MacBook Pro not starting up despite SMC reset and attempted Safe Mode start

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MacBook Pro not starting up despite SMC reset and attempted Safe Mode start

My MacBook Pro has worked great for approx past 4 years (mid 1999 version)

I have just started to use Spaces and thought this was working well. Not sure if I may have had too many docs and programmes open but yesterday it played up and started freezing on me. Could not get the individual programmes to quit nor could i get the mac to restart so held power button until it closed. I then left it for the afternoon before trying to restart but the mac is now having none of it!

After a bit of searching mac helps/ forums I have checked the Apple support site (http://support.apple.com/kb/HT3964) and followed instructions to reset the SMC but that has not made any difference.

I have since tried to start up in safe mode (http://support.apple.com/kb/ts1417) but despite looking promising (I seen the progress bar this time as well as the spinner) this did not start despite waiting over 30 minutes.

Any ideas? Or do I need to sweet talk my wife in to letting me have a new one :)

In anxious anticipation ...

AdamEnos

MacBook Pro, Still running Snow Leopard - OSX 10

Posted on Apr 14, 2013 1:36 AM

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Answer 1

OGELTHORPE

Level 9

57,305 points

Apr 14, 2013 4:33 AM in response to AdamEnos

Look at this user tip and see if you can find a solution here. If no luck, take it to an Apple store genius bar. If still no satisfaction, then plead with the wife (flowers can do wonders at times😁).

https://discussions.apple.com/docs/DOC-3353

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Answer 2

AdamEnos Author

Level 1

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Apr 14, 2013 12:17 PM in response to OGELTHORPE

Hi there and thank you so much for the rely. I checked out the link you gave and it is quite comprehensive. I have also booked in with the Genius Bar for next week. Currently just running the apple hardware test by pressing D while restarting the mac and so far looking good and showing no trouble with the tests so far. 34 tests completed with 'no trouble found'. Will hopefully have a happy ending that will save me money on a new mac and flowers :)

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Answer 3

AdamEnos Author

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Apr 14, 2013 1:16 PM in response to AdamEnos

Well, the hardware tests did not resolve it despite showing no problems.

Have also reset the PRAM by holding down the cmd, option, P and R keys simultaneously after pressing the start button but still not working. ....

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Answer 4

andyBall_uk

Level 7

20,516 points

Apr 14, 2013 2:44 PM in response to AdamEnos

you hear the chime when trying to start ?

You have the snow leopard, or original install dvd ? - does it start from that ?

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Answer 5

AdamEnos Author

Level 1

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Apr 14, 2013 3:10 PM in response to andyBall_uk

I hear the chime. Have the original install cd and it starts from that where I can go to Utility Disk.

Have run the Repair Disk option and found the HD appears to be ok.

I then used the Permissions Repair option from the Disk Utility.

Tried to restart but still shows gray screen with spinner.

I've been working through the help book that comes with the install cd and then linked to the web below:

http://support.apple.com/kb/TS2570

I am on the last steps on this page with the following left to do:

- - Perform an Archive and Install installation of Mac OS X

If the above steps do not resolve the issue, and you can successfully start from your Mac OS X Install disc as noted above:

Insert your Mac OS X 10.4 or 10.5 installation disc (if you have discs with both versions, use whichever is closest to the Mac OS X version installed on your Mac; do not use a startup disc which came with a different Mac or which contains an earlier version of Mac OS X).

Shut down your Mac. If necessary, hold your Mac's power button for several seconds to force it to power down.

Start up your Mac while holding the C key to start from the disc.

Perform an Archive and Install installation (preserving users and network settings).

After installation, if the gray screen issue persists, go to the next section.

- - Perform an Erase and Install installation of Mac OS X as a last resort

Important: You should only perform this step after trying all of the above steps. This process will erase all files from your Mac OS X volume. If possible, back up important files first, or use Time Machine. You may be able to connect your Mac to another Mac with a FireWire cable and FireWire target disk mode, in order to try to manually back up files. Alternatively, you may wish to make an appointment with a Mac Genius at an Apple store, or contact an Apple Authorized Service Provider for assistance.

- - To erase your Mac OS X volume and reinstall Mac OS X:

Insert your Mac OS X 10.4 or 10.5 installation disc.

Shut down your Mac. If necessary, hold your Mac's power button for several seconds to force it to power down.

Startup your Mac while holding the C key to start from the disc.

Perform an Erase and Install installation of Mac OS X.

After installing, starting from your Mac OS X volume, and verifying the issue is resolved, you should use Software Update to update to the latest available version of Mac OS X.

I will try and look at this tomorrow but have an appointment with Genius Bar on Wednesday so don't want to rush off down one path that I may not need to ...

Any helps?

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Answer 6

andyBall_uk

Level 7

20,516 points

Apr 14, 2013 3:35 PM in response to AdamEnos

in Disk Utility, when started from the dvd - how much disk space is free ?

are you backed up already ? (important before continuing yourself, or at the store)

if not backed up yet, read the section 'Instructions for backing up to an external hard disk via Disk Utility'

at http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1553. unless you have another mac & can use this mbp in Target Disk Mode

There is verbose mode to possibly see where startup is hanging, but easier to reinstall Snow Leopard from the install disc, followed by software update until no more updates how.

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Answer 7

ds store

Level 7

30,705 points

Apr 15, 2013 6:29 AM in response to AdamEnos

AdamEnos wrote:

Tried to restart but still shows gray screen with spinner.

Well you made it though some of the Steps, so it shows there is no hardware or disk issue

The #8 Resinstall Just OS X + Software update fully afterwards should fix your gray screen spinner issue.

A few third party programs may not work just reinstall those from fresh original sources.

AdamEnos wrote:

I am on the last steps on this page with the following left to do:

- - Perform an Archive and Install installation of Mac OS X

If the above steps do not resolve the issue, and you can successfully start from your Mac OS X Install disc as noted above:

Insert your Mac OS X 10.4 or 10.5 installation disc

Those instructions are for OS X 10.5, you stated you have OS X 10.6 Snow Leopard.

There is no "archive and install" any longer, OS X 10.6 and later versions can reinstall over itself.

Follow my Steps #8 + Software Update will do what you require to fix the Gray Screen issue.

The Genius can only assist if there is a hardware problem and on a old machine they are just going to advise you buy a new one.

..Step by Step to fix your Mac

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