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I’ve ****** myself. Do you know what to do?

N

nhod

macrumors member
Original poster
Sep 5, 2014
44
2
I’ve got a pressing issue I’ve run into.

I’ve somehow managed to mess up and find myself starting up with the prohibitory symbol.

The real kicker is that several of my keys including the R needed for recovery mode are non functional so I’m left unable to access recovery mode to get things up and running again.

I tried plugging in a usb external keyboard and going into recovery mode but it didn’t work.

Is there a way into terminal without recovery mode?

I’ve really F$@!ed myself. There must be a solution. I’m really hoping someone with expertise can help me out here.

Really appreciate it.
Nick
 
ERROR!! Could not find APFS system volume handle.

If my R key worked I could get into recovery mode but I can’t. It doesn’t respond with an external keyboard either.
[doublepost=1534976439][/doublepost]What would an apple technician do under these circumstances? It has to be fixable.
 
Do you have access to another Mac?

If so, you can either:

-create an installer partition on an external hard drive, using that Mac, then plug it in and press option when the computer turns on, then select the installer partition, or
-connect both computers using a FireWire or Thunderbolt cable and booting in Target Disk Mode, erasing the HD, then reinstalling HS from the Mac that’s working onto the newly erased HD.

You can use a friend’s Mac as well.
 
Last edited:
If you can create a USB fromanother machine you don't need Command(R) keys..

Just bring up the boot manager (surly your OPTION key works yes?) and select USB drive. This is all assuming you have another Mac.

Or just go to an Apple store, they'll do the same thing i bet.

(Which idiot at Apple decided an external keyboard couldn't be used as start-up key combinations)
 
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Tech198 said:
If you can create a USB fromanother machine you don't need Command(R) keys..

Just bring up the boot manager (surly your OPTION key works yes?) and select USB drive. This is all assuming you have another Mac.

Or just go to an Apple store, they'll do the same thing i bet.

(Which idiot at Apple decided an external keyboard couldn't be used as start-up key combinations)
Click to expand...


You can use an external keyboard to use boot modifiers. The issue may be a stuck key (e.g. ctrl) causing the real trouble. Hope OP gets sorted.

For future reference if you start with alt held in to get to boot manager and choose wifi (or plug in ethernet) internet recovery will usually appear as an option without having to create a usb installer. In the case of a stuck key this obviously won't work though :)
 
I created a bootable USB of macOS high Sierra but upon restarting while holding option, nothing happens. I get the same prohibitory symbol.

I also put my iMac in target disk mode attached to my MacBook Pro with a thunderbolt cable but that didn’t work either. I should note that in addition to the non functional R key the T, D, F, G, 4 keys also do not function.

I should also add that it goes right into a black screen with a prohibitory symbol after powering without a loading screen of any kind.

I don’t know what to do. If anyone has anything to add, feel free.

Appreciate it.
 
Honestly if the top case is not responding for certain keys you can almost guarantee something is also being held down. best to take to an AASP for them to disconnect the top case and then connect a usb keyboard. Of course if you're handy with a screwdriver you can do the same (remember to have a MagSafe handy as the computer will only start after connecting the MagSafe when there's no power button)
 
nhod said:
I created a bootable USB of macOS high Sierra but upon restarting while holding option, nothing happens. I get the same prohibitory symbol.

I also put my iMac in target disk mode attached to my MacBook Pro with a thunderbolt cable but that didn’t work either. I should note that in addition to the non functional R key the T, D, F, G, 4 keys also do not function.

I should also add that it goes right into a black screen with a prohibitory symbol after powering without a loading screen of any kind.

I don’t know what to do. If anyone has anything to add, feel free.

Appreciate it.
Click to expand...
The T button, unfortunately, is required to enter Target Disk Mode. Looks like at this point, there's nothing you can do, short of taking it to the Apple store or an AASP for service. :\ I'm sorry man. Wish I could help more, I know how frustrating it must feel.
 
MSastre said:
Curious: what did you do to cause this and what Mac are you on?
Click to expand...

I’m sure exactly what I did. I was clean installing high Sierra in preparation for sale. I think I made some missteps in disk utility the I restarted prematurely and was left with a prohibitory symbol.

The computer is a late 2013 rMBP with upgrades. And I’m running high Sierra.
 
I have the same rMBP. I'm surprised the usb installer did not work for you. Can you use a wireless or usb keyboard to solve your keyboard problems, then boot off the usb installer?
 
MSastre said:
I have the same rMBP. I'm surprised the usb installer did not work for you. Can you use a wireless or usb keyboard to solve your keyboard problems, then boot off the usb installer?
Click to expand...
Good points, MSastre. I’ll try that.
 
You're not getting far on a MacBook that doesn't have a working keyboard.

As maflynn suggests above, get an EXTERNAL keyboard.
And make sure it's a WIRED keyboard.
Then, try again.
 
The OP said, "I tried plugging in a usb external keyboard and going into recovery mode but it didn’t work" in the first post.

If using a windows keyboard, then the OP needs to make sure the correct keys are used. Mac "cmd+r" is "windows+r" when using a windows keyboard.
 
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maflynn said:
Not for nothing, but if a key isn't working, get yourself a cheap USB keyboard. That way you can at least get into the Recovery mode
Click to expand...
Exactly. Buy one from Target, use it for this purpose, then return it. Target is very flexible with its return policies, and so is Walmart/Costco.
 
CoastalOR said:
The OP said, "I tried plugging in a usb external keyboard and going into recovery mode but it didn’t work" in the first post.
Click to expand...
I missed that, and that's odd, I use an external keyboard and I've not had issues :(
 
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