keithgvp

Q: MacBook doesn't reboot to El Capitan

This MacBook, early 2009, 13"/4GB RAM was happy enough with Yosemite 10.10.2, but I was getting friendly Apple messages to update to El Capitan, so I downloaded it.  Then I clicked Update and it apparently installed and said it would shut down and restart.

 

The restart seemed to start, as the apple logo and the progress bar was there...for about a fifth of the way, and then it went black - apparently shutting down.  I've again tried powering up several times, with the same result. I've also tried holding down the C key, for what that's worth. 

 

How can I get my MacBook back in operation?  Thanks!

MacBook, OS X Yosemite (10.10.2), 13" early 2009 model

Posted on Sep 6, 2016 7:59 PM

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Q: MacBook doesn't reboot to El Capitan

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  • by Carolyn Samit,

    Carolyn Samit Carolyn Samit Sep 6, 2016 8:02 PM in response to keithgvp
    Level 10 (120,054 points)
    Apple Watch
    Sep 6, 2016 8:02 PM in response to keithgvp

    Restore OS X using OS X Recovery.

  • by keithgvp,

    keithgvp keithgvp Sep 6, 2016 8:09 PM in response to keithgvp
    Level 1 (8 points)
    Notebooks
    Sep 6, 2016 8:09 PM in response to keithgvp

    Actually, holding the C Key did work to reboot the Mac after all, but I'm back with Yosemite.  OS X El Capitan appears in my Applications folder. 

     

    What should I do, or do I really need El Cap?  I use this 'Book for editing with FCP-X and iMovie. 

  • by keithgvp,

    keithgvp keithgvp Sep 6, 2016 8:11 PM in response to Carolyn Samit
    Level 1 (8 points)
    Notebooks
    Sep 6, 2016 8:11 PM in response to Carolyn Samit

    Oh, OK, well the C key brings me back to Yosemite, but will command/R allow me to select El Capitan?

     

    thanks

  • by K Shaffer,Helpful

    K Shaffer K Shaffer Sep 7, 2016 11:58 AM in response to keithgvp
    Level 6 (14,244 points)
    Desktops
    Sep 7, 2016 11:58 AM in response to keithgvp

    You may want to research the FCP-X compatibility with El Capitan

    before you actually install the latest upgrade; since you won't be

    able to go back to Yosemite (unless you save a copy of the installer

    and then go about intricate detailed instructions.)

     

    Before you install the OS X 10.11.6, you should consider making a

    installer for later on, while it still is in the Applications Folder. That

    is the only place you can make it from... Later after installation, it

    would need to be re-downloaded from your 'purchases' to try that.

     

    DiskMakerX is worth the time & effort, to make a copy on suitable media.

    http://diskmakerx.com/whats-this/  -- http://diskmakerx.com/

     

    You may find to get the installer, then later be sure you have a complete

    backup (to include a bootable clone on external drive for Yosemite) plus

    Time Machine backup, is a better way to experiment with your Mac.

     

    {In fact you may choose to see if the last step update to Yosemite helps

    it work better; your other applications would all need to be replaced with

    newer versions and some of them may not play well with existing files.}

     

    Some features of El Capitan OS X 10.11.6 won't work in older hardware;

    so in your computer there are features that are not going to work out:

    See: OS X El Capitan - Technical Specifications

     

    (That you have found the Mac restarted in Yosemite is in fact a blessing.)

     

    Good luck & happy computing!

  • by keithgvp,

    keithgvp keithgvp Sep 7, 2016 12:01 PM in response to K Shaffer
    Level 1 (8 points)
    Notebooks
    Sep 7, 2016 12:01 PM in response to K Shaffer

    Thanks, yes, it's a bit complicated, however my MacPro with El Capitan runs FCP just fine.  I'll probably stick with Yosemite on the 'Book, as FCP seems OK there...