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Question

OS 10.6.8 Can Not start up with Tech Disk

May 18, 2012 12:34PM PDT

The Apple verify utility indicated that I should use an external start up disk to fix disc problems that could not be fixed with the internal utiltiy softare. So far, I have been unable to start the system with a external disc holding the C down. Some discs are tech discs indicated that holding the d key down will start the computer to verify and correct the errors.

Programs ( except for Quicken) seem to work ok but internal verify utility routines direct that disk errors need to be corrected. The quicken start up indicates that the data file cannot be found.

Suggestions?

Discussion is locked

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Clarification Request
So my question is.
May 18, 2012 1:05PM PDT

Why would you not work on corrected the disk issues first. Even if it means a new HDD is called for?

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10.6.8 Can Not start up with Tech Disk
May 19, 2012 12:42AM PDT

When I run the internal utility to verify the Disk, the verification fails and the message is to boot the system with an external start up disk and verify the disk and correct the problems. None of the start up disks that I have will boot the system externally.

Thanks for your question.
Garith

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So far it sounds like the machine needs repairs.
May 19, 2012 3:17AM PDT

The most common reason optical discs won't boot is an old optical disc drive (ODD). And you can bet that many owners seem to dig in their heels on replacing an old ODD.

I can't explain why.
Bob

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Clarification Request
you mention "Tech Disks"
May 19, 2012 3:42AM PDT

but don't mention an OS X Installation disk.

Do you have one of those? or at least the disks that came with the computer


P

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10.6.8 OS Imac will not boot from start up disk
May 19, 2012 5:48AM PDT

Thanks for your response. I have tried several start up disks including the one that came with my Imac with OS ver 10.5. I upgraded the OS to Snow Leopard 10.6.3 which did not include a start up disk.

Garith

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You have a Snow Leopard disk?
May 19, 2012 8:58AM PDT

Put it, or the 10.5 disk into the optical drive.
Wait until it mounts on the desktop.
Not mounting? See Bob Proffitt's post about old optical disk drives.
Mounted? Good, now shut the machine down.

Power up again and hold down the Option key. Keep it down. You "should" get a choice of drives to boot from.
Only got the Hard Drive to choose from? See Bob Proffitt's post about old optical disk drives

One of choices should be the DVD you have in the ODD.

Choose it and hit Return

Machine should boot.

If it does, choose the disk utility from the menubar when it appears. You will have to step through at least once before the menubar appears.

Now fix the drive

P

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OS 10.6.8 Can Not start up with Tech Disk
May 20, 2012 10:40AM PDT

Thanks to all who provided input. I am back up and running. I am using a logitech wireless key board and finally decided to use my apple keyboard and finally got things to work and was able to verify and repair my HD. Your questions and suggestions helped me narrow down my search for solutions.

Thanks again
Garith

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See how easy this solution would have been had you
May 20, 2012 9:46PM PDT

shared ALL the tech details in your first post.

I guess you only have a black and white monitor as you missed the Red note that appeared above your first post while you were typing it.

P

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Just for anyone else reading
May 20, 2012 11:24PM PDT

Just for anyone else reading, the only thing really needed here was a USB keyboard, and not a wireless one. Whether it had been the Apple keyboard or some el chepo thing picked up somewhere, it would have worked.