Holding down C doesn't work!!!!

Try using the Option key to get the boot loader menu that lets you choose among all available bootable volumes, including CDs.

 

Also make sure keyboard is plugged directly in to the computer; no USB hubs or monitors. Must be a native USB keyboard. (Some older USB keyboards are actually PS2 keyboards with an invisible USB adapter inside)

 

Wouldn't happen to have one of the aluminum keyboards would you? I've been unable to use any startup keyboard shortcuts... had to resort to my old white keyboard.

 

I had a similar problem that was resolved by resetting the PRAM.

Phil

 

To Blair, and possibly the OP, you might want to try swapping out the aluminum keyboard. I had similar problems which I posted about a while ago, and replacing the keyboard solved my problem.

Pushing keys at startup to choose the boot volume, to reset PRAM, boot in safe mode, etc. didn't work, though those keys worked fine when the system was up and running (the eject key also stopped working altogether). Once I tried another keyboard and had no problems, I took the aluminum one to an Apple store and tried it on one of their machines. The keyboard had the same problems there, so the genius agreed to swap it under warrantee, and the new one works just fine. It was less than obvious, but it turned out to be a hardware problem in the keyboard, so you might want to check it out and see if it's also case with yours.

 

help

pressing the "c" button doesn't work for me! i need to install leopard but the intallation window never appears.