Darwin/bsd screen??

Hi, I know this has been asked about before but a lot of the answers went over my head and some of the links were no longer working etc. Aside from design programs I'm not overly clued in about this stuff but i'm not too bad at figuring things out and following instructions so if someone could help that'd be awesome.
the other day my husband was using my powerbook G4 when it started going really slow (spinning coloured circle styles) so he quit out of everything and restarted and when it restarted it went to the black darwin/bsd login screen....
I can log in but I really have no idea what to do from there.
I followed some other instructions about a fsck etc etc until it said it "appears to be ok" but then I still don't know what to do from that and every time I restart it still goes to the darwin/bsd screen.
I have stuff on this machine that I hadn't backed up(stupid I know) that I'd rather not lose. Any help on what I should do would be appreciated.
I'm not so bothered about the laptop as I just got a new imac, so even if there's just a way to get my stuff off the laptop that would be cool.
Thanks

retanraiz :
Welcome to Apple Discussions.
The Darwin/BSD screen results from a corrupted NetInfo database. Michael Conniff has authored a method that works better in Panther (10.3x) than in Tiger. You can try it, if you wish.
The other option is to backup your data and do an Archive and Install.
If you are able to boot your computer into Firewire Target Disk Mode and you have access to a second Mac that supports firewire, you can backup your data to the HDD of the second Mac. The article linked has directions. However, if you have questions about this, please do not hesitate to post back and ask.
Good luck.
cornelius

Similar Messages

How can I startup from my hard drive instead of Darwin/BSD screen?

Hi,
I have read most of the forum that was discussed regarding about the darwin/bsd screen. I still can not find the solution to solving my problem.
After using the Disk Warrior disc as a startup to fix the directory, and restarting the computer. It startup from the Disk Warrior disc again. After i took out the disc, this is when the darwin/bsd screen appears.
I had tried the following:
pressing OPTION KEY while it boots up, still wont recognize the HD
pressing C KEY while it boots up, still wont recognize the HD
pressig the SHIFT key while it boots up, still wont recognize the HD
Also, I had misplaced the disk utility disc..
can someone tell me how to resolve this situation..
desepartely seeking help

Hi!
I am not sure if you have seen this solution to Darwin/BSD screen, but it has worked for others: http://discussions.apple.com/thread.jspa?threadID=320663&start=15&tstart=0
If Option booting does not get you to boot off your external boot drive there a couple of things I can think of:
1. Hold down the "X" key from a cold start while you hit the power button.
2. Boot from the Installer CD, then go to the Installer Menu and choose startup drive.
3. A third, for good measure. It never hurts to Reset the PRAM, and often helps. Reset PRAM (from a cold start hold down Command + Option + P + R while hitting the power button and holding for 3 chimes. Release and allow to boot.
Hope at least one of these help.
Good luck.
cornelius
PismoG4 550, 100GB 5400 Toshiba internal, 1 GB RAM; Pismo 500 OS (10.4.4) Mac OS X (10.4.5) Beige G3 OS 8.6

Computer boots to black and white Darwin/BSD Screen

My iMac is running 10.4.11. While trying to edit user permissions for local networking, I made a huge mistake. I started changing a permission and realized in the middle that I had messed up. I quickly reset the launcher, and then reset the computer. when the computer was rebooting, It went directly to the darwin screen (black background white letters). I found a thread that gave me hope but ultimately did not solve the problem.
Booting to Darwin/BSD Screen (this is the like to the entire thread)
every thing worked as the article said it would until the end...
"Start up in Single User Mode and type carefully:
/sbin/fsck -y
Repeat the above until it says your disk is OK. Then:
/sbin/mount -uw /
cd /var/db/netinfo
mv local.nidb/ local.nidb.bad
ls -ln /Users
This last command will give you one line for each user, plus one for the "Shared" directory, which doesn't interest us. Each user will have a line like one of these:
<pre>
drwxr-xr-x 20 501 501 680 Jul 16 14:32 D. A. Hankerson
drwx------ 8 501 80 272 Jul 17 19:18 D.A. Hankerson
</pre>The second numeric field (501, 500) is the user ID (UID) and you need to list the uids against the shortname s given in the final column. Make sure you get the name right for UID 501! Then continue with
reboot
When you restart, you should get the Setup Assistant, just as if it was a new machine. You will be prompted for all of your user information. Be careful to use the same short name as previously for user 501." kind of confusing where to retype the user short name... in darwin or setup assistant
I followed all the steps then completed the Setup Assistant and just when it looked like problem solved, I was still sent back to the darwin screen.
Following the setup assistant only made more user accounts. the setup also would not allow me to input "." and " " (periods and spaces) as the article says.
Please help!
*Green text represents information specific to my machine.

