MBP won't start beyond whirling gear

[Keukasmallie]

I'm moving, my Time Machine b/u is in the truck and suddenly my MBP's start sequence hangs up at the spinning gear stage.

What are my options?

2009 MBP, Mountain Lion.

 

[eneisch]

Recently had a similar issue with my late 2008 Aluminum MacBook. After the DVD drive sound, the Mac would not boot up. Booted using installation disc and checked it with the disk utility. Result indicated that my 5 year old HDD was bad. Had to replace the drive and reinstall OSX. Of course it happens as soon as I ordered my new rMPB.

 

[Keukasmallie]

Thanks! As soon as I get access to the rest of my "stuff" I'll give that a try.