Will not start wile holding down the C key

Question

I wanted to run some tests on my system. So I ran the Hardware Test that came with the computer. Everything passed. When I go to do the Disk Utilities I get the dark grey screen with the message "You need to restart your computer....."
Any other ways besides the C key to try to start from the disk?
Thank you

Answer 1

Hi-
Any other ways besides the C key to try to start from the disk?
Insert the disk into the drive, and start while holding the Option key.
When the Startup Manager window loads, you should be given some icons representing the startup volumes available, including the OS install disc.
Select the appropriate icon, and then click the right arrow. The machine should boot to the selected volume.
If the desired boot volume does not show, press the "circular" arrow to refresh.
If you are having trouble booting, make sure you are using an Apple wired keyboard, plugged directly to the towers USB port, not through a hub or PCI card. Also, inspect the cable for kinks.
When I go to do the Disk Utilities I get the dark grey screen with the message "You need to restart your computer....."
This is a kernel panic.
Is this from the Disk Utility in the Applications folder of the System Drive, or, from the Utilities menu of the install disc?
If you are having startup disk problems, you might try a Safe Mode boot (hold Shift while starting). This forces a check of the system drive, and allows for repair, should it be necessary.
Safe mode boot takes longer than a normal boot, so be patient.