Mac OS X 10.6: If you see a blue screen at startup
If you see a blank blue screen or a blue screen with a colored pinwheel when you try to start your computer, but starting up doesn’t progress, you may have a problem with damaged or incompatible startup items or software.
Note:To print these instructions, open the Help Viewer’s Action menu (looks like a gear) and choose Print.
Try the following:
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If you are starting up from a DVD, make sure it is the disc that came with your computer. Discs from other Mac models may not work with your computer.
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Restart the computer in safe mode. If the computer successfully starts up in safe mode, choose Apple menu > Restart to see whether the computer will restart normally.
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If you see the login window prompting you for a user name and password, but starting up doesn't progress, you may have incompatible login items.
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Repair your startup disk or disk permissions by starting up from your Mac OS X installation disc and using Disk Utility.
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Back up your disk and then reinstall Mac OS X by starting up your computer with your Mac OS X installation disc.