Couldn't get to the login scrn. Circle with slash symbol. S-mode not helpin
System: *PowerMac G4 DDR 1GHz with 1.25GB RAM and Tiger 10.4.10 (or .11 not sure)*
At first, I could not get the Mac to get to the login screen i.e. it boots up but the timer symbol thing (you know that clockwise 'loading' icon thingy) keeps cycling for hours (eventually I switched it off not to waste electricity).
Tried second time using OS X install disk and check + repair disk, then boot up - still the same symptoms. (NB. Looks like I can do the fresh install though but that is not my intention just now).
Then, did the reset PRAM thing (cmdalt+PR), second chime - folder/question mark (no startup disk screen), then it shows the circle with slash icon on screen, eventually shut it down.
In single user mode, it stops after the 'got bootdisk...' and no flashing of the keyboard cursor.
In verbose mode, almost the same as above.
+Have not changed the PRAM battery or reset PMU. Have been off the grid (off at socket for quite a long period but does not normally do this).+
+In single user mode, one of the line says clock is wrong or reset. After PRAM reset, one line says PMU was reset.+
My questions are:
1. What is that circle with slash icon mean? (can only find on Intel Mac pages - could not load boot.efi, or some other issue)
- ref: <http://support.apple.com/kb/HT2674>
2. Is installing a new system folder the only solution?
3. Do I need to get a new battery?
4. Is my startup hard disk at fault?
Thanks.
dean
Hi Dean,
Have been off the grid (off at socket for quite a long period but does not normally do this).
I'm pretty sure the battery is extremely dead if the computer has been off the grid. Remove the PRAM battery and see if it starts. A new battery is always a good place to begin. We've seen plenty of posters here say their MDD startup problems cleared up with the installation ofa new battery. I get my batteries here:
http://eshop.macsales.com/item/Newer%20Technology/BAA36VPRAM/
I don't know your geographic location; if you are not in an area served by the above reseller, you can use the specs in that link to shop locally. Bottom line--you need to eliminate the battery as a suspect before proceeding with troubleshooting.
If a battery is over a year old I don't bother testing it. I've had too many PRAM batteries test 3.6V in my hand yet did not perform well enough under load to propelr work in teh computer.
Another easy thing to try is a Safe Boot. Info here:
http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1455
Be sure to give the computer time to get to a desktop--takes longer is safe mode.
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http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1379?viewlocale=en_US
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Do you keep your data backed up?
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http://www.macmaps.com/backup.html
You never know when a hard drive or a directory might go bad. Having a bootable clone is a must.
That link also shows you some tools you can use to recover data.
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How do I get past the login screen?
Hey all,
I just bought a nice new MacBook Pro 15" 2.66 GHz and am happy with it so far.
The problem is I had to buy it because my PowerBook G4 12" decided to die on me. It happened slowly over the course of a weekend. The PB started to get really slow, and I knew it wasn't because of the internet, just figured I had overloaded the hard drive. So I started to move files to an external hard drive. It was slow and every hour or so an application would freeze, and I couldn't force quit, so I would have to shut down. Eventually it got to the point that I wasn't even running other programs, just trying to transfer files, and I would get the swirly rainbow circle.
I transferred most of the files, except for my iTunes collection. I figured, no problem, I have my iPod.
I ordered the new computer, and have realized, that I can't transfer my iTunes collection through my iPod. And now, my PBG4 can turn on, and get me to the login screen looks like it's going to boot up, but goes right back to the login.
Is there anything I can do to bypass the login? I've tried to start it in safe mode, but the PB won't even get to the login screen after 30 minutes of waiting. I also tried holding shift while logging in, but no dice.
I have an ethernet cable, and know that if I can log on, I'd be able to move my info somehow, please help!
Thank you, Lindseyartschic:
Welcome to Apple Discussions.
Congratulations on your new MacBook Pro. You'll love it.
In terms of your PowerBook G4, apparently your Hard Disk Drive has failed completely and I am not sure what else it wrong.
First, try this:
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• Locate the following keys: Command, Option, P, and R. You will need to hold these keys down simultaneously later.
• Turn on the computer.
• Press and hold the Command + Option + P + R keys immediately after the startup chime.
• Hold keys down until you hear the startup chime for the third time.
• Release the keys and immediately hold down Shift key to start up in Safe Mode.
• Log in and empty Trash.
• Restart normally and log in.
If that does not work try Repair Disk
Insert Installer disk and Restart, holding down the "C" key until grey Apple appears.
Go to Installer menu (Panther and earlier) or Utilities menu (Tiger) and launch Disk Utility.
Select your HDD (manufacturer ID) in the left panel.
Select First Aid in the Main panel.
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Click Repair Disk on the bottom right.
If DU reports disk does not need repairs quit DU and restart.
If DU reports errors Repair again and again until DU reports disk is repaired.
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cornelius -
I was having some problems with my mac, safari and itunes was freezing alot. I have to force shutdown and when I tried to start up again i get to the login page, type in my password and it starts to load, but then the screen turns blue for a few seconds and it goes back to the log in screen. What should I do?
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Put in the password, hit enter, the screen goes blue for half a second, then goes back to login screen and carries on logging in as usual. Drives me mad. It doesn't happen with a fresh Lion installation, nor if booted into safe mode. On the machine in question it also happens to new user accounts.
I've removed all login items, including Startup Items and Launch Demons (pun intended) and Agents, I've compared system login plists with a fresh Lion installation - can't see differences. I've removed Little Snitch and PeerGuardian (no more third party kexts).
@Carolyn: I've done disk maintenance with DiskUtility and fsck and even DiskWarrior, cleaned caches, etc. etc.
Any ideas would be gratefully received.
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When I get to the login page on my macbook, I type in my password and it starts to load, but then the screen turns blue and it goes back to the login.
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I couldnt get to the hard drive/ desktop. Soft login not even working. So i could not do any of that.
In the end i took it to Apple and its actually the hard drive on its way out. A common issue with that series of Mac. Funny seeing i dont use this mac much. However being 2.5 years old and out of warrently, Apple have recognise this issue with this series/ Model and installing a new hard drive at no cost.
Very luck and greatful. And not feeling so dumb that it was something i did or could troubleshoot myself.
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My MacBook Pro will turn on and get to the login screen. After I login though it goes to a white screen.
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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.
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Harden your Mac against malware attacks
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Try resetting the SMC and the PRAM.
1. SMC
Read this and follow the instructions for your kind of mac:
http://support.apple.com/kb/HT3964
2. PRAM
Follow the procedure below:
1. Power down the machine.
2. Locate the following keys on your keyboard in preparation for Step 4:
command–option–P–R
3. Press the ‘power on’ button.
4. Immediately – and before the grey screen appears – hold down ‘command-option-P-R’ all together.
5. Keep them held down until you’ve heard the start-up chime twice. After you release them you should hear it again, and hopefully your Mac will boot up as it should normally. -
Why won't my MacBook Pro get past the login screen
My MacBook isn't getting past the login. I log in but it stops and keeps a blank screen
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, or by corruption of certain system caches.
Disconnect all wired peripherals except those needed for the test, and remove all aftermarket expansion cards. Boot in safe mode and log in to the account with the problem. Note: If FileVault is enabled on some models, or if a firmware password is set, or if the boot volume is a software RAID, you can’t do this. Ask for further instructions.
Safe mode is much slower to boot and run than normal, and some things won’t work at all, including sound output and Wi-Fi on certain models. The next normal boot may also be somewhat slow.
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