Screen flashes gray color during startup

For almost two weeks now finder can't be opened and it keeps crashing every now and then. As a result, I am forced to restart my Mac only to see flashes of gray color strips which comes and goes instantaneously whiles machine restarts.

Hi James,
Thank you for using the Apple Support Community. Due to the nature of your issue or question you may find more information by using another one of Apple's support resources - https://getsupport.apple.com/GetproductgroupList.action
Regards,
- Brenden

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Boot Loop Grey Screen - Flashed Image File on Startup Disk

My computer is a boot loop thanks to my really stupid error using Terminal. I was trying to flash an OpenElec image on a USB drive but I accidentally flashed it on to my startup disk, disk1, which caused some major issues. here is the link to what I was trying to do: http://wiki.openelec.tv/index.php/HOW-TO:Installing_OpenELEC/Writing_The_Disk_Im age#tab=Mac_OSX
Instead of writing it to disk3, I wrote it to disk1 using this command : sudo dd if=OpenELEC-Generic.x86_64-5.0.0-efi.img of=/dev/rdisk1 bs=4m
Repair Disk does not work, I don't have a backup so I can't just reinstall the OS X without losing all my data? I tried using Target Mode, I able to view the HD on another Mac but all my photos are in a iPhoto library (120GB) which cannot be opened or copied due to Error -36. I tried importing the file into iPhoto on the Target Mac but get an error that iPhoto disk is full. We cleaned the Target Mac iPhoto library completely. The photos are the last 10 years of our life so we cannot lose them.
Is there a way to remove the image that I installed on the HD via Terminal so it will start up again? Can I somehow Target Mode transfer the photos onto to another Mac?
Please help me!
line 1: /dev/disk0: Permission denied
/Volumes/Cruzer/Terminal Saved Output: line 3: 0:: command not found
/Volumes/Cruzer/Terminal Saved Output: line 4: 1:: command not found
/Volumes/Cruzer/Terminal Saved Output: line 5: 2:: command not found
/Volumes/Cruzer/Terminal Saved Output: line 6: 3:: command not found
/Volumes/Cruzer/Terminal Saved Output: line 7: /dev/disk1: Permission denied
/Volumes/Cruzer/Terminal Saved Output: line 9: 0:: command not found
/Volumes/Cruzer/Terminal Saved Output: line 10: 1:: command not found
/Volumes/Cruzer/Terminal Saved Output: line 11: 2:: command not found
/Volumes/Cruzer/Terminal Saved Output: line 12: /dev/disk2: Permission denied
/Volumes/Cruzer/Terminal Saved Output: line 14: 0:: command not found
/Volumes/Cruzer/Terminal Saved Output: line 15: Logical: command not found
/Volumes/Cruzer/Terminal Saved Output: line 16: 5843C88A-1AEE-455B-AA12-1B9017FBE610: command not found
/Volumes/Cruzer/Terminal Saved Output: line 17: Unencrypted: command not found
/Volumes/Cruzer/Terminal Saved Output: line 18: /dev/disk3: No such file or directory
/Volumes/Cruzer/Terminal Saved Output: line 20: 0:: command not found
/Volumes/Cruzer/Terminal Saved Output: line 21: /dev/disk4: No such file or directory
/Volumes/Cruzer/Terminal Saved Output: line 23: 0:: command not found
/Volumes/Cruzer/Terminal Saved Output: line 24: /dev/disk5: No such file or directory
/Volumes/Cruzer/Terminal Saved Output: line 26: 0:: command not found
/Volumes/Cruzer/Terminal Saved Output: line 27: /dev/disk6: No such file or directory
/Volumes/Cruzer/Terminal Saved Output: line 29: 0:: command not found
/Volumes/Cruzer/Terminal Saved Output: line 30: /dev/disk7: No such file or directory
/Volumes/Cruzer/Terminal Saved Output: line 32: 0:: command not found
/Volumes/Cruzer/Terminal Saved Output: line 33: /dev/disk8: No such file or directory
/Volumes/Cruzer/Terminal Saved Output: line 35: 0:: command not found
/Volumes/Cruzer/Terminal Saved Output: line 36: /dev/disk9: No such file or directory
/Volumes/Cruzer/Terminal Saved Output: line 38: 0:: command not found
/Volumes/Cruzer/Terminal Saved Output: line 39: /dev/disk10: No such file or directory
/Volumes/Cruzer/Terminal Saved Output: line 41: 0:: command not found
/Volumes/Cruzer/Terminal Saved Output: line 42: /dev/disk11: No such file or directory
/Volumes/Cruzer/Terminal Saved Output: line 44: 0:: command not found
/Volumes/Cruzer/Terminal Saved Output: line 45: /dev/disk12: No such file or directory
/Volumes/Cruzer/Terminal Saved Output: line 47: 0:: command not found
/Volumes/Cruzer/Terminal Saved Output: line 48: /dev/disk13: No such file or directory
/Volumes/Cruzer/Terminal Saved Output: line 50: 0:: command not found
/Volumes/Cruzer/Terminal Saved Output: line 51: /dev/disk14: No such file or directory
/Volumes/Cruzer/Terminal Saved Output: line 53: 0:: command not found
/Volumes/Cruzer/Terminal Saved Output: line 54: /dev/disk15: No such file or directory
/Volumes/Cruzer/Terminal Saved Output: line 56: 0:: command not found
/Volumes/Cruzer/Terminal Saved Output: line 57: -bash-3.2#: command not found
logout
[Process completed]

