OS X Won't boot after permissions change

After setting up my new iMac, I used Migration Assistant to transfer the account, apps and files from my old Macbook Pro over. All seemed well, apart from every time I wanted to move or replace a file in Applications, I had to enter my password. So thinking it was a read/write permissions issue, I right-clicked on Macintosh HD, clicked Get Info, and then set permissions to read/write for my account to all sub folders.
It took a while to do this, and then sprung up with a load of driver errors. So I restarted, and now it won't boot. It just hangs on the white "Apple" screen.
Any suggestions? Annoyingly I don't have my OS X install disc to hand so I can't even boot from CD and try a permissions repair. I might have to buy another OS X install CD, will be less hassle than going home to get the original

Reinstall the OS from the install disc as described in the Everything Mac booklet and follow the steps in Best Practices, ensuring that you let the *setup assistant* do the migration on first boot. That will eliminate the permissions issues you encountered by creating a new admin user and then migrating using the Migration Assistant. Once that's finished, reinstall the other stuff that came with the new machine.

Similar Messages

RS480M2 won't boot after certain changes

I tried to change few things in the BIOS after buying a DDR 400MHz RAM, because modules refused to work in 400MHz mode in dual-channel. Now, system refuses to boot. I mean, it switches on, but that's it. Nothing else happens. I changed the Memclock Index Value to 250MHz and left the CAS# Latency(Tcl) to 2.5 (or 3.0 I don't remember properly). The manual says that 3.0 gives the best performance. There is one more thing which I changed. The GFX clock mode. I changed it to Async mode, from Sync. This might be the main cause. I thought that I had fried my RAM modules, but I checked it over at my friend's place and it's fine. Resetting the CMOS jumper to clear the data hasn't helped. Removed the battery to see if it clears the data, that didn't help either. The settings are not falling back to defaults, now what do I do??? It's really urgent! Lot of work pending. I know I did something foolish, but please help me out guys!

Quote from: phreak0ut on 05-November-07, 13:14:31
@Bas-Yes, it shows dual-channel.
@Bosskiller-Since Hynix is NOT available now, I had to buy Dynet 512MB 400MHz. Is there no way to make it run at 400MHz?
"@Bosskiller-Since Hynix is NOT available now, I had to buy Dynet 512MB 400MHz.
Is there no way to make it run at 400MHz? ""
No, don't think so. seems they didn't play nice together.. Use 2x matched sticks, also make sure that they will be at least PC3200(400Mhz).

Mac OS won't boot after 2007-009 1.1 update

Hi all
Fairly major problem here. Mac OS X won't boot after the 2007-009 1.1 security update.
What I am left with is the mac boot screen, and not a lot happening. No rotating loading animation.
Any help would be really appreciated.
Thanks

