MBP can't recover, can't do anything!

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MBP can't recover, can't do anything!

The machine is a mid 2008 MacBook Pro, 2.5 ghz 4 gigs, 250gb. (RAM is not apple). Running lion.

I was having problems with it freezing constantly, it turns out I had multiple files become corrupted. I backed up what I had in order to start fresh. I tried time machine, but it too would freeze up.

I started in recovery to reinstall Lion, after the download it gave me an error that it was unable to reinstall. Tried it again, but same issue; could not install.

Now when I turn it on, it stops at the logo screen. Can't enter recovery or anything.

So what do you think? I'm limited with what's available to me as I'm in Nicaragua. I do have another MBP at my disposal but it shipped with mountain lion. So I'm not sure if I can make a boot disk with that.

MacBook Pro

Posted on Dec 29, 2012 2:25 PM

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Answer 1

Linc Davis

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209,547 points

Dec 29, 2012 3:21 PM in response to Kcizik

It's not clear whether the download of the Lion installer ever completed. If it did, then considering all your other problems it's likely that you have a failing boot drive, or some other hardware fault. You can try running the Apple Hardware Test, but it's not very reliable. The machine really needs to be tested by a service provider.

Intel-based Macs: Using Apple Hardware Test

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Answer 2

Kcizik Author

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Dec 29, 2012 3:40 PM in response to Linc Davis

Hmmm, a service provider is not possible. I did get it back into recovery mode, but it is glitchy. The download did complete, just the install stopped. Do you think a clean and reinstall would be an option?

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Answer 3

Linc Davis

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209,547 points

Dec 29, 2012 3:49 PM in response to Kcizik

It's an option if you have backups.

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Answer 4

Kcizik Author

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Dec 29, 2012 4:52 PM in response to Kcizik

Ok, I tried the reformat and install. Now I officially have nothing. Can't do anything. Can I create a boot disk with my other machine?

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Answer 5

Linc Davis

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Dec 29, 2012 5:10 PM in response to Kcizik

OS X Recovery Disk Assistant v1.0

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Answer 6

Kcizik Author

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Dec 29, 2012 5:56 PM in response to Kcizik

Can't use recovery assistant, the other machine shipped with mountain lion. Thanks for the suggestions though!

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Answer 7

Linc Davis

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209,547 points

Dec 29, 2012 6:17 PM in response to Kcizik

I don't have anything else to suggest. Your MBP almost certainly needs a new hard drive. You're lucky it lasted as long as it did.

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Answer 8

Kcizik Author

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Dec 29, 2012 6:57 PM in response to Kcizik

Ok that's what I was thinking. I was able to create a recovery USB but it just got locked at the logo screen. Well, time to upgrade the HD. thanks again.

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