Install OS X Using Internet Recovery
Be sure you backup your files to an external drive or second internal drive because the following procedure will remove everything from the hard drive.
Boot to the Internet Recovery HD:
Restart the computer and after the chime press and hold down the COMMAND-OPTION- R keys until a globe appears on the screen. Wait patiently - 15-20 minutes - until the Recovery main menu appears.
Partition and Format the hard drive:
Select Disk Utility from the main menu and click on the Continue button.
After DU loads select your newly installed hard drive (this is the entry with the mfgr.'s ID and size) from the left side list. Click on the Partition tab in the DU main window.
Under the Volume Scheme heading set the number of partitions from the drop down menu to one. Click on the Options button, set the partition scheme to GUID then click on the OK button. Set the format type to Mac OS Extended (Journaled.) Click on the Partition button and wait until the process has completed. Quit DU and return to the main menu.
Reinstall OS X: Select Reinstall OS X and click on the Install button. Be sure to select the correct drive to use if you have more than one.
Note: You will need an active Internet connection. I suggest using Ethernet if possible because it is three times faster than wireless.
This should restore the version of OS X originally pre-installed on the computer.

Blue screen flash on Mountain Lion startup

I'm using a mid-2011 MacBook air and I recently installed Mountain Lion. For the most part, Mountain Lion always booted up normally. The Apple logo would slide up and reveal my accounts. But since yesterday, this startup animation is missing, it's now been replaced by a blue screen, which then reveals my accounts. It's very strange.
Any idea on what this could be?

I have the same problem.
Opening any design program photoshop, flash or firework, macbook pro screen turns blue.
I have use Mac OS 10.8.1 mountain lion

Lenovo 3000 N200 - Blue Screen during Startup

I have a 3000 N200 laptop running Windows XP which has begun showing a blue screen error then restarting during startup.
When turned on, it shows the Lenovo logo page then a page saying Windows did not start successfully last time. When I choose to start Windows in both normal and safe modes, the XP startup screen comes up then a blue screen flashes up for 1/2 a second then it restarts. I disabled restart due to system failure and read the error code, details are below:
UNMOUNTABLE_BOOT_VOLUME
Technical Information:
*** STOP: 0x000000ED
(0x86F5F030, 0xC0000006, 0x00000000, 0x00000000)
Choosing to start with command prompt loads files up to...system32\drivers\mup.sys, then freezes and restarts.
I have tried to enter the rescue and recovery using the LenovoCare button and F11, but this begins to load then freezes on the first screen.
I rang Lenovo and they sent recovery discs but these have not worked, bringing up the Rescue and Recovery first screen with the Boot CD and freezing as with the LenovoCare/F11 buttons.
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Message Edited by SuperstarDiver on 09-02-2008 08:51 PM