I have been booting up for...2.45 hours now
Good grief!
Here are a few hints about what you should have done:
There are no guarantees, but following this procedure when installing updates and upgrades on your Mac will go a long way towards avoiding unpleasant after effects and ‘post-update stress disorder’.
It is also worth noting that it is an extreme rarity for updates to cause upsets to your system, but they may well reveal pre-existing ones, particularly those of which you may have been unaware. If you are actually aware of any glitches, make sure they are fixed before proceeding further.
So before you do anything else:
If you can, make a full backup first.
Turn off sleep mode for both screen and hard disk.
Disconnect all peripherals except your keyboard and mouse.
1. Repair Permissions (in Disk Utility)
2. Verify the state of your hard disk using Disk Utility. If any faults are reported, restart from your install disk (holding down the C key), go to Disk Utility, and repair your startup disk. Restart again to get back to your startup disk.
At least you can now be reasonably certain that your system does not contain any obvious faults that might cause an update/upgrade to fail.
3. Download the correct version of the COMBO update from the Apple download site. If your car runs on gasoline you would not want to fill the tank with diesel, so don’t try to install the PPC updater on an Intel Mac!
If you prefer to download updates via Software Update in the Apple menu (which would ensure that the correct version for your Mac was being downloaded), it is not recommended to allow SU to install major (or even minor) updates automatically. Set Software Update to just download the updater without immediately installing it. There is always the possibility that the combined download and install (which can be a lengthy process) might be interrupted by a power outage or your cat walking across the keyboard, and an interrupted install will almost certainly cause havoc. Once it is downloaded, you can install at a time that suits you. You should make a backup copy of the updater on a CD in case you ever need a reinstall.
Using the Combo updater ensures that all system files changed since the original 10.4.0 are included, and any that may have been missed out or subsequently damaged will be repaired. The Delta updater, although a temptingly smaller download, only takes you from the previous version to the new one, i.e. for example from 10.4.9 to 10.4.10. Software Update will generally download the Delta updater only. The preferable Combo updater needs to be downloaded from Apple's download site.
Now proceed as follows:
4. Close all applications.
5. Unplug all peripherals except your keyboard and mouse.
6. Install the update/upgrade. Do not under any circumstances interrupt this procedure. Do not do anything else on your computer while it is installing. Be patient.
7. When it ask for a restart to complete the installation, click restart. This can take longer than normal, there are probably thousands of files to overwrite and place in the correct location. Do nothing while this is going on.
8. Once your Mac is awake, repair permissions again, and you should be good to go!
If your Mac seems slightly sluggish or ‘different’, perform a second restart. It can’t hurt and is sometimes efficacious!
9. Open a few of your most used applications and check that all is OK. In this connection please remember that not all manufacturers of third party applications and plug-ins, add-ons, haxies etc, will have had time to do any necessary rewrites to their software to make them 10.4.10. compliant. Give them a weeks or two while you regularly check their websites for updates. This applies particularly to plug-ins for Safari 3.
N.B. Do not attempt to install two different updates at the same time as each may have different routines and requirements. Follow the above recommendations for each update in turn.
Lastly, Apple's own article on the subject of Software Update may also be useful reading:
http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=106695
If you are updating Safari (or just have):
Input Managers from third parties can do as much harm as good. They use a security loophole to reach right into your applications' code and change that code as the application starts up. If you have installed 10.4.11 and Safari is crashing, the very first thing to do is clear out your InputManagers folders (both in your own Library and in the top-level /Library), log out and log back in, and try again.
So, disable all third party add-ons before updating Safari, as they may not have been updated yet for the new version. Add them back one by one. If something goes awry, remove it again and check on the software manufacturer's website for news of an update to match your version of Safari. Remember: Tiger up to 10.4.10 used Safari 2.0.4 or, if you downloaded it, Safari 3.0.3 beta. Safari 10.4.11 uses Safari 3.0.4 which is not a beta. If Safari 3.0.4 on 10.4.11 is not the fastest browser you have ever used, then something is wrong!
Moreover, trying to revert to Safari 2 when running 10.4.11 can have repercussions, as Safari 3.0.4 uses a completely different webkit on which other applications like iChat, Mail and Dashboard Widgets etc also rely.
Most errors reported here after an update are due to an unrepaired or undetected inherent fault in the system, and/or a third party ad-on. Two such add-on that have been frequently mentioned here for causing such problems are Piclens and Pithhelmet. If you have them, trash them.
Additional tips on software installation here:
http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=106692

Macbook pro won't boot after installing update 10.9.3

macbook pro won't boot after installing update 10.9.3

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.
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.

[SOLVED] Arch won't boot after I created a separate /var parition

Arch won't boot after I created a separate /var parition on an existing installation.And let me confess: it was maybe stupid trying to do it on an existing install.
I edited the fstab correctly, copied the files using rsync preserving permissions. Then I kept a backup of /var using tar. Then went on to delete everything under /var, ie /var/*, the /var folder is still there. All this I did from a live CD. After that I booted into my arch linux. Here I get messages about systemd successfully finishing fsck on each of my partitions, then the screen starts blinking. And there is no more output. Pressing Ctrl+Alt+Delete causes systemd to stop its services and reboot.
Having realized I had borked my system, I removed the /var line from fstab and restored /var from the tar file I made earlier. Again I did this from a live cd. Rebooted into my arch system, and again similar issues, namely that after fsck and messages informing a few services had started, the screen keeps blinking.
The live cd I used for reorganizing my partitions was elementary OS freya. They have GParted in there. I also have an arch install iso lying aroung from May 2013. If necessary, I can download the latest version. I am currently typing from a Windows installation I dual boot from.
I don't know how to extract any boot logs as I am locked out of the system. Here is my fstab in any case:
# Filesystem information
# /dev/sda5 LABEL=fs_root
UUID=b9d739cf-fd8c-46dd-a919-bd827dc47c66 / ext4 rw,noatime,data=ordered 0 1
# /dev/sda9 LABEL=fs_var
UUID=ec0f7a49-dccd-43ab-8651-9aa3fdb41cc7 /var ext4 rw,noatime,data=ordered 0 2
# /dev/sda2 LABEL=fs_boot
UUID=0e8ab31a-3bda-4b85-a901-a36f21b1583d /boot ext2 rw,noatime 0 2
# /dev/sda6 LABEL=fs_home
UUID=d9e63c47-274e-447f-ad01-0d97afe0fd34 /home ext4 rw,noatime,data=ordered 0 2
# /dev/sda7 LABEL=fs_swap
UUID=7301227c-e9f3-41b8-9d0f-4cf3c159491c none swap defaults 0 0
# /dev/sda3 LABEL=fs_win
UUID=12B639D1B639B5D7 /fs_win ntfs uid=1000,gid=1000,dmask=027,fmask=137,showexec,nofail,noauto,x-systemd.automount 0 0
# /dev/sda3 LABEL=fs_share
UUID=D272269772268079 /fs_share ntfs uid=1000,gid=1000,dmask=027,fmask=137,showexec,noauto,nofail,x-systemd.automount 0 0
I would greatly appreciate any help.
Last edited by richcocoa (2015-05-03 18:04:44)

