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iMac starts in safe mode only

Few days ago my computer suddenly refused to react to both mouse and keyboard. I had to force quit and restart again. Now it refuses to start normally: the progress bar goes up to half of its length and then it stops going on. So I can only start in safe mode. I have tried unsuccessfully following steps solar: (A) Disc Utility>S.O.S. (B) Apple Hardware Test i.e. power button whilst holding D key, but nothing happened: the screen remained blank (C) reset the System Management Control.

The EtreCheck Report says: iMac (2007)-Obsolete! Model iMac 7.1 1 2,4 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo (Duo) CPU 2-core 4 RAM-at maximum (I do not know how to post the Report here).

Can anyone say please if/what can be done to restore my iMac ? Thank you !

Posted on Jan 16, 2019 6:52 AM

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Question marked as Best answer

Just for your information (as you were kind enough to devote your time to my problem): AASP diagnosed that the logic board was damaged and that it was not worthwhile spending for its replacement (assuming that they would be able to find a spare one).

So I have now a new iMac (Retina 4K, 21.5" 2017, 3GHz Intel Core i5).

Thank you for your help.

Posted on Feb 26, 2019 8:16 AM

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3 replies
Question marked as Apple recommended

Jan 31, 2019 6:11 AM in response to macjack

I'm going to follow your advice and bring the machine to AASP.

Having explained verbally the problem they suspect an hard drive failure (but a proper diagnosis is necessary).

If so I will have to evaluate whether it is worthwhile to invest in a new hard drive/SSD for a machine which will remain old.

The alternative is of course a new iMac.

I will let you know the outcome.

Question marked as Helpful

Jan 16, 2019 6:59 AM in response to GGfromTS

If it starts in Safe Mode the first place to look would be in System Preferences > Users & Groups > Login Items. Use the (-) button to delete them. You can always add them back with the (+) button. Then test.

Please post your Etrecheck report:

To post the log file copy & paste it using the Page icon in your reply window:

13 replies
Question marked as Helpful

Jan 16, 2019 6:59 AM in response to GGfromTS

If it starts in Safe Mode the first place to look would be in System Preferences > Users & Groups > Login Items. Use the (-) button to delete them. You can always add them back with the (+) button. Then test.

Please post your Etrecheck report:

To post the log file copy & paste it using the Page icon in your reply window:

Jan 28, 2019 2:48 AM in response to macjack

The old Intego Backup app has been correctly uninstalled (after contacting Intego support for guidance), however I have noticed no improvement either in speed and in the main problem i.e. the computer starts in Safe Mode only, Skype and iTunes are not usable and the audio is not audible.

I wonder if there is anything else I should uninstall/eliminate: what puzzles me is the fact that the problem arose suddenly for no apparent reason i.e. not as a consequence of having installed something new or having done something out of the normal routine.


Question marked as Apple recommended

Jan 31, 2019 6:11 AM in response to macjack

I'm going to follow your advice and bring the machine to AASP.

Having explained verbally the problem they suspect an hard drive failure (but a proper diagnosis is necessary).

If so I will have to evaluate whether it is worthwhile to invest in a new hard drive/SSD for a machine which will remain old.

The alternative is of course a new iMac.

I will let you know the outcome.

Question marked as Best answer

Feb 26, 2019 8:16 AM in response to GGfromTS

Just for your information (as you were kind enough to devote your time to my problem): AASP diagnosed that the logic board was damaged and that it was not worthwhile spending for its replacement (assuming that they would be able to find a spare one).

So I have now a new iMac (Retina 4K, 21.5" 2017, 3GHz Intel Core i5).

Thank you for your help.

iMac starts in safe mode only

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