While in the B/W desktop go to the System/Accessability preference pane and check to see if this checkbox is selected:
If it isn't toggle it on and then off again and see if there's any change.

PowerMac G4 MDD booting into DARWIN/BSD screen.

Hi,
I've been sitting here for the past three days trying to figure out how to fix this problem. My computer keeps booting into the darwin/bsd screen and will not boot into the operating system. Apparently the kernel has a problem. I have tried everything including the "/sbin/fsck -yf" thing. None of it seems to work at all. It just brings me back to this "darwin/bsd screen.
I just found my installation dvd and put it in. Then I held the OPTION+D keys which brought me to the boot drive screen. This screen shows the Main HD symbol and the Mac OS X INSTALL CD icons. But, I am unable to switch over to the Install disc icon to run it. My mouse just doesn't respond at all on this screen, but somehow the keyboard does.
Can someone tell me whats going on???

Resetting your Mac's PRAM and NVRAM
http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=2238
http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=42642
Tried resetting the PMU?
http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=14449
Might try applesetupdone...
This was Posted by: JoseAranda at September 9, 2006 3:48 AM
"OK, restart your computer, hold down Command-s and type in the following:
/sbin/fsck -fy Enter
Repeat until no errors.
/sbin/mount -uaw Enter
rm /var/db/.applesetupdone Enter
1. The rm command is the remove command which deletes the file.
2. Robert: I'd rename the file via: mv /var/db/.applesetupdone /var/db/.applesetupdone.old
reboot Enter
Once you've done that the computer reboots and it's like the first time you used the machine. Your old accounts are all safe. From there you just change all other account passwords in the account preferences!!
end of posted by: JoseAranda"

Darwin/BSD screen. Where is my GUI?

My Powermac recently stopped shutting down automatically at night. When I chose Restart last night I got the Darwin/BSD screen and prompt for my login and password which it accepts but I can't get out of this mode. I type exit and it appears to want to go to the GUI, blue screen with progress wheel, but returns to a black screen with:
Darwin/BSD (my network address here) (console)
login:
Please help! I have much work to do this weekend and can't contact one of my clients. All contact info is on the HD. My bad.

Try this KB article. I know it says 10.3.9., but I used it to get my Powerbook going again last night (I had the prohibitory sign after trying to get into single user mode).
Just resetting the PRAM worked to get it going again.
Jim
1.8 SP G5/iMac G4 FP/PB G3 Pismo Mac OS X (10.4.8) XLR8 G4 Upgrade for Pismo

Darwin/Bsd Screen Problem

I am facing problem with my imac ,on start it goes to black Darwin/Bsd Screen,no gui.
i have done the following procedure available on some forums but with no result.
Command+S
1- /sbin/fsck -fy >it gives disk ok message
2- tail -20 /var/log/system.log > it gives user authorization fail
3- /sbin/mount -uw /cd/var/db/netinfo mv local.nidb/ local.nidb.bad
output is mount [-dfruvw] [-o options] [-t ufs | external_type] special node
mount [-adfruvw] [-t ufs | external_type]
mount [dfruvw] special | node
4- ls -ln /users
output is showing two user with uid 501,502
what to do now ,if someone help me then may be i will solve it without reinstalling os

Apparently the NetInfo DB is corrupt, see the 4th post here...
http://discussions.apple.com/thread.jspa?threadID=320663
Or...
Reset OS X Password Without an OS X CD...
http://theappleblog.com/2008/06/22/reset-os-x-password-without-an-os-x-cd/
Admin Hack...
http://www.hackmac.org/?q=node/4
Starts up like the first time you buy a new Mac, but after filling in all that info again, you should have access to the computer and the other Users & files will still be there... though I was just thinking, this new User probably shouldn't be the same name as an existing one.
If that doesn't work for you (and some users have reported it has not worked for them), try Niel's procedure Making the Setup Assistant reappear.
http://discussions.apple.com/thread.jspa?messageID=607547

