Mac Studio won't boot, light blinks once

My M2 Max Mac Studio has been shutting down of late when left asleep. Two days ago, when I tried to turn it back on, it would not boot. The light would blink, but nothing would happen. I kept trying, and eventually it booted, not sure why. I entered Recovery, tested the discs and there didn't appear to be any problem there. The system could not do a recovery from my Time Machine backup so I opted to reinstall the OS (15.3.1). That took a long, long time but eventually worked and the computer restarted, all was well, data intact.

However, I shut it down at the end of the day and the next morning it would not boot. All it would do was blink its power light when I pressed it. There was no life in it at all. I left it overnight, and this morning it booted. Again I tested the drives. There were a number of errors relating to resource forks, all related to Time Machine. As the Time Machine drive was not connected at the time, it felt safe to ignore these for now. Other than that the disks looked fine. I once again reinstalled the OS. Once again, this has worked, and it is fully operational. I'm typing this message on the Mac Studio.

But... what happens next? Are there any tests I can run which might reveal the cause of the problem?

I don't know if the machine will boot again after a shutdown. It is clearly not reliable and something is wrong somewhere.

I've searched online and there are two possible hardware fixes: replace the motherboard, which doesn't seem to work for most people; or replace the PSU (power supply unit), which does work for some. All of that is anecdotal, of course.

Are there tests that I can run to find out what is causing this power / boot issue?

The machine is out of warranty, by the way. It's barely 18 months old, but replacing the motherboard would be very expensive. It's probably not worth doing and better to save the money for an M4 Mac Studio, or even a Mac Mini.

Any help or advice is appreciated.

Mac Studio, macOS 15.3

Posted on Feb 17, 2025 2:36 AM

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Feb 17, 2025 10:38 PM in response to Simon Townley

Please. uninstall ProtonVPN OpenVPN, there is a reasonably good chance this is the source of the problems. Please locate the developers uninstall instructions and follow to the letter. Then restart the computer in Safe Mode, run a fresh EtreCheck report and analyze it to see if ProtonVPN is 100% gone. Then restart normally and test.


Mac OS does not require nor does it benefit in ANY way by installing any of the following types of third party apps:


  • Antivirus
  • Cleaning
  • Security
  • VPN
  • Maintenance


Adding these types of apps have the exact opposite effects users want, they make Mac OS slow, unstable, appear buggy....in short much like. you are experiencing.

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Feb 17, 2025 5:27 AM in response to Simon Townley

I'll try again to attach the report. It's an "additional text" document.


As regards the TM drive, I've tried to boot repeatedly with it attached and without. I've tried disconnecting everything except mice and keyboards, and I've tried with two different monitors. When it's dead, it's dead. Then it comes back to life for no apparent reason. The TM drive is quite new, a Crucial 2TB SSD. I doubt that is the issue.


