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My MacBook won't boot, no start chime, just the DVD spinning sound.

My MacBook won't boot, no start chime, just the DVD spinning sound.

I had to take my computer to work to be inventoried. I didn't turn it on. I brought it back home, and now it will not start. When the power button is pressed, I can hear the DVD spin, but there's no startup chime. The status light in the front is on solid, but dim. I inserted a boot disc, but it won't boot from that either—and now I can't get the disc out. Any ideas? Thanks.

Asked by: Guest | Views: 251
Total answers/comments: 6
bert [Entry]

"Hi! I'd first try to reset the PRAM. While connected to AC and with the power off, hold down the power button for about 10 seconds until you hear a tone and see the sleep light flicker.

Next, try reseating the RAM, and test the slots one at a time by booting with one empty, and then the other.

Is the screen black or white, and if it's white, are there any icons on it? If it's white, try booting while holding down the option key and let me know if you see the option menu."
bert [Entry]

"I don't know if this will work but try setting the SMC. Ralph

http://support.apple.com/kb/HT3964"
bert [Entry]

Just a thought, but something i like to try in cases like this: Remove all RAM and try to start it. If the computer starts error beeps you know that the firmware chip is alive. Start troubleshooting from there. It's all too easy to just say you'll need a new logicboard.
bert [Entry]

"The same issue happened to my MackBook Pro 2011

Fixed:

Power up, No startup sound, Solid power light, Black screen, Fan spinning, dvd drive and hard disk running,

Perform Option Command P R to reset Parameter RAM then shut down by hold on to Power Button. Then Power Up and immediately SHIFT CONTROL OPTION COMMAND Power button to reset SMC . Power down again. The put any CD into the CD drive and power up with holding the eject power. The CD make so noise and the the start up screen and boot up sound heard, The MBP17 2011 finally power up."
bert [Entry]

"Hello, I've experienced this same issue. Now, I have the

A1151 model (first generation of Macbook Pro) which does not have the NIVIDA video chip. While there are a lot of things that could cause this problem I take it that you have not opened up the top cover case. If you did then try these steps: remove only the two ""allen type screws"" completely (located behind the memory cover plate) also remove the four (4) screws located at the rear bottom side. Then start the machine and if it boots normally then just let it set idle for at least an hour. If all is well shut it down and wait for 30 minutes then reboot it again, let it just idle without logging in. If it stay up without shutting down then you know it is something pressing against the logic board underneath causing an automatic shutdown issue. If you have success, reinstall the 2 allen screws first then reinstall the back 4 screws only 2 at a time (the two closest ones on the same side). Then start the machine and repeat the idling process. Remember, this procedure is mainly for those who have gone inside of the machine to remove and reinstall the logic or I/O board for ANY reason. It will not hurt to still follow this procedure. If this clears up your issue, celebrate; you have saved yourself a boat load of money."
bert [Entry]

"Had the same problem .... fans running, dvd spinning, sleep light glowing, no chime/no start.

tried all the fixes here and whadayaknow Tomas Jones, Feb 16 2012 fix made it boot!

That was holding down the cd eject key while (trying) to start up. The DVD ejected and it started on the HD. Then I turned up the muted volume and restarted and it chimes!"