Power Mac stuck at light blue screen

I've searched numerous forums and my problem doesn't seem to have a solution (that I could find). I have a 2.0 GHz early 2005 Power Mac G5 (7,3) that won't get past the light blue screen at start-up. I've tried everything - reset the PRAM, Apple Hardware Check (on overnight loops, everything came back OK), fsck (all OK), repaired my HD and permissions on it, and then erased the drive using Target Disk Mode and another Mac, and attempted to reinstall OSX from the install disk that came with it (with OSX Tiger). I've tried switching out the RAM with no luck. The only thing I haven't tried is a new video card (the installed one is an ATI Radeon 9600).
Here's what it does: powers on with the usual chime, then moves on to the white Apple screen, the wheel spins, then it moves on to a darker blue screen, then it finally moves on to a lighter blue screen with an arrow, and it just stays there. It will boot into safe mode (pressing shift), but I can't even upgrade to Leopard in safe mode, much less figure out what's wrong. Help!

bildungsroman wrote:
Actually, this post gave me the first (temporary) solution I have yet to run across: https://discussions.apple.com/thread/3263472?tstart=0
It seems like the culprit is my video card. I'm going to order a new one and report back...
Sounds like the right thing to do. I've had similar problems in the past with a problematic video card, because of course, Safe Boot does not use anything more than the basic capabilities of the card and usually doesn't load the driver kext, which should probably be ATIRadeon9700, at least for Tiger.
For grins, you can do a verbose boot (hold down cmd-V combination at power up) and after the gray screen with Apple embossed logo, you will go to essentially a Unix console screen, which should at some point report loading the driver, which will probably be the hang point.

Similar Messages

Power Mac G5 stuck on light blue screen at startup.

My mac starts normally *until after the Apple/loading screen. After that it stays on a light blue screen.
I have tried a new video card, different RAM. What is the problem?

Hello,
Could be many things, we should start with this...
"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
Then try a Safe Boot, (holding Shift key down at bootup), run Disk Utility in Applications>Utilities, then highlight your drive, click on Repair Permissions, reboot when it completes.
(Safe boot may stay on the gray radian for a long time, let it go, it's trying to repair the Hard Drive & clear caches.)
If perchance you can't find your install Disc, at least try it from the Safe Boot part onward.

Power Mac goes to the blue screen and no where

I had a Power Mac G4 Dual 1, processor. Upgraded to 10.5 and after I cleaned up some files and was ready to reboot system and when I brought the system backup it went to blue screen. Now I can not do anything else on the system. I want to restart to a clean install if I can.

Start with http://support.apple.com/kb/TS1545 If that doesn't solve the problem, restore your previous Tiger bootable backup/clone.

G5 Power Mac (ppc) boots to blue screen only

Hi, I realize that this is an old machine (10 years, at least) but until a few days ago it was working fine. I use it only for the FCP Suite, which will not run on my new Intel-Based Imac.
Anyway, I was able to boot up from the CD and run both the Disk utility and the Hardware Diagnostic Test. It passed the Hardware test without problems and then the disk utility found a bunch of errors, all of which is fixed (I have run it several times and it now comes up at "ok" everytime.
Still, when I go to boot it up it takes forever and goes through the gray screen, then the blue screen, and does not go past that.
I am stuck. Any ideas about the next steps? Should I use the Firewire Target Disk Mode?
There is another internal hard drive (which also passed all the tests) and I am wondering if I should try to install the system onto that and then try to boot from that. Any ideas about that? And, if I were able to boot from that disk, any ideas whether or not I would be able to then see the primary hard drive to copy off the project I was in the middle of when it went down?
I know I have a lot of questions, but any insight would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks,
Debbie

Hi BDAqua,
Many thanks for your thoughtful reply. I have done as you said—actually, I tried it right after I read your post—and the wheel is still spinning on the blue screen, which can't be good! It may be doing something, as previously it would go to the blue screen and eventually lose the spinning wheel, but still...
So, I had also done a reset of the PRAM and, I think, the SMU. What's next, do you think? What do you think of the idea of installing a system on the second hard drive...too risky? And is there anything I should be vacuuming, or looking at inside the whale? I saw some others had recommended that for other reasons...
Again, many thanks,
Debbie

