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Cannot Connect to Internet except for Safe Mode

I have a 2017 MacBook running MacOS 12.5.1. Today I suddenly was unable to connect to the internet although it seems that I am connected to my home network wifi. My other computer, also a MacBook Pro, connects fine, so this must be an issue with the 2017 MacBook Pro. When I restart in Safe Mode, I can connect to the internet. I have used Disk Utility to repair the hard drive, but it doesn't seem to find anything to repair. I also reinstalled the MacOS but that didn't help.

Is there anything I can do before I give in & take it to an Apple Store?

MacBook Pro

Posted on Sep 3, 2022 5:57 PM

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Posted on Sep 4, 2022 2:14 PM

The Fact the computer will connect in Safe Mode tends to indicate some piece of Their Party Software is interfering with the connection.


Safe Mode would eliminate Third Party Software from loading and therefore allow the connection.


Reinstalling the OS would only replace missing or corrupted elements of the OS


The Etrecheck Application would show these Third Party Application if any were or are installed.

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Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Sep 4, 2022 2:14 PM in response to dhjaffe

The Fact the computer will connect in Safe Mode tends to indicate some piece of Their Party Software is interfering with the connection.


Safe Mode would eliminate Third Party Software from loading and therefore allow the connection.


Reinstalling the OS would only replace missing or corrupted elements of the OS


The Etrecheck Application would show these Third Party Application if any were or are installed.

Sep 5, 2022 6:28 AM in response to dhjaffe

You are welcome and thank you too.


Do come back to the Apple Support Communities ( ASC )  in the future, if / or when additional questions may arise.


Only as a point of interest.


Any Third Party Applications that will interfere with the normal operation of the OS,  is an invitation for disaster and comprising the Operating System


Certain Applications maybe available on the Apple Apps Store - this only means the Developer is prepared to pay Apple a portion on each sale. What the Application may do to the computer is up to the User to check this out before purchase


Any of the below should be removed as per Developers Instructions


And Norton anything is definitely on the list to never allow near any Apple Computer


This will included Norton Antivirus

Sep 5, 2022 6:42 AM in response to dhjaffe

There are no known Windows-like Viruses in the wild that self replicate and affect macOS, because of the underling UNIX  Foundation and Permission Limitation. 


Additionally, and specific to Big Sur macOS 11 and Monterey macOS 12, the Operating System resides in a Sealed and Read Only Volume that can not be opened by the User and protects against from “ Bad Actor “ Software.


The Only thing this Antivirus software is protecting is the Bank Account of the Developers and for zero return to the User aside from the problems this software creates. and this computer has already experienced.


AntiVirus Developers purposefully Market their product to create a “ Fear Factor “. In so doing, creating a False Need for their Product.


The The Built in Security  is all that is required to protect the computer.


There is Adware & Malware which will affect the computer and is generally downloaded from “ Shady “ Websites or Developers who Inject this software into the download.


Should “ Certain & Specific Software “ referenced from above be installed - it will negatively impact macOS. It is suggested, download directly from the Developer , the application Malwarebytes for Mac


It is free or paid for added features. 


Run the Application and it should remove the malware / adware.


Once done, restart computer and test.

Sep 5, 2022 5:40 AM in response to PRP_53

Thank you both for responding & P. Phillips for that explanation. I only had two Third Party Applications installed on my computer - Microsoft Office & Norton 360. I thought I would remove them to see if that would solve the issue. When I tried to drag Norton to the Trash, my computer went into an endless loop but wouldn't remove it. I then erased the hard drive, reinstalled the OS & it's working perfectly now. I suspect Norton had somehow become corrupted & was interfering with the internet connection.

Thank you so much. I really appreciate the help.

Cannot Connect to Internet except for Safe Mode

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