Computer will not boot up after recent software install

I recently tried to install a series of software updates. Not all were successful. Soon therafter the computer froze up while in safari. I turned it off and the computer would not boot up on restart, and instead sent me to the darwin login screen. I rebooted in safe mode per these forums, and turned off an itunes startup function, and then rebooted. That seemed to do the trick as I could now get back into the OS, but the computer was dreadfully slow. It froze up again in Safari and I turned it off again, and this time it would not go past the grey startup screen with the apple. I tried safe mode again, but the computer would shut down around 30 seconds after the wheel below the grey apple started turning. I Was able to get my Tiger Install DVD in the drive, and turned the computer back on, but now just get the grey apple screen and the wheel spinning indefinitely. I cannot do an erase and install because my photos are not backed up. Please help!
Thanks

Hi, Deaton41. Welcome to the Discussions.
You wrote: "I recently tried to install a series of software updates. Not all were successful."I suspect the only way you are going to resolve this is by performing an Archive and Install. For important tips on this process, see my "General advice on performing an Archive and Install" FAQ. Perform the steps therein in the specified order. If you follow my FAQ's steps to the letter, then your photos should be AOK, assuming directory corruption hasn't damaged them. I suspect directory corruption is the root cause of the unsuccessful software updates, which that then led to your current problem re: start up.
Before installing future software updates, you may wish to consider the advice in my "Installing Software Updates" FAQ. Taking the steps therein before installing an update often helps avert problems and gives you a fallback position in case trouble arises.
Good luck!
Dr. Smoke
Author: Troubleshooting Mac® OS X
Note: The information provided in the link(s) above is freely available. However, because I own The X Lab™, a commercial Web site to which some of these links point, the Apple Discussions Terms of Use require I include the following disclosure statement with this post:
I may receive some form of compensation, financial or otherwise, from my recommendation or link.

Similar Messages

Macbook will not boot up after running Software Update

My MacBook will not boot up after running Software Update (Security update + Java?) earlier today. I have only the gray start up screen + Apple logo + gear wheel constantly rotating. I have tried restarts several times and tried to start up from my original system DVD - this makes no difference.
I called Apple support, tried resetting the power and PRAM - still no difference. He had no knowledge of other problems reported; although I note recent post may have same issue.
I cannot get an appointment at my Apple Store before Monday.
Any suggestions?

Still no success. When I hold down the option key when powering up I get the hard disk icon plus arrowhead (only). When clicking the arrowhead it goes to the gray screen + apple logo+ rotating gearwheel.
This happens both with DVD in slot and without DVD. the DVD image is not coming up on screen. When I start up without DVD the hard disk icon appears promptly. When I start with DVD in the DVD is spinning for a short period before the hard disk icon appears. On clicking the arrowhead to hard disk icon the DVD spins again for a while then stops. Apart from the DVD spinning, both situations result in gray screen + apple logo+ rotating gearwheel.

Macbook will not boot up after running Software Update (Couldn't fix it)

Hi there,
I also have been experiencing some problems after running Software Update (Security update + Java) a couple of days ago. Similarly to Jandaf (http://discussions.apple.com/thread.jspa?messageID=9000023) I have only the gray start up screen + Apple logo + gear wheel constantly rotating. Based on the information provided in this forum I have tried some procedures which didn't solved my problem so far. Below I describe I have tried:
1) I have booted using the installation DVD and run the disk utility. When performing the First Aid/Verify Disk I found some errors ('Invalid node structure'). But I couldn't fix the problem using disk repair (same problem 'Invalid node structure' 'Volume check failed'.
2) I also tried to boot in single user mode (command + s) to run fsck -fy. It didn't work. I got the following message (last 4 lines):
CSRHIDTTransitionDriver::probe: -s
CSRHIDTTransitionDriver::probe: booting in single user .. do not match
Extension "com.apple.driver.AppleUSBTCKeyboard" has no kernel dependency.
Extension "com.apple.driver.AppleUSBTCEventDriver" has no kernel dependency.
3) When trying to boot in safe mode. I got a grey screen with the following message:
'You need to restart your computer. Hold down the power button for several seconds or press the Restart button".
4) I also tried to 'Archieve & Instal'. Again no success. After reading the DVD the action is terminated because some errors (does not specify).
5) I also tried the 'German Medicine' (http://discussions.apple.com/message.jspa?messageID=8728797#8728797) (i.e. Connect the 'problematic MacBook' to my old G4 via firewire and reinstall the 2009-001 update). Again no success. The G4 cannot mount the MacBook hardrive.
I don't know what to do any more.
A) Can I resuscitate my old system? If yes how?
B) If not, can I at least save the data I have in my old HD?
C) Is it possible to format and reinstall the OS or is this this computer doomed?
Apologies for writing so many questions but I'm really freaking out!
Thank you.
B.

