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asodamiac · May 16, 2006, 02:19 AM

This is for my friend. His Intel iMac wont boot up after he downloaded the latest security update (as well as various other updates). After the chime, the iMac starts to load, and stops at around 1-5% or so. It freezes there. I can still move the mouse, but other than that, its stuck. We let it sit for about 10 minutes and it sat there right along with us. I tried resetting the PRAM or NVRAM, which ever it is (apple + option + p + r).

Anyone else experience the same problem? Is there a way to fix this?

Thanks.

harrisjamieh · May 16, 2006, 02:27 AM

Have you tried starting up from the OS X install disk? Does that work? Sounds like the OS has become corrupted - did anything happen during the update? - freeze, power outage etc?

asodamiac · May 16, 2006, 02:32 AM

I think the update went fine, but did not boot up properly after the restart. I believe OS X was loading, and froze midway through, so my friend decided to restart. After that, it won't even load up to 10% of the way before freezing. Again, the mouse still moves, if that matters at all.

I inserted the OS X install disk, but the system would load up as it normally does, but again, would freeze at 1-5% or so. So I guess the install disk isnt being read either. Hmm, this is very frustrating for him. A lot of his school documents and photos are on the iMac, and I'm sure he wants to be able to access them soon :/

Thanks for the quick reply harrisjamieh!

harrisjamieh · May 16, 2006, 02:35 AM

Well, to boot from the install disc, insert the disc and startup holding 'C' until the OS X installer appears.

If there are lots of important files on the iMac, try starting it up by holding 'T' to start in target disk mode. If this is successful, you can connect the iMac to another mac via firewire, and the aux Mac will see the iMac as an ext HD, hopefully allowing you to save your important files.

asodamiac · May 16, 2006, 02:44 AM

Thanks a lot Harrisjamieh. I did not know that you had to hold C! We will try that. Sadly, we do not have a firewire cable, so I don't think I'll be able to use my powerbook to help transfer some files, but hopefully our school's computer store can figure something out. Thanks again! We'll keep you posted. I guess this occurred on sheer happenstance. Doesn't seem to be affecting other users.

asodamiac · May 16, 2006, 04:55 PM

My friend is able to boot up in safe mode by holding down shift during start up. I guess we can back up the data and reformat, but is there a way to some how revert to the time before the system crashed? If there is, please let us know! Thanks!

himself · May 16, 2006, 07:16 PM

Originally Posted by asodamiac

My friend is able to boot up in safe mode by holding down shift during start up. I guess we can back up the data and reformat, but is there a way to some how revert to the time before the system crashed? If there is, please let us know! Thanks!

If you were able to boot in safe mode (holding down the "Shift" key, I assume), you don't need to reformat, necessarily. There may be a start-up item (either in the Library/Startup Items folder or the ~/Library/Startup Items folder) that is causing the freeze. Once you are able to boot up, move the items in these folders to another folder outside of the Library folders, and re-place/re-install those items.

edit: First, however, if you are able to boot from the install CD (by holding down the "C" key on reboot with the disk inserted), you can try running Disk Utility from there, and then repair disk and repair permissions. That may fix your problem and your friend won't have to go through the hassle of a reinstall.

waxcrash · May 16, 2006, 08:28 PM

I had the same problem with my MacBook Pro. The culprit for me was Adobe Version Cue. I booted in safe mode and removed the Adobe Version Cue folder from the Library/StartupItems and I was back to normal.

asodamiac · May 19, 2006, 10:28 PM

Hmm, thanks for the suggestions, my friend reformatted, but encountered the same problem again today. I guess it is an issue with Adobe Version Cue. I will pass along the information. Thanks again.

asodamiac · May 22, 2006, 01:12 AM

Well, it worked. Where did you re-locate the Adobe Version Cue CS2 folder? And also, CS2 did not fully install so, if I install again, would the Version Cue re-install again? So far I placed the folder on my desktop. Thanks!

greenmonkey71 · May 25, 2006, 04:45 PM

Thank you Thank you Thank you.
-Just a quick note to say thank you :-)

I'm an ex PC techie, recently brought an intel imac, because thats what i want a computer to do.
I had this exact same problem, and being a Non MAC techie, after 30 mins of scratching my head i thought that i would call "mac technical support" in the morning (i dont know if thats easy or not).
I thought i would have a quick search before bed (on my PC -- still have it ;-).
googled and this page is what i found.

The clear consice questions and replys made it a doddle to follow, and even a Mac0phobe like me found it easy to diagnose and fix.

An observation:.
in safe mode I copied all the files form the "system/libr/start.." folder to my desktop and deleted the orignal's. restarted,, - then put them back in the "system/libr/start.." restarted. And all works now works fine. - there was not an "Adobe Version CS2" folder even though i have cs2 installed.
it would appear that i have just put all the folders back in and it works.

And the questions
are these items starting up?
do i need to register them similar to on a PC?
where can i check whats running?

- looks like i have the MAC bug now.

Thanks all