Won't get past gray screen/apple

My son's mac book will not start. It shows the grey screen and apple logo but no further. I ran utilities from leopard install disk and it says SMART said the disk is about to fail. I ran DW 4.1 and Drive Genius 2.0.2 to no avail.
How can I get the data off of this HD?
Thanks
Geoff

See if you can get DiskWarrior to mount the drive in "Preview" mode. I recently cloned all my files off an external drive that was hosed. Thanks to DW I recovered all my files.
-Bmer
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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.

How to get past gray screen on MacBook?

How to get past gray screen on MacBook?

Here are some initial things to try.
http://support.apple.com/kb/ts2570
http://lifehacker.com/how-to-troubleshoot-the-four-most-common-oh-sh-t-mac-48708 0511

IMac won't get past startup screen, no matter what. Pls help?

I just inherited a mid-2010 iMac from a friend. It hadn't been used for months, and now when it is started up, it won't get past startup screen. It shows the 'slot' looking image on the bottom of the white loadup screen, then it's just the apple symbol and the whirly thing going around forever. I've had it going for over half an hour at one point, and nothing changes. I have tried all the different reboot key combos, such as C with a startup disk in it, D for hardware test, command S for safe mode, etc. The only thing which makes any difference at all is using the T key at startup, when I do get the three-pronged white symbol floating around screen.
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I'm not sure if a dead PRAM battery would give you these symptoms, but one possibility is that if the computer was off wall power for months, the PRAM battery, a small coin cell battery that controls certain functions, may be drained and dead.
But, in any case, try an SMC Reset. You must follow the timing for this exactly.
http://support.apple.com/kb/ht3964
And then a PRAM Reset.
Hold down Option-Cmd-P-R together at the startup chime, listen for two more chimes, total three, then release all the keys to finish booting.
You might also try a Safe Boot by holding down Shift at the startup chime. (Cmd-S isn't for Safe Boot, it's single user mode.) Give it much longer to boot than usual, but if it doesn't finish in perhaps 5 or 10 minutes, then you'll have to give up on that.

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Computer won't boot past gray screen

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So I decided to unlock my CPU and have been experiencing a problem. I recently found out that if I even have "unlock core" function enabled in BIOS, even while running it with two cores, the computer won't get past the windows screen. With four cores enabled it obviously does the same. No matter what I try I cannot get past the Windows screen while having the unlock core function enabled.
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first try to enable 1 core (core number 3) (disable core number 2 and 4) and increase some vcore. If booted then you have a good core.
Then try this with other core (core number 4) (disable core number 2 and 3), if booted then your both cores are unlockable and are good core (i.e, not defective)
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It sounds like your friend also turned on VoiceOver, which speaks items on the screen as you touch them (and sounds like the Siri voice). You will need to go to Settings>General>Accessibility>VoiceOver and turn it off. However, with VoiceOver on the way you use the iPhone screen changes. First, to scroll you will need to flick the screen with three fingers. Next, to activate something on the screen you will need to first tap it once to select it, then double-tap it to activate it. Example: to open Settings, tap Settings once (the voice will say "settings"), then double-tap it again and it will open. The specific steps are:
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Desperately Seeking Genius: iBook G4 won't go past gray screen w/ apple...

Hi AppleHeads. I am looking for some assistance from a nice mac genius. I am trying to fix my sister's computer and am not sure exactly what to do here. Her laptop is an iBook g4 with 1.33GHz Power PC, G4 processor, 512 MB and 40 GB hard drive. She had noticed her computer getting really slow and crashing frequently. She ran some updates this morning and then the computer crashed. Now, it will not turn on past a gray screen with the apple logo. I attempted to trouble-shoot the issue using the guide the computer came with and also ran the Apple Hardware Test. Everything passed -- see the results below. What is my next option? I would like to try and save all of the data as she has not backed up recently (tsk tsk). I'm sure a lot of people post this kind of request, so if there is a solution out there that you know of, please share the information or links. I know that one option is to wipe out the computer and reinstall Mac OS X but I'd like to only do that as a last resort until I can pull the files. Thanks!
Apple Hardware Test - Extended Test results:
Extended Test
AirPort Passed
Logic Board Passed
Mass Storage Passed
Memory Passed
Model Device found
Video RAM Passed
AirPort Passed
Logic Board Passed
Mass Storage Passed
Memory Passed
Model Device found
Video RAM Passed

Hi Doley and welcome to Apple Discussions,
is an iBook g4 with 1.33GHz Power PC, G4 processor, 512 MB and 40 GB hard drive. She had noticed her computer getting really slow and crashing frequently.
Was she aware of how full the hard drive was? That can often lead to problems.
Uh oh just noticed this:
Mac OS X (10.0.x)
Is that right?
the 14.1" 1.33 ran Mac OS X 10.3
the 12.1" 1.33 Mac OS X 10.4
Saving Data:
Does she have the original install disks?
See if it can boot from them or an appropriate installer for the size.
If so then save to an external drive or another Mac in target mode.
If her iBook will go into target mode it would then act like a big expensive external hard drive:
http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=58583
After saving data:
http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=106214
or use disk utility. Depends on what OSshe was running.
She ran some updates this morning and then the computer crashed.
If it happened while the computer was updating after downloading them that would really mess up the OS.
If that's the case it might take a program like Data Rescue II to retrieve data off that hard drive.
Richard

