MAC Computer Won't Start Up

[hattenc]

Okay, yesterday I was on my Mac on Safari, and it froze, well evidently, it froze the entire computer, not just safari, so I restarted it, and when it started up again, it got stuck on the grey screen with the apple and the little spinning wheel. I tried restarting several times and it still does this. I'll let it sit at that screen for awhile, but eventually, it just shuts off. What does this mean? Please help. This is my school computer and I am currently on break so I am helpless

Thanks in advance

 

[Tallest Skil]

It's Mac, and what kind is it? Boot from your install disk or your latest OS install disk (hold C on startup) and see what Disk Utility has to say.

 

[~Shard~]

Try rebooting from your OS X install disc and running Disk Utility, that might provide some insight for starters at least...

Edit: Beaten to it!

 

[G5power]

Do you have the OSX disk?

If so boot from the disk by holding down the C key as you power up.

Then go into Disk Utility from the menu options.

Click on the Drive name and run the Repair Disk Permissions option.


I'm slow as well.

 

[hattenc]

Its an OS X, but thanks everyone who answered..they don't give us the install disks at school, so I guess I'm a bit out of luck on this one =\ but thanks anyway!

 

[brad.c]

Also: disconnect any external drives you may have attached.
I have a firewire external HD that sometimes brings boot-up to a complete stop.