Computer is stuck in start up mode with Apple logo and white bar halfway across. I was trying to upgrade owe us, but was not enough disk space. It stalled and I had to shut it down. Now I’m stuck because when I go into recovery mode I cannot reinstall iOS because there’s not enough disk space To save OS files and I cannot back up my computer now!!! Help!
iMac 27″, OS X 10.11
This is Apple's definitive solution: If your Mac starts up to an Apple logo or progress bar - Apple Support
Notice the last instruction and link: If you need help, contact Apple Support.
To regain disk space, you need to remove user data only; things you created, downloaded or copied yourself. Do not delete any system files or folders. If the data is important to you, copy it to an external drive before deletion.
Free up storage space on your Mac - Apple Support
You do need to make backups, but after a failed event is not the time. Backups should be made while the computer is performing normally in preparation for an event such as yours.
Once you get your Mac back running, use Time Machine to make regular backups. Leave the external drive attached so TM can use it all during the day and night.
Yes, I usually use Time Machine with external but had to move my computer for about a month into my living room. Didn’t hook up during that time. I don’t want to lose my personal items. Is there any option at all?
Likely not, this is why many users have redundant backups, because if one is down, you have another to use. I would recommend buying a second External Hard Disk such as a OWC Mercury Elite Pro and create either a 2nd Time Machine drive or create a bootable clone backup using either SuperDuper! or Carbon Copy Cloner.
Best of luck!
It still needed backups even in the living room. Changing location has nothing to do with the need for data security or lack thereof.
Stuck in recovery mode, not enough disk, space, computer, not backed up, help!
