HT1533: Startup key combinations for Intel-based Macs

Learn about Startup key combinations for Intel-based Macs

eAuditor

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Q: Is it normal that the Apple won't boot when the CD is not working? Is there any fix for that?

Hi all,

Our Apple 2009 has boot issues - it does not finish to boot, it ends with a grey screen with the mouse blocking on the top left corner.

We think the CD is not working well.

Is there any key combination for fixing this boot issue?

We have tried pressing D when booting but the OS boot runs continuously

Thank you.

Mac mini, Mac OS X (10.6.3)

Posted on Mar 19, 2014 9:18 PM

I have this question too

Solved

Level 10 (190,869 points)

Apple Watch

A:

If the USB media boot on another Mac I suspect a hardware problem. I would make an appointment at the Genius Bar of an Apple store.

Apple Retail Store - Genius Bar

Posted on Mar 21, 2014 8:03 AM

Q: Is it normal that the Apple won't boot when the CD is not working? Is there any fix for that?

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Helpful answers

by lllaass,

lllaass Mar 20, 2014 3:16 AM in response to eAuditor
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Apple Watch

Mar 20, 2014 3:16 AM in response to eAuditor

Troubleshooting: My computer won't turn on
Mac OS X: Gray screen appears during startup
What happens when you try to boot for an install DVD? That may be required to fix your problem.
Do you have another Mac with FireWire and a DVD drive? If so you can use that Mac;s DVD drive by booting into Target mode. You can also boot the Mini in Target mode and access/repair the Min's HD
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by eAuditor,

eAuditor Mar 20, 2014 9:08 AM in response to eAuditor
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Mar 20, 2014 9:08 AM in response to eAuditor

When I insert the DVD in the case it tries to read it, it sounds like a crow sound for couple of times, then it ejects the dvd.
in the case i use 2 minis with firewire (ok) do I have to use two monitors?
Thank you
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by lllaass,

lllaass Mar 20, 2014 9:25 AM in response to eAuditor
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Apple Watch

Mar 20, 2014 9:25 AM in response to eAuditor

You only need one monitor but you either need two keyboards or use one keyboard to place the iPod in Target mode and then move the KB to the other Mac. If the one Mac will not boot without the monitor attached, attach the monitor then boot and then move the monitor
How to use and troubleshoot FireWire target disk mode
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by eAuditor,

eAuditor Mar 21, 2014 7:52 AM in response to lllaass
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Mar 21, 2014 7:52 AM in response to lllaass

What I did was:
create an USB install disk from the original dvd install
boot from the usb
the screen locks at the lightgray screen for an hour or so, no possibility to install.

so, if I use the normal disk the screen looks like
1st light grey with appl
black
blue
dark gray with mouse in top left corner.

is this a symptom for something?

thank you
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by lllaass,Solvedanswer

lllaass Mar 21, 2014 8:03 AM in response to eAuditor
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Apple Watch

Mar 21, 2014 8:03 AM in response to eAuditor

If the USB media boot on another Mac I suspect a hardware problem. I would make an appointment at the Genius Bar of an Apple store.
Apple Retail Store - Genius Bar
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by eAuditor,

eAuditor Mar 21, 2014 10:53 AM in response to eAuditor
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Mar 21, 2014 10:53 AM in response to eAuditor

I was pressing the C instead of alt. Thank you for the idea
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