MacBook "circle of death"

[UCLAHawkTim]

I have an older Macbook that is getting the gray "circle of death". Resetting PRAM, holding down Shift, CTRL + C, etc. has not worked. The machine stays in the "circle of death" mode for 2-3 minutes and then shuts off. I cannot back-up files because of this. I want to save files, photos, etc. on the machine if possible. If I reinstall with the original disks, will I lose those files? Any help would be appreciated. Thanks.

 

[pfu]

hello!

I suggest you get one of these

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Premium-SAT..._USB_Cables_Hubs_Adapters&hash=item35be24f029

and copy your files to another PC/Mac. if you can afford to get a 2nd drive way better. save your files and re-install. based on the behavior your mac does. looks like something is broken with it's kernel.


best of luck
pfu

I have an older Macbook that is getting the gray "circle of death". Resetting PRAM, holding down Shift, CTRL + C, etc. has not worked. The machine stays in the "circle of death" mode for 2-3 minutes and then shuts off. I cannot back-up files because of this. I want to save files, photos, etc. on the machine if possible. If I reinstall with the original disks, will I lose those files? Any help would be appreciated. Thanks.