TS2570: Mac OS X: Gray screen appears during startup

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tishfromva

Q: What are the three beeps that occur after I insert the Mac OSX 10.6 install disc and hold down the C key during startup?

My  MBP(#1) is stuck in grey screen.  I've tried 4 or 5 of the steps suggested to get the computer to boot up.  I used Target Disk Mode to copy hard disk files to my other MBP(#2), then inserted the Mac OSX install disk, then turned off the MBP(#1) and restarted with the C key held down.  Instead of getting the OSX installation, it remained grey and gave me repeating 3-beeping sounds.  What does this mean?  How can I move beyond this stage?  Thanks, TishafromVA

MacBook Pro, Mac OS X (10.6.3)

Posted on Apr 26, 2012 1:51 PM

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Q: What are the three beeps that occur after I insert the Mac OSX 10.6 install disc and hold down the C key during startup?

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  • by Limnos,

    Limnos Limnos Apr 26, 2012 1:56 PM in response to tishfromva
    Level 9 (54,621 points)
    Mac OS X
    Apr 26, 2012 1:56 PM in response to tishfromva

    Intel-based Mac Power On Self Test RAM error codes - http://support.apple.com/kb/HT2341

  • by X423424X,

    X423424X X423424X Apr 26, 2012 2:21 PM in response to tishfromva
    Level 6 (14,237 points)
    Apr 26, 2012 2:21 PM in response to tishfromva

    I think you started another thread by mistake instead of continuing this one.  I replied over there and I'll repeat it here...

     

    tishfromva wrote:

     

    Thanks, Limnos.  But do you know what the "banks" error is, which the 3 beeps refer to?  Do I have to take this machine to the repair shop?

     

    The "banks" are your dimms (ram).

     

    Power On Self-Test Beep Definition - Part 2

     

    Reseat the ram in their slots and make sure they are fully seated.

  • by Limnos,

    Limnos Limnos Apr 26, 2012 2:49 PM in response to X423424X
    Level 9 (54,621 points)
    Mac OS X
    Apr 26, 2012 2:49 PM in response to X423424X

    Thanks X42...

     

    Tishfromva: I believe RAM is supposed to be a user-serviceable part, but am not sure.  Of course there are parts that are not officially but are really user-serviceable, but you shouldn't mess with them unless you're committing yourself ot not having Apple work on them again.  I don't know much about your particular computer so I can't say what applies in this case.

     

    If they are serviceable and you want to do the re-seating you can get advice here or find online videos (www.mac-sales.com has several).  This is definitely getting into the hands-on hardware side of things so it's up to you.  About the equivalent to changing a vacuum cleaner bag.

  • by X423424X,

    X423424X X423424X Apr 26, 2012 7:22 PM in response to tishfromva
    Level 6 (14,237 points)
    Apr 26, 2012 7:22 PM in response to tishfromva

    Many of the macbook pro's allow for upgrading the ram and as stated above OWC's instructional video page has videos on how to do it for  many of them.  Since you never posted exactly what MPB model you have (year) I cannot be any more specific than that.