Hey guys . Pls help. My MacBook pro is stuck on light blue screen . Pls help

Help. Help, Help

It's MacBook Pro . Model,ram,hard drive , I don't know , i get it from my friend . For some days . And suddenly I update it's software in Apple softwere update . And I forget to charge its battery . And it's goon to shut down when I charge it , that stucks on blue . Screen . and I also not have operating system disk.pls help

2008 Mac Pro stuck at Light Blue/Dark Blue screen! HELP

Hi, I've had my Mac Pro dual 2.8 Ghz Quad Core w/ the standard Radeon XT card, since the end of 08, and I haven't added ANY hardware to it, since.
over the past year or so, i'll be working on my Mac Pro, and all of a sudden, it locks up, and a faint washed out, pink checkerboard pattern goes down my screen, but sound will still play, obviously forcing me to power down. SO, my problem now, is --> Just a couple of days ago, it finally did it for the last time.. I shut down, and now when I boot up, it either A) hangs at the white loading screen w/ gray apple and spinning YouTube style loading animation, or B), when I try the CMD+Option+P, R option, upon start up, or hold down Right-Click on mouse on startup, it just goes to the light blue screen (Which it always normally did before when it'd boot up), then it switches over to a darker-shade blue screen, with a dark colored Youtube style loading animation...Oh, and I can't open up the Superdrive no matter -what- I do, so I can't boot from CD? It responds to the key combinations, but not the eject key?!
Is this a videocard issue? At first I thought so, but clearly I do seem to need a new videocard, with the pink checkerboard thing happening..but I am REALLY hoping this isn't a hard drive problem.I have so many things I'll be devasted if they're lost for good.
Any advice would be GREATLY appreciated. I did search for this issue and I found similar issues, but it was always slightly different than my problem
THANKS,
Matt

When i turn the computer on, on the RAM rack it has a red light but it only stays lit a couple seconds, then goes away.
That's normal. It's only a problem if one or more stay lit.
Did you try the video card reseat yet?
As for the optical drive; you pull the carrier out (as far as the cables would let you or unplug it) and you say you can't unscrew the drive from the carrier? It's the only screws I think are in there so I am not sure what other screws you are trying to undo. But if you leave the carrier hanging out, and you try to eject the tray, does it try to do it. The reason I ask is the problem might only be that the carrier isn't exactly lined up with the bezel and that might be what's blocking it from opening when fully mounted.
After this, I am not sure what else to suggest, so yes, you may need to get professional repair.

Hello. Today, I was updating my iPod Touch 4th Generation to iOS 6. I unplugged the iPod when it was during the installation because it appeared to be frozen. Now the iPod is stuck at a light blue screen even after I reset it. How do I fix it?

Hello. Today, I was updating my iPod Touch 4th Generation to iOS 6. I unplugged the iPod when it was during the installation because it appeared to be frozen. Now the iPod is stuck at a light blue screen even after I reset it. How do I fix it?

You will need to do a DFU restore by holding the home and power buttons down (while the device is plugged in to your computer) until the device's screen goes black and as soon as the screen goes black, count down from 3 and release the power/sleep button, but keep holding down the home button. Then, iTunes will say the iPod needs to be restored. The restore process will take some time and even though the iPod may appear to be frozen, don't interrupt the restore.

I have the mac book air and when I turn it on its a light blue screen with a flashing folder with a question mark on it and I cant get past it. Anyone know about this?

I have the mac book air and when I turn it on its a light blue screen with a flashing folder with question mark on it. Any one know how to get past it?

The MBA is trying to tell you that it is not able to find a bootable system
Either the file is corrupt or access to the storrage has failed
I would start by seeing if it will boot with Command + R depressed

Light blue screen, computer refuses to start

Hello!
My computer froze yesterday and It wouldn't work so I shut it down by pressing the power button... that was the last time I saw my lovely background. Once I tried restarting it the computer would only go to the light blue screen with the apple and the perpetual loading circle...WHAT SHOULD I DO???
- I have very limited computer knowledge but I'm good at following directions.
- I have no idea how to reboot my computer so I'd love to try that if someone would explain to me how to do it.
-I am in New Zealand for the semester and there are no Apple Stores and I have papers to write
**I do not have any of my mac software with me so I need solutions that do not involve that please
-I have the aluminum macbook and I got in January of 2009.
PLEASE help!