Have you moved everything from /var to /new_var (i named it for learning purpose)? You shoud copy content from /var but not on the fly but booting from arch iso cd, and than you shoud mount your / into arch-chroot environement, mount all of your mount points and than copy content from default /var to new /var. The copying should be done with this
cp -rax
and you can add -v switch to verbose output. I have my own /var moved the same way.
The simples way is:
-boot the arch iso cd
-mount all of your mount point (i created here in this step /new_var to move /var to a new place, and this /new_var i put in /etc/fstab as /var later)
-copy /var to /new_var with -rax or -vrax (recursive, archive, this filesystem or verbose, recursive, archive, this filesystem switches)
-umount all of it
-reboot.
Last edited by firekage (2015-05-02 07:49:20)

Mac won't boot after updating to OSX 10.6.4

I am on my 3rd Mac that won't boot after updating to OSX 10.6.4. One MacBook Pro and two iMacs. I fixed one but the last two are getting the better of me. HD is not fried. Have tried every keyboard shortcut on startup, Disk Warrior via. Target Disk, repairing permissions in single user mode. The machines will not boot off of a CD or DVD and it will not boot up in safe mode. Something in the startup files is preventing startup. I am suspecting Sophos antivirus. I tried to uninstall it and trash it but I think it's still blocking something. Any help would be appreciated.

Got it! Not sure if removing Sophos had anything to do with it but here's what I did.
1) boot dead machine in Target Disk Mode (iMac)
2) boot good machine off Snow Leopard disk (MacBook)
3) install OS to dead machine- I found this next part very curious. When the install was complete the MacBook restarted as the iMac.
4) ran software updates
5) shut down MacBook then shut down iMac
6) rebooted iMac- all was good
I actually did this twice because a co-worker had the exact same problem on her MacBook Pro. Got both fixed today.
Thanks everyone for your help!

Mac Mini won't boot after update

I have a Mac Mini that won't boot after the most recent software update. Since the Mini has only a bluetooth keyboard and mouse, a number of the usual options (hold down shift, etc.) won't work. I've tried a reset, also no luck. At the moment, I can't locate my Tiger install CD either.
When holding the power button on during boot, I get a series of flashes from the status light on the front (a set of very rapid flashes, followed by a slower set, followed by a slow set) but no startup chime, or fan, or video. My display and power source are both known-good (work fine with my Powerbook)
Any suggestions, other than buying a hardwired keyboard/mouse?

Welcome to Apple Discussions!
The 'newer version of OS X" error occurs because the installer on the DVD you have booted to has by default been set to update the version of MacOS on the hard drive, which of course it can't do because the version of MacOS it is installing is newer. The only way to install in this situation is to select a different option. However, that isn't what you want to do at this point, because as it says, you'll loose your data if you do an 'erase and install'.
Instead, you should see menus at the top of the screen when it's booted to that install disk. Click the Utilities menu, select Disk Utility, and then click the top entry for the internal hard drive on the left. Once done, click on the 'Repair Disk' button (not Repair Permissions). This will test the drive to make sure it's OK. If it reports errors, and then reports 'error or exit' with the drive not repaired, you will either need a 3rd party application such as Alsoft's Disk Warrior, or to perform an erase and install (which of course you don't want to do at this point because your data is not backed up).
If the Repair Disk process completes with no errors, next select Repair Permissions, and let that process complete, then reboot the system as normal to see if you can now access the drive.