EtreCheckPro version: 6.8.8 (68072) Report generated: 2025-02-17 11:37:06 Download EtreCheckPro from https://etrecheck.com Runtime: 2:19 Performance: Excellent Problem: Other problem Description: Mac Studio will not boot at times: pressing the power button makes the power light blink once, but computer does not start. The problem pers ists for many hours / days, then seems to resolve itself somehow. Alwa ys requires a reinstall of the OS afterwards. Major Issues: None Minor Issues: These issues do not need immediate attention but they may indicate future problems or opportunities for improvement. Heavy RAM usage - Apps are using a large amount of RAM. Apps crashing - There have been numerous app crashes. Apps with heavy CPU usage - There have been numerous cases of apps with heavy CPU usage. Unsigned files - There are unsigned software files installed. These files could be old, incompatible, and cause problems. They should be reviewed. System modifications - There are a large number of system modifications running in the background. Limited permissions - More information may be available with Full Disk Access. Kernel extensions present - This computer has kernel extensions that may not work in the future. Hardware Information: Mac Studio (2023) Status: Supported Mac Studio Model: Mac14,13 Apple M2 Max (m2 max) CPU: 12-core 32 GB RAM - Not upgradeable Video Information: Apple M2 Max SwitchResX4 - LG HDR 4K 6016 x 3384 Drives: disk0 - APPLE SSD AP1024Z 1.00 TB (Solid State - TRIM: Yes) Internal Apple Fabric NVM Express S.M.A.R.T. Details: 4% used, 63.05 TB written, 100% health, 42 unsafe shutdowns disk0s1 [APFS Container] 524 MB disk1 [APFS Virtual drive] 524 MB (Shared by 4 volumes) disk1s1 - iSCPreboot (APFS) [APFS Preboot] (6 MB used) disk1s2 - xART (APFS) (6 MB used) disk1s3 - Hardware (APFS) (3 MB used) disk1s4 - Recovery (APFS) [Recovery] (20 KB used) disk0s2 [APFS Container] 994.66 GB disk3 [APFS Virtual drive] 994.66 GB (Shared by 6 volumes) disk3s1 (APFS) [APFS Container] (11.15 GB used) disk3s1s1 - Macintosh HD (APFS) [APFS Snapshot] (11.15 GB used) disk3s2 - Preboot (APFS) [APFS Preboot] (6.88 GB used) disk3s3 - Recovery (APFS) [Recovery] (1.02 GB used) disk3s4 - Update (APFS) (8 MB used) disk3s5 - Data (APFS) [APFS Virtual drive] (419.58 GB used) disk3s6 - VM (APFS) [APFS VM] (20 KB used) disk0s3 [APFS Container] 5.37 GB disk2 [APFS Virtual drive] 5.37 GB (Shared by 2 volumes) disk2s1 - Recovery (APFS) [Recovery] (1.84 GB used) disk2s2 - Update (APFS) (2 MB used) disk4 - Micron CT2000X8SSD9 2.00 TB External USB Up to 10 Gb/s USB disk4s1 17 MB disk4s2 [APFS Container] 2.00 TB disk5 [APFS Virtual drive] 2.00 TB (Shared by 2 volumes) disk5s1 - C***********e (APFS) (362.38 GB used) disk5s3 - S********************** (APFS) (911.45 GB used) Mounted Volumes: disk1s1 - iSCPreboot [APFS Preboot] Filesystem: APFS Mount point: /System/Volumes/iSCPreboot Used: 6 MB Shared values Size: 524 MB Free: 505 MB disk1s2 - xART Filesystem: APFS Mount point: /System/Volumes/xarts Used: 6 MB Shared values Size: 524 MB Free: 505 MB disk1s3 - Hardware Filesystem: APFS Mount point: /System/Volumes/Hardware Used: 3 MB Shared values Size: 524 MB Free: 505 MB disk3s1s1 - Macintosh HD [APFS Snapshot] Filesystem: APFS Mount point: / Read-only: Yes Used: 11.15 GB Shared values Size: 994.66 GB Free: 555.82 GB Available: 660.47 GB disk3s2 - Preboot [APFS Preboot] Filesystem: APFS Mount point: /System/Volumes/Preboot Used: 6.88 GB Shared values Size: 994.66 GB Free: 555.82 GB disk3s4 - Update Filesystem: APFS Mount point: /System/Volumes/Update Used: 8 MB Shared values Size: 994.66 GB Free: 555.82 GB disk3s5 - Data [APFS Virtual drive] Filesystem: APFS Mount point: /System/Volumes/Data Encrypted Used: 419.58 GB Shared values Size: 994.66 GB Free: 555.82 GB Available: 660.47 GB disk3s6 - VM [APFS VM] Filesystem: APFS Mount point: /System/Volumes/VM Used: 20 KB Shared values Size: 994.66 GB Free: 555.82 GB disk5s1 - C***********e Filesystem: APFS Mount point: /Volumes/C***********e Owners enabled: No Used: 362.38 GB Shared values Size: 2.00 TB Free: 726.25 GB Available: 726.39 GB disk5s3 - S********************** Filesystem: APFS Mount point: /Volumes/S*********************e Encrypted Used: 911.45 GB Shared values Size: 2.00 TB Free: 726.25 GB S***n [SMB 3.0.2] Server: S**********************l Share: /S***n Local user: S***n Remote user: c***********************************************************************f Mount point: /Volumes/S***n/ Options: nodev nosuid USB: USB 3.1 bus <Empty> USB 3.1 bus Micron - CT2000X8SSD9 USB 3.1 bus <Empty> USB 3.1 bus Generic - 4-Port USB 2.0 Hub hub_device LG Electronics Inc. - LG Monitor Controls USB 3.1 bus Apple - USB2 Hub Apple, Inc. - Keyboard Hub Mitsumi Electric - Apple Optical USB Mouse Apple, Inc - Apple Keyboard Apple Inc. - Magic