OS won't load - MBP

Hi guys,

Hope you can shed some light on this for me and maybe point me in the direction of fixing this...

My old MBP (15.4" 2.4GHz Intel Duo, 2GB RAM, 200GB, 8600M GT), has a few issues;

- The SuperDrive doesn't work, spins up the disc, then shoots it out.
- The OS no longer loads. It gets to the first screen with the Apple logo and the spinning thing and just hangs there, its been there for about an hour.

I have used a USB hard disc to reinstall a fresh copy of OSx Leopard, (Tried Snow Leopard, but it wouldn't finish the installation, couldn't copy support files apparenty).

It all worked fine, the installtion was successful from what I can see, and then it gets back to the first screen and is now hanging again.

I have XP on Bootcamp which works perfectly.

Can anyone suggest what is at fault?

I want to get it fixed so I can sell it to plug the void in my wallet left from my new MBP...

Many thanks,

Ben

Could be the HDD inside is failing on you from the sounds of it. Can you get another HDD in there to test it out? Even if it is a small cheap one just to test it.

- Simon

Are they easy to replace?

Not too confident about opening one up.

mrben2k8 said:

- The SuperDrive doesn't work, spins up the disc, then shoots it out.

Click to expand...

* What OS disk are you trying to do the OS install with (color of disk, which OS version)?

* Do you know for sure that the Superdrive works (can read DVD discs)?

* Are you sure this OS install disk is in good shape (no scratches, dirt, etc.) on it?

* Why did you need to reinstall the Mac OS in the first place?

mrben2k8 said:

I have XP on Bootcamp which works perfectly.

Click to expand...

Are you saying that "currently"...you can boot your MacBook Pro into Windows (via Bootcamp) if you wanted to?

- Nick

pigoo3 said:

* What OS disk are you trying to do the OS install with (color of disk, which OS version)?

Click to expand...

OSx Leopard 10.5 (Purple)

pigoo3 said:

* Do you know for sure that the Superdrive works (can read DVD discs)?

Click to expand...

SuperDrive died ages ago, way before this started happening. I am attempting the fresh install from a boot disc made onto a USB drive.

pigoo3 said:

* Are you sure this OS install disk is in good shape (no scratches, dirt, etc.) on it?

Click to expand...

Disc is clean, no scratches etc.

pigoo3 said:

* Why did you need to reinstall the Mac OS in the first place?

Click to expand...

As it wasn't loading properly I guessed that the OS had corrupted and would be healed with a fresh install

pigoo3 said:

Are you saying that "currently"...you can boot your MacBook Pro into Windows (via Bootcamp) if you wanted to?

Click to expand...

Correct, XP loads fine and works 100%.

Any thoughts?

Ben

mrben2k8 said:

Any thoughts?

Click to expand...

Thanks for the info on the Superdrive (not working)...that makes it simple...you cannot install from the DVD...unless you have access to an external DVD drive...or a 2nd Mac where you could try installing the OS via "Target Disk Mode".

I think that you said that you have a 2nd MacBook Pro...so you could try "Target Disk Mode"...assuming both MacBook Pros have compatible firewire ports. These links (below) should help:

How to use and troubleshoot FireWire target disk mode

Mac OS X 10.6 Help: Transferring files between two computers using FireWire

Installing OS X via the Target Disk Mode | Tips and Tricks, Reviews - MacAmour - Your Mac Companion

Using FireWire Target Disk Mode to Install OS X on Macs without DVD Drives

Reinstalling Mac OS X without a DVD Drive - Target Disk Mode | Dan Taylor

Good luck,

- Nick

pigoo3 said:

Thanks for the info on the Superdrive (not working)...that makes it simple...you cannot install from the DVD...unless you have access to an external DVD drive...or a 2nd Mac where you could try installing the OS via "Target Disk Mode".

I think that you said that you have a 2nd MacBook Pro...so you could try "Target Disk Mode"...assuming both MacBook Pros have compatible firewire ports. These links (below) should help:

How to use and troubleshoot FireWire target disk mode

Mac OS X 10.6 Help: Transferring files between two computers using FireWire

Installing OS X via the Target Disk Mode | Tips and Tricks, Reviews - MacAmour - Your Mac Companion

Using FireWire Target Disk Mode to Install OS X on Macs without DVD Drives

Reinstalling Mac OS X without a DVD Drive - Target Disk Mode | Dan Taylor

Good luck,

- Nick

Click to expand...

Awesome. Cheers for your help Nick.

Much appreciated.

mrben2k8 said:

Awesome. Cheers for your help Nick.

Much appreciated.

Click to expand...

Hey...don't get too excited...let's hope it works first!

i.e. You can run a firewire cable between the two MBP's (Apple keeps changing the ports, and you have the proper cable)...and the install works.

- Nick