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Can't restart computer from start up disk

Hi, I've just completely erased the HD of my MacBook Pro (2008) using the OSX 10.6 Snow Leopard, with the intention of re-installing the system.


Now the computer will not re-boot from the start up disk upon restart, but continues to use the OS disc. Please help, I'm going MAD!


Many thanks in advance...

MacBook Pro, Mac OS X (10.6)

Posted on Sep 3, 2012 6:19 AM

Reply
24 replies

Sep 3, 2012 6:59 AM in response to MaryBoogaloo

Sorry I'm confused, If you restart it just starts normally from the internal HD.

Second, if you restart and hold down the C key at the chime and wait until the apple logo appears, you don;t get the Install DVD as you want, but just the internal drive again.


Have you tried restarting and holding down the option key. Does the 10.6 Install DVD appear as a choice?


Message was edited by: roam

Sep 3, 2012 7:17 AM in response to MaryBoogaloo

Well that is something to work with. So it boots to the DVD and when you proceed to install, it baulks.

On the DVD, after selecting your language, up the top at the menu item Utilities, move down to select Disk Utility again, and opening that, can you see the MacBook's HD on the left. If you click on the disk,

does it say GUID partition Table

Is the volume Macintosh HD visible? If so and you click on it does it say the format is Mac OS Extended (Journaled)


If neither of these are showing then you to reformat it again via the Erase tab, and double check that Mac OS Extended (Journaled) is the intended format.


And if all that is in place, and you exit Disk Utility, I am perplexed that the installation should not proceed.


Do you have a backup at all, such as a clone on an external drive?

Sep 3, 2012 7:30 AM in response to roam

On the Disk Utility, the Hard Disk icon is visible.


No, I don't see any GUID partition Table.


Yes, it is Mac OS Extended (Journaled)


"Do you have a backup at all, such as a clone on an external drive?"

I backed up my files onto an external drive. Sorry, I'm not sure I get the question...


Very grateful for your help up to now, but I really don't know what to do!

Sep 3, 2012 7:51 AM in response to MaryBoogaloo

No, I don't see any GUID partition Table.

User uploaded file

If that is OK, then note what steps you next take to reinstall.

I'm thinking maybe you are using a process on the DVD so it's thinking you are trying to restore from a backup that you don;t have, instead of exiting out of Utilities, completely, to return to 'Select your language' initial screen, and proceed to install down that path.

Take your time about this because I won't be back here for another 8 hours or so. Fingers crossed 4u.

Sep 4, 2012 1:25 AM in response to MaryBoogaloo

That's no good Mary. Perhaps the drive as a piece of hardware is shot. Perhaps the reason you wanted to reinstall, is that a fatal problem with the disk remains.

You could buy an external drive and install 10.6 on it. It would work just the same, just slightly slower but that's another adventure.


If you restart your Mac and hold down the mouse/trackpad, the DVD should eject.

Sep 4, 2012 2:08 AM in response to MaryBoogaloo

From your image, I notice that the mount point says /Volumes/HD. It should say /

This is not a crucial point, because it is possible to install an OS on an external volume, but it is odd that your internal drive is not defined as root. ( / )


This looks like a clue, it smells like a clue, but hmmm what does this mean?

It would be good if anyone else could share their thoughts on that odd (for an internal drive) mount point.

Sep 4, 2012 2:51 AM in response to MaryBoogaloo

I've done some research. Booted into the Install DVD, so that has root ( / ) That leaves your HD temporary mounted at /Volumes/HD. So that's normal.

Still no progress. 😟



Did you run Repair Dsk or just Verify Disk? Repair Disk is the one to do anyway.

If you click on the top Hitachi icon, above HD, does it say down the bottom, GUID partition Table as per my old image I posted?

You HD does have to be GUID to run Snow Leopard.

Sep 4, 2012 3:06 AM in response to roam

I did Verify only today. Yesterday I did both and still no joy. No, it does not show GUID Partition Table at all, just the detail from the picture I took of the screen.


I do have a desktop with 10.6 installed next to my laptop. I also have an external drive. Could I use those to do anything?


I need the laptop as I'm going to be bed bound for weeks after an operation, so it's vital I get this laptop working... I hope this revelation will get the Mac community in tears and willing to gives us their opinion on this dilemma! 😉

Can't restart computer from start up disk

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