URGENT! Mac NOT Starting up! URGENT!

**dave-dave** · June 12th, 2006, 08:11 PM

huh? Is there a way I can back everything up before installing a new hard drive? Besides the firewire way (holding "t" at startup - does it have to be a external hard drive? Will USB Flash Drive Work? - What about CD?). HELP!
Are you sure i need a new hard drive? Could something as simple as a iPod updater do this? Was it the iPod updater? What exactly happened to my computer? Sorry about all the questions. Thanks,
Dave

**jbarley** · June 13th, 2006, 12:12 AM

Originally Posted by dave-dave

The disk repair didn't repair the files

Would there be any hope in retrying for a while to see if I get anywhere?
Also: If it's Ram or something that's broken or fried - Are you sure that it's not that, because I don't want to drop $80 for it if it may not fix the problem. Are the errors the cause of this black bar? If not, I don't know

Thanks,
Dave

It is common practise to run Repair more then once, some times several passes are needed before all the errors are corrected. If the repairs are successfull, this will be indicated upon completion.
But, there is always the chance that Disk Utility might not be able to fix a really messed up hard disk.

jb.

**dave-dave** · June 13th, 2006, 09:33 AM

UPDATE: Some errors cleared (like the block count one)... Now the only errors are the 3 file numbers with a "d" at the end. My computer still doesn't startup without freezing with the black bar.

**dave-dave** · June 13th, 2006, 04:37 PM

So now what do I need? I don't have an external hard drive for back up in the "t" firewire mode... Where would I get one for UNDER $60.00 that's mac and PC compatible that can backup in that mode. AND that works with MAC 10.2.8

I also am wondering if there's another way to backup - whether it's a USB backup or if backing up with FIREWIRE is the ONLY WAY and if I can't do it with a USB external hard drive (which I would need to purchase) or with CDs, or something. This also must be able to backup WHILE the problem I am having is STILL persisting.

Thanks
Dave

**Satcomer** · June 13th, 2006, 07:02 PM

For under $60 dollars is not possible for anything external with a hard drive. You however can buy a cheap hard drive from your local box store and then buy an external enclosure (note: this is just under $60).

**jbarley** · June 13th, 2006, 09:19 PM

Originally Posted by dave-dave

So now what do I need? I don't have an external hard drive for back up in the "t" firewire mode... Where would I get one for UNDER $60.00 that's mac and PC compatible that can backup in that mode. AND that works with MAC 10.2.8

I also am wondering if there's another way to backup - whether it's a USB backup or if backing up with FIREWIRE is the ONLY WAY and if I can't do it with a USB external hard drive (which I would need to purchase) or with CDs, or something. This also must be able to backup WHILE the problem I am having is STILL persisting.

Thanks
Dave

Lets all get on the same page here....
In order to back your computer using "Target mode" you'll need more then another hard drive, in fact you need another Mac computer with a Firewire port.

jb

**dave-dave** · June 18th, 2006, 08:04 PM

poop. I'm preparing to take this imac into a computer fixing place. I'm in the IL. area - any suggestions? any final comments or other answers, solutions, or additions?
I'm thinking CDW - $45.00 to find out the problem, +$ to fix it - any better prices I might be able to get at another Mac fixin' place? Is this a professional help needed repair? Or could our local $40.00 per hour "problem finding and trouble shooting by forums and online help" needed guy - could he do it? He's not really a pro guy - more of a "been with macs since the start guy" type of person. I don't see him replacing internal parts really - unless there's another part to him I don't know about. He's not pro trained or certified. Any final words?
Thanks,
Dave