Looping restart in Leopard

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Level 1

2 points

Looping restart in Leopard

iMac G5, 2.8 Ghz with latest updates.

Ran the updates on the computer yesterday. It said it needed to restart. I said ok. The computer restarted, got to the gray apple logo with the spinning thingy, and then immediately restarted. It has been in this loop of restarting now. Can't even get to the login screen. Can't safe boot. SWC didn't work. Can boot off disc.

Would someone recommend doing an archive and install? I think that's the least problematic solution for the computer right now since I don't want to destroy all the files on the computer since the other users don't backup their crap.

Thanks in advance.

Robert

Mac OS X (10.5.2)

Posted on Apr 21, 2008 1:47 PM

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Answer 1

V.K.

Level 9

56,192 points

Apr 21, 2008 1:54 PM in response to ROMayfield

Archive and install is certainly an option if you can manage to boot off the install DVD. Another (and better) option is to do full system restore from TM from a time point before you installed the updates.

So what happens when you try to boot from a DVD? Try this. Restart and hold the option button. This should bring up a screen with a choice of boot volumes. while at this screen you should be able to eject the DVD tray and insert the install DVD. Once the DVD shows up on the screen, boot from it and proceed with the installation.

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Answer 2

ROMayfield Author

Level 1

2 points

Apr 21, 2008 7:21 PM in response to V.K.

Thanks, but this was for my folks. They have no backup as I said in my original post. I ran the archive and install. It happened after the 10.5.2 update, which I am running again to see if I can screw this computer up again. If I do, I know what not to try and fix a second time.

Thanks for your help though.

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