TechTool Pro: Problems booting some Macs from included media

We've recently received a rash of reports from readers who are unable to boot various Macs from the TechTool Pro startup disc, included with AppleCare and the retail TechTool Pro package.

In many cases, the issue is simply out-of-date startup software. New Macs often require new components -- or new iterations (e.g. Mac OS X 10.4.8 instead of Mac OS X 10.4.7) for startup, and outdated TechTool Pro discs can fail to boot systems in these cases. Micromat and/or Apple generally replace discs in these cases, but some users are still having the problem with the latest revisions.

MacFixIt reader Britton Mitchell writes: "I own a Dual 1.8 Power PC and have never been able to boot from my Techtool Deluxe CD let alone the OS X disk. I contacted Apple regarding this issue and they sent me new discs that ended with the same results." John Holley adds: "Some of us customers of Micromat, the maker of Tech Tool Pro, have discovered that the version of TechTool Pro being shipped will not boot the new MacBook Pros. The reason is that the DVD ships with OS X 10.4.7 where as the new MacBook Pros ship with 10.4.8. The issue has not been discovered by Micromat but by customers. So far there has been no response from Micromat."

If you are experiencing a similar issue, please let us know.

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