i have a macbook pro 08 that froze during a os install what do i do?

Yes I performed the option start seveal times, i had four discs selections, everytime selecting the usb connected hd, same result.

i held own the option key during start up the icons appeared, i selected the external hdd, clicked which brought up the apple logo and timer which ran for about ten seconds then the apple logo and timer screen froze.

i understand you have to make sure that we're on the same page, i believe we are. I get a mavericks "install icon" and a mavericks recovery icon, a Lion hdd icon and a Lion recovery Icon in that order, regardless of which is selected, i end up with the apple grey screen with apple logo and the timer which runs for ten seconds and then the screen freezes with that image.

I have MBP OSX install disc1 and 2 that came with the MBP. dated 2008

I can run the test in says to hold down the "D" key during startup but should I leave the external HDD connected?

did as instructed. the optical drive ran for 1.5 minutes. the same frozen screen before. the disc is still in the drive.

I'll do that. I'd like you to know that your help has been very instructive, I'm gratetful for the advice, and I've made detailed notes as well...

When I learn what exactly the problem is, I'll be sure to give you an accurate description.

A few last questions, should I reinstall the HDD , or just leave the SSD installed?

What about taking the Hdd, my timemachine to the appointment, and both original install discs?

Thanks again!

I will be sure to let you know the outcome in detail.

I opened the MBP and reinstalled the original HD. I was able to get it to Option start. I was able to get to disk utility and selected disc rerepair and it went through and found a problem; "Invalid directory item count should be 3561 instead of 3562." It indicated repaired.

I closed the utility and selected the recovery drive then selected to reinstall Lion the comp went online and began the download process after 45 min. there was no progress indicated in the bar so I cancelled the install. I did another Option start and selected my time machine and the MBP froze after a bit. On the third Option start I tried another Lion reinstall this time there was some progress indicated but that stayed froze for two hours plus...On the last Option start, I selected the recovery disc again and the comp froze after a min. or so.

I Have an appointment at the apple store!

I'll try...

Note; After the second attempt at a Lion install was canceled, I clicked the on screen restart button, comp started to boot and then went in to the rapidly flashing screen.

Turned off the comp did an Option start and got the drop down screen, “ you need to restart your comp…”

Safe mode loads about 40%, goes to timer, then freezes…two tries.

I mssed this part

I did as you said however, after selecting the recov disc the screen freezes at the logog/timer.

I have anapple appt and 1pm edt... I'll let you know how it goes