Trackpad Apple - USB3 Gen2 Hub Network: Interface usbmodem111NTKF1U3092: LG Monitor Controls Interface en0: Ethernet Interface en13: USB 10/100/1000 LAN Interface en6: Ethernet Adapter (en6) Interface en7: Ethernet Adapter (en7) Interface en8: Ethernet Adapter (en8) Interface en9: Ethernet Adapter (en9) Interface en11: Ethernet Adapter (en5) Interface en10: Ethernet Adapter (en4) Interface bridge0: Thunderbolt Bridge Interface en1: Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/ax Interface en12: iPhone USB System Software: macOS Sequoia 15.3.1 (24D70) Time since boot: About 3 hours Security: Gatekeeper: App Store and identified developers System Integrity Protection: Enabled Secure Boot: Reduced Security Antivirus software: Apple and Malwarebytes Unsigned Files: Launchd: /Library/LaunchDaemons/com.microsoft.office.licensing.helper.plist Executable: /Library/PrivilegedHelperTools/com.microsoft.office.licensing.helper Details: Exact match found in the legitimate list - probably OK Launchd: /Library/LaunchAgents/com.amazon.sendtokindle.launcher.plist Executable: /usr/local/bin/stkLaunchAgent.sh Details: Exact match found in the legitimate list - probably OK Launchd: /Library/LaunchDaemons/com.barebones.authd.plist Executable: /Library/PrivilegedHelperTools/com.barebones.authd Details: Exact match found in the legitimate list - probably OK Launchd: /Library/LaunchDaemons/com.adobe.SwitchBoard.plist Executable: /Library/Application Support/Adobe/SwitchBoard/SwitchBoard.app/Contents/MacOS/launch.switchboard Details: Exact match found in the legitimate list - probably OK Login Item: /etc/mach_init_per_user.d/com.adobe.SwitchBoard.monitor.plist Apps: 15 System Extensions: [Running] Extension - version 2.6.3 (Objective-See, LLC - installed 2024-03-06) Application: /Applications/LuLu.app - version 2.6.3 (Objective-See, LLC - installed 2025-02-17) [Running] ProtonVPN OpenVPN - version 3.3.2 (ProtonVPN AG - installed 2023-09-08) Application: /Applications/ProtonVPN.app - version 3.3.2 (ProtonVPN AG - installed 2025-02-17) [Running] ProtonVPN WireGuard - version 3.3.2 (ProtonVPN AG - installed 2023-09-08) Application: /Applications/ProtonVPN.app - version 3.3.2 (ProtonVPN AG - installed 2025-02-17) Kernel Extensions: /Applications/duet.app [Not Loaded] DuetDisplay.kext - com.kairos.driver.DuetDisplay (2.1.4 - SDK 10.9) /Library/Extensions [Not Loaded] BTFirmwareUploader.kext - org.emlydinesh.driver.BTFirmwareUploader (2.6 - SDK 10.7) System Launch Daemons: [Not Loaded] 42 Apple tasks [Loaded] 176 Apple tasks [Running] 189 Apple tasks [Other] 3 Apple tasks System Launch Agents: [Not Loaded] 21 Apple tasks [Loaded] 189 Apple tasks [Running] 236 Apple tasks Launch Daemons: [Not Loaded] com.adobe.ARMDC.Communicator.plist (Adobe Inc. - installed 2025-02-17) Executable: /Library/PrivilegedHelperTools/com.adobe.ARMDC.Communicator [Not Loaded] com.adobe.ARMDC.SMJobBlessHelper.plist (Adobe Inc. - installed 2025-02-17) Executable: /Library/PrivilegedHelperTools/com.adobe.ARMDC.SMJobBlessHelper [Loaded] com.adobe.SwitchBoard.plist (Not signed - installed 2025-02-17) Executable: /Library/Application Support/Adobe/SwitchBoard/SwitchBoard.app/Contents/MacOS/launch.switchboard [Not Loaded] com.adobe.acc.installer.v2.plist (Adobe Systems, Inc. - installed 2025-02-17) Executable: /Library/PrivilegedHelperTools/com.adobe.acc.installer.v2 [Running] com.backblaze.bzserv.plist (Backblaze - installed 2025-02-17) Executable: /Applications/Backblaze.app/Contents/MacOS/bzserv [Loaded] com.barebones.authd.plist (Not signed - installed 2025-02-17) Executable: /Library/PrivilegedHelperTools/com.barebones.authd [Running] com.bjango.istatmenus.daemon.plist (Bjango Pty Ltd - installed 2025-02-17) Executable: /Library/Application Support/iStat Menus 6/iStatMenusDaemon [Running] com.bjango.istatmenus.fans.plist (Bjango Pty Ltd - installed 2025-02-17) Executable: /Library/Application Support/iStat Menus 6/iStatMenusFans [Loaded] com.bjango.istatmenus.installerhelper.plist (Bjango Pty Ltd - installed 2025-02-17) Executable: /Library/PrivilegedHelperTools/com.bjango.istatmenus.installerhelper [Loaded] com.bombich.ccchelper.plist (Bombich Software, Inc. - installed 2025-02-17) Executable: /Library/PrivilegedHelperTools/com.bombich.ccchelper [Running] com.crystalidea.macsfancontrol.smcwrite.plist (Ilya Parniuk - installed 2025-02-17) Executable: /Library/PrivilegedHelperTools/com.crystalidea.macsfancontrol.smcwrite [Running] com.econtechnologies.ChronoAgentRemote.plist (Econ Technologies, Inc. - installed 2025-02-17) Executable: /Library/PreferencePanes/ChronoAgent.prefPane/Contents/MacOS/ChronoAgentRemote.app/Contents/MacOS/ChronoAgentRemote [Running] com.malwarebytes.mbam.rtprotection.daemon.plist (Malwarebytes Corporation - installed 2025-02-17) Command: /Library/Application