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LoneStrider Author

Level 1

18 points

"No bootable device -- insert boot disk and press any key"

I had deleted my Bootcamp partition before I reset my startup disk to my the one for Mac OS. On computer start up, I get the "No bootable device -- insert boot disk and press any key" message. I have tried suggests like hold down the option key during start up, and hold down command-R during start up. The system ignores that I have the buttons down and presents me with the above message every time.

I was actually in the process of trying to clean up the computer when this happened. At this point, it would be great if I could just erase the disk and reinstall Mac OS from scratch. I tried using the DVD that came with my Mac, but the DVD in the drive is ignored and I get the above message. I know the DVD drive works since it is able to read a Windows 7 DVD.

How can I do a clean installation of Mac OS when the hard-drive is in this state?

Thanks in advance!!!!

iMac, Mac OS X (10.4), Intel Mac, 2006-08

Posted on Sep 15, 2013 3:55 PM

Top-ranking reply

zkavedi

Level 1

12 points

Posted on Oct 21, 2013 1:57 PM

Hi LoneStrider,

In case you didn't find solution yet, I wanted to help you out with this proposal:

First step, turn on your Imac and hold option key. Startup Manager should appear offering at least one choice or more to click on. http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1310

Second step, Choose OS X partition or disc and it should boot up your OS X.

Third step, once your system is on (hopefully), go to System Preferences and chose Startup disk. It must be unlocked.

It will be written above, Select the system you want to use to start up your computer

click on your IMac OS X and click restart button on right side.

This restart would help your OS X to return its default mode without interfering with other Boot Camp / Windows partition/s.

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42 replies

LoneStrider Author

Level 1

18 points

Sep 16, 2013 7:10 AM in response to Eustace Mendis

Holding down the D key does not seem to do anything either.

I don't think that it is the DVD drive. Yesterday I was able to read a Win 7 DVD and begin a Bootcamp install from it. I don't have an external drive anyway.

Eustace, thank you so much for your time!!!!! I have already used up way more than I should have. I may just have to bring this over to a local service center.

Thanks again, you are the best!

Sep 16, 2013 7:18 AM in response to LoneStrider

Perhaps something on the drive is preventing the computer from recognizing the OS DVD.

How about booting in Win 7 and erasing the drive?

Must admit I have not used Windows in about 6 years, so perhaps the option to erase the drive on boot up is no longer included ??

As for my time - not a problem, and you are welcome.

LoneStrider Author

Level 1

18 points

Sep 16, 2013 7:43 AM in response to Eustace Mendis

I was hoping to do something like this yesterday, but I had already blown away the Bootcamp disk partition, so there was no where to install Win 7 and in turn continue with the install. Yeah, I really mucked things up.

Thanks again.

LoneStrider Author

Level 1

18 points

Sep 16, 2013 4:15 PM in response to Eustace Mendis

It looks like the host computer (the iMac I am having trouble with) is expected to be running the OS, since the description mentions being able to see the Target disk on the host computer's desktop.

No worries, thanks again for all of the great advice!

Warm regards,

Rick

Feb 13, 2014 8:24 PM in response to LoneStrider

Si el problema no se resuelve, prueben con una imagen iso original de windows, ya que los piratas no son detectados por bootcamp, saludos

If the problem persist, try with a windows original iso, greetings

Mar 23, 2014 3:36 PM in response to LoneStrider

Solve the problem

no bootable device insert boot disk and press any key mac

The answer is in the video

^_*

no bootable device insert boot disk and press any key mac

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0D4C-A-qIrk

AhmadAseeri

no bootable device insert boot disk and press any key mac

juanc126

Level 1

0 points

Aug 2, 2014 11:08 PM in response to Barnett94

the answer provided by user zkavedi worked for me, I don't know how this started, but i have a slight suspicion it may be because I bought a seagate wireless hard drive and that had me install a "PARAGON NTFS FOR MAC" so I'm thinking that had something to do with it.

Scharx

Level 1

0 points

Oct 23, 2015 11:45 AM in response to LoneStrider

I today found and tried this manipulation which saved my life: when I got the same error message I was like "OMG noooo!"

On startup keep pressing COMMAND + ALT + P + R to reset the NVRAM of your mac (basically it cleans the Bios).

Let the system restart 2 or 3 times (you know with the famous "Baaaam" Mac sound), to make sure it is REALLY clean.

This should sort things out 🙂

It worked for me, after trying so many manipulations.

Oct 23, 2015 1:27 PM in response to LoneStrider

Well, OK. Pop open the Mac. Then unhook the hard drive cords BUT keep the HDD's IN (don't worry, the iMac will REALLY realize that the there are no bootable things) then boot the bad boy UP! Then it will display something (IM NOT COMPLETELY SURE😕) this: No device in system, booting from ram........ then the No bootable device found, blah blah whatever stuff THEN keep it boot up then pop it back open STILL BOOTUP then hook up only 1 (if Time Machine installed) then click any key. If it appears again, reboot and click COMMAND + ALT + P + R. If that does not work, get your iMac serviced.😢

Garret S.

Dec 4, 2015 12:16 AM in response to juanc126

YYeah that took me out that black screen back to original thank you so much for the help!

now seriously my MacBook Pro is back & Working. I'll just have an expertly install Windows for me if needed.

Feb 13, 2016 4:30 AM in response to Barnett94

Zkavedi gave a good advice. I had the same problem and solved it using his method: start the comp, hold the option key, it will give you an option - i had to choose Internet network etc. Follow the instructions.

applejek

Level 1

4 points

Apr 21, 2016 7:21 PM in response to Msand094

For others who may find this thread as I did, if you can hear the bootup chime as I could when pressing the power button, then when you hear it, immediately hold the following four keys all at once:

Command Option P R

Release when you hear the bootup chime a second time.

This clears the RAM that may be preventing a proper boot. Worked for me. Hopefully it works for you.

Apr 8, 2017 2:47 PM in response to LoneStrider

In my case, I use COMMAND +R to recovery the hard drive since I have backup my file already.

I try all below answer that does not work. I believe it use partition on your hard drive will damage the storage system, then it could not come back any way. Recovery is a good solution if you could not find any good solutions. Suggest system files should have a back up, and it will save your money and your life. Thank you for reading. Welcome to comment.

Sep 16, 2013 9:00 AM in response to LoneStrider

Do you have access to another Mac to which you can connect the iMac with a firewire cable?

I am wondering if target disk mode would work.

http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1661

Jan 12, 2014 3:54 AM in response to LoneStrider

i faced this problem , and i went to apple agency then they tough me this method 😉

"No bootable device -- insert boot disk and press any key"