Trouble starting up from OS X install DVD

I am trying to repair my startup HD, and I'm having trouble booting from the Mac OS X install DVD to do so.
I tried to restart after inserting the DVD, and after powering on and playing the "Mac startup sound" my computer simply ejects the DVD and boots up normally.
I've tried everything I can think of: holding down the option key on restart and configuring the computer to boot from the DVD in System Preferences.
Anyone know what's going on? I doubt the DVD is damaged because it resides in its original case in the original box in the back of my drawer. If it is damaged, though, will Apple replace it even if it is part of a hardware bundle?

Yes, if the disc is defective call AppleCare to get replacements. You could also try duplicating the disc and trying to boot from the duplicate. In some cases this will work. You will probably need a dual-layer DVD for the duplicate. Check the size of the one you have. If it's more than 4.7 GBs, then you will need a DL blank DVD.
Duplicate a CD or DVD
1. Insert the DVD/CD;
2. Open Disk Utility, and select the DVD/CD from the left side list (select the DVD/CD icon on top);
3. from the DU File menu select New | Disk Image from Disk 1;
4. Choose to format the disk image as DVD/CD Master, name the disk image and click Save;
5. When the .cdr file is finished select it with mouse and press COMMAND-I to open the Get Info and check the box to lock the file;
6. Choose the .cdr file from the left side list, click Burn, and insert a new, blank DVD or CD.

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Hi Everyone,
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Hello again, sweeet (and welcome from up over...LOL):
I am not sure why your system would show up - did you "ping" it from the network tool, or does it just show in the network summary (I think it would be there from before, although networking is not an expertise of mine)? In any event, without the software install DVD, it is really hard to suggest anything else than to head in for a diagnosis.
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Message was edited by: Barry Hemphill

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Many thanks in advance for your attention.
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Thanks again for your response.
I am all for these forums in helping people out. I know some questions/ answers can't be all black and white.
But - in the interests of clarity for others out there -
1. Again, I was not trying to INSTALL from the 10.5 Install Disk.
2. I was merely trying to insert it and use it to VERIFY my HD.
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Do the following:
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Chris:
I just had the same issue on my son's MacBook. As long as you have a wired keyboard, the following will work.
1. Shut down the computer if it is on.
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3. Immediately press and hold the Command (Apple) key and the "s" key for single-user mode.
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9. After desktop comes up choose System Preferences, then choose accounts. Unlock if you have to and using the username: root ..... and the password you just setup in the single user mode You now should be able to make users including your existing user account an admin.
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Message was edited by: Jason Paul1

I don't know MacBooks really. Try running Apple Hardware Test by booting from the installer disc with the D key held down.
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As I suggested before, post this in the MB hardware forum since they are the ones with MB experience.

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Hello,
I want to perform a clean intallation with my MacBook Pro 6.2 but its not possible to boot (pressing C) from the new retail OS X Snow Leopard DVD 10.6.3 (I've lost the original DVD).
After a few seconds the MacBook freezes with the apple on grey background.
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Hey FWeidenbach, were you finally able to reinstall??? Im experiencing the same problem and im getting very frustrated., I already called Apple and by my experience with them, this is the worst Tech Support i ever received. Besides that, i just bouth a 3000 USD MacBook Pro, i cannot reinstall the OS, and they are asking me for 300 USD more to buy an apple care plan in order to receive technical support.,
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How do I create a start-up disk image without restarting from the Install DVD?

(I know this is not MacBook Pro question per se, but I can't find a software discussion this applies to.)
Situation:
My MBP is running, but it's acting up and Onyx tells me that the start-up volume needs repair and directs me to use Disk Utility.
But to repair a volume using Disk Utility, you must restart from the original Install DVD (or some other start-up volume).
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OR
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Chris:
I just had the same issue on my son's MacBook. As long as you have a wired keyboard, the following will work.
1. Shut down the computer if it is on.
2. Press the power button to start the computer.
3. Immediately press and hold the Command (Apple) key and the "s" key for single-user mode.
4. Type mount -uw / (then press the Return Key) wait for next line to appear with # root/
(there is a space between t and - and another space between w and /)
5. Then Type "passwd" (without quotation marks then press the Return Key)
6. Enter new password (this will be for the root user account) (watch your fingers when you type because it doesn't show what you are typing, then hit the Return Key after you type it.
It will prompt you to retype the new password again, so retype it again and then hit the Return Key) wait for next line to appear...
7. Then Type "reboot" (without the quotes and hit the Return Key)
after the computer restarts and comes up with the login window....
8. Login with any of your usernames just to get the desktop up.
9. After desktop comes up choose System Preferences, then choose accounts. Unlock if you have to and using the username: root ..... and the password you just setup in the single user mode You now should be able to make users including your existing user account an admin.
After you log back in under your real account, it is advisable to deactivate the root user account. To do this,
1. Click the Finder icon in the Dock.
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3. Open Directory Utility.
4. Click the lock in the Directory Utility window if you need to unlock the utility.
5. Enter an administrator account name and password, then click OK.
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