Mac won't boot after power chord became unplugged accidently.

Mac won't boot after power chord became unplugged accidently.
I have a Mac Mini running very latest version of OSX. I was making a recording with QuickTime; when I needed to plug in a USB recording device into the back of the Mac Mini, as I pulled the Mac off my shelf to do this, the power cable came out and the Mac lost power.
I plugged it back in and powered up the Mac. I get the grey screen with Apple logo and the spinning grey wheel; then it goes to a blue screen (as usual) and I get the "starting OSX..." progress bar. When the progress bar finishes, I'm left with a blue screen only, no dock, no apple icon at top left, nothing across the top, no nothing.
So far, I've booted from the original disc and repaired the permissions as well as the disc, then re-booted, but same old blue screen.
I have another iMac G5 machine, so is there any way I can at least retrieve the important HD files from the Mac Mini to my G5, before throwing the broken Mac Mini away?
Can anyone advise please?

Hi, Nigel.
Not to differ with my colleagues here, but there's an important question that wasn't asked.
1. You wrote: "So far, I've booted from the original disc and repaired the permissions as well as the disc, then re-booted, but same old blue screen."Did Disk Utility report any errors it could not fix when you ran Repair Disk? I suggest you run the procedure specified in my "Resolving Disk, Permission, and Cache Corruption" FAQ. Perform the steps therein in the order specified.
2. You may also want to run the Apple Hardware Test that came with your Mini to be sure nothing shorted when the power cable was removed from the computer. I've seen it happen, hence I usually recommend removing the power cable at the wall before disconnecting the power cable from the computer. See my "Apple Hardware Test" FAQ.
3. Repair Disk gives your Mini a clean bill of health, the blue screen may be the result of some Startup or Login item that was corrupted due to the sudden power outage. My "Troubleshooting Startup and Login Items" FAQ can help you pin that down if such an item is causing the problem and may help you avoid and Archive and Install.
4. If you elect to go the Archive and Install route, see my "General advice on performing an Archive and Install" FAQ for some important tips on this process.
5. As FYI, this is the kind of problem that makes one glad they've implemented a comprehensive backup and recovery solution. For advice on the backup and recovery solution I employ, see my "Backup and Recovery" FAQ. Computing without a comprehensive backup and recovery solution is like driving without auto insurance.
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.

MacBook Pro won't boot after trying to install 10.7.3 update. Start up stalls at Apple logo and spinning gear.

MacBook Pro won't boot after trying to install 10.7.3 update. Start up stalls at Apple logo and spinning gear. Computer won't even start in safe mode.

My daughter's MacBook Pro was doing exactly the same thing. I don't know if it had anything to do with the latest update. She called me about a week ago saying that her MacBook began running slower by the day . She then called me Friday and told me that it wouldn't get past the gray screen and the gear just kept on spinning. I did everything I could over the phone including Safe mode which it wouldn't go into and thought maybe it was the hard drive. She took it to the Apple store. Originally, they also thought it was the hard drive. It ended up being a corrupted operating system (Lion). Apple genius simply re-installed Lion and she's back up and running. Good thing she backed up right before it crapped out. She'll be restoring everything tonight. Don't know if re-installing Lion will help your situation, but it did the trick for my daughter.

My MacAir 1st gen. won't boot after latest OS X Lion update.

My MacAir 1st gen. won't boot after latest OS X Lion update. tried safe boot(didn't work) tried disk repair, said it was successful, but my mac won't start up. Just get white screen. Also been having trouble with it overheating. Fan seems to work. But when it get too hot whole interface slows down.

Yikes, I hope you have AppleCare on it still, I think it needs to be taken in, but as a last ditch effort...
Have you done a PRAM reset, CMD+Option+p+r...
http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1379
In fact, do 3 in a row, takes a bit of time.

Mac mini won't boot after RAM upgrade.

Tried installing new RAM in my Mac Mini, 512MB stock to 2GB of Crucial. Followed the directions to a T, grounded myself the whole time.
Things I've tried so far:
1. Resetting the PRAM, no luck.
2. Holding option at start-up, shows no icon.
3. Holding shift, no luck.
4. Holding X, nothing.
How do I get it to accept a CD if it won't boot?

