User profile for user: EnjoyWork
EnjoyWork Author
User level: Level 1
4 points

After Catalina upgrade, finder, app store, system all keep crashing

2015 iMac that was running El Capitan. We are upgrading work PC's to O365 and for Mac El Capitan was too old. Ran the Catalina upgrade from App Store and its now a lemon. Finder crashes/quits before it opens, as does System Preferences, and App Store amongst under things.


Using usb cabled Windows keyboard I still cannot get it to boot to recovery mode. Command-R: Option-Command-R or Shift-Option-Command-R does not work as the bluetooth keyboard is probably not recognized until OS starts. Ctrl-R, Shirt Ctrl -R and Shift,Alt,Ctrl-R on the Windows keyboard does not work.


I can login under the Admin login, and the keyboard recognise thing came up and after restarts it still does not boot to recovery mode.


I have to use the power button to force it to power off as there is no menu's at the top to click the apple and do anything.


If I could find a way to download to my PC a bootable High Sierra I would try that but I cannot find away without app store.


No idea what to do now but would love some terminal commands that actually work to maybe get it to restore back or boot into recovery mode?


iMac Line (2012 and Later)

Posted on Jan 3, 2020 3:35 AM

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User profile for user: Kappy
Kappy
User level: Level 10
362,007 points

Posted on Jan 3, 2020 12:11 PM

First, get an Apple keyboard to use until you fix the problem. Borrow one from somewhere, use the one that came with the computer, or buy a new keyboard from Apple. Once you get there, then do the following. Be sure you have an Internet connection to the computer. Preferably use Ethernet, even if temporarily.


Internet/Network Recovery of El Capitan or Later on a Clean Disk


     If possible back up your files before proceeding.


  1. Restart the computer. Immediately after the chime hold down the (Command-Option-R) keys until a globe appears.
  2. The Utility Menu will appear in from 5-20 minutes. Be patient.
  3. Select Disk Utility and click on the Continue button.
  4. When Disk Utility loads select the target drive (will be the out-dented entry) from the side list.
  5. Click on the Erase button in Disk Utility's toolbar. A panel will drop down.
  6. Set the partition scheme to GUID.
  7. Set the Format type to APFS (SSDs only) or Mac OS Extended (Journaled.)
  8. Click on the Apply button, then click on the Done button when it activates.
  9. Quit Disk Utility and return to the Utility Menu.
  10. Select Install OS X and click on the Continue button.


This procedure should install the last version of macOS installed on the computer. A somewhat faster way to do this is possible, if the Recovery HD on the disk is not damaged.


Install El Capitan or Later from Scratch


If possible, back up your files.


  1. Restart the computer. Immediately, at or before the chime, hold down the Command and R keys until the Apple logo and progress bar appear. Wait until the Utility Menu appears.
  2. Select Disk Utility from the Utility Menu and click on the Continue button.
  3. When Disk Utility loads select the volume (indented entry, usually Macintosh HD) from the Device list.
  4. Click on the Erase button in Disk Utility's toolbar. A panel will drop down.
  5. Set the Format type to APFS (SSDs only) or Mac OS Extended (Journaled.)
  6. Click on the Apply button, then wait for the Done button to activate and click on it.
  7. Quit Disk Utility and return to the Utility Menu.
  8. Select Install OS X and click on the Continue button.


This procedure also installs the version of macOS that was last installed on the computer. You also need an Internet connection.

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Question marked as Top-ranking reply
User profile for user: Kappy
Kappy
User level: Level 10
362,007 points

Jan 3, 2020 12:11 PM in response to EnjoyWork

First, get an Apple keyboard to use until you fix the problem. Borrow one from somewhere, use the one that came with the computer, or buy a new keyboard from Apple. Once you get there, then do the following. Be sure you have an Internet connection to the computer. Preferably use Ethernet, even if temporarily.


Internet/Network Recovery of El Capitan or Later on a Clean Disk


     If possible back up your files before proceeding.


  1. Restart the computer. Immediately after the chime hold down the (Command-Option-R) keys until a globe appears.
  2. The Utility Menu will appear in from 5-20 minutes. Be patient.
  3. Select Disk Utility and click on the Continue button.
  4. When Disk Utility loads select the target drive (will be the out-dented entry) from the side list.
  5. Click on the Erase button in Disk Utility's toolbar. A panel will drop down.
  6. Set the partition scheme to GUID.
  7. Set the Format type to APFS (SSDs only) or Mac OS Extended (Journaled.)
  8. Click on the Apply button, then click on the Done button when it activates.
  9. Quit Disk Utility and return to the Utility Menu.
  10. Select Install OS X and click on the Continue button.


This procedure should install the last version of macOS installed on the computer. A somewhat faster way to do this is possible, if the Recovery HD on the disk is not damaged.


Install El Capitan or Later from Scratch


If possible, back up your files.


  1. Restart the computer. Immediately, at or before the chime, hold down the Command and R keys until the Apple logo and progress bar appear. Wait until the Utility Menu appears.
  2. Select Disk Utility from the Utility Menu and click on the Continue button.
  3. When Disk Utility loads select the volume (indented entry, usually Macintosh HD) from the Device list.
  4. Click on the Erase button in Disk Utility's toolbar. A panel will drop down.
  5. Set the Format type to APFS (SSDs only) or Mac OS Extended (Journaled.)
  6. Click on the Apply button, then wait for the Done button to activate and click on it.
  7. Quit Disk Utility and return to the Utility Menu.
  8. Select Install OS X and click on the Continue button.


This procedure also installs the version of macOS that was last installed on the computer. You also need an Internet connection.

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After Catalina upgrade, finder, app store, system all keep crashing

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