Support/Malwarebytes/MBAM/Engine.bundle/Contents/PlugIns/RTProtectionDaemon.app/Contents/MacOS/RTProtectionDaemon -i EB37EA53-E17C-4E22-91CB-FB260492DE96.pkg [Running] com.malwarebytes.mbam.settings.daemon.plist (Malwarebytes Corporation - installed 2025-02-17) Executable: /Library/Application Support/Malwarebytes/MBAM/Engine.bundle/Contents/PlugIns/SettingsDaemon.app/Contents/MacOS/SettingsDaemon [Not Loaded] com.microsoft.autoupdate.helper.plist (Microsoft Corporation - installed 2025-02-17) Executable: /Library/PrivilegedHelperTools/com.microsoft.autoupdate.helper [Not Loaded] com.microsoft.office.licensing.helper.plist (Not signed - installed 2025-02-17) Executable: /Library/PrivilegedHelperTools/com.microsoft.office.licensing.helper [Loaded] com.microsoft.office.licensingV2.helper.plist (Microsoft Corporation - installed 2025-02-17) Executable: /Library/PrivilegedHelperTools/com.microsoft.office.licensingV2.helper [Loaded] com.rogueamoeba.aceagent.plist (Rogue Amoeba Software, Inc. - installed 2025-02-17) Executable: /Library/Audio/Plug-Ins/HAL/ACE.driver/Contents/Resources/aceagent [Loaded] com.rogueamoeba.acetool.plist (Rogue Amoeba Software, Inc. - installed 2025-02-17) Executable: /Library/Audio/Plug-Ins/HAL/ACE.driver/Contents/Resources/acetool [Running] com.spitfireaudio.LibraryManagerHelper.plist (Spitfire Audio LLP - installed 2025-02-17) Executable: /Library/PrivilegedHelperTools/com.spitfireaudio.LibraryManagerHelper [Loaded] com.tunabellysoftware.DiskDietHelper.plist (Tunabelly Software Inc. - installed 2025-02-17) Executable: /Library/PrivilegedHelperTools/com.tunabellysoftware.DiskDietHelper [Running] com.tunabellysoftware.TGFanHelper.plist (Tunabelly Software Inc. - installed 2025-02-17) Executable: /Library/PrivilegedHelperTools/com.tunabellysoftware.TGFanHelper [Loaded] fr.madrau.switchresx.helper.plist (Stephane Madrau - installed 2025-02-17) Executable: /Library/PrivilegedHelperTools/fr.madrau.switchresx.helper [Loaded] us.zoom.ZoomDaemon.plist (Zoom Video Communications, Inc. - installed 2025-02-17) Executable: /Library/PrivilegedHelperTools/us.zoom.ZoomDaemon Launch Agents: [Not Loaded] com.adobe.ARMDCHelper.cc24aef4a1b90ed56a725c38014c95072f92651fb65e1bf9c8e43c37a23d420d.plist (Adobe Inc. - installed 2025-02-17) Executable: /Library/Application Support/Adobe/ARMDC/Application/Acrobat Update Helper.app/Contents/MacOS/Acrobat Update Helper [Running] com.amazon.sendtokindle.launcher.plist (Not signed - installed 2025-02-17) Executable: /usr/local/bin/stkLaunchAgent.sh [Running] com.bjango.istatmenus.agent.plist (Bjango Pty Ltd - installed 2025-02-17) Executable: /Library/Application Support/iStat Menus 6/iStatMenusAgent.app/Contents/MacOS/iStatMenusAgent [Running] com.bjango.istatmenus.status.plist (Bjango Pty Ltd - installed 2025-02-17) Executable: /Library/Application Support/iStat Menus 6/iStat Menus Status.app/Contents/MacOS/iStat Menus Status [Running] com.malwarebytes.mbam.frontend.agent.plist (Malwarebytes Corporation - installed 2025-02-17) Executable: /Library/Application Support/Malwarebytes/MBAM/Engine.bundle/Contents/PlugIns/FrontendAgent.app/Contents/MacOS/FrontendAgent [Not Loaded] com.microsoft.update.agent.plist (Microsoft Corporation - installed 2025-02-17) Command: /Library/Application Support/Microsoft/MAU2.0/Microsoft AutoUpdate.app/Contents/MacOS/Microsoft Update Assistant.app/Contents/MacOS/Microsoft Update Assistant -checkForUpdates [Loaded] us.zoom.updater.login.check.plist (Zoom Video Communications, Inc. - installed 2025-02-17) Command: /Applications/zoom.us.app/Contents/Library/LaunchAgents/ZoomUpdater.app/Contents/MacOS/ZoomUpdater --login-check [Loaded] us.zoom.updater.plist (Zoom Video Communications, Inc. - installed 2025-02-17) Command: /Applications/zoom.us.app/Contents/Library/LaunchAgents/ZoomUpdater.app/Contents/MacOS/ZoomUpdater --update User Launch Agents: [Not Loaded] com.adobe.ccxprocess.plist (Adobe Systems, Inc. - installed 2023-07-17) Command: /usr/bin/open -a '/Applications/Utilities/Adobe Creative Cloud Experience/CCXProcess/CCXProcess.app' [Running] com.backblaze.bzbmenu.plist (Backblaze - installed 2025-02-17) Executable: /Library/Backblaze.bzpkg/bzbmenu.app/Contents/MacOS/bzbmenu [Loaded] com.rogueamoeba.loopbackd.plist (Rogue Amoeba Software, Inc. - installed 2023-11-19) Executable: ~/Library/Application Support/Loopback/Loopback.app/Contents/MacOS/Loopback [Loaded] com.valvesoftware.steamclean.plist (Valve Corporation - installed 2024-08-21) Command: ~/Library/Application Support/Steam/SteamApps/steamclean Public User Login Items: [Running] BetterTouchTool (folivora.AI GmbH - installed 2025-02-17) Application /Applications/BetterTouchTool.app [Running] ChronoSync (Econ Technologies, Inc. - installed 2025-02-17) Application /Applications/ChronoSync.app [Running] ChronoSync Scheduler (Econ Technologies, Inc. - installed 2025-02-17) Modern Login Item /Applications/ChronoSync.app/Contents/Library/LoginItems/ChronoSync Scheduler.app [Not Loaded] CopiedLauncher (App Store - installed 2025-02-17) Modern Login Item /Applications/Copied.app/Contents/Library/LoginItems/CopiedLauncher.app [Not Loaded] CopyClipHelper (App Store - installed 2025-02-17) Modern Login Item /Applications/CopyClip.app/Contents/Library/LoginItems/CopyClipHelper.app [Loaded] DEVONagent Express (DEVONtechnologies, LLC - installed 2025-02-17) Application /Applications/DEVONagent.app/Contents/Library/LoginItems/DEVONagent Express.app [Not Loaded] Find Any File Hotkey (Thomas Tempelmann - installed 2025-02-17) Modern Login Item /Applications/Find Any File.app/Contents/Library/LoginItems/Find Any File Hotkey.app [Running] Flycut (App Store - installed 2025-02-17) Application /Applications/Flycut.app [Loaded] FlycutHelper (App Store - installed 2025-02-17) Modern Login Item /Applications/Flycut.app/Contents/Library/LoginItems/FlycutHelper.app [Loaded] KeyCue (Ergonis Software GmbH - installed 2025-02-17) Application /Applications/KeyCue.app [Running] Keyboard Maestro Engine (Stairways Software Pty Ltd - installed 2025-02-17) Application /Applications/Keyboard Maestro.app/Contents/MacOS/Keyboard Maestro Engine.app [Not Loaded] LoginItemHelper (App Store - installed 2025-02-17) Modern Login Item /Applications/Liquid | Flow.app [Not Loaded] magnetLauncher (App Store - installed 2025-02-17) Modern Login Item /Applications/Magnet.app/Contents/Library/LoginItems/magnetLauncher.app [Loaded] MonitorControlHelper (Joni Van Roost - installed 2025-02-17) Modern Login Item /Applications/MonitorControl.app/Contents/Library/LoginItems/MonitorControlHelper.app [Loaded] NordVPNLauncher (App Store - installed 2025-02-17) Modern Login Item /Applications/NordVPN.app/Contents/Library/LoginItems/NordVPNLauncher.app [Not Loaded] ProWritingAidLauncher (Orpheus Technology Ltd - installed 2025-02-17) Modern Login Item /Applications/ProWritingAid Everywhere.app/Contents/Library/LoginItems/ProWritingAidLauncher.app [Loaded] Quicksilver (Rob McBroom - installed 2025-02-17) Application /Applications/Quicksilver.app [Running] Speedtest (App Store - installed 2025-02-17) Application /Applications/Speedtest.app [Not Loaded] SpeedTestHelper (App Store - installed 2025-02-17) Modern Login Item /Applications/Speedtest.app/Contents/Library/LoginItems/SpeedTestHelper.app [Loaded] TGProLaunchHelper (Tunabelly Software Inc. - installed 2025-02-17) Modern Login Item /Applications/TG Pro.app/Contents/Library/LoginItems/TGProLaunchHelper.app [Running] XMenu (App Store - installed 2025-02-17) Application /Applications/XMenu.app [Not Loaded] yoinkLoginStarterHelper (App Store - installed 2025-02-17) Modern Login Item /Applications/Yoink.app/Contents/Library/LoginItems/yoinkLoginStarterHelper.app [Running] tyke (Andre Torrez - installed 2025-02-17) Application /Applications/tyke.app [Running] SwitchResX Daemon (Stephane Madrau - installed 2022-07-08) Application /Library/PreferencePanes/SwitchResX.prefPane/Contents/PlugIns/SwitchResX Daemon.app [Running] PasswordsMenuBarExtra (Apple - installed 2025-02-04) Modern Login Item /System/Applications/Passwords.app/Contents/Library/LoginItems/PasswordsMenuBarExtra.app [Not Loaded] WeatherMenu (Apple - installed 2025-02-04) Modern Login Item /System/Applications/Weather.app/Contents/Library/LoginItems/WeatherMenu.app [Loaded] com.adobe.SwitchBoard.monitor.plist (Not signedNot found!) MachInit /etc/mach_init_per_user.d/com.adobe.SwitchBoard.monitor.plist Applications: 217 Apple apps 164 3rd party apps 95 x86-only apps 15 unsigned apps App Extensions: Widgets: [Loaded] BetterTouchTool Widgets - /Applications/BetterTouchTool.app [Loaded] Drafts Widgets - /Applications/Drafts.app [Loaded] Yoink Clipboard History Widget - /Applications/Yoink.app [Loaded] Yoink Clipboard History - /Applications/Yoink.app [Loaded] Twitter - /Applications/Twitter.app [Loaded] MacWidget - /Applications/1Blocker.localized/1Blocker.app [Loaded] iStat Menus - /Applications/iStat Menus.app [Loaded] MacWidget - /Applications/1Blocker (Old).app Plugins: [Loaded] LinkerExtension - /Applications/Playgrounds.app [Loaded] AssetCatalogCompilerExtension - /Applications/Playgrounds.app [Loaded] CompilerExtension - /Applications/Playgrounds.app [Loaded] DocumentCheckerExtension - /Applications/Playgrounds.app [Loaded] ExecutionExtension - /Applications/Playgrounds.app [Loaded] MacBackgroundAssetsExtension - /Applications/1Blocker.localized/1Blocker.app [Loaded] SourceControlExtension - /Applications/Playgrounds.app [Loaded] SourceKitExtension - /Applications/Playgrounds.app [Loaded] Drafts Intents - /Applications/Drafts.app [Loaded] YoinkIntents - /Applications/Yoink.app Audio units: [Loaded] A2M - /Applications/A2M Audio to