Turning on and the apple chime is heard but won't get past the first grey screen

Turning on the Mac and hearing the chime but not able to get past the initial grey screen.

Hello Daryl,
Also let us know what Operating System you have on your Mac.

Similar Messages

  • My iMac starts, but won't get past the loading screen?

    My iMac starts up, but won't even get past the white screen with the Apple logo.
    It kept giving me black screens, and would not start in safety mode. After command + option + p + r, the black screens stopped coming, but it still won't get past the loading screen, if I let it load long enough the Apple logo is replaced by a "denied" symbol but that is the only thing that happens. By hitting command + d, I was told nothing is wrong. When pressing command + r and going to disk utility, it found an issue while verifying and repairing. At first it stated "invalid journal" but now it only says to reinstall everything and that the problem couldn't be solved. I cannot mount the harddrive, and Time Machine just searches for copies without getting anywhere. When I try installing OS X (Mavericks) again, the harddrive doesn't even show up. What do I do?

    The HD sounds like it has crashed, take it into your local Apple Store or Apple Authorized Service Provider (AASP), if you bought AppleCare this will be covered. If you don't have an Apple Store in your area and don't know of any AASPs then please click https://locate.apple.com/country to begin finding one.

  • Mac starts up but won't get past the blue screen and the rainbow wheel

    I had this problem before a couple of years ago. The hard drive had to be replaced. Now I'm just trying to start it up so I can back up data. I reinstalled OS 10.4 last week, it started OK a couple of times. Now it won't go to the log-in screen again.
    I know I can reinstall OS 10 again but isn't there a command key I can hold down while it's starting up that will let me log in?
    Also it makes that long BEEP sound when I start it up. What does that mean?
    Finally, I do not have an emergency troubleshooting guide. I don't think I ever had one. Can I download a .pdf of that somewhere?

    Hi spiffyhere, and a warm welcome to the forums!
    I know I can reinstall OS 10 again but isn't there a command key I can hold down while it's starting up that will let me log in?
    Possibly...
    Mac OS X: What is Safe Boot, Safe Mode...
    http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1564
    PS. Safe boot may stay on the gray radian for a long time, let it go, it's trying to repair the Hard Drive.
    Option key on bootup will show which devices you can boot from.
    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
    Also it makes that long BEEP sound when I start it up. What does that mean?
    Bad sign, and likely the source of the problem...
    How many beeps?
    Beep_Codes">https://mediawiki.middlebury.edu/wiki/LIS/AppleComputer_BeepCodes
    The Beeps may be a Hardware problem, see if this helps...
    http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1547

  • 10.5.8 won't shut down after bad SD disk removal.  It stops all applications but won't get past the final shut down screen.

    I had a disk error with a SD disk from my camera.  Removed the disk from the card reader and got the Disk Removal Error alert.  Then the whole thing froze up on me.  Noting else would eject, No other apps would shut down and basically nothing worked.  I couldn't shut down so I removed the battery.  Restarted the computer ok then tried to repair the SD disk in question.  No luck on the repair so ejected it again.  Then tried to restart OS and it won't shut down again except everything still works but it just won't shut down.

    Some hard drives shut off with shutdown, some don't. Sometimes hard drives that did shut off with one system will not do the same with a different system. My hard drives which did shut off, prior to 10.5 now stay on.
    This is not really a problem as all hard drives spin down after 10- 20 minutes when not in use, whether your computer is on or off. Leaving the drive on is fine, shutting it off manually is fine.
    -mj
    [email protected]

  • My iphone 4s won't turn on and it is in DFU mode, but my computer can read the device..... PLEASE HELP :((

    My iphone 4s won't turn on and it is in DFU mode, but my computer can read the device.... PLEASE HELP , and my iphone is not jailbroken

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uuulql2u37U The title is "DFU Mode vs. Recovery mode - Which is Which? and How to Enter AND Exit (iphone, ipod, ipad) It helped me, Hopes it Helped you! Also you do not need to Restore! 

  • My MacBook Pro pwers up but does not get past the the Apple logo.

