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"You Need To Restart Your Computer" Message

Ok, this is not good at all. I keep getting the "You Need To Restart Your Computer" message, which prevents me from doing anything on my Macbook Pro.

Apple Hardware extensive test tells me that there is nothing wrong with my hardware.

The strange thing is, I have just reinstalled OS X Snow Leopard, and it still gives me the "You need to restart your computer..." message.

What is wrong? I have tested the RAM chips and they work fine on my Macbook Pro (In Windows 7 there's no problem at all).

MacBook Pro, Mac OS X (10.6.6), Dual Boot OS X 10.6.6 and Windows 7

Posted on May 15, 2011 8:27 AM

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leroydouglas

Community+ 2024

Level 10

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Posted on May 15, 2011 8:29 AM

Try reading through this reference.

http://www.thexlab.com/faqs/kernelpanics.html

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27 replies

Linc Davis

Level 10

209,547 points

May 15, 2011 12:50 PM in response to Lithalex

I'll have to take your word for it that there is no panic log. In that case, I have two suggestions:

1. Boot in safe mode and see whether the panics still happen.

2. Run the Windows "chkdisk" program to repair your Boot Camp volume.

Lithalex Author

Level 1

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May 16, 2011 3:10 PM in response to Linc Davis

It didn't work. I tried installing updates (which requires a connection to the internet) and OS X 10.6 froze.

Is there anywhere I can download those updates from a separate location and then install them manually on OS X without connecting to the internet?

Linc Davis

Level 10

209,547 points

May 16, 2011 5:03 PM in response to Lithalex

If you can't boot in safe mode, you have either a corrupt system, a damaged boot volume, or a hardware fault. DO NOT try to installl updates. Boot from your installation DVD, run "Repair Disk" in Disk Utility, run the Installer, then reboot and run Software Update.

Lithalex Author

Level 1

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May 16, 2011 5:13 PM in response to Linc Davis

I can boot in Safe Mode. The problem is, when I turn on AirPort Utilities, shortly afterwards I have the message "You Need To Restart Your Computer".

I am trying to solve this.

Linc Davis

Level 10

209,547 points

May 16, 2011 5:28 PM in response to Lithalex

Getting kernel panics in safe mode has the same implications as not being able to boot in safe mode. Installing updates will not help.

Lithalex Author

Level 1

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May 16, 2011 5:35 PM in response to Linc Davis

I should not be getting kernel panics in safe mode? These kernel panics only occur when I turn on AirPort. If I do not turn on AirPort, I don't get kernel panics. If I turn it on, I will get a kernel panic or my computer will freeze.

Reinstalling Snow Leopard doesn't do me any good. I still get the kernel panics when I turn on AirPort and connect to my WiFi network.

The Apple Hardware extensive test gives me no problems at all.

What can I do to help?

Linc Davis

Level 10

209,547 points

May 16, 2011 5:44 PM in response to Lithalex

If you have verified the directory of your startup volume, and reinstalled Snow Leopard, and you're still getting kernel panics in safe mode, then you have a hardware fault. That is absolutely certain. The Apple Hardware Test is not very reliable and misses many problems. If it says you don't have a fault, it's wrong. Take the unit to an Apple Store or other authorized service provider for repair.

Lithalex Author

Level 1

0 points

May 16, 2011 5:52 PM in response to Linc Davis

Are you sure this is a hardware issue? If it was hardware, it would affect bootcamp too, but bootcamp works fine. It connects to the network fine, and doesn't cause any problems. However, on OS X, is only when it causes errors.

Anyway, I'm taking my Macbook Pro to the Apple Store at the end of the week. They may determine the problem.

Tomorrow, I'm going to test this on a different network to see if I get the same results.