Fixed

New Mac Software update causes blue screen

Hello, I need some help...
I Updated my Macbook Pro with the reqular Mac software update (includes quicktime, itunes and a couple others) I was given the option to "shut down" or "restart"...
I clicked "shut down".
My computer then proceeded not to turn off but simply turn to a blue screen...
After some time I turned off my machine and restarted it...
It took a little longer time to start up as it usually does after a software update...
But after going through the main white screen with the apple, then moving through to the next screen that has the loading bar. that loading bar window comes up for a split second and then disappears leaving a blue screen with the cursor and then does nothing more...
I am stuck with a blue screen and a curser...
I have already tried to start up in safemode...
Any help would be much appreciated

Very astute question, for Tiger on Intel you must use the exact install disk for that Model, Gray in color for one thing.
One thing to try other than a Safe Boot...
Tough without the Install disc, but some things to try...
Does it boot to Single User Mode, CMD+s keys at bootup, if so try...
/sbin/fsck -fy
Repeat until it shows no errors fixed.
(Space between fsck AND -fy important).
Resolve startup issues and perform disk maintenance with Disk Utility and fsck...
http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=106214
Tough without the Tiger Disk problems, but try fsck...
To use fsck, you must run it from the command line. Unlike using your mouse to open an application to do something, you'll need to type a text command at the prompt (#) to tell fsck what to do. The Terminal application (/Applications/Utilities) and single-user mode are two examples of command-line interfaces in which you can type such commands. To use fsck:
1. Start up your computer in single-user mode to reach the command line. Hold CMD+s keys down at bootup. Note: If necessary, perform a forced restart as described in the Emergency Troubleshooting Handbook that came with your computer. On desktop computers, you can do this by pressing the reset/interrupt button (if there is one) or holding down the power button for several seconds. On portable computers, simultaneously press the Command-Control-power keys. If your portable computer doesn't restart with this method, you may need to reset the Power Manager.
2. At the command-line prompt, type /sbin/fsck -fy
(SPACE between fsck AND -fy important)
3. Press Return. fsck will go through five "phases" and then return information about your disk's use and fragmentation. Once it finishes, it'll display this message if no issue is found: 
The volume (nameofvolume) appears to be OK  If fsck found issues and has altered, repaired, or fixed anything, it will display this message: *** FILE SYSTEM WAS MODIFIED ***   Important: If this message appears, repeat the fsck command you typed in step 2 until fsck tells you that your volume appears to be OK (first-pass repairs may uncover additional issues, so this is a normal thing to do).
4. When fsck reports that your volume is OK, type reboot at the prompt and then press Return.
http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=106214

Why is my macbook pro stuck on a blue screen

I was downloading a program that was put onto a disk image, then my macbook battery died (forgot it was unplugged). When i plugged it back in and booted it back up, it did the usual tone and apple logo/spinning gear. Shortly after it would go to a pale blue screen and occasionally have a spinning gear, but no matter how long i wait it stays on the same screen.
i have tried everything here: http://support.apple.com/kb/TS2570
except i't wont let me start from the install disk (it just goes to the blue screen)
i have the mac os x install disk one and two, but im also not sure what one to put in and if these are the right ones anyways.
I also have a windows xp partition that i CAN access without getting stuck on the blue screen.
So, is the hard drive corrupt even though i can access the windows partition?
Do i need to replace the hard drive?
i cant go to an apple store and get it fixed, i just dont want to drive there (but i will if i need a new hard drive)
this is my first mac and i have only basic knowledge of the operating system.
i think it was running on 10.6 (snow leopard), but i only have the install disks that came with my mac.

To fix your issue is too complicated and lengthy to go into all of it here as it sounds like a hardware issue, it will require the services of person very familiar and experienced with Mac's to first recover your data and then restore OS X back to a functional state which may or may not require new hardware/software installed.
If your under warranty or AppleCare, take it in for service.
You can also hire the services of a local Mac computer support technician experienced in these matters.
Have them look at your Wifi, RAM amount, extra storage and computer backup proceedures in the process.
Good Luck.

Why do I have a light blue screen randomly appear?

In the middle of using my MacBook, a light blue screen randomly appears. It disappears if I shut the screen and then open it again. It was happening every few months, now it's happening a couple of times a day.