Blue screen following effort to fix Darwin/BSD screen

Our iMac began having issues yesterday and when rebooted it went to a screen that said Darwin/BSD. I followed previous post information (http://discussions.apple.com/thread.jspa?threadID=320663&start=0&tstart=0) to try and work through the problem. I got to the point where it said that my disk appeared OK and followed the other instructions until it said to type reboot. Now when it reboots it looks like it is going to get to the log in screen however it gets to a blue screen and is stuck. From time to time it will lighten quickly with the little timer circle and then quickly back to the blue screen. ANY HELP??? I am frustrated at this point.

Hi Willeford, and a warm welcome to the forums!
"Try Disk Utility
1. Insert the Tiger Mac OS X Install disc, then restart the computer while holding the C key.
2. When your computer finishes starting up from the disc, choose Disk Utility from the Installer menu. (In Mac OS X 10.4 or later, you must select your language first.)
Important: Do not click Continue in the first screen of the Installer. If you do, you must restart from the disc again to access Disk Utility.
3. Click the First Aid tab.
4. Select your Mac OS X volume.
5. Click Repair. Disk Utility checks and repairs the disk."
http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=106214
Then Safe Boot , (holding Shift key down at bootup), run Disk Utility in Applications>Utilities, then highlight your drive, click on Repair Permissions, reboot when it finishes.
(If perchance you cant Find your Install Disk, at least do the Safe Boot part above).
The usual reason why updates fail or mess things up, or things don't load/run, is if Permissions are not fixed before & after every update, with a reboot... you may get a partial update when the installer finds it doesn't have Permissions to change one obscure little part of the OS, leaving you with a mix of OS versions.
Some people get away without Repairing Permissions for years, some for only days.
If Permissions are wrong before applying an update, you could get mixed OS versions, if Directory is the slightest messed up, who knows!
If many Permission are repaired, or any Directory errors are found, you may need to re-apply some the latest/biggest updates again, or even do an A&I if you have enough free disk space.
The combo update for PowerPC-based Macs...
http://www.apple.com/support/downloads/macosx10411comboupdateppc.html
The combo update for Intel-based Macs...
http://www.apple.com/support/downloads/macosx10411comboupdateintel.html
Repair Permissions before & after re-install, then reboot again each time.
If all the above fails, then it appears to be time for a relatively painless Archive & Install, which gives you a new/old OS, but can preserve all your files, pics, music, settings, etc., as long as you have plenty of free disk space and no Disk corruption, and is relatively quick & painless...
http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=107120
Just be sure to select Preserve Users & Settings.
I only use Software Update to see what is needed, then get them for real via...
http://www.apple.com/support/downloads/
That way I can wait a week or so, check the forums for potential problems, and get Permissions & such in order before installing.

: Booting to Darwin/BSD Screen

greetings,
I noticed a link here with a solution to my inquiry but I can't understand if there are suppose to be spaces or all info is suppose to be closed. the link is here:
http://discussions.apple.com/thread.jspa?threadID=320663&tstart=0&messageID=3088 809#3088809
I am sure the answer will work but I just couldn't figure out the segment, for instance the boot is written like this (/sbin fsck -fy) but when I tried it, I finally got the G4 to state it was actually /sbin/fsck -fy, where above it has spaces. after this I couldn't figure out how many spaces were between other codes listed here:
/sbin/mount -uw /
cd /var/db/netinfo
mv local.nidb/ local.nidb.bad
ls -ln /Users
can some rewrite it correctly?
would it be like this:
/sbin/mount -uw
cd/var/db/netinfo
mvlocal.nidb/local.nidb.bad
ls -in/users
I couldnt get past the first, the G4 gave me other options after i typed in command /sbin/fsck -uy. would appreciate any feedback, its like a million combos to me at this point.

hmmm I got stuck on the first part, after i put in FY, it told me it was a error and to Force start it with -F, after that, it worked, I got the okay, but after i put in the code of /sbin/mount -uw / it pulled up the word MOUNT: and three lines of different codes, none of which were familiar.
I followed the link:
Reset OS X Password Without an OS X CD...
http://theappleblog.com/2008/06/22/reset-os-x-password-without-an-os-x-cd/
that seemed to set me up with a new name, but when I control s, i dont get single anymore, only it popped up and said:
Welcome to Darwin!
"my name for admin"-powebook-g4-12:~ect.
I cant even get into single user anymore, it just comes up when i hit command s: Darwin/BSD (name, name-powerbook-) (console)
login:

Can't stop getting Darwin/BSD login; can't log in or start up in Safe Mode

Hi. I'm on an iBook G4 and I think I'm running OS 10.4.1 but I'm unsure. When I turned on my computer tonight, the grey screen popped up, but instead of going to my normal login screen, it went to the black Darwin/BSD screen.
After searching the Support site here as well as Googling, I logged into the Darwin screen and did... something with fsck. At the #root prompt, I typed in /sbin/fsck/ -fy. The screen said that if I wanted to continue checking, I needed to type in "-f", I think, so I did... It said there were "overlapping extent allocation errors" and then it said that it had repaired something. But it didn't say the hard disk "appeared to be okay."
I then (foolishly?) tried to restart my computer in Safe Mode, but it booted in Darwin again.
I then tried to log back into the Darwin screen, but this time it didn't let me -- I type in my username and password and it tells me my password is incorrect. So now I'm worried that I screwed something up during my adventures in fsck.
I also am unable to find the disk that came with my iBook (I honestly don't remember an OS X disk coming with my iBook, but it must've), so I can't reboot from the disk.
I have a desktop G4 with an older version of OS X (10.3, I think)... I'm not sure if I can use that to do Target Disk Mode for this problem or not. (That computer also doesn't have internet access; I'm typing right now from my sister's PC.)
Help?
iBook G4 Mac OS X (10.4.1)
iBook G4 Mac OS X (10.4.1)

Juhme:
Welcome to Apple Discussions.
First, I suggest that you try this fix suggested by Michael Conniff in this thread.
Next, since it is possible that the fix may not work for you, and you may need to re-install or Archive and Install, you will need to have install disks. Tiger can be purchased from the Apple Store or, on CDs, from applerescue.
If you do not have a backup of your data, yes, using Firewire Target Disk Mode will be one way to rescue your data at this point. If you need assistance with this please post back.
Good luck.
cornelius

Booting to Darwin/BSD, Setup Assistant Crashing

Last night I was simultaneosly updating OSX and my iPod using Software Update, when the screen dimmed and turned grey with the message stating that I needed to restart my computer by holding down the power button. Upon doing so the screen turned black instead of booting up normal and went into Darwin/BSD (console). From there i followed the instructions posted to boot in single user mode and read the log. there i was given the message
crashdump[409]: crash report written to: /Lib...
/System/Library/CoreServices/loginwindow.app/Contents...
/System/Library/CoreServices...
crashdump[421]: Setup Assistant Crashed
Can anybody help? I can't get past the blue screen with the spinning wheel thing, it just keeps looping there.
iMac 20in 2.1Ghz Mac OS X (10.4.7)

hi there--
i would follow the instructions for a blue screen in this article. http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=106464. make sure everything is unplugged from your computer. being able to do a safe boot or a boot to the install disk at this time would be extremely valuable. there are things you can do however from single user mode which will sometimes resolve the issue, like renaming the preferences folder or loginwindow.plist. also you might want to try booting to open firmware holding apple-option-o-f and typing the following commands--
reset-nvram (hit return)
set-defaults (hit return)
reset-all (hit return)
the last command restarts the computer. if none of these things work, you will probably have to archive and install your operating system. http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=107120. it is not an uncommon thing to be done for booting to the darwin bsd screen. keep me posted as to whether or not you are making any progress. [ 8 ) ]

Darwin/BSD startup error and second level error

I woke up this morning to find the world as I know it in disarray. My G5 was not booting to its normal screen but to the black ominous Darwin/BSD screen.
I researched this awesome forum and found to login as single user mode (cntrl S)
This led me to the root# where i typed /sbin/fsk -fy
The bottom of this read as:
** Checking HFS Plus volume
** Checking Extents Overflow file
** Checking Catalog file.
diskOs9: I/O error.
Invalid key length
(4,260)
** Volume check failed
localhost:/root#
HELP!
Somewhere in the notes from the first time I did this I saw something regarding an autoshutdown and auto startup. Since this G5 is now in my bedroom I do have those features HOWEVER last night I shut down manually (not system generated) if that even matters.