OOPS!!
Thanks for the PM, I made a mistake and inserted the wrong link
This is the correct link which I meant to post. It's a link from this site which you may want to add to your favourites.
Sorry
Andy ______________________________________
Please remember to come back and mark the post that you feel solved your question as the solution, it earns the member + points
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Pavilion g7 laptop screen flashes colors and will not boot

When I power up my laptop, the screen flashes different colors and will not boot up

The service manual is for the G7 series notebook and is not exclusive to the g7-1368dx model. Different models within the G7 family uses different hardware and supports different hardware upgrade paths. This means that an item listed in the service manual is not necessarily supported for every model in the G7 family.
Is the notebook's product number A7A46UA?
If so, the motherboard this unit came with is the 649948-001 as listed in the service guide. All the parts for this unit can be found here.
I searched HP PartSurfer for the part number 669690-001, the A8 processor, and expanded the note at the bottom of the result page to see what units came with this processors. I reviewed three different models and each had the motherboard 649950-001.
The units that shipped with the A8 processor had a different motherboard than what the units that shipped with the A6 processor.
Due to A8 units having a different motherboard than the A6 units, I suspect that the motherboard your unit has does not actually support the A8 processor. Sorry.
↙-----------How do I give Kudos?| How do I mark a post as Solved? ----------------↓

When I open Reader why does screen flash and parts of document are not readable?

When I open a PDF my screen flashes, changes color and then when the document comes up parts of it are blacked out. When I close the document the screen flashes again. I have just downloaded the latest version of Reader.

The slowness may be caused by background processing after the library update. Are you shooting RAW?
Also, where is your iPhoto library stored? In your Pictures folder or on an external drive?
How much free storage do you have on your system drive
3. Finally when my old folders, books and contents of my old photo gallery appears in the left side of the application I have access to no photo and the program remains as it were unresponsive.
You may need to repair your iPhoto Library.
Run the iPhoto library first aid tools and use the options "Repair permissions" and "Repair database".
To launch the "First Aid Tools" hold down the options-command keys while double clicking your iPhoto Library.
Then select "Repair Database". Repeat with "Repair Permissions". If this does not help, back up your iPhoto Library and use the option "rebuild".

Screen flashes neon like when I move

If I move my macbook pro from my lap to couch etc. the screen flashes neon colors. I can get it to go normal by jiggling it. What's up?

Clearly not normal behaviour. Time for a trip to the Apple store. Do o you have apple care. How old is the MBP

My itunes store is a blank screen of gray

why is my itunes store a blank screen of gray & colors?

Close your iTunes,
Go to command Prompt -
(Win 7/Vista) - START/ALL PROGRAMS/ACCESSORIES, right mouse click "Command Prompt", choose "Run as Administrator".
(Win XP SP2 n above) - START/ALL PROGRAMS/ACCESSORIES/Command Prompt
In the "Command Prompt" screen, type in
netsh winsock reset
Hit "ENTER" key
Restart your computer.
If you do get a prompt after restart windows to remap LSP, just click NO.
Now launch your iTunes and see if it is working now.
If you are still having these type of problems after trying the winsock reset, refer to this article to identify which software in your system is inserting LSP:
iTunes 10.5 for Windows: May see performance issues and blank iTunes Store
http://support.apple.com/kb/TS4123?viewlocale=en_US

Gray screen during startup after boot camp installation

I cannot either Mac and Windows t start on Mac Mini after I updated with Windows7 on Bootcamp.

Hi there Sudarshan21,
I would recommend taking a look at the troubleshooting steps found in the article below.
Mac OS X: Gray screen appears during startup
http://support.apple.com/kb/ts2570
-Griff W.

HT203254 Without any indication of a problem my MBP-15" screen diplayed a message saying closing down and began flashing colored screens and screens with gray vertical bars.