MIDI.app VPNs: [Loaded] NordLynx - /Applications/NordVPN.app [Loaded] OpenVPNTunnel - /Applications/NordVPN.app Finder sync extensions: [Loaded] BTTFinderContextMenu - /Applications/BetterTouchTool.app [Loaded] Core Sync Helper - /Applications/Utilities/Adobe Sync/CoreSync/Core Sync.app Notification providers: [Loaded] NotificationService - /Applications/PrimeVideo.app Photo editing extensions: [Loaded] Edit in Affinity Photo - /Applications/Affinity Photo 2.app [Loaded] ON1 Effects 2019 - /Applications/ON1 Effects 2019/ON1 Effects 2019.app Share services: [Loaded] Add to DEVONthink - /Applications/DEVONthink Pro.app [Loaded] Day One - /Applications/Day One Classic.app [Loaded] Add to DEVONthink 3 - /Applications/DEVONthink 3.app [Loaded] Drafts - /Applications/Drafts.app [Loaded] Keep in Gladys - /Applications/Gladys.app [Loaded] Photo Transfer App - /Applications/Photo Transfer App.app [Loaded] Yoink - /Applications/Yoink.app [Loaded] Evernote - /Applications/Evernote.app Ad-blockers: [Loaded] Custom Rules (Old) - /Applications/1Blocker (Old).app [Loaded] Regional Rules - /Applications/1Blocker.localized/1Blocker.app [Loaded] Block Annoyances - /Applications/1Blocker.localized/1Blocker.app [Loaded] Block Ads - /Applications/1Blocker.localized/1Blocker.app [Loaded] Custom Rules - /Applications/1Blocker.localized/1Blocker.app [Loaded] Block Annoyances (Old) - /Applications/1Blocker (Old).app [Loaded] Block Ads (Old) - /Applications/1Blocker (Old).app [Loaded] Block Trackers (Old) - /Applications/1Blocker (Old).app [Loaded] Block Adult Sites (Old) - /Applications/1Blocker (Old).app [Loaded] Regional Rules (Old) - /Applications/1Blocker (Old).app [Loaded] Block Trackers - /Applications/1Blocker.localized/1Blocker.app [Loaded] Block Comments (Old) - /Applications/1Blocker (Old).app [Loaded] Block Social Widgets (Old) - /Applications/1Blocker (Old).app [Loaded] Block Adult Sites - /Applications/1Blocker.localized/1Blocker.app Safari extensions: [Loaded] MacWebExtension - /Applications/1Blocker.localized/1Blocker.app [Loaded] 1Blocker Button (Old) - /Applications/1Blocker (Old).app [Loaded] Super Agent Extension - /Applications/Super Agent.app [Loaded] 1Blocker Actions - /Applications/1Blocker.localized/1Blocker.app [Loaded] Bitwarden - /Applications/Bitwarden.app [Loaded] Session Pal - /Applications/Session Pal.app [Loaded] 1Password - /Applications/1Password for Safari.app [Loaded] StopTheMadness Pro - /Applications/StopTheMadness Pro.app [Loaded] Clip to DEVONthink - /Applications/DEVONthink 3.app [Loaded] Dynamo - /Applications/Dynamo.app [Loaded] ProWritingAid for Safari - /Applications/ProWritingAid for Safari.app QuickLook Previews: [Loaded] ScrivQuickLook - /Applications/Scrivener.app com.literatureandlatte.scrivener3.scriv *.scriv [Loaded] QuickLookShareExtension - /Applications/Affinity Photo 2.app com.seriflabs.affinity *.fh10 com.seriflabs.affinitydesigner.document *.afdesign com.seriflabs.affinityphoto.document *.afphoto com.seriflabs.affinitypublisher.document *.afpub com.seriflabs.affinitypublisher.book *.afbook com.seriflabs.affinity.package *.afpackage com.seriflabs.affinity.template *.aftemplate [Loaded] EtreCheckQuickLook - /Applications/EtreCheckPro.app com.etresoft.etrecheck4 *.etrecheck QuickLook Thumbnails: [Loaded] ScrivThumbnail - /Applications/Scrivener.app com.literatureandlatte.scrivener3.scriv *.scriv [Loaded] ThumbnailShareExtension - /Applications/Affinity Photo 2.app com.seriflabs.affinity *.fh10 com.seriflabs.affinitydesigner.document *.afdesign com.seriflabs.affinityphoto.document *.afphoto com.seriflabs.affinitypublisher.document *.afpub com.seriflabs.affinitypublisher.book *.afbook com.seriflabs.affinity.package *.afpackage com.seriflabs.affinity.template *.aftemplate Internet Plug-ins: AdobePDFViewerNPAPI: 17.012.20098 (Adobe Systems, Inc. - installed 2025-02-17) AdobePDFViewer: 19.021.20058 (Adobe Systems, Inc. - installed 2025-02-17) npDDRia: 0.0.14.5 (? - installed 2025-02-17) AdobeAAMDetect: 3.0.0.0 (Adobe Systems, Inc. - installed 2025-02-17) Audio Plug-ins: AVOX MUTATOR: 4.4.0 (? - installed 2023-09-16) LABS: 1.5.21-2467a57 (Spitfire Audio LLP - installed 2025-02-17) Harmony Engine 4x: 4.4.0 (? - installed 2023-09-16) AVOX WARM: 4.3.0 (? - installed 2023-09-16) BBC Symphony Orchestra: 1.7.0-70cc846 (Spitfire Audio LLP - installed 2025-02-17) AVOX ARTICULATOR: 4.4.0 (? - installed 2023-09-16) AVOX THROAT: 4.4.0 (? - installed 2023-09-16) AVOX CHOIR: 4.4.0 (? - installed 2023-09-16) AVOX ASPIRE: 4.4.0 (? - installed 2023-09-16) Mic Mod: 4.4.0 (? - installed 2023-09-16) ...and 8 more. 3rd Party Preference panels: Backblaze Settings Launcher (Backblaze - installed 2025-02-17) ChronoAgent (Econ Technologies, Inc. - installed 2025-02-17) RCDefaultApp (? - installed 2023-07-17) SwitchResX (Stephane Madrau - installed 