most Gen1/2
You can sell back the parts to ebay.. people still would buy the power supply etc. Even just the case can be useful to a repairer.
But if the board is gone.. it is hard to repair.. not impossible.. but hard.
Gen 3 and Gen 4 are not without faults.
See this page.
https://sites.google.com/site/lapastenague/a-deconstruction-of-routers-and-modem s/apple-time-capsule-repair/new-issue-with-a1355-gen-3-tc
I have fixed it a different way.. by using the small converters you can buy in bulk from ebay for $1 each.. KIS3R33 .. they produce 3.3V at 2A peaking at 3A.. amazing.. I keep using them to replace onboard power converters by removing the inductor and simply power directly.. the end result has worked great. You can simply change the resistors around and get any output from 1v to 20v depending on input.
Is it worth doing it .. no of course not.. it will waste many more hours than $50 is worth.. but it is kind of fun that you can actually make things work again.
Here is a pic of the Gen 3 totally powered by me. All onboard power removed.
This was to track down the fault in the Gen3.. but I am kind of pleased that it ended up neat enough and reliable enough to work for more than a year.. the Gen3 still serves as a way to get Netflix via network for a friend running 24/7.
The units supply (from left to right)
1v, 1.1v, 3.3v, 5v, 1.8v
It is feed by 12v supply which is also directly connected to the hard disk.
So it is possible to fix.. !! Only got to be a bit crazy.

I have an old imac G3 desk top computer that I would like to donate. I need to clean up the hard drive. How do I do this?

I have an old imac G3 desk top computer that I would like to donate. I need to clean up the hard drive. HOw do I do this?

If you have a Mac OS 8.x or 9.x CD (depending on the iMac model), look for a Drive Setup utility somewhere on that disc. Boot from the CD while holding down the C key. Initialise the hard disk with a 'Zero all data' option chosen.
Jan

On a macbook I purchased secondhand hard drive got corrupted and I started to get the flashing folder with the question mark, I purchased a new hard drive and snow lion install DVD I installed the hard drive and tried disc but kept getting blinking folder

On a macbook I purchased secondhand hard drive got corrupted and I started to get the flashing folder with the question mark, I purchased a new hard drive and snow lion install DVD I installed the hard drive and tried disc but kept getting blinking folder

Welcome to Apple Support Communities. We're users here and do not speak for "Apple Inc."
Power on the computer and insert the DVD immediately.
Hold down the 'C' key to boot from the Snow Leopard DVD.
http://support.apple.com/kb/ht1533
After selecting the appropriate language, if necessary, select Utilities, and Disk Utility.
You'll likely need to partition and format the new drive before it's recognized.
http://manuals.info.apple.com/MANUALS/0/MA161/en_US/MacBook_13inch_HardDrive_DIY .pdf
(Yes, these instructions ARE 7 years old, but the procedure is the same for installing from DVD media.)

Can u use time capsule as a normal hard drive and don't activate the time capsule in my macs?

can u use time capsule as a normal hard drive and don't activate the time capsule in my macs?

Yes, but it will be slow and expensive compared to just buying an external and plugging it in locally.

OS X won't start, time to clean up the hard drive and re-install?

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