iMac won't boot from install disc

Question

Level 1

4 points

iMac won't boot from install disc

My iMac has been running a little slow the past two days and so I ran Disk Utility. DU reported that I had the incorrect number of thread records and an invalid volume count. It instructed me to repair the disk by booting from the install disc. The problem is that when I try to boot from the install disc (after I choose the disc from the options), I just get a gray screen with the apple logo on it. Nothing else happens, no disc activity, nothing.

Anyone have any ideas as to how to get my iMac to boot from the disc and, ultimately, to get Repair Disc running from DU?

Thanks,

Rich

iMac 2.66 GHz Intel Core i5, Mac OS X (10.6.4)

Posted on Nov 10, 2010 6:49 AM

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Answer 1

den.thed

Level 9

76,978 points

Nov 10, 2010 7:15 AM in response to OldBergkamp

Hi Rich

Welcome to Apple Support Communities

Insert your Install DVD and go to: Apple > System Preferences > Startup Disk > select the Mac OS X Install DVD and click Restart.

Be patient... If you think your iMac is running slow wait until you see how long it takes to boot and how slow things run from the DVD.

Once booted from the DVD, skip the Installer and open Disk Utility from the menu bar. Then in Disk Utility, select your Macintosh HD, select the First Aid tab and click the Repair Disk button.

Dennis

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Answer 2

OldBergkamp Author

Level 1

4 points

Nov 10, 2010 7:12 AM in response to den.thed

Thanks for the info. I waited awhile the first time so I'll try again and see what happens and post back.

Rich

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Answer 3

den.thed

Level 9

76,978 points

Nov 10, 2010 7:22 AM in response to OldBergkamp

I suggested going that way, because some folks with wireless keyboards have trouble using the Option key to get to the Startup Manager. > http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1310

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Answer 4

OldBergkamp Author

Level 1

4 points

Nov 10, 2010 11:31 AM in response to den.thed

I read this, too, but I'm wondering how long is too long to wait for the boot up to occur. It's been a few hours now and I'm at the same state as the beginning...white screen/logo.

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Answer 5

den.thed

Level 9

76,978 points

Nov 10, 2010 12:02 PM in response to OldBergkamp

It should only take a minute or so at most to boot from the DVD.

If your sure you have the correct Install Disk for that iMac, I'd start over. Then if it still doesn't work then perhaps a trip to your Local Apple Service Provider with the Disk or Disk and iMac is in order.

http://www.apple.com/buy/locator/service/

Alternately using the correct Disk as per the following article, see if you can run the Apple Hardware Test? > http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1509

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Answer 6

OldBergkamp Author

Level 1

4 points

Nov 10, 2010 12:07 PM in response to den.thed

I think I'm far past a minute. 😉 I do have the correct disc but I'l see if I have any others around (I have two others with 10.6 on them). Thanks.

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Answer 7

OldBergkamp Author

Level 1

4 points

Nov 10, 2010 12:58 PM in response to den.thed

den.thed wrote:
If your sure you have the correct Install Disk for that iMac, I'd start over.

This was the problem. I have the discs separated but somehow mixed them up. Once I installed the correct one, it worked fine. I had seen this solution earlier but was mistakenly certain that I had the correct disc.

All is back to normal now, including the peppiness.

Many thanks.

Rich

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Answer 8

den.thed

Level 9

76,978 points

Nov 10, 2010 1:17 PM in response to OldBergkamp

Your welcome!

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