2025-02-17) Backup: Time Machine information is limited without Full Disk Access Destinations: S********************** [Local] (Last used) 3 local snapshots Oldest local snapshot: 2025-02-17 08:38:38 Last local snapshot: 2025-02-17 10:51:20 3rd party backup: Carbon Copy Cloner Performance: System Load: 2.94 (1 min ago) 2.01 (5 min ago) 1.78 (15 min ago) Nominal I/O usage: 0.73 MB/s File system: 9.81 seconds Write speed: 5523 MB/s Read speed: 3679 MB/s CPU Usage Snapshot: Type Overall System: 5 % User: 5 % Idle: 90 % Top Processes Snapshot by CPU: Process (count) CPU (Source - Location) WindowServer 36.42 % (Apple) ChronoSync 15.54 % (Econ Technologies, Inc.) kernel_task 10.04 % (Apple) EtreCheckPro 7.68 % (Etresoft, Inc.) sysmond 3.56 % (Apple) Top Processes Snapshot by Memory: Process (count) RAM usage (Source - Location) com.apple.WebKit.WebContent (21) 4.64 GB (Apple) EtreCheckPro 1.54 GB (Etresoft, Inc.) firefox 598 MB (Mozilla Corporation) plugin-container (9) 531 MB (Mozilla Corporation) Safari 504 MB (Apple) Top Processes Snapshot by Network Use: Process (count) Input / Output (Source - Location) mDNSResponder 3 MB / 419 KB (Apple) Mail 1 MB / 96 KB (Apple) rapportd 266 KB / 251 KB (Apple) apsd 43 KB / 315 KB (Apple) trustd 143 KB / 18 KB (Apple) Top Processes Snapshot by Energy Use: Process (count) Energy (0-100) (Source - Location) WindowServer 14 (Apple) ChronoSync 9 (Econ Technologies, Inc.) sysmond 8 (Apple) launchd 2 (Apple) com.apple.WebKit.WebContent (21) 1 (Apple) Virtual Memory Information: Physical RAM: 32 GB Free RAM: 2.66 GB Used RAM: 18.25 GB Cached files: 11.09 GB Available RAM: 13.75 GB Swap Used: 0 B Software Installs (past 60 days): Install Date Name (Version) 2024-12-21 Numbers (14.3) 2024-12-21 Pages (14.3) 2024-12-21 Magnet (3.0.6) 2024-12-21 Draw Things (1.20241216.0) 2024-12-21 Brother iPrint&Scan (12.1.0) 2025-01-19 Zoom Workplace (6.3.6.47101) 2025-02-04 macOS 15.3 (15.3) 2025-02-05 Prime Video (10.61) 2025-02-05 NordVPN (8.33.1) 2025-02-05 StopTheMadness Pro (13.1) 2025-02-05 1Blocker (6.1) 2025-02-05 1Password for Safari (8.10.58) 2025-02-05 iMovie (10.4.3) 2025-02-05 Drafts (47.0) 2025-02-05 GarageBand (10.4.12) 2025-02-06 XProtectPlistConfigData (5287) 2025-02-06 Logi Plugin Service (1.0) 2025-02-06 XProtectCloudKitUpdate (5287) 2025-02-07 SF Symbols (6.0.1.1726709071) 2025-02-15 macOS 15.3.1 (15.3.1) 2025-02-17 RosettaUpdateAuto (1.0.0.0.1.1738696874) 2025-02-17 MRTConfigData (1.93) 2025-02-17 Gatekeeper Compatibility Data (1.0) Diagnostics Information (past 60 days): 2025-02-17 10:49:27 ProWritingAid for Safari Extension Crash (118 times) First occurrence: 2025-02-10 11:20:59 Executable: /Applications/ProWritingAid for Safari.app 2025-02-17 10:10:00 bird High CPU Use Executable: /System/Library/PrivateFrameworks/CloudDocsDaemon.framework/Versions/A/Support/bird 2025-02-17 10:07:08 BetterTouchTool Crash Executable: /Applications/BetterTouchTool.app 2025-02-17 10:05:21 Firestorm-Betax64.app High CPU Use (30 times) First occurrence: 2025-02-10 10:37:20 Executable: /Applications/Firestorm-Betax64.app 2025-02-17 09:53:47 fileproviderd High CPU Use Executable: /System/Library/Frameworks/FileProvider.framework/Support/fileproviderd 2025-02-17 08:58:14 Finder.app High CPU Use Executable: /System/Library/CoreServices/Finder.app 2025-02-17 08:50:43 spotlightknowledged High CPU Use (16 times) First occurrence: 2025-02-10 09:38:17 Executable: /System/Library/Frameworks/CoreSpotlight.framework/spotlightknowledged 2025-02-17 08:48:05 ReportCrash High CPU Use (2 times) First occurrence: 2025-02-15 21:55:37 Executable: /System/Library/CoreServices/ReportCrash 2025-02-17 08:42:45 apfsd High CPU Use (4 times) First occurrence: 2025-02-10 10:50:31 Executable: /usr/libexec/apfsd 2025-02-15 16:41:26 FPCKService High CPU Use (5 times) First occurrence: 2025-02-10 20:32:13 Executable: /System/Library/PrivateFrameworks/FileProviderDaemon.framework/XPCServices/FPCKService.xpc/Contents/MacOS/FPCKService 2025-02-15 14:22:32 signpost_reporter High CPU Use (4 times) First occurrence: 2025-02-12 14:55:05 Executable: /usr/libexec/signpost_reporter 2025-02-15 12:53:41 mdwrite High CPU Use (2 times) First occurrence: 2025-02-12 13:57:06 Executable: /System/Library/Frameworks/CoreServices.framework/Versions/A/Frameworks/Metadata.framework/Versions/A/Support/mdwrite 2025-02-15 12:47:17 lsd Crash (8 times) First occurrence: 2025-02-15 12:38:44 Executable: /usr/libexec/lsd 2025-02-14 09:56:19 suggestd High CPU Use (2 times) First occurrence: 2025-02-10 13:24:20 Executable: /System/Library/PrivateFrameworks/CoreSuggestions.framework/Versions/A/Support/suggestd 2025-02-13 12:09:27 chrome_crashpad_handler Crash Executable: /Applications/Brave Browser.app 2025-02-11 09:00:12 MonitorControl Crash Executable: /Applications/MonitorControl.app End of report


