Here is what happened:<br>I installed a Netgear wireless router ($49 plus a $20 mfgr coupon).........but that's beside the point. I finally got everything connected. The Cube in the library for the missus, the iMac DV in the Kitchen and my Quicksilver in my office.<br>But, Noooo, I couldn't leave well enough alone!<br>I decided this morning to install OS X on the iMac and started the upgrade. I got restless after about 5 minutes of a spinning spoke and a blank blue screens and decided to stop the download. Here is where it get's really stupid. I tried to stop the download and force-quit the computer. Now, all it does is start for about 5 seconds and shuts down. I can't eject the disk (slot loaded) and, because it isn't on long enough to spin the disk, I can't use the paper clip method.<br>Yes, I have gone to the Apple site and have searched every for a solution to eject the disk. <br>I am hoping that I can get a repair disk with a system on it like DiskWarrior to crank it up and see if there is anything left. But, I can't do a thing until I get the disk out of there. SH!T ! I am so stupid to do such a bone-head thing.<br>Before I have to take it to the Apple store, is there anything I can do? (No, not that!...... I mean with the computer)<br>Thanks<br><br>

Well, that's NO fun. I believe if you hold down he mouse button while starting up it will force-eject from the optical drive (I think). It shouldn't require a functional system to do it, but I can't say for sure.<br><br>

I tried that and it didn't work. Although, that is what Apple suggests as a way to eject. The computer just doesn't stay on long enough to spin up.<br>I think what happened with the disk is that it was in the process of doing firmware stuff when I stupidly shut down the Mac.<br>I tried all the key combinations as well. <br>Thanks for the suggestion, however.<br><br>

Here is an article about how to remove problem disks. One thing it mentions is booting to open firmware mode (now that should not require a system) to force eject.<br><br><br><br>Open Firmware<br><br>1. Restart the computer. If necessary, use the reset/interrupt button.<br>2. Immediately after the system startup tone, press and hold the Command-Option-O-F key combination. The computer starts up to a text-only screen, indicating that you are in Open Firmware. <br>3. At the prompt, type: eject cd<br>4. Press Return.<br>5. Type: mac-boot <br>6. Press Return<br><br>

Ugh... if it really did screw up the firmware somehow (I don't know enough about that stuff to even comment) then you might be in big trouble. <br><br>Hope somebody else on here has some better suggestions.<br><br>

Thanks, I tried that too..........it just shuts down in about 5 seconds after the lovely startup chime.<br><br>

Do you have a firewire HD? Can you hook it up and boot up off of it?<br><br>

I may try that tomorrow. I don't think I know how to order it to be the startup since "c" is taken up with the stuck disk and the computer won't stay on long enough to look for a system.<br> I am so sleepy and I want to talk to the local guru on the phone tomorrow. Thanks, John<br><P ID="edit"><FONT SIZE=-1><EM>Edited by sross on 01/11/04 09:39 PM (server time).</EM></FONT></P>

No problem Sherm.<br><br>You can also boot it Target Disk Mode? That way you can save the data...<br><br>

Hold down option.<br><br>