How to fix crashing issue on MacBook M3 MAX, GB, Sonoma 14.4.1

"MacBook M3 MAX, 128 GB, Sonoma 14.4.1 (23E224) Crashes all the time and reboots with no warning: Is there a fix for this problem? It is a big problem for my work."

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Troubleshooting a Mac in a Boot Loop:

Being continuous, it seems there is an error in the caches. So, refer to the following...

A. Boot in Safe Mode:

In Safe Mode, Login Items do not run at login, certain preferences are set aside, and damaged system files are then reset. So, once booted in to Safe Mode, wait 30 seconds, and then boot up normally, attempting another update install. For instructions, go here: How to Use Safe Mode on your Mac - Apple Support

B. Reset your SMC and your NVRAM:

(Applies to Intel-Basel Macs Only): Sometimes changes (i.e. Installations) are made to the system and then settings (i.e. Networking) become corrupted, technically. So, reset both on your Mac. So, reset the SMC and reset the NVRAM or PRAM. It might take three tries. to fix this. So, be certain you have the time to do so.

Start With This:

• Reset NVRAM or PRAM on your Mac - Apple Support
• How to Reset the SMC of your Mac - Apple Support

C. Re-Mount the Drive:

Boot into Recovery Mode (Intel or Silicon) . You need to click the “Mount’ button to proceed. So, select the drives, and then click "Mount" Try rebooting once more. If of no success, then click unmount button, and then the mount button. Try rebooting once more. It looks dulled-out. So, if you cannot click it, then click the First Aid button to fix this volume.

You should disconnect all external devices just in case one of them is causing a problem.

Run the third party app EtreCheck and post the complete report here so we can examine it for clues.

You can also try running the Apple Diagnostics to see if any hardware issues are detected.

First, uninstall Webroot by following the developer's instructions. Anti-virus apps, cleaning/optimizer apps, and third party security software are not needed on a Mac and usually causes more problems than they solve since they interfere with the normal operation of macOS.

Effective defenses against malware and other threats - Apple Community

The Kernel Panics are referencing the Display Co-Processor (DCP). Hopefully the issue was caused by Webroot and is not a hardware issue.

I'm not familiar with some of the other third party software installed since I'm not a macOS software expert so hopefully another more knowledgeable contributor can chime in on the other software. I assume that the Fortinet VPN is for your job/employer.

Joost-02-03 wrote:

HI Grant,

Thank you for your reply. Is there a work around for Forticlient? When I am working at home I need Forticlinet to login to our work environment.

That is a valid reason to have it & use it. Do not worry about it. You just don't need any anti-virus software. Some of the Fortinet VPN downloads include anti-virus as well (not sure what Fortinet bundles since my organization does not need the Fortinet AV package).

The vast majority of VPN Users are running VPN software foisted on them as scare-ware. VPN is generally not needed, but far too many VPN packages add features that damage performance and/or break into secure communications (ineptly) so as to invade your privacy and sell your data.

if you need to be present on your Institution/Employer network, a VPN may be needed. That VPN should be selected with care based on Institutional requirements, and should be chosen and supported by your Institution.

I have never seen Forticlient on any 'best' VPN list.

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if you need remote Control of a computer on that Network, rather than "Presence" on that network, consider a solution like Team Viewer.

Fortinet VPN software is usually used when a business is using a Fortinet Firewall & VPN. There are actually several different download packages for the Fortinet software. I know one of them bundles in an AV product (not sure what AV product it is) while another one just has the VPN client which is all a user needs unless the employer requires the one with the AV product. I know our company requires people to run some sort of AV software on their system or they are not permitted to connect to the network.

Diagnostics Information (past 60 days):

2024-05-14 10:58:27 Kernel Panic (4 times)

First occurrence: 2024-05-08 09:03:15

Details:

panic(cpu 0 caller 0xfffffe0025cd801c): DCP PANIC - program_swap: Async Swap request landing on unsupported platform. Force panic

Panicked task 0xfffffe2000e0cfd8: 0 pages, 693 threads: pid 0: kernel_task

DCP is display co-processor.

You are running something wonky that manipulates the ENTIRE graphics environment so that your MacOS has to swap between graphics environments. When you try to do one of those swaps, it lands on an unsupported or non-existant graphics enavironment, and dies.

it is inexcusable to be running unsigned software on your Mac. EVERY up-to-date legitimate software developer for the Mac has joined Apple's program to obtain a revocable Developer Certificate. The Certificate is used to mark their issued software as actually issued by the Developer, assuring the integrity of the developer.

Unsigned Files:

Running app: /usr/local/share/CentraStage/AEMAgent/AEMAgent

Running app: /usr/local/share/CentraStage/AEMAgent/RMM.WebRemote/13.0.0.2701/RMM.WebRemote

shame on you for running this purported "protection" package that is not signed, legitimate commercial software.

Some users are reporting that DCP panic crashes during async swap, which MAY be similar to yours, was solved for them in the MacOS 14.5 update, recently released. it won't hurt anything to try installing that update.

Fortinet VPN needs to GO, unless you are using it to be "present" on your Institution's network, in which case your Institution should help you with running it.