Can't get past Login Screen

Question

Can't get past Login Screen

I just successfully installed Leopard on my new iMac 24" 2.4. Unfortunately when it restarted, it goes immediately to my login screen and prompts me for my password. I enter the password (correctly) and it goes back to a blue screen, black spinning wheel thingy, then right back to my login screen. Any ideas?

Message was edited by: Christopher Pirrotta

iMac 24" 2.4, Mac OS X (10.4.10)

Posted on Nov 5, 2007 2:30 PM

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Answer 1

Nov 5, 2007 2:40 PM in response to Christopher Pirrotta

After further playing around - if i put in an incorrect password, the login screen will shake (as normal). But when i put in the correct password, it goes to blue screen and then immediately back to the login screen.

Any tips would be appreciated.

Thanks

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Answer 2

Podcaster

Level 2

370 points

Nov 5, 2007 2:47 PM in response to Christopher Pirrotta

You might try booting in safe mode since so many people have had probs with Login/Users/Account etc.
Reboot and hold down the shift key on chime. Then try to Login in Safe Mode. If it works, do a normal reboot an see if that fixes it.
If not, try again in safe mode and once logged in, Go System Prefs>Accounts>Login Items and check to see if maybe a third party Startup file is either not compatible or is frying your login.
Remove all login items and try a regular reboot. Then add back the Login items one by one until you find the offender.

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Answer 3

Nov 5, 2007 2:56 PM in response to Podcaster

Thanks for the tip! We did reboot in safe mode, but still have the same problem with entering the correct password, blue screen and then right back to the login screen.

The very odd thing is that we never had this computer set to login at startup.

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Answer 4

Nov 5, 2007 3:15 PM in response to Christopher Pirrotta

Is it possible to erase some preference that'll get me by the login screen

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Answer 5

eeteecee

Level 1

0 points

Nov 5, 2007 3:32 PM in response to Christopher Pirrotta

I'm having the same problem. Interestingly, you have to enter your user name and password to install Leopard, then after it's installed, it will no longer accept the same user name/password combination. I went to the Apple Leopard support website and was instructed to enter a bunch of code. Now it is COMPLETELY locked up--won't respond or restart. I am now on permanent hold with Apple tech support. Tick, Tick, Tick...anyone have a better suggestion? I wouldn't recommend changing to single user and entering the code keystrokes! Why doesn't apple have a contact site where you can contact them by e-mail and get a response?

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Answer 6

Digimac

Level 1

0 points

Nov 5, 2007 3:47 PM in response to eeteecee

I am having the same problem now as well. I installed leopard last night and now the computer will not make it past the login screen. It also will not start in Safe Mode like suggested. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

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Answer 7

Nov 5, 2007 4:37 PM in response to Digimac

I was on hold with Apple for 30 minutes when I got someone (Merrick) and immediately was hung up on! Doh!

So that was a sign to me...I just went ahead and ran an 'archive and install' off the Leopard install CD. This time, i didn't configure anything and just went with a straight up install. Computer restarted and works fine atm.

Lets hope it stays that way!

Hope that helps you other people having the same issue.

Thanks

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Answer 8

iGull

Level 1

0 points

Nov 6, 2007 3:27 AM in response to Christopher Pirrotta

Upgraded today with my shiny new Leopard DVD and had exactly the same problem - unable to get past the login screen - it did know it was the correct login password as it didn't 'shake it's head' 🙂
Restarted with option (alt) key held down.
Selected Leopard DVD and did an 'archive and install' this time.

Install went OK and didn't need to login when it restarted -all OK and all files and apps intact.

I have to say that in all the years of using OSX, I have NEVER had a serious issue like this - I'm getting nervous now !

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Answer 9

mdcagle

Level 1

0 points

Nov 6, 2007 7:34 AM in response to iGull

I was just told by Apple to reinstall and select the archive and install option. Since the DVD was still in the system I had to hold the "C" key will restarting the computer. That allowed me to get to the install screen. What a mess this has been!

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Answer 10

Sal Co

Level 1

35 points

Nov 6, 2007 7:35 AM in response to Christopher Pirrotta

Try the fix posted here: http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=306876

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Answer 11

Nov 6, 2007 7:37 AM in response to Christopher Pirrotta

Archive and reinstall...
Had the same problem...this fixed it.
At least it sounds like Apple support has figured it out....before they were sending people down like 20 other steps.

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