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giovanni.apd

macrumors member
Original poster
Jun 27, 2006
66
0
Hey all,

I've been searching around for a bout an hour, and I'm fairly certain that this exact problem does not have a thread dedicated to it.

In my attempt to install Windows XP via Boot Camp, I accidentally inserted an SP1 disc instead of the SP2 disc that I have. The installation proceeded to the point where it does for most who attempt this: the screen where you are prompted to press ENTER. I could not proceed and therefore restarted the iMac and held down the mouse button upon start-up to remove the CD.

HERE IS THE PROBLEM:
I can not boot into OS X because the keyboard shortcuts (those that might allow me to select which partition to boot from and/or reset PRAM) seem to be disabled. Instead, a reboot always ends at a black screen with a blinking DOS-esque cursor, or the prompt: "No bootable device -- insert boot disk and press any key."

I have attempted inserting my SP2 disc at this point, to no avail. My keyboard seems to be disabled, as if the SP1 install proceeded just enough to establish itself as the boot drive without drivers for the keyboard. I've tried using all 3 USB ports, disconnecting other USB devices. Oddly, my bluetooth mouse works to eject the CD on reboot...

Thanks for reading, and for any help that you may be able to offer!
 

MacDawg

Moderator emeritus
Mar 20, 2004
19,823
4,504
"Between the Hedges"
Have you tried inserting your DVD that came with your computer or a retail Leopard DVD?

Woof, Woof - Dawg
pawprint.gif
 

giovanni.apd

macrumors member
Original poster
Jun 27, 2006
66
0
yes, but the start-up proceeds as before, directly to the black screen. I've tried holding down the 'C' button to force it to boot from the DVD, but no keyboard shortcuts are working.
 

macuser154

macrumors 6502
Jan 17, 2009
372
0
UK
Would you be able to guide me through that? Without the use of keyboard start-up shortcuts, or course.

I have heard that you can just hold the power button down until the computer bleeps then boots. Although I wouldn't bet on it.

Sorry that is all the help I can give you
 

macuser154

macrumors 6502
Jan 17, 2009
372
0
UK
Oh. I think you can hold the "Play/Pause" button on an Apple remote while it boots, and it will allow you to select the partition to boot off.
 

giovanni.apd

macrumors member
Original poster
Jun 27, 2006
66
0
I have heard that you can just hold the power button down until the computer bleeps then boots. Although I wouldn't bet on it.

Sorry that is all the help I can give you

Good suggestion, it actually gave me hope for a second. I've done that now, but with the same result as before. The keyboard shortcuts still seem to have no effect.
 

giovanni.apd

macrumors member
Original poster
Jun 27, 2006
66
0
Oh. I think you can hold the "Play/Pause" button on an Apple remote while it boots, and it will allow you to select the partition to boot off.

Another awesome suggestion. It worked this time! Thanks a lot, a solution that was staring at my every time I reached around the computer to fiddle with the USB but couldn't think of myself. Thanks again. I'll update if I'm unable to do anything about the failed partition.
 

macuser154

macrumors 6502
Jan 17, 2009
372
0
UK
Another awesome suggestion. It worked this time! Thanks a lot, a solution that was staring at my every time I reached around the computer to fiddle with the USB but couldn't think of myself. Thanks again. I'll update if I'm unable to do anything about the failed partition.

Good to hear it works!
 
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