I have a MacBook Pro running Catalina. While using suddenly wouldn’t allow text entry so closed apps with no effect, so tried to reset finder but got spinning wheel of death. No matter what I try I can’t turn off the computer. Have disconnected power and peripherals, tried holding down power button but nothing happens. Scratch pad works and caps lock lights up when pressed. At this stage I’m waiting for battery to run down. Is there another way to reset my laptop?
John Galt wrote:
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I seem to recall a particular key chord that would shut down a Mac immediately but I need to research it.
The key chord I was thinking of is ⌘ ctrl ⌥ power button: Instant shutdown.
John Galt wrote:
...
I seem to recall a particular key chord that would shut down a Mac immediately but I need to research it.
The key chord I was thinking of is ⌘ ctrl ⌥ power button: Instant shutdown.
Problem solved, I manged to run the battery right down until the ibook shut down through lack of power, which took all day. I plugged the charger back in and 10 minutes later opend the lid and powered up and so far everything is working fine. Thanks for all your efforts and suggestions. When things are going wrong it's good to know you're not on your own - cheers Guys
Seagullmac Said:
"Problem solved, I manged to run the battery right down until the ibook shut down through lack of power, which took all day. I plugged the charger back in and 10 minutes later opend the lid and powered up and so far everything is working fine. Thanks for all your efforts and suggestions. When things are going wrong it's good to know you're not on your own - cheers Guys"
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Glad it is solved. You are welcome.
Press and hold its power button / Touch ID button until it shuts down. That takes about ten seconds. Be sure to press.
Although it's possible that action will not shut down a Mac I have never heard of it. Allowing the battery to discharge will only cause it to enter sleep mode, and some time thereafter it will "hibernate" or deep sleep. Weeks or months later the battery's charge state will eventually diminish to the point the Mac shuts down completely, but if the power button isn't working how will you start it again?
Seagullmac Said:
“MacBook Pro can’t turn off: [...]I was replying to a FB message when I couldn’t enter anything.[...]. Any other ideas?”
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With Facebook giving you this issue, scan for Malware.
Use Malwarebytes for Mac:
Malwarebytes searches for malware (short for malicious software) and spyware. Malware makes your Mac behave in a mislead manor.
Malwarebytes is created by longtime users of these forums, making it the only reliable Security Software for a Mac. Remove what is found from the quarantine.
Downloads:
Same as with any other hardware fault. If pressing and holding the power button won’t shut down a Mac it means a fundamental hardware feature is broken. That action doesn’t rely upon software at all.
I seem to recall a particular key chord that would shut down a Mac immediately but I need to research it. I believe it also required an operational power button though. I’ll let you know.
What model is it?
Seagullmac Said:
“MacBook Pro can’t turn off: [...]I was replying to a FB message when I couldn’t enter anything.[...]. Any other ideas?”
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Use: [command + Q]:
Try pressing [command+Q] to quit what ever is open, one application after the other. Once all is pressed. See what happens/. Perhaps there Is an application running that must quit.
Use: [command + tab]:
Keep holding down the command button and pressing tab, until you get to the smiley face. Then, try a shut down.
Seagullmac Said:
"MacBook Pro can’t turn off: [...]Thanks for that but tried all those - the odd thing is that the System Prefernces is in the tool bar but not accessable with the spinning wheel of death.[...]"
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You are Welcome.
Try this Google Search Queue:
"The application finder.app is not open anymore" site:discussions.apple.com
5 Sites Pop Up, Listed in Order Provided in Screenshot***
They are a bit old, but might help.
***Screenshot:
Thanks for the fast reply, I guess it could be the power button but the circumstances leading up to the crash feel more like software/system crash. I was replying to a FB message when I couldn’t enter anything. I tried to quit but nothing happened. I went to force quit but there was no icons on the desktop. Back to the Force Quit but noticed finder not responding. Went to shut down but was left with my desktop picture and a very fast spinning wheel.. I use a Bluetooth key board and mouse so disconnected everything but still not responding. The screen now has system preferences in the tool bar and the spinning wheel has slowed down to normal. The screen turns off when the lid is closed but opens up exactly the same. I’ve had Macs since 1985 and this is the first one that’s got me stuck - gutted. Any other ideas?
Hi John, I don’t recall any Mac not shutting down from a power button, however I finished servicing Macs about 15 years ago and our iMacs have been very well behaved. So I guess your conclusion is, if the power button isn’t working it’s broken. What would you advise us to do next please?
Thanks for that but tried all those - the odd thing is that the System Prefernces is in the tool bar but not accessable with the spinning wheel of death. However in the top right corner the wheel turns to an arrow and I can see and select Spotlight. It opens and searches and finds but always returns 'Finder.App' is not open anymore. Seems the Finder is the problem but would have thought it should still shut down with the power button. (The desktop patten is of our street and our home in the backgound 1890)
Seagullmac Said:
"MacBook Pro can’t turn off"
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A Few Links For Troubleshooting Power:
Have you ever had a Mac with a power button (as opposed to a switch) that did not shut down when it’s pressed and held?
MacBook Pro can’t turn off
