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    Macboook doesn't boot up into OS

    Discussion in 'Apple and Mac OS X' started by blackbird, Aug 23, 2008.

  1. blackbird

    blackbird Notebook Deity

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    Hi,

    My friend's macbook is having some problems.

    Basically when he boots up he gets a folder icon with mac logo and a question mark.

    I'm not too familiar with macs, nor do I own one. So from what I gather it could be a problem with the OS (missing files, corrupt installation) or the HDD.

    I am familiar with unix, so was wondering whether you can still access the command line via alt+f* or alt+ctrl+f*.

    Also he has left his installation disk's back in Canada. So trying to boot from them is out of the question.

    Anyone know if you can call apple up and provide them with the details necessary and then have them allow you to download a copy of the OS?

    Or do you reckon the local apple store will let us try one of their cd's to have a look if its a problem with the OSS or HDD (without any extra charge, because these guys charge you a lot of money)


    Any other ideas are welcome.

    Thanks in advance
     
    blackbird, Aug 23, 2008
    #1
  2. wobble987

    wobble987 Notebook Virtuoso

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    yes, it seems like the computer is unable to find a mac os installation to boot from. this most likely be problem with mac os installation... i would guess.... broken HDD?

    what i would do in this situation is boot from the os disk and run APPLE HARDWARE TEST. you would need an OS CD for that though....
     
    wobble987, Aug 23, 2008
    #2
  3. BlackMac

    BlackMac Notebook Consultant

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    Call apple and ask them for another set of os disks? That's what I'd do. Good luck!
     
    BlackMac, Aug 23, 2008
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  4. blackbird

    blackbird Notebook Deity

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    alright thanks, gonna go to the store and ask if theyl let us test an os disk.
     
    blackbird, Aug 23, 2008
    #4
  5. killer23d

    killer23d Notebook Geek

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    If the Macbooks are Mid-2007 or Late-2007 model, chances are bad HDD. I've replaced A LOT of them at one point as they all died.

    Bring/Call Apple for service.
     
    killer23d, Aug 25, 2008
    #5