Hi BDAqua,
I did as you said and got a firewire backup drive (Seagate - FreeAgent Desk 500GB). I tried to make a carbon copy of HD but it seems that the copy had some problems. Below I report both the CCC and console logs:
1) "Cloning method: Backup everything
Delete items on target that aren't on the source: No
18:23:39 Enabling ownership on the target volume...
18:23:50 The target volume has ownership enabled.
18:23:50 The target volume has Access Control Lists enabled.
18:23:50 Authenticating...
18:23:50 Initiating synchronization engine...
18:23:51 Cloning...
18:31:20 rsync: readdir("/Applications/Utilities/Audio MIDI Setup.app/Contents/Resources/French.lproj"): Input/output error (5)
19:04:41 rsync: readdir("/System/Library/Components/AudioCodecs.component/Contents/Resources/Fr ench.lproj"): Input/output error (5)
19:05:41 rsync: readdir("/System/Library/CoreServices/Menu Extras/IrDA.menu/Contents/Resources/French.lproj"): Input/output error (5)
19:06:01 rsync: readdir("/System/Library/CoreServices/Menu Extras/User.menu/Contents/Resources/French.lproj"): Input/output error (5)
19:07:05 rsync: readdir("/System/Library/Extensions/IOUSBFamily.kext/Contents/PlugIns/AppleUSBC DCECMData.kext/Contents/Resources/French.lproj"): Input/output error (5)
19:10:13 rsync: readdir("/System/Library/PrivateFrameworks/Assistant.framework/Versions/A/Resou rces/French.lproj"): Input/output error (5)
19:50:10 rsync error: some files/attrs were not transferred (see previous errors) (code 23) at /Volumes/Home/Users/bombich/Development/Bombich_Software/rsync-3.0.5pre2/main.c (1047) [sender=3.0.5pre2] (51)
19:50:11 rsync: Some errors were encountered during the backup., Error code: 51
19:50:14 Sync Engine warnings: (
"rsync: readdir(\"/Applications/Utilities/Audio MIDI Setup.app/Contents/Resources/French.lproj\"): Input/output error (5)",
"rsync: readdir(\"/System/Library/Components/AudioCodecs.component/Contents/Resources/F rench.lproj\"): Input/output error (5)",
"rsync: readdir(\"/System/Library/CoreServices/Menu Extras/IrDA.menu/Contents/Resources/French.lproj\"): Input/output error (5)",
"rsync: readdir(\"/System/Library/CoreServices/Menu Extras/User.menu/Contents/Resources/French.lproj\"): Input/output error (5)",
"rsync: readdir(\"/System/Library/Extensions/IOUSBFamily.kext/Contents/PlugIns/AppleUSB CDCECMData.kext/Contents/Resources/French.lproj\"): Input/output error (5)",
"rsync: readdir(\"/System/Library/PrivateFrameworks/Assistant.framework/Versions/A/Reso urces/French.lproj\"): Input/output error (5)",
"rsync error: some files/attrs were not transferred (see previous errors) (code 23) at /Volumes/Home/Users/bombich/Development/Bombich_Software/rsync-3.0.5pre2/main.c (1047) [sender=3.0.5pre2]"
2) "Mac OS X Version 10.4.11 (Build 8S2167)
2009-03-01 10:30:14 +0100
2009-03-01 10:30:21.962 SystemUIServer[213] lang is:en
Mar 1 11:20:32 Bs-Home-Mac /usr/sbin/ocspd: starting
Mar 1 11:38:25 Bs-Home-Mac ntpd[191]: sendto(17.72.255.12): Bad file descriptor
Mar 1 12:46:40 Bs-Home-Mac ntpd[191]: sendto(17.72.255.12): Bad file descriptor
Mar 1 13:54:55 Bs-Home-Mac ntpd[191]: sendto(17.72.255.12): Bad file descriptor
Mar 1 15:03:13 Bs-Home-Mac ntpd[191]: sendto(17.72.255.12): Bad file descriptor
Mar 1 16:11:31 Bs-Home-Mac ntpd[191]: sendto(17.72.255.12): Bad file descriptor
Mar 1 17:19:46 Bs-Home-Mac ntpd[191]: sendto(17.72.255.12): Bad file descriptor
Main starting
2009-03-01 17:47:20.393 Skype[313] SkypeApplication::init called
2009-03-01 17:47:21.554 Skype[313] SKInitDebugLogging
2009-03-01 17:47:46.169 Skype[313] SkypeSound::setAudioDeviceUID: cannot find audio device with UID (null), trying to use default system output device instead
2009-03-01 17:47:47.208 Skype[313] SkypeSound::setAudioDeviceUID: cannot find audio device with UID (null), trying to use default system output device instead
Starting the process...
2009-03-01 17:48:36.186 Skype[313] MacVideo getDimensions rc == NO, width 0, height 0
2009-03-01 17:48:36.367 Skype[313] MacVideo getDimensions rc == NO, width 0, height 0
2009-03-01 17:48:37.367 Skype[313] MacVideo getDimensions rc == NO, width 0, height 0
2009-03-01 17:48:37.369 Skype[313] MacVideo getDimensions rc == NO, width 0, height 0
2009-03-01 17:59:16.450 Skype[313] SkypeSound::setAudioDeviceUID: cannot find audio device with UID (null), trying to use default system output device instead
Mar 1 17:59:19 Bs-Home-Mac crashdump[355]: Skype crashed
Mar 1 17:59:20 Bs-Home-Mac crashdump[355]: crash report written to: /Users/bernardolima/Library/Logs/CrashReporter/Skype.crash.log
Mar 1 18:23:50 Bs-Home-Mac authexec: executing /Applications/Carbon Copy Cloner.app/Contents/Resources/helper_tool
Mar 1 18:28:01 Bs-Home-Mac ntpd[191]: sendto(17.72.255.12): Bad file descriptor
Main starting
2009-03-01 18:41:03.154 Skype[393] SkypeApplication::init called
2009-03-01 18:41:12.433 Skype[393] SKInitDebugLogging
Mar 1 19:36:16 Bs-Home-Mac ntpd[191]: sendto(17.72.255.12): Bad file descriptor
Mar 1 19:55:54 Bs-Home-Mac mdimportserver[480]: -[ABAddressBook sharedAddressBook] Can't ABACQUIREFILELOCK Framework/AddressBook/ABAddressBook.m:2746
Mar 1 19:57:12 Bs-Home-Mac mdimportserver[480]: * +[NSUnarchiver unarchiveObjectWithData:]: extra data discarded
Mar 1 19:57:12 Bs-Home-Mac mdimportserver[480]: * +[NSUnarchiver unarchiveObjectWithData:]: extra data discarded
Mar 1 20:44:34 Bs-Home-Mac ntpd[191]: sendto(17.72.255.12): Bad file descriptor
Mar 1 21:52:51 Bs-Home-Mac ntpd[191]: sendto(17.72.255.12): Bad file descriptor
Mar 1 23:01:07 Bs-Home-Mac ntpd[191]: sendto(17.72.255.12): Bad file descriptor"
Due to my lack of knowledge I can't judge how bad this is. But I can tell you that every time I read the word bad in the log it scares the s*** out me.