Without any indication of a problem my MBP-15" screen diplayed a message saying closing down and began flashing colored screens and screens with gray vertical bars. I had to power foo to stop it. It has happened twice

Welcome to the Apple Support Communities
The graphic card is damaged. Take your computer to an Apple Store

IMac gray screen (with frozen "spinning gear") during startup

Hello all - my first post to the community, so be gentle....
I'm having a boot issue with my early 2008 Intel based iMac. After a recent power outage, I can't get the machine to boot to OSX - the spinning gear spins for about a minute then freezes. When I boot to Snow Leopard install CD, it gets to the same point then displays a Kernel Crash screen. I can boot to Windows using the option key on startup, but Windows runds a little weird...mostly graphic display errors (dragging windows and scrolling in web browser is slow and jumpy, games crash with strange graphics displayed). I suspect a graphics card malfunction (the machine has an NVidia GeForce 8800GS), but I'm not convinced and I can't figure out how to test it. Here's more info:
- I'm running OSX version 10.6 with a Boot Camp XP partition.
- I've disconnected all peripherals except keyboard and mouse (including Ethernet)
- I've reset NVRAM/PRAM
- Safe boot, Single-user mode won't boot
- I haven't pulled and reset any RAM modules yet.
Any thoughts would be appreciated - I'm three hours from the nearest Genius Bar, so I'd like to try as much at-home troubleshooting as possible.

http://support.apple.com/kb/TS2570 Mac OS X: Gray screen appears during startup
When I boot to Snow Leopard install CD, it gets to the same point then displays a Kernel Crash screen.
OS X: About kernel panics
User Tip: Kernel Panics? Don't panic too!
How to troubleshoot a kernel panic
I'm running OSX version 10.6
Use Software Update or the OS 10.6.8 combo update to update your OS. Also, update everything SU has to offer for your computer. When done, repair permissions and restart your computer.
I'm three hours from the nearest Genius Bar
Apple Stores are not the only places that repair Macs. There may be an AASP that is closer.
International AASP’s & Other Services
AASP's Outside of the USA
so be gentle....
As opposed to....

Gray screen appears during startup

I have a later Mac Mini with 10.8.5. installed where the gray screen appears during startup. Have regularly backed up the disk except the last 2 days where I installed some important pictures which unfortunately were deleted on the camera.
Have now followed the following steps under support.apple.com/kb/TS2580
1) Disconnect, test peripheral devices and network cables
Didn't solve the problem
2) Perform a Safe Boot
Didn't solve the problem
3) Reset the NVRAM/PRAM
A menu showed up , I checked the disk, didn't show any problems
Then I restarted the Mac and the same problem showed up.
What's the suggestion for next step and minimizing the risk of deleting the pictures which I don't have backup on ?
Help would be greatly appreciated.

Sorry - the support link should be http://support.apple.com/kb/TS2570

Got the white screen with flashing ? But no startup disk to be found

Need some help as following all instructions from everyone I cannot reinstall OS X mountain lion (I was using Mavericks but Mountain Lion is all that is coming up - issue is when asked to select disk where I want to install nothing come up??

