MBP 15" won't start.... really worried

Hi,

I was just doing standard jobs on my MBP - checking email, running XP SP2 with Q and then I plugged my memory stick in and got a darkened screen saying that I needed to restart my computer.

I did this and then pressed the on button again and now it won't get past that place where the apple shows with the little circle underneath. Please, please help! I'm really worried. I do all my programming on there and haven't recently made a backup!

 

I think that you can press the option button when you press the power button. Usually it is because that you change the username and the result of that is that mac can not find the OS.

 

Thanks very much! Where about's is the option button? But I haven't changed the username or anything..... it just told me to restart when I plugged in my memory stick and now it won't get past the apple opening screen.

One of my friend's reckoned it was a kernel panic error and just to leave it while it rebuilt the kernel - I've left it for three hours though now. Any suggestions? I really need some of the programs for tommorrow!

Also it may help to mention that I'd recently installed Windows Messenger for Mac......

 

What you had was probably a kernel panic. I don't think Messenger was the problem, but you shouldn't use Windows Messenger for Mac since it was last updated a few years ago and is very buggy. You should use Adium.

Hopefully someone with a Mac can help you better, but try the My Mac Won't Start Guide.

 

Thanks for that link! I'll try it!

 

Happened to me and my macbook,

I phoned Apple & first they told me to reset the PRAM, and when that didn't work they told me to reinstall Tiger, after that was done, it worked fine.

Resetting PRAM

 

I have no idea what the problem is. If you do end up needing to reinstall OS X you should be able to recover your files though. In that case, I would actually reinstall OS X twice. The first time use the Archive & Install option. Then hopefully you'll be able to access your files and back them up. Even if you get a "Failed Installation" message after the process completes, you may still be able to boot and recover your files. Finally, reinstall OS X with the Erase & Install option. This process saved me at least once.

Mac OS X 10.4, 10.5: About Installation Options

 

**My mistake guys, I meant to do a disk repair,

Disk Repair

You need to use your install discs to do it though.

 

No worries, trueintentions. Try everything. Including Resetting the SMC and Apple Hardware Test.

 

Right so if I reinstall Mac OSX 10.4 will that work? If I click on Archive and Install will it not delete my files? Is that on the install disk? Sorry for being a total noob.........

I was thinking of taking into the apple shop tommorrow? Is that a good or bad idea?

EDIT: BTW Thanks loads so far!

 

Try resetting PRAM and then a Disk Repair before you reinstall, and I'd definitely get Apple to take a look at it before you do reinstall.

 

OK thanks!

How do I reset the PRAM? I took it into the apple shop today and a couple of greasy teenagers offered to format it for me to which I said no. They did say that I could have a new hard disk for free if needs be though!

Also if I do reinstall the OS seen as it's Mac can I do it without losing any data?

EDIT: Sorry I didn't see your previous post for resetting the PRAM..... Is the option key the mouse button or the command key or what? Thanks!

 

Resetting PRAM:

Option = the alt button. The one beside the Command.

Shut down your computer completely, and then find the keys you need to press. You will need to hold down Option (alt), Command, P, & R. Turn on the computer, which at that point you need to press those four keys simultaneously. The computer will restart and you will hear the chime a second time, at which point you let go of the keys.

 

Thanks! And thanks again for your help - your a legend!

EDIT: nice portfolio as well!

 

Resetting the PRAM didn't work....... Same error remains............

 

Thanks!
And as for the macbook - try doing a disk repair. (Utility)

Disk Utility

(You need to scroll down the page a bit)

This should fix it. When I did this, it fixed mine. If it doesn't, you should probably head over to Apple.

 

Yeh I've tried all of this stuff now What I did then was start from the Ubuntu Live CD to copy all of my files to an external drive and then:

http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?p=2773454#post2773454

One problem leads to another..... This is really annoying!!!

 

that sucks. Well I'm at a lost.

Guess it's time to go try Apple.

 

Believe it or not, this may be a virus!!! One of the first Targeted to OS X

 

Wow! That makes me feel almost happy about the whole thing. So you reckon I could get antivirus stuff for it?

 

It's not a virus.

Did you get your external drive working again yet?

 

I think there might've been more news if it was...I read Apple sites regularly, nothing came up .

 

People should still be aware that OSX is not invincible. I bet viruses will start appearing now that Mac is getting a lot more popular. Doesn't hurt to be careful.

 

All users of OSX know this, however, the amount of users using OSX, are still not prominent enough for hackers to hack OSX and make viruses for. I'm not saying there are none out there, however, as of right now, it is still pretty unlikely there are any big viruses specifically created for Mac.