[moiu]

I can't boot from the installation DVD that came with my MacBook Pro! To use the Hardware Test, or even to re-install OS X, you're supposed to restart the computer holding down either "D" (for Hardware test) or "C" with the DVD in the computer. Well, when I do that, nothing happens and it goes right to the login screen.

Sure, I can change the startup disk in System Preferences and boot from the DVD that way, but I can't use the hardware test doing that. And besides, I shouldn't have to go that route.

What can I do? Is this a problem with my hard-drive? I have AppleCare, but I want to avoid having to go to Apple. Would changing the boot disk in Sys. Pref. to the DVD and reinstalling OS X fix this?

[cms]

Hold down the "alt" key as soon as you hear the boot chime. Keep holding it and all available boot options will show up on the screen. This can take a while, so be patient. You can then select whether to boot from the hardware test, the OSX installation on your hard drive or OS on the installation disk.

[pcryan5]

<>Keep holding it and all available boot options will show up on the screen

Or not.

Can you read the disk from finder? I was able to read mine but it would not boot - after 20 minutes talking to Apple Tech Support they decided the disk was dud and sent me a new one. Which worked fine.