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

Eustace Mendis

Level 7

25,426 points

Posted on Sep 16, 2013 4:54 AM

You mentioned a DVD that came with the computer. What is the OS on it? That info should be written on the face of the DVD.

Try this: put the DVD into the computer and restart it while holding the C key down.

If the computre boots, run the OS installer and select a clean installation - i.e. erase the drive and install.

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42 replies

Nov 3, 2014 11:52 AM in response to zkavedi

Thanks ZKAVEDI your solution worked like a charm.

Rex Carr

Level 1

9 points

Aug 4, 2015 4:10 PM in response to zkavedi

you just spared me a mild heart attack! many thanks, and best wishes.

-rex

Aug 19, 2015 7:11 AM in response to zkavedi

Great solution

Thanks!

flo7z

Level 1

0 points

Oct 12, 2015 5:27 AM in response to juanc126

I had the same issue, and it happened just after I try (and failed) to install a Paragon disk as my disk for the Time Machine. I also had the "PARAGON NTFS FOR MAC" installed.

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

thank you 🙂

Msand094

Level 1

8 points

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

Thank you. This is the one that helped me.

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. 🙂✅

adamdewi

Level 1

4 points

Nov 8, 2016 3:40 AM in response to zkavedi

3 years later and your post is still helping people ! Thanks zkavedi.

Dec 15, 2016 1:31 PM in response to AhmadAlasmi

Thank you!! I was freaking out when I saw that on my MacBook Air!! The movie helped!

Jun 9, 2017 6:14 PM in response to LoneStrider

You need check first the boot device (CD, DVD room) and make is work and your Software.

Most this trouble have cause DVD room. Thank you

Prabs2

Level 1

10 points

Aug 18, 2017 7:09 AM in response to zkavedi

Thanks this worked. Just don't enter the wifi password like I did and click on McIntosh HD As it did not work. Just do as what was mentioned above.

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