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applemac pro wont boot in safe mode, verbose mode, install DVD, NOTHING

My MacBook Pro 17" starts up in verbose mode, goes to the blue screen but then immediately goes back to verbose mode. It then immediately flashes up an error

which is that quick it's impossible to read but ends: "login window application started threaded auth" and "already had outstanding read pending - just ignored" that's all I can read. This is then repeated constantly. Will not accept any start up key combinations (never has) will not boot from DVD, will not boot from Target Disk Mode (can access this but it won't accept the password). Tried everything I know except booting from another mac and my daughter now won't let me near it. Please can anyone help. The machine runs OSX 10.5.8 after updates

MacBook Pro, Mac OS X (10.5.8)

Posted on Feb 4, 2014 11:14 AM

24 replies

Feb 5, 2014 7:37 AM in response to Neville Hillyer

Here we go, can this be explained. I connected a keyboard from my old iMac and it worked but made no difference to the start so I again attempted start up with the option key held down. This resulte with the appearance of the aforementioned password request, entered password, nothing, so in a very professional manner I randomly just kept pressing as many keys as I could through the iMac keyboard whilst clicking the acceptance arrow with the laptop. Very scientific but like I said I have used Macs for years. Result, it has accepted this random input and I could choose which Disk to startup from. I can now reinstall or repair using the DVD. Thanks for your help it was much appreciated and it was good to talk to Brit with straight and understanding dialogue (it used to be limited years ago to geeky idiots who were useless form the U.S- Apologies to our friends from across the water) Thanks again.

BDAqua

Level 10

239,363 points

Feb 5, 2014 7:51 AM in response to Steve cheetham

Firmware password protection in Mac OS X ...

http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1352

It would block usage of all the startup keys, like C, N, T, D, CMD+s, CMD+Option+p+r, CMD +v, Option boot will show a lock, and Shift, as well as booting from anything but the Hard Drive.

Force Removing Password Protection

1) Add or remove DIMMs to change the total amount of RAM in the computer.

2) Then, the PRAM must be reset 3 times. (Command + Option + P + R).

http://www.securemac.com/openfirmwarepasswordprotection.php

Feb 5, 2014 8:26 AM in response to BDAqua

BDAqua wrote:

http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1352

I posted that in my last message.

Feb 5, 2014 8:28 AM in response to Steve cheetham

Steve cheetham wrote:

it used to be limited years ago to geeky idiots who were useless form the U.S

There are now many very helpful people from the US.

Feb 5, 2014 8:31 AM in response to Steve cheetham

Steve cheetham wrote:

Here we go, can this be explained. I connected a keyboard from my old iMac and it worked but made no difference to the start so I again attempted start up with the option key held down. This resulte with the appearance of the aforementioned password request, entered password, nothing, so in a very professional manner I randomly just kept pressing as many keys as I could through the iMac keyboard whilst clicking the acceptance arrow with the laptop. Very scientific but like I said I have used Macs for years. Result, it has accepted this random input and I could choose which Disk to startup from. I can now reinstall or repair using the DVD.

You have probably set a firmware password. I advise that you remove it.

Feb 5, 2014 8:33 AM in response to Neville Hillyer

No it wouldn't accept keyboard input because for some reason it would go immediately into verbose mode (could be due to non Apple software). Anyway managed to randomly access machine and can now proceed to repair. Many thanks for your assistance, appreciated

Feb 5, 2014 8:34 AM in response to Neville Hillyer

Wise words

Feb 5, 2014 8:38 AM in response to Neville Hillyer

Touche, but it was tongue in cheek, if true

BDAqua

Level 10

239,363 points

Feb 5, 2014 9:17 AM in response to Neville Hillyer

Missed that, was just a quick post before leaving for work.

applemac pro wont boot in safe mode, verbose mode, install DVD, NOTHING