cmgsan

Q: What to do when Macbook is stuck in the apple logo with the loading bar?

I have here an old Macbook (Mid 2010) running on Yosemite (I couldn't remember the exact update though). I gave it to one of our employees and she was asking for help because it takes so long to start up. I turned it on and it's stuck on the apple logo with the loading bar below it. It has been on around 50% loading for a few hours now. What should I do? I hope someone could help! Thanksimage1.JPG

MacBook (13-inch Mid 2010), OS X Yosemite (10.10)

Posted on Nov 16, 2015 9:34 PM

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Q: What to do when Macbook is stuck in the apple logo with the loading bar?

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  • by K Shaffer,

    K Shaffer K Shaffer Nov 17, 2015 2:03 AM in response to cmgsan
    Level 6 (14,441 points)
    Desktops
    Nov 17, 2015 2:03 AM in response to cmgsan

    A similar topic exists here with some ideas on what to try & do...

    MacBook Air screen just stuck at loading

     

    Or try the last item* shown, be sure the MacBook is on AC power.

     

    However since the computer is not fully loading, the second set of

    ideas (Linc Davis suggests) may not work at the point yours is now

    or at the time you posted your question (4 hours ago.)

     

    The problem may be one of several things; hard wear failure, the

    internal hard disk drive may have failed, so a qualified diagnostic

    may be one way to find the cause of the symptoms now exhibited.

     

    • About the screens you see when your Mac starts up -- Apple Support

     

    • OS X Yosemite: If your Mac runs slowly -- Apple Support

     

    The computer could be booted into Recovery and the internal HDD

    checked, verified, and or repaired; you can access OS X Utilities

    from Recovery, use Disk Utility & you also can re-install an OS X.

    • OS X: About OS X Recovery -- Apple Support

     

    An Apple Store with Genius bar, and an appointment, are advised.

     

    If no Apple Store (official retail Apple) then an Authorized Apple

    service provider, a Specialist, could be asked to inspect the unit &

    assess the status of the device. The latter may charge usual fees.

     

    If the computer is on battery power when an issue such as you've

    noted occurs, it would be a good idea to use the MagSafe adapter

    and the AC current, before the battery goes dead; so you can further

    troubleshooting the issue without compounding problems.

     

    It may be possible to start the computer in Safe mode, since it is a

    reduced system under that mode, and it may try to do minor fixes

    on startup. It may start up to a desktop, allowing further investigation.

     

    *Last but not least, this could be first if you were stuck on the earlier

    screen with no progress evident after time passes; to power-off the

    Mac by pressing & holding the power key may be necessary, then

    try a restart with the Shift key held down; login when/if prompted.

     

    • Try safe mode if your Mac doesn't finish starting up -- Apple Support

     

    In any event...

    Good luck & happy computing!

  • by cmgsan,

    cmgsan cmgsan Nov 19, 2015 7:01 AM in response to K Shaffer
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Nov 19, 2015 7:01 AM in response to K Shaffer

    Thanks for the tip! So I was able to erase the disk and I'm now reinstalling OS X using the installation DVD that came with the macbook. However, it's stuck on 33 minutes remaining. I couldn't quit the install cause it says that I may not be able to start up the computer if I don't finish the installation of the OS X. It's been like this for more than 5 hours now. What should I do?

  • by K Shaffer,

    K Shaffer K Shaffer Nov 19, 2015 1:59 PM in response to cmgsan
    Level 6 (14,441 points)
    Desktops
    Nov 19, 2015 1:59 PM in response to cmgsan

    Sorry for the belated attempt in a reply; I've not been online much given

    the much colder temps and winter conditions, among other obligations.

     

    If you are still waiting, and chose to shut off the computer, you may try

    to restart in Safe mode to see if it can start & attempt a repair.

     

    There is a fair chance the computer's internal hard disk drive may be

    failing or has major issues -- and this could implicate a reason for the

    troubles you've had. Usually to attempt to troubleshoot a computer in

    this state is done with the least invasive means possible; to try & make

    a backup (full system, beyond Time Machine, on secondary external HDD)

    is less likely once you've engaged in the process of a fully-new installation

    from DVD of original old OS X, or from online via method in OS X Recovery.

     

    If the hard disk drive is too full for a new system to be installed in there,

    or damaged sectors fail to allow space to be over-written by installers,

    the process may be compromised and other data may be lost or damaged.

     

    If you have a plan to replace the internal hard disk drive, install an OS X on

    a replacement new HDD and swap it into the computer, the old HDD may

    still be looked into from a healthy computer OS X and a search for your files

    could happen at a later date. The unit should've been inspected if possible

    by an Apple genius or a Specialist at an authorized Apple service provider.

    However hindsight is not exactly helpful when we cannot predict these events.

     

    At this point, I'm not certain how you could proceed; if any backups were made

    or the level of your technical skills and if you have any external drive devices

    that were prepared ahead of time to assist in eventual repair, such as clones.

     

    Did you try any of the suggestions before attempting to re-install the OS X?

    Safe mode, and others; OS X Utilities from the OS X Recovery? How did

    any of those turn out? The Disk Utility in OS X Recovery may have seen if

    an issue existed in the hard disk drive; attempts to repair usually are first.

     

    And if it cannot be repaired, or says nothing about damages, if it's original to

    the computer, these are often seen as potentially failed units anyway. Expect

    to replace a rotational hard drive, esp. if never done in portable computers

    where they're known to have a shortened life compared to desktop models

    that do not get moved. They usually last under 4 years, depending on use.

     

    Perhaps someone among those viewing these discussions can offer advice.