MacBook Pro won't get past gray start screen - RunTime corruption error

Hi, I am a novice when it comes to fixing things, so I will make a Genius Bar appointment, but I thought I would consult this community first in case anyone has experienced this same issue:
I was using my 13 in. MacBook Pro this morning after not using it for a couple weeks. (It was running fine last time.) It started up fine, and the few applications I was using worked OK. Then I got an error saying I needed to update my Java in order to access my work VPN. I didn't think twice about downloading the Java upgrade. Once the Java download was complete, I thought I might need to restart to get the VPN to recognize the update. And that was the last time I was able to see my desktop. I restarted, and the could not get past the gray screen. I did this twice. Then I did a safe boot (showing the status of the progression), and that when I saw this message over and over and over:
hfs: RunTime corruption detected on MacIntosh HD, fsck will be forced on next mount.
hfs: BlockMarkFreeInternal () trying to free unallocated blocks (10865570,8) on volume MacIntosh HD
(I snapped a pic with my phone - that's how I transcribed it.)
This ran for about 20 minutes before I suspected it wasn't actually doing anything, and I forced it to shut down by pressing the power button.
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I should add that I don't know if the Java download is responsible - could just be a coincidence that it was the last thing I did/downloaded before restarting.

Can't get past gray screen with progress indicator... Help

I can't turn on my Macbook. It starts but won't go past the gray screen with the progress indicator (spinning circle).
I have tried:
1. turning off, removing battery, holding start for 5+ seconds, replacing battery and then turning on.
2. Holding command + option + R + P while staring up, waited for 3+ chimes.
3. holding Shift down while starting up
none of these things are working.
I've been on hold with apple service/support for almost an hour now.
I have an assignment on the computer that is due by midnight.
HELP!
I'm not very computer savvy and this is my first mac.
Any ideas folks??
Thanks.
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You've done all the standard procedures. If you have any peripherals attached, disconnect them.
This describes resetting the PMU:
http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=303319
Did you have the AC disconnected when you did it? I don't have any other ideas.
These are the startup key options:
http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=303124
Edit: If you have the install disc stuck in it anyway, can you get the hardware test to work? (Reboot while pressing the D key.)

Startup Issues - computer won't go past gray screen

PLEASE HELP! I have a Power Mac G4. I installed OS X Tiger on it. Then I tried to install Quark 5, which is a Classic program. The computer said there was no longer Classic support on it. I mistakenly thought I would try to boot the computer in OS 9 to install Quark, so I changed my startup disk. Now the computer won't go past the gray screen at startup, because apparently there is no more OS 9. How do I boot up the computer to OS X again?
Power Mac G4 Mac OS X (10.4)

Hi, KHickey -
Will I have to back up my files?
Not usually. You should be able to re-install OS 9 (Classic) on that model via a Clean Install with no loss of any files.
That machine originally came with a model-specific version of OS 9.0.4. You can use the original OS 9 Install CD that came with it to install that version, and update via download updaters to v. 9.1 or later in order to use it as Classic (the OS 9 install must be at least v. 9.1 in order for it to be used as Classic by OSX; OS 9.2.x provides better compatibilty in that mode). Or, you can use a retail OS 9.1 or retail OS 9.2.1 Install CD.
In either case, a Clean Install would be the method to use. A Clean Install of OS 9 removes nothing, and gives you a new, uncomprimised System Folder.
Article #58176 - Mac OS 8, Mac OS 9: Performing a Clean Installation
<hr>
There is a situation where the OS 9 install can be good, but the machine is still not able to boot to it. This can happen when the hard drive was last initialized using OSX's Disk Utility, and the option to install OS 9 drivers was not selected. IN the absence of those drivers the volume can not be mounted by OS 9, including an OS 9 on the volume - hence it can't boot to it.
An easy way to tell - while in OSX, do a Get Info on the drive; I believe one of the pieces of info given about the drive is whether it has OS 9 drivers installed.
Or, boot the machine to an appropriate version OS 9 Install CD - if the drive has OS 9 drivers, the volume will appear on the desktop; if it does not, it won't.
More info about that, including a small possibility of recovering from the situation, can be found in this Apple KBase article -
Article #106849 - Disk Is Available in Mac OS X But Not in Mac OS 9
If you do have to re-initialize the drive in order to get OS 9 drivers on it, then you will need to back up all your files - initializing a drive will erase everything on it.

G4 Power Mac won't boot past gray screen

I have a mirror door g4 power pc that had been having some issues with not turning on, and after testing the power supply, it failed miserably. We placed a refurbished power supply in it from a company in New York and the computer was working wonderfully. I went on a cruise last week and went to turn the computer on for the first time in a week and a few days. The CPU turns on, the unit chimes, the fan turns on and the computer starts to boot up, but it won't boot past the gray apple logo screen.
Actually, the first few attempts to boot it resulted in a blue screen with gaint apple logo and spinner; it wouldn't advance further. After several restarts and resets, I got it to come up into the normal gray screen. On several attempts it wouldn't boot further than this. On two occasions now though, it has moved past the gray screen to normal operation (it takes about an hour for it to get to that point though) but with some kind of errors. I get the side bar, but the gray panel on to with "file" ect is gone and my HD icon never comes up. The icons on the sidebar do not respond when clicked.
The computer will not boot from the OS X disc.
What's going on, hard drive? Virus? Something else?

You likely have hard drive directory issues or worse.
Virus is just a hopeful whimsy.
No virus.
I hope that you have a backup of your data.
Try a Safe Mode boot. This forces system repair of the directory (if possible).
Hold Shift while starting to enter Safe mode. Be patient, as it can take several minutes to complete.
Failure to boot to the OS X disc is not good. A severely damaged drive can prevent boot while connected.
Disconnect your boot drive and try booting to the OS X disc.

Won't get past gray screen/apple

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