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Feb 17, 2025 5:17 AM in response to Simon Townley

I see no attached report. However, two items.

Do not use the sleep function, it only cause all kinds of issues. Just have the display turn off after a set time. Also, test your mac without the TM drive connected. If there is an issue with the TM drive it may cause booting issues. If ok with the external drive not attached then I would erase the external and start your TM over or get a new drive and save the older drive just in case a file is needed.

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Feb 17, 2025 11:19 PM in response to tbirdvet

I have tried changing the outlet but that had no effect. The power cord appears to be in perfect condition. And, of course, some kind of power is reaching the machine, as it is able to 'blink' even though it won't boot. Unless, of course, the Mac Studio has some kind of battery within it which could be providing reserve power? I can remember often having to change batteries in my LC Mac back in the 1990s, and even on my G4 Power Mac. But I thought those days were long gone.

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Feb 18, 2025 2:03 AM in response to rkaufmann87

Thanks for your advice. I have deleted ProtonVPN, though not yet done the restart. (I'm doing as much as possible without restarting in case it won't boot.)

I'd be interested to know why you identified ProtonVPN specifically as the likely cause of the problem. Does it have a history of causing these kinds of issues?

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Feb 25, 2025 9:00 AM in response to Simon Townley

you also appear to have NORD VPN installed.


VPN:

A virtual private network, or VPN, is a private connection over the Internet from a device to a specific network.  VPN technology is widely used in corporate environments. If you need to be "present" on an institutional network, a VPN is a great tool for accomplishing this. it is generally issued and controlled by the institution.


Almost all other uses are a SCAM. There is generally no need for you to have a private connection to a VPN vendor's Network, except to make it easier for them to harvest your data to sell. There is NO security advantage whatsoever in using a VPN. Your connections are already encrypted in most cases.


If VPN vendors just stopped there, it would be bad. But many of these packages also insist on scanning all your files, non-stop, -- nominally looking for viruses, but who knows for sure what data they are harvesting. Their non-stop file reading punishes your computer's performance in the process.


Some also break into your other secure connections so they can be FIRST to examine your data, often leaving your Mac MORE vulnerable to attack.


https://gist.github.com/joepie91/5a9909939e6ce7d09e29



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Feb 25, 2025 9:04 AM in response to Simon Townley

The power inlet on this Mac reminds me of the power inlet on older Mac Pro machines that had more Surface Area than a standard IEC connection.


If you have not done so already, I suggest you remove the power cord from the computer, and JAM it back into its socket quite forcefully. See if that make a better connection and more reliable starting.

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Mac Studio won't boot, light blinks once

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