A flashing question mark appears when you start your Mac
Question (?) Mark, Blinking Folder, or Gray Screen at Startup
These are related but not identical issues. Their causes are outlined in Intel-based Mac- Startup sequence and error codes, symbols. Solutions may be found in:
A flashing question mark appears when you start your Mac
Mac OS X- Gray screen appears during startup
In most cases the problems may be caused by one or more of these:
Problem with the computer's PRAM - See Resetting your Mac's PRAM and NVRAM.
Boot drive's directory has been corrupted - Repair with Disk Utility.
Critical system files are damaged or deleted - Reinstall OS X.
The disk drive is physically non-functional - Replace the hard drive.
Note that the information I have provided is what Apple recommends, If other users suggest different solutions than found here, then be sure what they recommend does not impact on your warranty, if any, or ability to get continuing Apple service.
Please don't start removing drives or changing cables unless you know what you are doing and have exhausted other non-invasive alternatives outlined here. If you perform any work yourself that is unapproved by Apple, then you will void any warranty you may have and lose all further Apple Support.
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.
The main difference if you are using Lion or Mountain Lion is that you must first boot from the Recovery HD. Simply boot from the Recovery HD to perform the above.
Reinstall Snow Leopard 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.
Reinstalling Lion/Mountain Lion Without Erasing The Drive
Boot to the Recovery HD: Restart the computer and after the chime press and hold down the COMMAND and R keys until the menu screen appears. Alternatively, restart the computer and after the chime press and hold down the OPTION key until the boot manager screen appears. Select the Recovery HD and click on the downward pointing arrow button.
Repair the Hard Drive and Permissions: Upon startup select Disk Utility from the main menu. Repair the Hard Drive and Permissions as follows.
When the recovery menu appears select Disk Utility. After DU loads select your hard drive entry (mfgr.'s ID and drive size) from the the left side list. In the DU status area you will see an entry for the S.M.A.R.T. status of the hard drive. If it does not say "Verified" then the hard drive is failing or failed. (SMART status is not reported on external Firewire or USB drives.) If the drive is "Verified" then select your OS X volume from the list on the left (sub-entry below the drive entry,) click on the First Aid tab, then click on the Repair Disk button. If DU reports any errors that have been fixed, then re-run Repair Disk until no errors are reported. If no errors are reported click on the Repair Permissions button. Wait until the operation completes, then quit DU and return to the main menu.
Reinstall Lion/Mountain Lion: Select Reinstall Lion/Mountain Lion and click on the Continue button.
Note: You will need an active Internet connection. I suggest using Ethernet if possible because it is three times faster than wireless.

TS3243 My Desktop Mac won't startup, it turns on to the grey screen flashing question file. I have been able to startup from the snow leopard install cd but once I try to repair within DU the disk never appears in the side panel. The only thing there is "

My Desktop Mac won't startup, it turns on to the grey screen flashing question file. I have been able to startup from the snow leopard install cd but once I try to repair within DU the disk never appears in the side panel. The only thing there is "Media"... What can I do? Help!

If Disk Utility cannot see your drive it doesn't look good.
You could try DiskWarrior. It is expensive but can often fix directory structures where DU cannot.
Replacing the drive is also a strong likelihood. If you don't have a fairly recent backup, then it might be worth buying DiskWarrior
additonal notes;
Gray screen appears during startup

Screen Goes Black During Startup (after login)

Hello,
I have a 2005 Mac Mini PPC OS 10.4.11. This is the first problem I've had since purchasing the computer. This problem popped up out of nowhere. The screen goes black during startup just after I login into my account. I can hear the hard drive spin like it is finishing the startup process. The monitor power button blinks green.
I'm using the digital video cable. I tried switching to the VGA cable but the screen then goes black before the login screen.
The computer will startup in Safe mode.
I've tried Disk Utility (repair disk and repair permissions), Techtool Pro, Drive Genius, ColorSync Utility, Reset Pram, installed latest OS updates, and even re-installed the System twice (once because I removed all the Extension files and then the computer would not startup at all).
I've also tried removing cache files, plist files, startup files, preference files, and some or all of extension files.
The only applications I have recently installed were QuickTime Pro and a .flv movie player; both about a week before this problem started. I tried to uninstall them but could not figure out how.
What is the problem? How can this be fixed?
Thanks.
Richard

Howdy. I have Had the same problem as you in regards to a ViewSonic Monitor and the Mac Mini. This is my post:
Monitor failure when switching resolutions
Using Displays with the Mac mini, Apr 1, 2008, Replies: 2
Running 10.5.2 on Mac Mini G4 1.42 Ghz with ATI Radeon 9200, 32 MB VRAM and ViewSonic VX922
When switching resolutions from 1280x1024 to 800x600 or vice versa, the monitor will cut to black and the power light on the monitor switches from solid green to flashing green. Only by combinations of powering down the mini and starting it up again with the monitor on or off will bring the monitor back to life. This problem makes it difficult to play World of Warcraft amongst other games. Any feedback in regards to this problem would be appreciated.
Thank You!
At this point, I am unable to switch Monitor resolutions. If I do, the monitor goes black, and I have to power everything down and wait a while before I can restart.
I've resigned myself to not switching resolutions, but I'm wondering if you've had any luck.
Thanks for your time!
Kevin

Screen flashes gray color during startup

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