HT201257: Using Apple Hardware Test

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jazzlvr123
Level 1 (0 points)

Q: my computer worst recognize usb disk images when starting up and hitting option key only my hd shows up on a1226 computer

I'm trying to run apple hardware test, i downloaded the correct disk image for my computer model (a1226) and restored the disk image onto a flash drive, however the flash drive is not showing up when I restart and hit the option key. only my HD and recovery HD. i don't have the luxury of pressing D as my computer predates that option. how shall i test the hardware on my system? its currently running el capitan

MacBook Pro, Mac OS X (10.6.8)

Posted on Feb 11, 2016 8:27 PM

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jazzlvr123

Q: my computer worst recognize usb disk images when starting up and hitting option key only my hd shows up on a1226 computer

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  • by WinstonE,

    WinstonE WinstonE Feb 11, 2016 9:11 PM in response to jazzlvr123
    Level 2 (283 points)
    iPad
    Feb 11, 2016 9:11 PM in response to jazzlvr123

    I responded to your WiFi thread. It appears you have managed to upgrade to 10.11. You should update that thread, as it might have altered my answers there. You also should update your signature, which still says 10.6.8.

     

    It sounds like the Apple Hardware Test disk image you have does not contain an OS. It is tricky to create a USB startup disk for OS X. If you did not get an image that specifically had a startup OS on it you will not be able to run from the USB stick.

     

    There is a small chance that if you start up in in Recovery mode (hold Command-R at startup) that Apple Hardware Test on the USB stick will be seen under the Recovery partition, but I'd not count on it.

     

    If you have access to another Mac, you could start your computer in Target Disk Mode (hold "T" at startup) and connect the two via Thunderbolt or FireWire (or both, with appropriate adapters and cables) and run Apple Hardware Test from the other computer. However, I don't know if Apple Hardware Test works properly if run on a Target Disk mode computer, as it may not have access to all the things you'd normally test.

     

    Good luck.

     

    - Winston