Mayday! Macbook won't start up

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Level 1

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Mayday! Macbook won't start up

Hello there!

How are you? I hope you're doing perfectly good. Anyway, I have a pretty weird problem with my macbook. Well, I turned it on this moring, but instead of appearing the log in window after loading, it stayed on the loading grey screen with the apple logo and the spining gear; it could't start up. I left it for a time but nothing changed, I had no option but force to shut it down. I tried the following instructions http://support.apple.com/kb/TS2570but for some reason, when I tried to perform a safe boot or reset the NVRAM / PRAM my macbook couldn't recognize the command, it started normally instead. I've also tried to start up in single-user and verbose mode, but nothing happened. I don't think it's a problem with the keyboard because I can perform a SMC reset and the Caps Lock key's light turns on when I press it. Several months ago, I had an accident; I spilled tea over my computer. I can't perform an archive and install installation of Mac as the instructions says because my DVD drive is not working, also, the keyboard had to be replaced. I don't know if this has something to do, but as I said before, I can perform a SMC reset, so I don't think they keyboard is not being recognized.Anyway, what do you suggest? I'll be really greateful if you can help me.

Macbook 13' (White)

Mac OS X Snow Leopard 10.6.8

If you need further information just let me know.

Thanks!

MacBook, Mac OS X (10.6.8), Start up issue

Posted on Nov 29, 2012 10:26 PM

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Answer 1

mende1

Level 10

93,538 points

Nov 29, 2012 10:28 PM in response to JackLovesTea

Press Shift key while your computer is starting and check if it can boot. If not, take the Mac to an Apple Store

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Answer 2

JackLovesTea Author

Level 1

0 points

Nov 30, 2012 8:13 AM in response to mende1

Hello there!

Yes, I tried pressing the shift key while my computer is starting, but it's really weird because nothing happens. I don't know if I'm doing it incorrect, like, there's a certain moment to press shift or if it's just my computer going crazy. The thing is, I can perform a SMC reset. Which is why I don't understand why I can't start up in Safe Mode if it recognizes other commands.

Thanks!

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Answer 3

SeaPapp

Level 7

26,486 points

Nov 30, 2012 12:21 PM in response to JackLovesTea

Resetting the SMC on a White MacBook doesn't require the keyboard so I'm not sure what you're doing. Your MacBook DOES have a battery that you can remove correct? If so here's the procedure

To reset the SMC

Shut down the computer.

Disconnect the MagSafe power adapter from the computer, if it's connected.

Remove the battery.

Press and hold the power button for 5 seconds.

Release the power button.

Reconnect the battery and MagSafe power adapter.

Press the power button to turn on the computer

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Answer 4

JackLovesTea Author

Level 1

0 points

Nov 30, 2012 12:58 PM in response to SeaPapp

Hello!

Thank you but I can't remove my battery, and according to this http://support.apple.com/kb/HT3964 I have to press the shift-control-option keys and the power button at the same time, I don't want to reset the SMC anyway. The thing is, I can't start up my computer, it stays on the grey screen with the apple logo and the spining gear. I consulted the Apple support page and said that I have start up in Safe Boot or reset the NVRAM/PRAM. The problem is, I can't perform either of them. I've also tried to start up in single-user and verbose mode, but nothing happens when I press the keys. It's really weird, because, I tried to reset the SMC to see if the keyboard wasn't working, but it was, I succesfully reseted the SMC, so, I don't know what to do or what's wrong. Anyway, thanks for your help!!

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Answer 5

JackLovesTea Author

Level 1

0 points

Feb 25, 2013 5:14 PM in response to JackLovesTea

I've resolved my issue, my macbook has an EFI password, so that's why I couldn't access anything. I found a note with the password and everything's okay, for now.

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