OS X image boot fail error - OS X won't install

Question

OS X image boot fail error - OS X won't install

A 2009 core i5 running Mavericks had a S.M.A.R.T HDD fail, but disk utility was there and the install section of it was greyed out and wouldn't allow a new install of OS X. I got a new hd from mac sales but it had an error saying to 'press any key' or the computer 'will start in 15 seconds', this went round and round and holding down any keys on startup did no good. I thought the HDD I received was faulty, got a replacement, but same problem.

Straight after the restart it does the screenshot flashes with thus error. Did I break a cable?

what dies this screenshot error mean?

iMac, iOS 10.3

Posted on Sep 14, 2017 1:54 AM

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Answer 1

rkaufmann87

Level 10

143,856 points

Sep 15, 2017 12:18 PM in response to Dr_skrimalachicroomsga

Okay, if the computer is newer than a late 2011 iMac then you can do an Internet Recovery, however if you did not bother to put the drives in an enclosure and format them this will likely do no good. You will need a Snow Leopard upgrade, available from Apple for $20 (only available on their on-line store). Boot from that DVD, then open Disk Utility and format the two drives. Then if the machine can reach Internet Recovery use that to download and install Mac OS.

If the computer will not access Internet Recovery you can use the DVD to install Snow Leopard and then download the 10.6.8. update combo from Apple and then upgrade to the most current version of Mac OS available for your computer.

By the way you are not speaking to Apple, we are all volunteer end users. If you want Apple to help you either need to go to an Apple Store, an Apple Authorized Service Provider or call AppleCare.

About macOS Recovery - Apple Support

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Answer 2

rkaufmann87

Level 10

143,856 points

Sep 15, 2017 7:08 AM in response to Dr_skrimalachicroomsga

Who installed them and were they both formatted as Mac OS Extended (Journaled) with a GUID partition? If they were formatted correctly then whoever installed them errored. The machine should be returned to the installer or taken to an Apple Authorized Service Provider to be professionally repaired. If the installs were done by an Apple Authorized Service Provider then you need to be in contact with them.

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Answer 3

Sep 15, 2017 8:12 AM in response to rkaufmann87

I’m repeating myself here. I can’t even get to the stage of seeing the install disk.

The screen only starts up grey, then the above message appears after telling me the computer will restart in 15 sec or press any key to restart.

I hope a tech can help here. It’s got nothing to do with the hard drive. If you know what the screenshot coded error means then please point me in the right direction

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Answer 4

den.thed

Level 10

82,342 points

Sep 15, 2017 10:28 AM in response to Dr_skrimalachicroomsga

You need to startup from the original Install Disc 1 that came with that iMac, your old hardndrive or a bootable version of OS X on an external drive and use Disk utility to format the new drives GUID / Mac Extended Journaled as rkaufmann87 suggested.

The only other options to access the new drives for formatting, is to remove them and connect them to another Mac or use FireWire Target Disk Mode from a similar year model Mac that has FireWire.

If you do not have the original Install disc, a bootable external disk or another suitable Mac, then you need to seek help from your local AASP as rkaufmann also suggested.

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Answer 5

Sep 16, 2017 2:53 AM in response to rkaufmann87

If I could get to or see disk utility I wouldnt be having this conversation. I've installed OS X on another iMac before so I know how to do that.

At least someone offered an alternative solution by saying to format the HDD on another computer, But no one so far has provided a reason as to why I can't get to see either disk utility, why it cant see the OS X install usb that has OS X formatted as an installer and what that error screenshot is. So far no help with that. Replacing a HDD and formatting it should not be this complicated, especially since it's the 3rd one from the initial SMART disk failure error. It's not that the Mac can't see the HDD because it's not formatted yet, it should see it internally, then prompt me to format it before I install OSX. There is something else that is wrong.

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Answer 6

rkaufmann87

Level 10

143,856 points

Sep 16, 2017 8:05 AM in response to Dr_skrimalachicroomsga

You must not understand something, Disk Utility MUST reside somewhere, on a HD that already has Mac OS installed on it or on a SL DVD. You can follow my first suggestion of ordering the DVD or remove the HD's put them in an enclosure and connect them to another Mac and launch Disk Utility on that Mac. Then format then HD's. Either that or you have to buy the DVD which is what I suspect you will need anytway.

I have provided all that is needed at this point.

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Answer 7

Sep 19, 2017 1:45 AM in response to Dr_skrimalachicroomsga

Even a bootable OS X installer disc won't work as when I got the first replacement HDD for it I didn't need to format it. Disk utility saw it, I formatted it, then went to install OS X through the bootable OS X usb drive that the Mac recognised and then the error and problems started. I thought the new HDD I bought was faulty so I got a replacement. I didn't need. To format it on another mac. I thought there were tech people here that would answer what the error message was about but I'm just getting the same repeatable, not helpful answers.

ill look elsewhere.

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Answer 8

rkaufmann87

Level 10

143,856 points

Sep 14, 2017 7:33 AM in response to Dr_skrimalachicroomsga

The HD has failed, please have it replaced by your local Apple Store or third party Apple Authorized Service Provider.

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Answer 9

Sep 15, 2017 12:48 AM in response to rkaufmann87

If you read above you would see that it's had 2 brand new HDD's put in, but same error message.

im hoping someone can provide the correct issue to my problem. Thanks

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Answer 10

Sep 18, 2017 12:32 AM in response to rkaufmann87

I can make a bootable dvd from an OS X installer right?

ill look into it

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Answer 11

rkaufmann87

Level 10

143,856 points

Sep 19, 2017 5:30 AM in response to Dr_skrimalachicroomsga

I have told you numerous times to take it to an Apple Authorized Service Provider, you refuse to do that.

Good luck on your quest.

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Answer 12

Sep 20, 2017 8:22 PM in response to rkaufmann87

I was hoping someone would offer some knowledge about what I have repeatedly explained but so far I’ve been told nothing technically relatable. Some help.

I won’t bother here again

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