IMac gray spinning wheel

Gray screen spinning wheel. How do I get it to start?

See this Apple note on a gray screen on boot.

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  • Frozen iMac with Spinning Wheel

    Hi.
    iMac Late 2012 OSX 10.9.2.
    Fusion Drive 1TB Unused - lots of free space .
    Not more then 5 Apps .
    Lately when waking the imac from sleep , I have Frozen iMac with Spinning Wheel .
    Please see the Console Report .
    Any help will be appreciated .
    Click to enlarge ...

    Please read this whole message before doing anything.
    This procedure is a test, not a solution. Don’t be disappointed when you find that nothing has changed after you complete it.
    Step 1
    The purpose of this step is to determine whether the problem is localized to your user account.
    Enable guest logins* and log in as Guest. Don't use the Safari-only “Guest User” login created by “Find My Mac.”
    While logged in as Guest, you won’t have access to any of your personal files or settings. Applications will behave as if you were running them for the first time. Don’t be alarmed by this; it’s normal. If you need any passwords or other personal data in order to complete the test, memorize, print, or write them down before you begin.
    Test while logged in as Guest. Same problem?
    After testing, log out of the guest account and, in your own account, disable it if you wish. Any files you created in the guest account will be deleted automatically when you log out of it.
    *Note: If you’ve activated “Find My Mac” or FileVault, then you can’t enable the Guest account. The “Guest User” login created by “Find My Mac” is not the same. Create a new account in which to test, and delete it, including its home folder, after testing.
    Step 2
    The purpose of this step is to determine whether the problem is caused by third-party system modifications that load 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 boot, and again when you log in.
    Note: If FileVault is enabled, or if a firmware password is set, or if the boot volume is a Fusion Drive or a software RAID, you can’t do this. Ask for further instructions.
    Safe mode is much slower to boot 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 boot may also be somewhat slow.
    The login screen appears even if you usually log in 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, reboot as usual (not in safe mode) and verify that you still have the problem. Post the results of Steps 1 and 2.

  • IMac Freezes - spinning wheel - Heroku????

    I'm having a couple of issues with my iMac desktop.
    After it sits idle for a while it freezes.  At first the mouse doesn't respond at all.  Then, if I can get it moving, I get the spinning wheel that won't go away.  I have to end up turning it off, then back on for it to work.  I've had the computer for over 3 years and this just started happening about 2 weeks ago.
    Yesterday I got an error message when using Safari -- "Heroku -- No app found".  I have no idea what this means.  Has something hijacked my computer?  Strangely, I've been getting the same error message on my iPad lately!  Could it have something to do with iCloud sharing information on both?  Sorry for the broad questions, but I'm pretty clueless when it comes to Mac's.
    Any help would be greatly appreciated!

    From your description, it seems very likely that the machine is overheating.
    Make a "Genius" appointment at an Apple Store, or go to another authorized service provider.
    Back up all data on the internal drive(s) before you hand over your computer to anyone. There are ways to back up a computer that isn't fully functional—ask if you need guidance.
    If privacy is a concern, erase the data partition(s) with the option to write zeros* (do this only if you have at least two complete, independent backups, and you know how to restore to an empty drive from any of them.) Don’t erase the recovery partition, if present.
    Keeping your confidential data secure during hardware repair
    Apple also recommends that you deauthorize a device in the iTunes Store before having it serviced.
    *An SSD doesn't need to be zeroed.

  • My iphoto is opening but then it has that gray spinning wheel and nothing ever changes?

    so my iphoto opens, but then the gray wheel just keeps spinning and the rest of the application never loads. would it b best to just reistall iphoto?

    What version of iPhoto? Assuming it's 09 or later:
    Option 1
    Back Up and try rebuild the library: hold down the command and option (or alt) keys while launching iPhoto. Use the resulting dialogue to rebuild. Choose to Rebuild iPhoto Library Database from automatic backup.
    If that fails:
    Option 2
    Download iPhoto Library Manager and use its rebuild function. This will create a new library based on data in the albumdata.xml file. Not everything will be brought over - no slideshows, books or calendars, for instance - but it should get all your albums and keywords back.
    Because this process creates an entirely new library and leaves your old one untouched, it is non-destructive, and if you're not happy with the results you can simply return to your old one. .
    Regards
    TD

  • IMac shuts down after gray screen/spinning wheel

    Every time I start my iMac G5, I hear the chime and then see the gray screen Apple with the spinning wheel, but then it shuts down, never making it to the blue screen and desktop.
    Can anyone tell me what the cause of this might be?
    Thanks!

    Are you able to boot into safe mode? Are you able to boot from your OSX installation disk?

  • My imac has a gray screen and spinning wheel and will not start up

    my imac has a gray screen with a spinning wheel but will not start what does this mean?

    Probably a damaged or failed HD. Please read Gray screen appears during startup on how to troubleshoot and what to do.

