Stuck at Gray Screen with Apple Logo and swirling circle. Help!

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I was cleaning out some files and documents I didn't use on my Macbook to free up space. After that I noticed my internet wasn't working with either Firefox or Safari but the Wifi was connected, so I restarted the comp. Now the loading gray screen with Apple Logo is where I'm at. I already tried to start in safe mode but it didn't work. I also do not have the boot disc.

I don't know if i accidentally deleted something or what? But if anyone could help me out I would greatly appreciate it, Thanks!
 

chscag

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Welcome to the Mac Forums.

It seems that you might have accidentally deleted some files that are required by the system. The only way you're going to recover now is to do an archive and install. But, you're going to need your original recovery install disk. If you don't have one, you'll need to purchase a new set or call Apple customer support and ask them to send you a replacement. They may or may not charge you.
 
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I'm getting a copy from a friend so hopefully it fixes my problem.
I can backup my system on a external hard drive correct?
 

chscag

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The install set of DVDs has to be specific for your machine or a retail set. If it doesn't meet that criteria it won't work. And yes, you can backup to an external hard drive. Also, Apple does not license OS X to be installed on more than one machine unless the family pack is purchased. So be sure to buy your own set.
 
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Thankfully the cd restored my mac, I was worried for a bit.
Could someone tell me how to backup my system to a DVD? I tried googling it but just came by alot of timemachine and timecapsule results. I have software I pay good money for and would hate for a crash to happen again :Shouting:
 

chscag

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Backing up to DVDs is of course possible, but believe me you don't want to backup that way... It not only takes a month of Sundays but if one DVD out of the set has an error, the whole backup set is worthless. Been there, done that.

My advice is buy a nice large external drive, format it to the Mac standard HFS Extended Journaled file system and use Time Machine to make the backup.
 

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