Hi Jim, and a warm welcome to the forums!
It is likely that only DiskWarrior from Alsoft...
http://www.alsoft.com/DiskWarrior/
The CD version is likely to fix it, but you can try fsck repeatedly ubtil no errors occur.
Possibly...
"Try Disk Utility
1. Insert the Mac OS X Install disc that came with your computer, then restart the computer while holding the C key.
2. When your computer finishes starting up from the disc, choose Disk Utility from the Installer menu. (In Mac OS X 10.4 or later, *you must select your language first.)*
*Important: Do not click Continue in the first screen of the Installer. If you do, you must restart from the disc again to access Disk Utility.*
3. Click the First Aid tab.
4. Click the disclosure triangle to the left of the hard drive icon to display the names of your hard disk volumes and partitions.
5. Select your Mac OS X volume.
6. Click Repair. Disk Utility checks and repairs the disk."

Darwin/BSD Error message

I was using my computer as usual last night, when out of nowhere it freezes up. I try and reboot the system (iMac G5 OS X Tiger) when I get stuck in the Darwin/BSD error black screen.
No matter what login or password I give the computer, it won't take me past the error screen. What can I do?
-Brent

i'm not new to macs, but i still consider myself a complete moron when dealing with them...
HOW do i boot into safe mode from this darwin/BSD screen? If at all possible i'd like to avoid losing any data stored on the computer, as i've had it for quite a while now...
thanks again.
-Brent

My kids pushed something and this message comes up on a black screen: Darwin/BSD (new-host-4.home)(console) Login: What do I do to fix it?

My kids pushed something and this message comes up on a black screen: Darwin/BSD (new-host-4.home)(console) Login: What do I do to fix it?

Maybe I've spoken to quickly, see this thread https://discussions.apple.com/thread/320663?tstart=0

Installed new software, after restart black screen with Darwin/BSD promt

Hi
I have been struggling with thisissue. I installed some new software, a webcam driver called ilook 1321. I restarted my computer but forgot to take the disc out!
Now when I start my ibook G4 i get the black screen with Darwin/BSD (localhost) (console) and login. It accepts my usual login and password, then tells me my last login details and leaves me with localhost: Clarekristensen$.
I have done the disk utility repair, no problems, I also did the fcsk commands, but still goes back to the Darwin command.
I tried to do the Repair disk permissions but this failed with the message "no valid packages". On disc check I saw I had 25.6 gb of space left.
I am now at a complete loss what to do next. I have not backed up for a while so really don't want to re-install Mac OS X and wipe my disk.
Hopefully yours
Clarek BsD

Hi Clarek BsD, and a warm welcome to the forums again!
On that error...
Mac OS X 10.3, 10.4: Disk Utility shows a "No Valid Packages" alert...
http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=25704-no
Here's the steps I'd take...
"Try Disk Utility
1. Insert the Mac OS X Install disc that came with your computer, then restart the computer while holding the C key.
2. When your computer finishes starting up from the disc, choose Disk Utility from the Installer menu. (In Mac OS X 10.4 or later, you must select your language first.)
*Important: Do not click Continue in the first screen of the Installer. If you do, you must restart from the disc again to access Disk Utility.*
3. Click the First Aid tab.
4. Click the disclosure triangle to the left of the hard drive icon to display the names of your hard disk volumes and partitions.
5. Select your Mac OS X volume.
6. Click Repair. Disk Utility checks and repairs the disk."
http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=106214
If it can't repair for any reason, stop here and report back.
Appears to be time for an Archive & Install, which gives you a new OS, but can preserve all your files, pics, music, settings, etc., as long as you have plenty of free disk space...
http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=107120

Imac G4 black screen - darwin/BSD??? bash - 2.05a$

Wow what does this mean!!??
We were installing the operating software when we were asked for a password,
we had to reset password which we did, started up the computer again, got to log in screen, entered password and then............
black screen comes up with -
Darwin/BSD (macintosh.local.) (console)
login:
so we enter log in and password
it then says - Welcome to Darwin!
bash - 2.05a$
and thats it, thats where we are at!!!!
i just want my computer back! PLEASE PLEASE help!!!

all done

Darwin/bsd screen??

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