    I have a MacBook Pro with Mountain Lion.  It powers up but does not get past the Apple logo.  The hardware test did not reveal any problems.  It will also not get any further when I try to start up in Safe Mode.  The last thing I was trying to do was connect to it from my desktop which I have done before.  Any ideas.

    I was able to get into the Repair utility and resolved some Permissions problems.  It verified the disk and found no problems.  However, it did not resolve the issue.  I was also not able to get into Safe Mode.

  • Trying to set up Fam Sharing but can't get past the prompt telling me to add a payment method. I already have a payment in my iTunes account and wish to use it for FS. How do I do this?

    Trying to set up Fam Sharing but can't get past the prompt telling me to add a payment method. I already have a payment in my iTunes account and wish to use it for FS. How do I do this?

    Hi printspat,
    From what I gather, you have a payment method selected for your iTunes Store account which isn’t being accepted when setting up Family Sharing.
    Take a look at the he article linked below provides, which provides a lot of great information about Family Sharing, and make sure you're trying to use a valid payment method for setting up Family Sharing.
    Set up Family Sharing - Apple Support
    One adult in the family—the family organizer—can set up Family Sharing for the group from their iOS device or Mac. When you set up Family Sharing, you'll be asked to confirm that you agree to pay for purchases initiated by the family members you invite and that you have a valid payment method on file. Valid payment methods for setting up Family Sharing include credit cards and debit cards.* 
    Cheers,
    -Jason

  • HT1600 my software update fails every time I attempt to update. I have restarted the device, selected software update but when it get to the end of "preparing software update", it fails and says the update was not successful. any ideas?

    my software update fails every time I attempt to update. I have restarted the device, selected software update but when it get to the end of "preparing software update", it fails and says the update was not successful. any ideas?

    Welcome to the Apple Community.
    If your problem persists get yourself a micro USB cable (sold separately), you can restore your Apple TV from iTunes:
    Remove ALL cables from Apple TV. (if you don't you will not see Apple TV in the iTunes Source list)
    Connect the micro USB cable to the Apple TV and to your computer.
    Reconnect the power cable (only for Apple TV 3)
    Open iTunes.
    Select your Apple TV in the Devices list, and then click Restore.

  • My iPhone 4s (bought today) won't get past the activation screen. It says 'it may take a few minutes to activate your iPhone' and then skips to another screen saying 'activation failed - try again'. Any solutions?

    my iPhone 4s (bought today) won't get past the activation screen. It says 'it may take a few minutes to activate your iPhone' and then skips to another screen saying 'activation failed - try again'. Any solutions?

    Apple's activation server is down.
    I called Apple and the support team had the same issue.
    All you can do is be patient.

  • My computer beeps when I turn it on . I have tried to reset pram but can't get past the beeps.

    My computer beeps when I turn it on . I have tried to reset pram but can't get past the beeps.

    The beeps (or flashes) are usually an indication that there is no working RAM. This article gives some examples, but the concept applies widely across many Mac models.
    iMac (Mid 2007) and later models: About startup tones

  • My macbook air won't get past the white apple screen.  I've tried power cycling the batter but won't help

    my macbook air won't get past the white apple screen.  I've tried power cycling the batter but won't help

    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.

  • I recently added photoshop elements 12 to my computer but can't get past the initial log in screen. It goes gray and spins.  any thoughts?

    I recently added photoshop elements 12 to my computer but can't get past the initial log in screen. It goes gray and spins.  I have a current serial number and log in ID/password but still not working.  Any thoughts?

    Hello,
    I recommend you contact AT&T's dedicated BB Support staff (call their front line, request escalation to BB Support) and have them check to be sure that your account with them is correctly configured for this device. Sometimes when switching devices things don't fully automatically move behind the scenes, and only they (ATT) can validate that.
    Good luck and let us know!
    Occam's Razor nearly always applies when troubleshooting technology issues!
    If anyone has been helpful to you, please show your appreciation by clicking the button inside of their post. Please click here and read, along with the threads to which it links, for helpful information to guide you as you proceed. I always recommend that you treat your BlackBerry like any other computing device, including using a regular backup schedule...click here for an article with instructions.
    Join our BBM Channels
    BSCF General Channel
    PIN: C0001B7B4   Display/Scan Bar Code
    Knowledge Base Updates
    PIN: C0005A9AA   Display/Scan Bar Code