Welcome to Apple Discussions!
You clearly have a problem, but you don't describe exactly what that is other than that your mini won't boot after the upgrade. What happens when it starts up? Does it attempt to start and hang up on the grey or blue screens, or does it start beeping at you almost immediately after you try and start it up, and also flash the power light?
If the former, then you may have dislodged a connector while working inside the system, in which case opening it up and checking that everything is firmly connected would be the first thing to do. If the latter, then the beeping/light flashing is the system telling you it has failed the power-on self test and the pattern of beeps/lights indicates why. In your case likely the system can't find workable memory. In that instance, opening the system and ensuring that the RAM is firmly and fully seated would be a good step, and if the mini continues to fail, then replacing the new RAM with the original to test that the system will then start.
It is not likely that anything had damaged your MacOS install in the process of upgrading, thus normally no reason to need to boot to CD as a result of a RAM issue.

Mac won't boot after the latest update. It is loading the update and suddenly shuts down

My MacBook Pro won't boot after a minor update. The update was all fine and my Mac acted like it used to but when I tried to boot my Mac it just loads the the update then goes back to the Apple logo and then shuts down.
I hope that someone has got a solution because I do not want to restore my Mac for the 4th time.....

Hello JonasHallund,
We've an article that contains information and steps that can help get your MacBook Pro to boot again.
Troubleshooting: My computer won't turn on
http://support.apple.com/kb/TS1367
Cheers,
Allen

M8330f PC won't boot after accidentally having I-pod plugged in prior to booting

My computer won't boot after having my i-pod charge cord inserted in computer prior to booting. I have tried f8 f9 f10 f11 nothing is getting me to a point where I can actually get the computer to boot. I realize I may need to provide more info, but don't know what else to provide you right now. HELP!

I used version 1.B for my motherboard.
Yes i did. I describded what happens, when i run 1 and 2 sticks.
-If these are timings then - 9 9 9 25
-1600mhm before bios update and 1337mhz after update
-Voltage: 1.5V in auto probably
Edit1: I got a response on other forum -
Could this be true:Quote
The Hyper X Fury operate off of PnP and aren't compatible with the P55 chipset natively?
In that case i could try to refund the ram, cause the place where i bought it said its compatible with P55
Edit2: I added some info on what kingston homepage (no P55) says and specification pdf also what my seller says in description of this ram type:
I`am am confused, honestly.
Edit3: Aperrantly its might not support my p55 chipset, found a reply on another similar problem tread replied by kingston tech support:
Quote
Hi, I'm Jewel with Kingston Technical Support and would like to offer some clarification. Our currently manufactured memory, including the HyperX Fury line, is compatible with Intel 6-series chipsets and later. The DH55TC has an Intel H55 chipset which is part of the Intel 5-series chipsets. As such, the HyperX Fury memory is not compatible with your system and we do not currently offer any memory that would be compatible with your system. You can try looking online for recently discontinued part numbers like KVR1333D3N9HK2/8G or KVR1333D3N9H/4G which are compatible with your motherboard. If you are unable to return the memory to your place of purchase, please contact us and we will do our best to work with you. Please check http://www.kingston.com/company/contacts to reach support in your area.
If that`s the case then - outdated spec information everywhere...

Computer won't boot after installing latest iTunes update

Won't boot after the apple screen. Turns black and disk stops Help! Was running Mavericks.

Hi Neodoc,
Welcome to the Apple Support Communities! I understand that your MacBook Pro will not boot past the Apple logo. There may be a few troubleshooting steps I would recommend for this situation. The following article outlines the steps to perform to get this resolved for you.
Mac OS X: Gray screen appears during startup
http://support.apple.com/kb/ts2570
I hope this helps,
-Joe

My Mac Pro won't boot after installing the latest update

Im running the latest OSX on my mac and recenty did a small updated that i believe contain a few security thing and bug fixs but when restarting the machine after the update it would not boot again after the apple logo has appeard apple script is displayed on the screen contain what i think is boot script failing to run. I have been able to boot the system in safe mode. does anyone have and solution for this as i realy don't want to reinstall the OS
Thanks

The most common cause for "Won't boot after software Update" is Directory Damage that existed before the Update, but was made worse by adding files during the Update.
The most common cure for that Directory Damage problem is to boot in Safe Mode, which takes five minutes to repair the disk, then comes up demanding your username and password, even if you normally auto-login.
Rarely, third-party add-ons are made obsolete by an update. In this case, booting in Safe Mode (with few Apple extensions and NO third-party extensions loaded) works fine, even if normal mode does not work.
Have you tried normal mode again after your Safe Boot?

OS X Won't boot after permissions change

Similar Messages

Maybe you are looking for