HT203176: Resolve startup issues and perform disk maintenance with Disk Utility and fsck

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callumbus01
Level 1 (0 points)

Q: Unable to boot from System disk to access Disk Utility

Hello

 

I need want to run Disk utilities on my mac. Have done this before using system disk and holding C etc.

 

Since upgrading to Snow Leopard from Leopard it no longer sees my system disk.

 

Restart holding down C with system disk installed...and mac just boots-up normally!

 

Can anyone suggest what the problem is?

 

NB: Ultimately I want to run the disk utility to check that the Hard Drive is healthy after install.

PowerMac, Mac OS X (10.6.8), 2x3 Ghz Dual-Core Intel Xeon

Posted on Jun 14, 2012 3:16 AM

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callumbus01

Q: Unable to boot from System disk to access Disk Utility

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  • by baltwo,

    baltwo baltwo Jun 14, 2012 12:03 PM in response to callumbus01
    Level 9 (62,256 points)
    Jun 14, 2012 12:03 PM in response to callumbus01

    Zap the PRAM and Reset the SMC, then try again.

  • by ds store,

    ds store ds store Jun 14, 2012 1:36 PM in response to callumbus01
    Level 7 (30,395 points)
    Jun 14, 2012 1:36 PM in response to callumbus01

    callumbus01 wrote:


    Since upgrading to Snow Leopard from Leopard it no longer sees my system disk.

     

    10.5 disk has been disabled in firmware, use the 10.6 disk, it's a full OS X and everything, use the same hold c or option key method.

     

    If the c key doesn't work, you likely set a firmware password, use the option key at boot method and under the Utilities menu on the second screen is the Firmware Password reset utility as well as Disk Utility.

     

    If you have a wireless keyboard, your going to need a built in or wired one.

     

    Step by Step to fix your Mac

  • by callumbus01,

    callumbus01 callumbus01 Jun 15, 2012 3:45 AM in response to callumbus01
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Jun 15, 2012 3:45 AM in response to callumbus01

    Hi chaps

     

    You get the picture....holding down the C key expecting to see the install software option and all I was getting was my desktop. I tried the option key and no joy there either. I was beginning to think it was the two Mac superdrives installed in my mac which are a nightmare. They only seem to be able to read mac disks!!! all a bit incestuous. I found out via the forums that the Sony DVD RW DW-D150A have taken up a lot of airtime. Still pondering what I can do about them...they were fine and the 2nd drive has never really been used. Apparently they are a rebadged NEC burner but they suddenly decided to get choosey about what disks to read....anyway sorry I am losing focus.

     

    Stuck the Snow Leopard disk and instead of restarting or holding C I just clicked on the desktop icon and pressed the install 10.6 button. It huffed and puffed and chugged away turning my screen blue and then grey and finally coming up with a box with two options...install 10.6 or Utilities. Pressed utilities and I was in familiar ground...Disk First Aid!!!! Ran the verifications and repair buttons and a few fixes and job done....a healthy report on the state of my HD.

     

    To be fair the small booklet does say... to install Snow Leopard insert your installation disc and double-click install Mac OSX. I guess I am so used to using previous versions of the OS and pressing C etc hat I did not realise I could access the utilities/First Aid the same way. Took the best part of my day to do this and if they had put in a 3rd paragraph in the booklet to say access Utilites/First Aid the same way my life would have been a whole lot easier.

     

    Now scared to upgrade to Lion as I really am not enjoying the mac experience at the moment....too much depends on my mac and software working without having to worry about technicalities or IT. It’s just not my bag. Thanks guys for the suggestions and your time. I am interested on your opinions with regards to the two superdrives! I have stuff on old DVDs and it just doesn’t see them but it used to...why? My fault for buying two of the buggers I suppose.

     

    Regards

     

    Simon (Mac fan)