Computer will not boot up after OS 10.4(intel) update

I received a pop-up today that indicated updates required for iTunes, Quicktime and the OS. I believe the iTunes and Quicktime proceeded with no problem. The OS update (which had Intel in parenthesis) was a huge download and after a long period of time I received a message that download failed, file moved to trash. Also received prompt to Cancel or Restart. I selected restart. The computer never rebooted it is perpetually displaying the apple symbol in the center of the white screen with a cursor indicating loading. I shut the power down manually several times but to no avail. Is there some kind of key to hold down to go into safe mode?
Message was edited by: Maguire

OK, I used my MAC OS X install disk to get to the Disk Utilities. I ran verify disk check and repaired a minor "Volume Header" issue. This did not solve anything. I can choose to restart by the Install disk or the installed 10.4.11 OS both fail to start. Is it necessary to re-install OS X?

HT1758 Power failure in the middle of a software update and not the computer will not boot up. The computer just has a white screen with a grey apple and just loads non stop.

My iMac will not boot up after a software update. the screen is all whute will show a grey apple in the middle and will look like it is working but nothing happens; this can go on forever.
Does anyone have any suggestions?

Do you have a backup in the form of a bootable clone or Time Machine? Restore that and then try the update again.
Some things to try here (Safe Boot)
http://support.apple.com/kb/TS2570
Another option might be to download the standalone from Apple Downloads on another Mac and try installing it in Firewire Target Disk Mode to the Mac that was interrupted during the update.
http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1661

Windows xp will not boot up after installation of desktop software 4.3.

windows xp will not boot up after installation of desktop software 4.3. Where do I start to get my p.c. going again ???

I get the message that a recent hardware or software change might have caused this.
The computer does not boot up in safe mode or last known good configuration.
I'm glad you think the software has nothing to do with it, but perhaps you can also explain why this problem started as soon as I downloaded the desktop software and tried to restart the computer.

