[Robster1958]

i just installed Leopard on my MB Pro. it seemed to install ok, and then i used it.

the next time i restarted, it goes right to Setup Assistant...and wont let me out! Doesn't matter if i quit it, or fill out all the info.....but all i get is blank blue screen.

no access to any programs at all. some function keys work like volume and brightness.

only way to restart is to hold down power button. but still cant escape the Setup Assistant which traps me.

I am starting to get really scared that all my files are gone.

applecare...after a half hour wait....now being transferred to a "specialist" for another long wait. too much success for apple now

any help would be vastly appreciated.

[Cold Warrior]

sounds like a bad install

what kind of installation did you choose -- clean, archive, upgrade?

I ask b/c if it was upgrade, you could try an archive-install, which may fix your issues.

[Robster1958]

it was upgrade from 10.4.

now though, i can't even re-install. if i restart with, or without a cd in the drive, i still get the Setup Assistant.

I forgot all the keys for holding during restart to diagnostics. i think i remember "T" to make it a firewire hard drive. i may do that to get my files from the laptop to my imac....i hope.

[brokenjago]

Press "C" to boot from the disc drive, or "D" with your Apple supplied restore disk for the Apple Hardware Test.

Hold the primary mouse button down to eject the disc on startup.

[Robster1958]

i was able to get the leopard disk to install....i am now waiting for it to finish.

i did the archive-install this time.

i sure hope the data files are there. now with time machine, i promise to get a hard drive backup!!

[Cold Warrior]

Originally Posted by Robster1958 

now with time machine, i promise to get a hard drive backup!!

I bought a 300 GB drive only a few months ago, and I find myself running out of space. I save media there, and make master images of software discs in case I mess up the original disc. I'm basically out of space. I really need 1 TB over FW 800. That would really give me some breathing room!

[Robster1958]

whew!!! reinstall worked and all files still intact....and now backed up!

thanks very much

[cory]

PLEASE HELP!!!!! I am having the same problem!!! How did you get your mac to acknowledge the disc? Everything I try STILL brings me back to setup assistant!!! I've tried restarting my mac while holding down the C, D and T buttons, though not simultaneously Still nada

[lpkmckenna]

I had the same problem as Robster. I eventually gave up and did a clean install.

[cory]

i tried rebooting and still no luck. I'm using a windows keyboard. I don't think this should make a difference, but does anyone know what button is the command one? I have "ctrl", a button that has the windows logo and then "alt". Thank you soooooo much

[cory]

Also, can anyone tell me exactly when I should hold down and let go of the buttons? I've tried holding them down while pressing the power on button and letting them go when the dreaded setup assistant shows back up! Am I pressing them at the wrong times?

[lpkmckenna]

Cory, you're probably screwed. I'd say reinstall. Put in the disc and restart while holding down C. Don't let go until you hear the zip-zap-zip sound of the computer booting off the disc.

[cory]

I finally got it after being on the phone with apple care for hours!!! I had to get an "apple" keyboard from a friend and did a boot into safe mode by holding down the shift key after I heard the chime and letting it go when the grey apple screen showed up!!! But, now Safari doesn't work! It says something like it is not compatible with this version of my operating system!

[ez1216]

I had the same problem. When it takes you to the login screen after going through the setup assistant again, click restart from there (if you have that preference turned on). That restarted the machine normally for me.