macbook pro boot, login and reboot problem

Part 1 of 2

Us the Activity Monitor application and make sure to use View >> View All Processes

What process or processes are using the Most CPU and Memory.

Often times - the issue maybe not be one single Process but a combination of Processes

Also, when the computer is using some much Memory - it can be a indicator of a Lack Of Empty Spaces on the Drive.

In which case, the CPU and Memory usage would become Much More because it is searching for Empty Space to safe all the Changes the user is performing.

Images below from Activity Monitor 1 - CPU usage and 2 - Memory Usages

Part 2 of 2

Suggest the User start with Points 1 to 4 and then Test

Still having issues, move onto Steps 5 and 6 and Test Again

Still no resolve - move onto Step 7 and follow instructions therein 

1 - Restart in Safe Mode. This will perform a Disk Repair, clear cache files and only load Apple Software, extensions and fonts. The boot up will be slow and can take some time - Normal.

2 - Safe Mode will also eliminate Third Party Software, extensions and drivers from loading. It will only load the Minimum amount of Core Apple Processes to allow the the computer to function at a reduced Level of Performance 

3 - Does the issue present in this mode ?

4 - Sometimes a Safe Boot followed by a Normal Boot will just put things right.

5 - If not - there could be something in the main User Account playing up. To further isolate this - Set up users, guests, and groups on Mac. Then log out of the Main User account and log into the dummy account and test again if the issue persists.

6 - If the issue is present in the dummy account - then, this appears to be a System Wide issue on the computer.

7 - Download the Application Etrecheck directly from the Developer.

This is a Diagnostic Tool that makes no changes to the computer.

It makes a coherent and readable inventory of both the Hardware and Software used on the computer 

The application is free or paid from added features. 

The Report will Not Reveal Any Personal Information. 

Post back the Full Report - copy and paste - >>>> using the Additional Text Icon ( 3rd Icon to last ) <<<<

davey17x wrote:

I’m trying to boot up a macbook pro (running Monterey 12.6.5) but it’s stuck in a loop of logging in, struggling to boot up, then after 10 minutes rebooting itself. There's been no problem with it previously.

So when did the problem start? Were there any changes at that time?

Have tried opening and closing in safe mode

Are you saying it works OK in safe mode? Please clarify.

can’t see anything obvious causing the problem, except that mds_stores was running at 274%. I followed a post giving a terminal command to disable spotlight (although it’s still operational).

Never, ever do that. In general, never enter Terminal commands you find on the internet.

Never.

There is only apple mail and safari running, yet after booting up, the fans go into overdrive, and everything is buffering and struggling to load, or even close – force quit is unresponsive, as the whole system then locks up and goes into a reboot by itself, asks for login, tries to load, asks for login... and so on

There are two possible causes.

One, you could have some 3rd party system modification software that is running out of control and shutting down the system. Those kinds of apps cause all kinds of problems and are extremely popular. This site would be 50% smaller without such software.

The next possibility would be some kind of hardware failure. It sounds like the system could be trying to throttle itself. The "hardware" could be anything from the main logic board to some external device connected - even something like a dongle from Amazon. Disconnect all external devices. Yes, all of them.

Would running a full back-up help?

Are you saying that you don't have a full back-up? If not, then boot into safe mode and make a full back.

Do this now.

Can anyone suggest what steps I can take to resolve this? Or give me some pointers? Any help greatly appreciated. Thanks  

First, make a backup. You are almost certain to need it.

Next, try to answer some of the questions above. When did this problem start? What changes were made immediately before the occurrence of the problem? Does the computer work in safe mode? Do you have any external hardware connected? Does it work fine without the hardware connected?

If you can't think of any possible change that may have caused it, and the problem continues with no 3rd party hardware, then you can try to erase the hard drive and reinstall the operating system. You can restore user accounts and user data, but nothing else. Do not restore any apps, software, system settings, or "other files". If you still have the problem, then it is an internal hardware fault and you will have to take the computer to an Apple Store or Authorized Apple Service provider for diagnostics and repair.

Welcome

Almost looks like the Drive may have run out of Empty Space

In which case a second machine maybe required to salvage some of your Personal Files

Transfer files between two Mac computers using target disk mode - Apple Support (CA)

If really lucky, you maybe able to remove enough from the Problematic machine to allow it to function in normal mode

The the Fun ( tongue in cheek ) start and doing a major house keeping

It is generally a good computer practice to alway keep at least 15% to 20% of the Total Drive Capacity’s as Empty Space. Allowing the computer to drop below these guidelines may eventually, cause unintended consequences including what may have occurred now

Welcome