Computer Will Not Boot

My computer will not boot and it will not enter Safe Mode. I ran the Memory Diagnostic test and it shows that I have a hardware problem. I also tried to restore my computer to an earlier time but it showed an error. I have 1GB or RAM and recently it keeps changing from 512MB to 1023MB. Please help.
Specs (that I know of)
1GB RAM
INTEL CORE 2 DUO 2.43GHz (I'm not sure)
Gigabyte motherboard
OS: WINDOWS 7 ULTIMATE
This question was solved.
View Solution.

try to make shour that the ram is snug and in all th way make shour NOT to jam them in and dont leve a empty slot in betwen them if there craced be shore not to use the in any in the computer check the mother bords slots and the pins on the ram and make shour that theres no dust stuck in there . thats all i can think of hope it works out for u. :^)

Computer will not boot up; only rotating wheel. OS 10.7 iMac

computer will not boot up, only rotating wheel. OS 10.7, iMac

Bootup holding CMD+r, or the Option/alt key to boot from the Restore partitiion & use Disk Utility from there to Repair the Disk, then Permissions.
Re-install if that doesn't work.

Ipad mini will not boot up after charging

ipad mini will not boot up after charging

Hi luckysue,
If your iPod mini isn't booting up or responding after charging, you may find the troubleshooting steps outlined in the following articles helpful:
Reset your iPod - Apple Support
iPod only shows an Apple logo and doesn't start up - Apple Support
Regards,
- Brenden

Imac has white screen and spinning wheel and will not boot up---after lion install

imac has white screen and spinning wheel and will not boot up---after lion install

Please read Gray screen appears during startup.

Computer will not boot up. a circle with a line thru it appears.

All of a sudden my computer will not boot up and a circle with a line thru it comes up. What is the problem and what can I do to fix it?

Hi, master hunter.
The most common meaning of this symbol is that something in the operating system is damaged. Here is the best resource when troubleshooting this behavior.
OS X: About kernel panics
http://support.apple.com/kb/TS3742
If you prefer us to assist you with this issue, contact us here.
Cheers,
Jason H.

Computer will not boot up on usb cd rom to repair windows problem (corrupt file) what should i do

computer will not boot up on usb cd rom to repair windows problem (corrupt file) what should i do

Which computer? Which Windows?
What are you trying to do?
-Jerry

Have a MacBook Pro. the computer will not boot up, the screen has black and white stripes and multi color bands as well.

Have a MacBookPro. The computer will not boot up. the screen has black and white bands with multi color bands as well.

Yeah it's dead. Take it to an Apple Genius Bar and have it checked out. Then buy a new one.

Cisco 7941G phones will not boot up after factory reset.

Cisco 7941G phones will not boot up after factory reset.
The following happens.
1. Speaker light lit (Green)
2. Phone displays a firmware upgrade page (see attachment) for a few minutes. (Doesn't seems to be upgrading, but it "saids" upgrading)
3. Saw Cisco logo with a Java Powered page.
4. The whole thing loops again and again...
I think the reason why the phone isn't booting up is because the phone needs to know where to find the configuration/firmware files from a tftp server. I do have a TFTP server, but normally I need to go in settings to change the alternative tftp server, but the thing is that now I can't even press the settings button...
Please help.

How many phones were reset and upgrading at one time? What is the setting of the TFTP Maximum Serving Count (Advanced TFTP Service Parm) on each of the TFTP servers?
Sounds like too many devices trying to use TFTP at once.

Help needed on startup. My computer will not boot from the CD drive!!!

Problem with iMac G3 333, the Message on the screen states: "The System Software on the starup disk only functions on the media, not if copied to another drive." Like a fool, I copied the system folder from the original system software 9.2.2 on to the iMac. System disk which is not a complete system folder when used on the computer. I have searched the Internet, but can not find an answer. I have tried everything, holding down the C key, "Delete, Opition, Apple key, shift" holding the mouse down on startup, various combinations of other keys, etc. The CD starts to spin, but the computer switches to the hard drive and the message above returns. No matter what I try I still can't boot from the tray loading CD drive. Is there any Firmware code that I can use. I know how to access Firmware on the Imac and can boot the iMac using Firmware, but I don't know how to use Firmware to boot the CD drive which I need to do so I can reload the original software. CAN SOMEONE PLEASE HELP? Thanks, Jim

Yes, I have tried both System Softwares a number of times. The C key will not boot up the CD drive and the harddrive always boots with the original message. I need to get the CD drive to boot so I can reloaded tge original software. Do you know anything about booting the CD drive using Firmware? Jim

Computer will not boot up after recent software install

Similar Messages

Maybe you are looking for