  • IMac  G4 will not boot. It shows only a gray screen, but without the spinning wheel.

    Hi Everyone,
    I tried to use my Imac G4 1.25Ghz today, after it had been stored for about a year.
    It will only show the gray screen with the apple logo, but with no "spinning wheel"
    I have tried "Command-Shift-P-R" immediately after pressing the power button, but nothing changes.
    Searching on line leads me to believe it could be the internal battery. Is this likely?
    If so, are all "half AA" Lithium batteries suitable? I have found the info for changing it on line, but would like some confirmation as to how to replace it.
    If not, what else can I try? Please explain in laymans language if possible as I'm not a techy! (but have a friend who can help me if needed)
    I can't remember what version of OSX it is running, other than it is Panther.
    The install/restore discs say 10.3.2 (but I thought it was more recent).
    Cheers
    Tim

    Although a dead internal backup battery could be the cause, you might first try reinstalling OS X:
    How to Perform an Archive and Install
    An Archive and Install will NOT erase your hard drive, but you must have sufficient free space for a second OS X installation which could be from 3-9 GBs depending upon the version of OS X and selected installation options. The free space requirement is over and above normal free space requirements which should be at least 6-10 GBs. Read all the linked references carefully before proceeding.
    1. Be sure to use Disk Utility first to repair the disk before performing the Archive and Install.
    Repairing the Hard Drive and Permissions
    Boot from your OS X Installer disc. After the installer loads select your language and click on the Continue button. When the menu bar appears select Disk Utility from the Installer menu (Utilities menu for Tiger, Leopard or Snow Leopard.) After DU loads select your hard drive entry (mfgr.'s ID and drive size) from the the left side list. In the DU status area you will see an entry for the S.M.A.R.T. status of the hard drive. If it does not say "Verified" then the hard drive is failing or failed. (SMART status is not reported on external Firewire or USB drives.) If the drive is "Verified" then select your OS X volume from the list on the left (sub-entry below the drive entry,) click on the First Aid tab, then click on the Repair Disk button. If DU reports any errors that have been fixed, then re-run Repair Disk until no errors are reported. If no errors are reported click on the Repair Permissions button. Wait until the operation completes, then quit DU and return to the installer. Now restart normally.
    If DU reports errors it cannot fix, then you will need Disk Warrior and/or Tech Tool Pro to repair the drive. If you don't have either of them or if neither of them can fix the drive, then you will need to reformat the drive and reinstall OS X.
    2. Do not proceed with an Archive and Install if DU reports errors it cannot fix. In that case use Disk Warrior and/or TechTool Pro to repair the hard drive. If neither can repair the drive, then you will have to erase the drive and reinstall from scratch.
    3. Boot from your OS X Installer disc. After the installer loads select your language and click on the Continue button. When you reach the screen to select a destination drive click once on the destination drive then click on the Option button. Select the Archive and Install option. You have an option to preserve users and network preferences. Only select this option if you are sure you have no corrupted files in your user accounts. Otherwise leave this option unchecked. Click on the OK button and continue with the OS X Installation.
    4. Upon completion of the Archive and Install you will have a Previous System Folder in the root directory. You should retain the PSF until you are sure you do not need to manually transfer any items from the PSF to your newly installed system.
    5. After moving any items you want to keep from the PSF you should delete it. You can back it up if you prefer, but you must delete it from the hard drive.
    6. You can now download a Combo Updater directly from Apple's download site to update your new system to the desired version as well as install any security or other updates. You can also do this using Software Update.

  • My imac is stuck in gray screen with spinning wheel

    My iMac is stuck in gray screen with spinning wheel. I'm running Mountain Lion, any idea how to fix it. Pls help.Thx.

    Welcome to Apple Support Communities
    Press Shift key on boot and check that the computer starts. Finally, restart

  • Imac G5 stuck on white loading screen with gray apple and spinning wheel

    I purchased this imac from a rebutable seller on ebay. He obviously had it working before he sent it to me, and he has been helpfull the whole way through, so I am positive this computer is not junk. When I recieved it, I plugged it in and turned it on, at first nothing would show up on the screen and the fans came on. Then, I contacted the seller and he told me to hold the shift key while turning it on. That did work to some extent. Now when I turn it on, it is stuck on the white screen with the gray apple and the spinning wheel. He had just updated and installed EVERYTHING imaginable so I am positive everything is up to date. I am not sure what to do, I have researched this but I cannot seem to find an answer. Oh, and even know on the white screen the fans turn on. It is quite weird.
    Well, I hope someone can help. Thank you.

    Call AppleCare. You should not be having problems with a brand-new machine.

