Cannot get 'c' key to work on startup

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Level 1

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Cannot get 'c' key to work on startup

Hey.

Having trouble with getting the 'c' key to work on startup - computer just starts up as normal instead. Why??

I have an iMac 7,1 with Intel Core2 Duo 2GHz, bought about 2008 and all very standard running Mac OSX 10.5.8. Am intending to upgrade to Snow Leopard.

I did just delete my Previous Systems Folder to free up 89GB of space. Could this be why the 'c' key no longer works? Or is it a different key on my mac to go to enable booting from DVD on startup?

Thanks

iMac, Mac OS X (10.5.8)

Posted on Jan 14, 2013 8:49 PM

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Answer 1

John Galt

Level 10

141,054 points

Jan 14, 2013 9:01 PM in response to ZozoFlower

If the c key is not working for you, use Startup Manager - hold an option key while starting your Mac with the disc inserted.

If the DVD is bootable it will appear in Startup Manager. Use the cursor left / right keys to select it and press Enter to boot from the DVD.

Startup Manager: How to select a startup volume

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Answer 2

Jan 14, 2013 9:50 PM in response to ZozoFlower

If the keyboard itself doesnt work on startup, you can try another usb keyboard and see if that does.

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Answer 3

ZozoFlower Author

Level 1

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Jan 15, 2013 2:20 AM in response to John Galt

Tried holding option key on startup. This worked, but only gives me the option of the MacIntosh HD - does not pick up the DVD, nor the External Drive.

Am trying to upgrade to Snow Leopard and have this on DVD, but when trying to Install directly from the DVD I am getting the error message "The application "Install Mac OS X" cannot be used from this volme." I was told to try holding 'c' on startup to select the DVD upgrade at this stage but cannot get it working either way. So....any further suggestions as to how to get the Snow Leopard to install (then I can upgrade iTunes to use ios6!).

NB: I am also using the original usb keyboard (still!).

Thanks, Garrick

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Answer 4

ZozoFlower Author

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Jan 15, 2013 2:21 AM in response to John Galt

Thanks for your input. Please see my further comment on the issue.

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Answer 5

ZozoFlower Author

Level 1

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Jan 15, 2013 2:21 AM in response to Darren Means

Thanks for your input. Please see my further comment on the issue.

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Answer 6

John Galt

Level 10

141,054 points

Jan 15, 2013 6:50 AM in response to ZozoFlower

Two suggestions:

Download and install the Mac OS X 10.5.8 Combo update and try again.
Reset NVRAM and try again.

Please confirm your Snow Leopard installation disk you are using looks like this:

It must be white as shown in the picture, and not have "OEM" or "Upgrade" printed on it.

By any chance, do you have another Mac that can be used to connect to the iMac you want to upgrade? Upgrading to Snow Leopard without a working optical drive is going to be a challenge.

Let me know if you achieve any progress with the above.

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Answer 7

Jan 16, 2013 8:06 AM in response to ZozoFlower

I agree, it sounds to me like you are using one that has been burned to a disk improperly. In that case your Mac will not recognize the disk as mountable. Otherwise as John said, you may have a bad optical drive.

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