Can't repair disk/Won't boot from install disk

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Can't repair disk/Won't boot from install disk

Apologies in advance for how not-tech savvy I am.

I was trying to create a partition using bootcamp but the partition failed and it told me to repair disk using disk utility.
When I try to boot from the install dvd by holding down C the computer just gets stuck in a loop. It turns on, chimes, makes a whurring noise and then restarts again. I can select the install disk by holding down the option key but it does the same thing. If I try to safe boot it comes up with a flashing folder and a question mark.

(Also, the install disk I'm using is not the one that came with this computer, but a OS X 10.5.4 that came with our iMac. Don't know if that would make a difference?)

I downloaded the techtool deluxe that comes with applecare, and it says there's a problem with the volume structure, but when I try to repair using techtool it says the disk cannot be repaired and only gives me the option to start over.

Message was edited by: lizrd91

MacBook 13" aluminum late 2008, Mac OS X (10.5.8)

Posted on Jan 9, 2011 4:42 PM

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Answer 1

K Shaffer

Level 8

36,100 points

Jan 9, 2011 5:18 PM in response to lizrd91

You would have to be booting from either a newer version retail OS X 10 install DVD
than whatever your computer shipped with, or that original specific disc set it first had.

No other computer's model/build specific restore-install disc set can do this job, since
it would not be correct and can't boot the computer. The wrong software set is on it.

There may be some way to attempt to boot into Single User mode and try fsck...

• Resolve startup issues and perform disk maintenance with Disk Utility and fsck:
http://support.apple.com/kb/TS1417

• OSXFAQ - Technical stuff for OS X: how to use 'fsck'
http://www.osxfaq.com/dailytips/07-2002/07-31.ws

There are odd instances where users have applied incorrect use of Boot Camp
to install a Windows version in their Mac, and in so doing, erased or damaged
the OS X partition on their computer's hard disk drive. This is why it is a great
idea to perform maintenance and also keep a complete bootable OS X clone
on an externally enclosed hard disk drive, of the Mac's system & apps.

If you had a current version of DiskWarrior on its own disc media, that may be
able to help fix or restore some file system issues in a hard disk drive.

Perhaps there is more you can do, but frankly if I wanted Windows, there are
tons of old PCs out there awaiting recycle from which to choose. (Not 4 me!)

Good luck & happy computing! 🙂

+{PS: Hi there in the down-under ... from here, in the up-over!}+

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