10.9.4 iMac hangs at desktop with external drive connected, thunderbolt or USB3.

When I boot my late 2012 27" iMac (fusion drive, 16GB) with an external drive either USB or Thunderbolt the machine hangs at the desktop, I have to disconnect the external drive and then it boots fine and seemingly works fine.
It was happening with the USB 3 drive so I thought it might be failing so I bought a new Thunderbolt G-Drive and it hangs with that too.
Any ideas greatly appreciated

Please read this whole message before doing anything.
This procedure is a diagnostic test. It’s unlikely to solve your problem. Don’t be disappointed when you find that nothing has changed after you complete it.
The purpose of the test is to determine whether the problem is caused by third-party software that loads automatically at startup or login, by a peripheral device, by a font conflict, or by corruption of the file system or of certain system caches.
Disconnect all wired peripherals except those needed for the test, and remove all aftermarket expansion cards, if applicable. Start up in safe mode and log in to the account with the problem. You must hold down the shift key twice: once when you turn on the computer, and again when you log in.
Note: If FileVault is enabled, or if a firmware password is set, or if the startup volume is a Fusion Drive or a software RAID, you can’t do this. Ask for further instructions.
Safe mode is much slower to start up and run than normal, with limited graphics performance, and some things won’t work at all, including sound output and Wi-Fi on certain models. The next normal startup may also be somewhat slow.
The login screen appears even if you usually login automatically. You must know your login password in order to log in. If you’ve forgotten the password, you will need to reset it before you begin.
Test while in safe mode. Same problem?
After testing, restart as usual (not in safe mode) and verify that you still have the problem. Post the results of the test.

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Other Apple Support Communities related thread:
https://discussions.apple.com/thread/5486167?start=60&tstart=0
https://discussions.apple.com/message/23541363
External References:
http://blog.macsales.com/21004-upgrade-to-mavericks-drama-free-with-owc
http://forums.macrumors.com/showthread.php?t=1659332&page=3
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External FireWire drive WILL NOT spin down when Mac goes to sleep.
also
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Thanks John and Jolly,
I'm not sure what I'm doing here. I thought I did what you suggested and I tried to read that article but ...
What I have:
* Laptop with iTunes 9.0.3 running OS X 10.4.11 that has not had any prior music or other iTunes content.
* An external HD with a copy of the music from my desktop (160 GB). My desktop is also running iTunes 9 and OS X 190.4.11.
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"Album Artwork" folder,
"Automatically Add to iTunes" folder,
"iTunes Library" file,
"iTunes Library Extras.itdb" file,
"iTunes Library Genius.itdb" file,
"iTunes Library.xml" file
"itunes music" folder,
"iTunes Music Library.xml" file,
"Previous iTunes Libraries" folder,
"Temp File.tmp" file
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* Plugged in the external so it shows up in my finder
* Launched iTunes and working through the setup was asked some sort of question like "do you want to copy files now or do it yourself later?" I clicked I'd do it myself.
* Went to iTunes / Preferences / Advanced and changed the iTunes Media folder location. It now shows "/volumes/'name of External HD'/iTunes" The "keep iTunes Media folder organized" box is checked and so is the "Copy files to iTunes Media folder when adding to library" box. I hit OK.
* Went to iTunes / File / Library / Organize Library ... and I clicked the "Consolidate files" box but not the "Upgrade to iTunes Media organization" box.
* now in iTunes I have nothing in "Music" -- a screen telling me songs and videos I add ... and there are none of my folders or playlists.
I bet I'm one click from blast off but no idea what that step might be.
Any ideas?
Thanks

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http://support.apple.com/kb/ht1573
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10.9.4 iMac hangs at desktop with external drive connected, thunderbolt or USB3.

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