MacBook will not boot

[jw 1]

Hello, I recently updated my system to Snow Leopard which worked fine. Then I tried to upgrade some software the computer will not reboot. I have tried resetting the Pram but no luck. I can boot to the cd however it doesn't see the HDD. I can boot to an external HDD but I'm not able to mount the original HDD. Disk aid will not repair the HDD. I tried super duper to copy the disc and reinstall but it doesn't see the HDD. The HDD is a SSD drive. I need to at least be able to copy the information from this drive. However I am stuck at this point.
If I use disk utility and the source is my install cd and the destination the HDD will I lose all my information?
Thanks,

 

[Hellhammer]

http://guides.macrumors.com/Mac_doesn't_boot

Sounds like the drive is dead. Data recovery is expensive so unless there was something very important in that drive, just dump it and get a new one (check warranty as well)

 

[jw 1]

If I try disk utility and the source is the cd, the destination is the HDD, will it erase all data on my HDD or just replace the operating system? I can select the HDD when in this operation.

 

[Hellhammer]

If I try disk utility and the source is the cd, the destination is the HDD, will it erase all data on my HDD or just replace the operating system? I can select the HDD when in this operation.

What do you mean? If you just install the OS X, it won't erase data but if you're going to erase the drive, then everything will be gone

 

[jw 1]

If I start the computer using the install disk and select disk utility, I get the option for source of the installation CD and the destination is the SSD HDD. Will this erase the entire HDD?

 

[Hellhammer]

If I start the computer using the install disk and select disk utility, I get the option for source of the installation CD and the destination is the SSD HDD. Will this erase the entire HDD?

It will only replace the system files so your data should remain unchanged

 

[jw 1]

It will only replace the system files so your data should remain unchanged

Fantastic!!!! I'll give it a try.

 

[jw 1]

It will not allow me to choose the destination as the HDD unless the erase destination is checked? Is this a problem?

 

[416049]

If I start the computer using the install disk and select disk utility, I get the option for source of the installation CD and the destination is the SSD HDD. Will this erase the entire HDD?

Only if you check the Erase Destination Box

 

[jw 1]

Only if you check the Erase Destination Box

Any idea how I can repair the original installation without erasing the entire HDD?

 

[416049]

Any idea how I can repair the original installation without erasing the entire HDD?

Have you tried repairing permissions and or verifying the Disk if possible take a screenshot and post the result

 

[jw 1]

Have you tried repairing permissions and or verifying the Disk if possible take a screenshot and post the result

Verbose mode shows Warning-kext com.apple.driver.AppleIntel GMAX3100FB (not sure if that last part is exactly right) has immediate dependancies on both com.apple.kernel and com.apple.kpt "components may use only one style
Does this mean anything?

 

[jw 1]

Have you tried repairing permissions and or verifying the Disk if possible take a screenshot and post the result

Verify disk shows The Volume Macintosh HD appears to be ok
However Verify disk permissions and Repair Disk Permissions are inaccessible. I see the choice but am unable to make the selection.

 

[jw 1]

Well I guess the SSD drive is dead. I am unable to repair or format the drive. Any last ideas?

 

[Hellhammer]

Well I guess the SSD drive is dead. I am unable to repair or format the drive. Any last ideas?

Did you buy it from Apple or 3rd party? What brand is it? Give the seller/manufacturer a call if it's non-Apple, most of them have several years of warranty

 

[jw 1]

Did you buy it from Apple or 3rd party? What brand is it? Give the seller/manufacturer a call if it's non-Apple, most of them have several years of warranty

Wow what luck! I have a 2 year warranty and the drive is only 6 months old! But they want me to mail it to China????
Looks like Solidata would have some type of office here in the US.

 

[Hellhammer]

Wow what luck! I have a 2 year warranty and the drive is only 6 months old! But they want me to mail it to China????
Looks like Solidata would have some type of office here in the US.

They might have an office there but the testing and manufacturing is likely done in China. If they ask you to mail it to China, that's your only option

 

[Relentlos]

all these threads about macbook issues makes me not want one anymore lol

 

[jw 1]

They might have an office there but the testing and manufacturing is likely done in China. If they ask you to mail it to China, that's your only option

OK, good thing I get an airline discount on shipping! I hope this works!!!!

 

[jw 1]

all these threads about macbook issues makes me not want one anymore lol

I Love my Mac!!! Wouldn't trade it for anything. Water damage, oops, new logic board, new top case. Faster SSD drive. Might be my tweaking that is the problem.
Thanks for all who helped.
Because of this forum my wife thinks I'm a genius!