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Have run out of easy fixes on iMac that won't restart or shutdown

Running macOS 10.13.6 on iMac Retina 5K, 27-inch, 2017


Trouble started when I was trying to do Security Update 2019-002 10.13.6 tonight.


The restart/shutdown attempts usually proceed as follows:


  1. Screen blanks, leaving only the mouse cursor visible
  2. Then the mouse cursor disappears...then reappears. And that's as far as it goes.


  • Have tried the PRAM reset and the SMC reset as well, but to no avail.
  • Did a restore startup and ran Disk Utility First Aid on Macintosh HD. Everything A-OK there.
  • No luck with other diagnostics. ("D" restart).


Maybe I should just throw in the towel and upgrade to Mojave....?


Though maybe I can't if the @#$%^& machine won't restart!


Signed,


Marooned in High Sierra





iMac 27" 5K, macOS 10.13

Posted on Apr 3, 2019 10:04 PM

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Question marked as Apple recommended

Are you able to force shutdown by holding the power button for 10 seconds or so? Disconnect all external devices and restart in safe mode https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT201262 and try downloading and running the security update again, you may need to be connected with an ethernet cable if wi fi doesn't connect in safe mode. Again reboot normally and test.

The last thing I would try would be to erase and restore from backup.

Posted on Apr 5, 2019 2:50 AM

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Apr 4, 2019 6:10 PM in response to attrex2013

Uninstall BitDefender per the developers instructions, it's less than useless. Restart, if necessary force shutdown and restart in safe mode. Once completely booted in safe mode restart normally and test to see if your problems are gone.

I would also uninstall Tech Tool, more useless software....same with little snitch.

Question marked as Apple recommended

Apr 5, 2019 2:50 AM in response to attrex2013

Are you able to force shutdown by holding the power button for 10 seconds or so? Disconnect all external devices and restart in safe mode https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT201262 and try downloading and running the security update again, you may need to be connected with an ethernet cable if wi fi doesn't connect in safe mode. Again reboot normally and test.

The last thing I would try would be to erase and restore from backup.

Have run out of easy fixes on iMac that won't restart or shutdown

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