[Monolith]

I booted my MacBook Pro at home last night after using it in work. Upon startup, I received an error message that deemed a kernel panic had occured. I restarted it as requested by holding down the power button and then powering it back up. I now can't get past the grey startup screen and it is failing to boot in safe mode.

Has anybody had a similar experience? I'm guessing taking it to a genius bar is the first port of call but would be keen to hear from Macheads.

Thanks.

[benpritch]

put the original start up DVD that came with it in the drive and switch it on whilst holding the c button. do a disc repair when you get to the relevant screen.

don't know if newer macs come with a start up disc so this info may not be relevant.

[Monolith]

Thanks Ben, I'll try to get to my parents to pick up the box and associated paraphenalia. It has mildly terrified me but I have the core important things backed up in the main if all goes to fluff again.

[slackline]

I have the core important things backed up in the main if all goes to fluff again.

 

[Ru]

Like Ben says. Even if you get it going again, do a full back up then reinstall the OS from the start up disk. Very easy, takes about 15 - 25 mins depending on the Macbook.

Easiest method for the future is to use time machine to back up your hard drive regularly, then first sign of trouble do a complete OS reinstall and restore from the time machine back up.

[mr__j5]

Also be prepared that a UNIX kernel normally only panics if the hardware does something that it doesn't expect, so something might be heading towards the end of its life.

[tomtom]

Not meaning to be an IT ambulance chaser.....

but if it turns out its your HDD thats borked I have recent 250 and 500GB 2.5" hdd's that could be yours for a very competitive few feck alls...

[Lund]

Not sure how you're getting on.

http://support.apple.com/kb/HT2674

This suggests it's not your disk.  If it were... it would probably fail to boot from it and you'd get stuck earlier.  Unless the kernel image is just corrupt, it's relatively likely some other bit of hardware is knackered.  Perhaps you know have an expensive door stop/"genius" beating implement.

Would be interested in what's occurred.

[Monolith]

Thanks so much for all of the help/knowledge and suggestions guys. We have a tech team for our office who I'm getting to look into it as I'm really strapped for time to look at this. I purchased a three year warranty with the computer which I hope will come into play if a part of it does have a problem. I'll post up the outcome for reference once I know the score. Cheers yall.

[Monolith]

Not meaning to be an IT ambulance chaser.....

but if it turns out its your HDD thats borked I have recent 250 and 500GB 2.5" hdd's that could be yours for a very competitive few feck alls...

And thanks for this tomtom! (Sorry my tired eyes wadded you as triple t also!). Dependent upon the outcome I might well be in contact cheers!

[SA Chris]

If it's under warranty I would take it straight to a Mac Store, rather than have your in house tech-heads have a go at it.

[tomtom]

If it's under warranty I would take it straight to a Mac Store, rather than have your in house tech-heads have a go at it.

+1, get yo ass to the Genius bar and let them sweat on it... one of those new ones with a retina display please...

[Monolith]

Sadly it was the HD again. The tech person recommended I fit it myself as it's cheaper and easy. Tomtom, would you still be willing to sell one at all? We can PM if so?

[tomtom]

Sure, 250gb and 512gb still there.. I can give you an exact spec on Monday as they're at work at the moment. Both 2.5" laptop drives.. should fit etc..

[tomtom]

You got mail Mono..

[Monolith]

Delighted to report that I finally got round to installing the 500gb drive from tomtom today. She's back up and running like a dream and for anyone thinking of upgrading their HD or needing a repair, definitely do it yourself. Some very helpful youtube videos. Elated!