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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

Best 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

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.

Jan 25, 2016 3:07 PM in response to zkavedi

thank you 🙂

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.

Msand094

Level 1

0 points

Feb 20, 2016 5:08 AM in response to Ammar China

Thank you. This is the one that helped me.

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.

Soumya08

Level 1

8 points

Jun 21, 2016 4:43 AM in response to LoneStrider

Lot of thanks to you. I faced similar problem and your suggestion worked.

Soumya08

Level 1

8 points

Jun 21, 2016 4:47 AM in response to zkavedi

Thanks a lot. I suddenly found my macbook is saying that there is no bootable device. Your suggestion worked and I got back my machine without any data misplacement. 🙂✅