  • Imac intel won't restart, I get gray screen and spinning wheel then shut off

    My imac intel only restart after running disk utility, otherwise I get a gray screen with apple logo and spinning wheel then after about 2min it shuts off.  this all started after a power outage.  I have tried everything that I have read online to fix this, it seems doing a clean install is last resort. Does anyone have any other options for me?

    nessman wrote:
    I have tried disconnecting the periperals, restarting in "safe boot", resetting the pram and I tried starting up in single user mode.  It will only start up if I start up from the original gray 10.4 start up disk and run "repair disk"....I get errors including "The underlying task reported failure on exit".  I then eject the disk and restart and it works fine but if I have to shut down or restart for any reason it's back to the gray screen.
    Your system profile confirms you are using OS 10.5.8.  Boot up from your OS 10.5.x install dvd.  Use the "repair disk" setting.  If you get the same error, then run Apple Hardware Test from your original system dvd.

  • IMac has gray screen with spinning wheel, but cannot login

    After power failure last night, iMac has gray screen with spinning wheel when turned on, but does not go to login screen.

    Having the same problem myself. iMac locked up and I had to hold the power button to turn it off. Ended up with the apple logo screen and spinning wheel. I tried the disk repair and got the same message as yourself, in that it couldn't repair it.
    I linked up an external hard drive and installed OSX on it and booted from it. I was able to recover some files, but most I couldn't. I'm currently giving it a one pass erase in the hope (long shot) that a complete pass through the hard drive will show up any faults. Has anyone had this problem and been able to continue using the same hard drive? I really don't relish the thought of having to send it off to be replaced :-/
    Assuming that the erase goes well I plan to put OSX back onto it and then run disk utility from directly on the drive and see if any faults show up. I'm kicking myself for not taking advantage of TimeMachine, but we live and learn.

  • 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.

  • My imac 10.6.8 hangs on the spinning wheel after installing Samsung Kies (KiesMac_2-0-0-13023_10_1). I was able to restart ok after installation; I even moved some files from my Galaxy 3 to the imac. But on the next (and all subsequent) restart attempts,

    My imac 10.6.8 hangs on the spinning wheel after installing Samsung Kies (KiesMac_2-0-0-13023_10_1).
    I was able to restart ok after installation; I even moved some files from my
    Galaxy 3 to the imac.
    But on the next (and all subsequent) restart attempts, it hangs on the spinning wheel.
    How to fix? Thanx in advance.

    Mac OS X: Gray screen appears during startup 

  • IMac G5 failed 10.5 update - won't boot now, spinning wheel

    Please help, I bought my mom an iPad because she broke both ankles and is gonna be bed ridden for several weeks, and needed some way to get email, etc.
    She has an iMac g5 2ghz non iSight. The iPad needs to be plugged into iTunes to work the first time, but her iMac had 10.4 on it. Well, iTunes requires 10.5 or higher. So i upgraded it and somewhere in the middle the update failed (I suspect a bad DVD). The computer wanted to restart, and since then, it will not boot, just a gray screen with apple logo, and the forever spinning wheel of frustration. I ran through the 10.5 installer again (this time using a different disk and it seemed to complete, and when it restarted at the end, same thing - spinning wheel, not happy.
    So I boot off the OS x install DVD, run disk utilities, repair disk finds no errors, repair permissions says one minute remaining but never finishes, it ran all night long and I finally just gave up and turned it off this morning.
    I have come to the conclusion that I will be formatting the HD tonight after work. But I need to get all her pictures, emails, and contact list off that drive first. I figure I'll use my old G4 (10.4 I think?) and put her iMac into target disk mode, and hopefully mount the drive to the G4 with the FireWire cable (I pray this works otherwise... Cry)
    My main question, please help me out in locating her address book / contact list. She uses the Mac mail app for email. What files and/or folders do I need to copy so that once I format, I can (hopefully) just copy those folders back to the freshly installed OS 10.5, and theoretically make it seem like nothing happened.
    Also, any suggestions anyone can offer me that don't involve formatting would be appreciated... But mostly, just need to figure what I need to backup.
    Thanks so much, it's been a very difficult few days, and the added stress of this computer is just no good for the entire situation.

    Copy her User (home) folder and Applications folder and you should have everything she needs.

  • IMac starts in the background but all I see is a stalled spinning wheel

    Hi All,
    I'm hoping you can help me track down the problem with my Intel iMac (running Snow Leopard).
    Basically, when I try to start it up, the spinning wheel freezes after a few seconds AND then I hear the sound of Skype starting up in the background. However, I don't see anything except for the gray screen with the stalled spinning wheel and the Apple logo.
    It looks like the OS has started running in the background, however, it's not showing it on screen.
    I've tried to reinstall the OS, run it in Safe Mode, reset PRAM, HOWEVER, nothing works - i never get passed the gray screen and the stalled spinning wheel.
    Someone mentioned this might be due to corrupted/dead RAM chips...
    Hope you can help me!
    Thank you!!!
    e

    If you think there may be a hardware problem, run the Apple hardware test. Choose the extended test when prompted. You'll need your original OS X disks, and the test will take awhile to complete.
    You may have seen this Apple note on a gray screen at startup, as you've done some of the steps.

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