Hi, got exacly the same problem, the screen turns light blue every now and then especially when watching a video on the internet and I can't shut it down. Well, I noticed that it was happening when the mac book pro had been running for a while and was particularly warm, then one day I pointed a fan towards the device to cool it down and after a few minutes internet came back. I do the same thing all the times the screen goes off and I always sort it out, it must be about overheating.

Light Blue Screen followed by nothing

Hi there,
I'm wondering if anyone can help me solve a problem i'm having with MacOSX 10.3 and a iBook G4 which I recently purchased.
The iBook G4 boots the Apple Hardware Test cd fine and I'm able to test the hardware which all passes (Logic Board, Memory, Mass storage etc), however on some occassions when I try to boot the install disc's which came with the unit it will begin to boot it and then stops with a light blue screen (which is seen as the background for the MacOSX install). Sometimes I do have success and it will load the setup as it should but other times its just as I describe it. There is no cursor or spinning colored disc on the screen either when it happens. It just a blank light blue screen which doesn't do anything.
Is this a logic board fault or a HDD fault?

Hi cornelius and ali brown,
Thankyou for your replies. I'll have a look at those articles and see how it goes.
In response to your question Ali, that was my post. I just felt this type of question was probably more relavent in here.
As you may know I was able to get the installation going after running in verbose mode however the install only required the first disc of 3 - 4 (can't quite remember). I did also select "Archive and Install" which saves the current installation for future access. (someone suggested it on this forum or another one)
After the first CD was done, it asked to restart the machine. I clicked restart and it booted fine (no longer get the kernal dump on bootup) however it doesn't continue after that. I simply see the Apple logo plus the spinning gear which then goes to a light blue screen and stays there. It is similar to when I tried booting from the install disc.
It does the same thing in verbose mode and I can't see anything from the startup process which might be causing the problem.
I then left it for a few days whilst I did a bit of research into the problem. Then the other day I booted the iBook and it began to continue with the installation. It asked for disc's 2 and 3. After finishing disc 3, the installation was complete and it began to show the welcome video which then turned into a cube which froze about 45 degrees into its turn and wouldn't respond. The sound was also repeating (just your common lockup).
I powered the unit down and attempted to do a clean install but it began to do the same thing as before (boots install disc and loads a light blue screen). Verbose mode does the same thing at that point so I was unable to perform a clean install.
Hope there is enough info provided to help better determine what is causing the problem.
I'm using Panther 10.3, Tiger is not installed (I didn't correctly list the details for the iBook - apologies for that).
I can boot the Apple Hardware Test cd fine which works as it should. I have no problems with that. However, whenever I try to boot from the HDD it just does what I described above. I see the Apple logo with the spinning grey gear which then goes to a light blue screen and not much more happens. It also does the same with the Panther install disc's. However, it works on some occasions.
The disc's are the ones which came with the unit so I can only assume that they are original system install disc (grey in color).
iBook G4 Mac OS X (10.3)

HT1414 I have a light blue screen

my ipod had the usb cord and itunes symbol on the screen so i connected it to the computer now it has a light blue screen and its not doing anything how can i fix this

Hi, got exacly the same problem, the screen turns light blue every now and then especially when watching a video on the internet and I can't shut it down. Well, I noticed that it was happening when the mac book pro had been running for a while and was particularly warm, then one day I pointed a fan towards the device to cool it down and after a few minutes internet came back. I do the same thing all the times the screen goes off and I always sort it out, it must be about overheating.

My macbook won't start up, it gets stuck on the blue screen. can it be fixed? i suspect a hacking due to a strange phone call earlier which i thought was a scam.

my macbook won't start up, it gets stuck on the blue screen. can it be fixed? i suspect a hacking due to a strange phone call earlier which i thought was a scam.

Reinstall OS X without erasing the drive
1. Repair the Hard Drive and Permissions
Boot from your Snow Leopard 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.
2. Reinstall Snow Leopard
If the drive is OK then quit DU and return to the installer. Proceed with reinstalling OS X. Note that the Snow Leopard installer will not erase your drive or disturb your files. After installing a fresh copy of OS X the installer will move your Home folder, third-party applications, support items, and network preferences into the newly installed system.
Download and install Mac OS X 10.6.8 Update Combo v1.1.

Power Mac stuck at light blue screen

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