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I'm currently using an Imac 2009 running (Mac OS X Snow Leopard 10.6.6) and I wish to switch from my Windows 7 to my Mac OS and make that the default OS. Using the option key does not work. Bootcamp control panel can't find it either. It seems I'm unable to get back into Mac and this didn't seem to be an issues a year or ago?

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It appears that my Mac HD still exists here, and I still have the install disk and often back up my files using time machine.

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What would be the best solution for this, is there away to get back into my Mac or will I have to reinstall and back up from time machine (Unfortunately I know longer have the Windows 7 install disc) thank you in advanced.

NB I did look at the below link but wasn't sure if it was relevant to my issue as I'm essentially locked out of my Mac OS. Boot Camp Control Panel macOS partition doesn't show up

ajaimac2009
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  • Might be worth booting from the installation media, opening a Terminal window and entering the commands gpt -r show /dev/disk0 and fdisk /dev/disk0. (You might have to prepend a sudo to the commands.) This would output the partition tables. There is a small chance the GPT (which OS X uses, but not Windows) has somehow become corrupted. – David Anderson Jan 03 '22 at 18:38
  • Thank you for the advice, would you recommend reinstalling the MacOS as Steve Chambers suggest. As a work around? – ajaimac2009 Jan 05 '22 at 14:45
  • Hi David, unfortunately I wasn't even able to boot from the installation disc as my iMac ejected it 2mins after insertion. Any ideas why this could be (as it accepts other dvds and CDs) and would the next step be to take it to a specialist. – ajaimac2009 Jan 09 '22 at 14:36

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Generally speaking reinstalling macOS will not remove or otherwise damage any user-generated files. This would include app settings (preferences) documents you have created, downloaded music/video, etc.

It is good that you have a backup, as you never really know why your system won't boot the installed macOS. In other words there may be some sort of file system damage that has corrupted both the OS and any other files.

I would go ahead and boot from the installer CD and select the current macOS partition as the target for installation and let it do its thing. Be sure you do not reformat the Macintosh HD partition or anything else, just install! It is likely that all your files will remain intact.

Steve Chambers
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  • Thanks Steve will update on the outcome soon – ajaimac2009 Jan 05 '22 at 14:45
  • Trying to boot from the original installer disc, but my iMac ejects the disc after 1/2 mins of processing? Unsure why this happens as the disc drive reads other disc CD and DVD. What is the next best option to take it to a specialist? – ajaimac2009 Jan 09 '22 at 14:34
  • Sounds like a bad (and or damaged) install disc. I think there were more than one discs that came with Snow Leopard, you sure you have the right one? – Steve Chambers Jan 09 '22 at 14:43