  • I have an iPhone 4s that i have been using and have alot of new contacts, on my itunes i have registered an old iphone that i dont use i want to sync my contacts from the iPhone 4s but i cannot get past the page where it introduces you to your new iPhone

    I have an iPhone 4s that i have been using and have alot of new contacts, on my itunes i have registered an old iphone that i dont use i want to sync my contacts from the iPhone 4s but i cannot get past the page where it introduces you to your new iPhone

    When you see the old number come up in the suggested choices look for a blue arrow to the right of the Contact. Tap the blue arrow and then tap Remove from Recents.

  • Macbook froze, now it won't get past the boot logo!

    I was using my macbook tonight... using a bunch of programs, then all of a sudden everything just froze. I turned it off by holding the power button, then booted it back up... but it won't get past the apple logo and the circle just keeps moving round and round. I've never had any issues with it until today so I'm kind of surprised. Any ideas how to fix this?
    I do have generic 3GB ram but it has never given me issues for the past 2 years. I also installed a WD blue scorpio 500GB hd a few months ago and I haven't had issues with that either.
    PLEASE HELP!!

    tibookg4 wrote:
    I was using my macbook tonight... using a bunch of programs, then all of a sudden everything just froze. I turned it off by holding the power button, then booted it back up... but it won't get past the apple logo and the circle just keeps moving round and round. I've never had any issues with it until today so I'm kind of surprised. Any ideas how to fix this?
    I do have generic 3GB ram but it has never given me issues for the past 2 years. I also installed a WD blue scorpio 500GB hd a few months ago and I haven't had issues with that either.
    PLEASE HELP!!
    Hi I have been looking at this drive for myself and heard that some people are having issues.
    I would suggest you try to boot again holding down the OPTION key this will show you all the drives connected and determine if you can see you WD. If so click and see. If not I suggest you put your OS X Install DVD in.
    DO NOT INSTALL
    Goto utilities and Disk Utility.
    Can is see the drive there?
    If so select the drive and then goto REPAIR DISK can also repair permission but this sounds like something else.
    Resetting the PRAM may help, but I do not suspect this is part of that problem.
    Good Luck!
    -h

  • My emac won't get past the grey screen with spinning indicator

    before i went to bed last nite it was fine. when i woke up i click on the screen and got the little rainbow ball. that lasted for about 5-10 minutes so i had to push the button. when i try to turn it on now it gets to the grey screen with the spinning indicator but won't get past that. any help would be appreciated

    An Archive and Install will preserve you user settings and data. You will need a minimum of 5 GB free on the hard drive to perform an A&I; you can reduce the space required by about 1 GB by selecting the option to install language support only for the language you use (assuming you don't need multiple languages).
    However, after seeing your other post (BTW, it'll be easier to keep track if relted issues are in the same thread), you do not want to try an A&I if Disk Utility is reporting anything about 'could not be repaired'. Doing so will would ensure problems down the road, if it worked at all. It's possible for one disk problem to mask another. Whenever Disk Utility (or any other repair utility) reports making repairs, it's good practice to repeat the repair until it reports no problems found or it becomes clear it cannot repair the disk.
    DiskWarrior has an excellent track record at repairing problems that Disk Utility cannot (especially Disk Utility versions prior to OS X 10.4.2).
    If the drive cannot be repaired, you may be able to keep it by doing an erase install with the write zeros (one pass) option. That will update the hard drive firmware record of bad disk sectors to avoid using. If there are only a few bad sectors, that may let you keep using the hard drive for several more years. An erase install will do just that to your data, through. If you have access to another Mac with either a large amount of free disk space of a DVD burner, you can try using the other Mac as host and the eMac as target in FireWire target disk mode. You can run the host's copy of Disk Utility on the eMac hard drive, and hopefully be able to mount the emac HD so that you can back up the data in your Home directory.

Maybe you are looking for