Member Avatar for Allyn12341234

My computer froze while adding an OSX.3 update and now when I start it up it doesn't complete its startup sequence. I hold down C key to force startup from the cd but it just keeps trying to start up from the main hard drive. Is there a key sequence I can use to force the computer to go to the select a startup drive window so I can reinstall OS 10.3 to get back in business?

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described a classic symptom: an update that froze mid-install and a machine that won’t finish startup. Several replies point at low-level boot tools and the startup-disk chooser (see , and ). Those approaches can work, but the safest first steps are simple diagnostics and a non-destructive recovery flow before attempting reinstall or deeper firmware/Unix work.

Immediate checks: remove all nonessential peripherals (USB/FireWire printers, hubs, external drives) and cold‑boot the machine. Inspect the installer/restore disc for scratches and test it in a known‑good Mac to confirm it actually boots. Prefer the original restore media that shipped with the Mac when available (model‑specific discs are sometimes required). If the optical drive looks suspect, try a known‑good external bootable drive.

Recommended recovery sequence: run the installer disc’s Disk Utility (when bootable) to Verify/Repair the internal volume and repair permissions. Reset PRAM/NVRAM to clear stored startup choices and flags (this often restores the ability to choose a boot device). For data rescue, mount the internal drive on another Mac via FireWire target‑disk mode and copy critical files before reinstalling. If Disk Utility repairs the volume, a normal startup frequently follows and a reinstall may be unnecessary.

Warnings and next steps: single‑user or firmware‑level fixes are powerful but risky for those unfamiliar with Unix or firmware prompts; back up first when possible. Persistent failure to boot from known‑good media after the above checks points toward hardware problems (optical drive or internal disk) or media/restore‑disc mismatches; in that case, a drive replacement or Apple‑authorized service is the safer option.

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Member Avatar for marynewton

my computer shows message to insert disk that i have'nt got the screen shows a square with a with a cross in it and can't get it to start

Member Avatar for marynewton

how can i get the computer to start without a start up disk
and what are the key board command how can i get them

Member Avatar for KeonY

its possible change the startup for two os but not acces the mac os x.? by the way nice forum...

Member Avatar for Member #758415

Try pressing Command-Option-O-F when the system boots, you will get dropped into a DOS-like prompt, then type mac-boot then hit enter.

Member Avatar for bastones

Try pressing the Alt (also known as Option) key at start up and try selecting the disc from there.

Member Avatar for macmad

I am not sure what you are trying to accomplish, but if you hold the command and s key during startup, you will be brought to the unix layer of the system. Make not mistake that you are in dangerous waters at this level. You should not go here unless you have a strong understanding of Unix as you can completely destroy your Mac OS software.
It sound like you attempted to upgrade and it failed. It does happen, for many reasons. Now, do you have 10.3 (panther) or were you updating to 10.6.3 (Snow leopard). Big difference. Lets go with SL. Insert your original disk that came with your system and reinstall your system. Go to the apple site and download the your updates. SN is now up to 10.6.4 so what I would recommend is get the combo "Mac OS X v10.6.4 Update (Combo)" file as it is a complete system update.

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