Operating in Safe Mode Permanently

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Level 2

219 points

Operating in Safe Mode Permanently

My iMac G5 is having major screen issues. After some reading around the web, especially in this MacRumors forum ( http://forums.macrumors.com/showthread.php?t=407220), it seems that I'm having a graphics chip issue. My screen looks similar to the photos shown in that thread (I can't post a picture here). I don't think it is a problem with the display, because if I do a Screen capture and then open that image on another Mac, the image is still distorted.

The MacRumors forum talks of Safe Mode operating normally. Right now I am backing up all my data, and then I will attempt safe mode. If Safe Mode causes the machine to operate, is it possible to operate in Safe Mode all the time? What would the side effects be?

-Josh

Macbook Pro C2D, Mac OS X (10.4.9), 2 GB RAM, 120 GB HD, 802.11n, Boot Camp

Posted on Oct 12, 2008 10:35 AM

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Answer 1

Oct 16, 2008 2:26 AM in response to John Andow

Just after making this post the computer froze up and I've not been able to start it back up in normal mode. I'm making this post in safe mode.

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Answer 2

MGW

Level 7

27,047 points

Oct 12, 2008 11:41 AM in response to thenobleshrew

Apple say:

+Some features don't work in Safe Mode+

+Safe Mode can be useful for troubleshooting. However, certain Mac OS X features do not work when you are started up in Safe Mode. For example, you can't use DVD Player, capture video in iMovie, use audio input or output devices, or use an internal or external USB modem. Keep in mind that the behavior of some devices such as the AirPort card may vary depending on computer and Mac OS X version.+

You can use it, although start up will be slower and you will lose the features listed above - however, at some point, you really should have the board replaced.

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Answer 3

Oct 15, 2008 3:34 PM in response to thenobleshrew

Hi Josh,

I've been having this issue for almost a year now. The issue does not happen in Safe Mode, which leads me to believe it's a fault in the video sub-system. I would not be surprised if Apple soon announces a repair program for this issue.

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Answer 4

MGW

Level 7

27,047 points

Oct 16, 2008 6:05 AM in response to John Andow

Have you tried to boot from your install disc and run Disk Utility?

1. Insert the Mac OS X Install disc that came with your computer, then restart the computer while holding the C key.
2. When your computer finishes starting up from the disc, choose Disk Utility from the Installer menu. (In Mac OS X 10.4 or later, you must select your language first.)
Important: Do not click Continue in the first screen of the Installer. If you do, you must restart from the disc again to access Disk Utility.
3. Click the First Aid tab.
4. Click the disclosure triangle to the left of the hard drive icon to display the names of your hard disk volumes and partitions.
5. Select your Mac OS X volume.
6. Click Repair. Disk Utility checks and repairs the disk.

You might also get hold of DiskWarrior and use it to check your system, also run Preferential Treatment to see if any preferences are corrupt.

Let us know how you make out,

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Answer 5

thenobleshrew Author

Level 2

219 points

Oct 19, 2008 6:34 PM in response to John Andow

Thanks for the info. However, for me safe mode does not fix the problem. I'm beginning to think that the issue is an overheating issue with the graphics processor, which could cause damage in the long term.

Miriam, the issue I have facing is not software related. Booting from the install CD does not fix the problem. In fact booting from a Linux Live CD (not installing, just booting), which uses entirely different drivers, does not fix the problem.

-Josh

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Answer 6

MGW

Level 7

27,047 points

Oct 20, 2008 6:06 AM in response to thenobleshrew

If it's the graphics card, then you should take it in and have it replaced. Let us know if that solved the problem, please.

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