Macbook crashing thrice daily. Clueless as to reason.

Question

Macbook crashing thrice daily. Clueless as to reason.

My Macbook was recently crashing over and over again, so I backed up my files and cleared the drive. It's still crashing and giving the following error message a few dozen times every time it happens.

"10/3/11 7:21:03 PM com.apple.launchd[1] (com.apple.SystemStarter) Failed to count the number of files in "/System/Library/StartupItems": No such file or directory"

I don't have any other programs or applications running besides my web browser. Would this be a driver issue? Damage of some kind? I'm literally grasping at straws.

I'm a student and this Macbook is pretty vital to my work, but would I need to consider sending this for repair? I can backup my files so I'd be able to use them on the library computers for the time being.

Thanks for any help you can provide.

Joe

MacBook Pro, Mac OS X (10.6.7)

Posted on Oct 3, 2011 4:29 PM

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Answer 1

Top-ranking reply

John Hammer1

Level 4

2,814 points

Oct 3, 2011 4:35 PM in response to josephfromlynn

Go to /System/Library and look for the StartupItems folder. Does it exist? If not, create it, then find out if you get the crashing with that error message again.

Let me know if you can't get the Mac to boot at all in order to try that.

If this doesn't provide a quick fix, and you're covered by AppleCare, call AppleCare right away:

800-MY-APPLE (800-692-7753)

Otherwise, get in touch with your nearest Apple Store and make an appointment at the Genius Bar. They'll either be able to put it right for you immediately, or recommend a repair process that might or might not cost you a little.

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Answer 2

Linc Davis

Level 10

209,649 points

Oct 3, 2011 5:06 PM in response to josephfromlynn

That folder is created when you install the OS. It's not essential and should actually be empty, but if it's missing, then something modified your installation, perhaps in other ways. I suggest you back up your data and reinstall the OS, then run Software Update.

Mac OS X 10.6 Help: Reinstalling Mac OS X

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Answer 3

Oct 3, 2011 5:17 PM in response to John Hammer1

So, you're saying just create a new folder entitled "StartupItems" and then reboot? I'll give that a try and see if I can call AppleCare, set up an appointment, etc.

Thanks.

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Answer 4

Oct 3, 2011 5:18 PM in response to Linc Davis

Thanks, I'll try creating the folder first and if nothing happens I'll give this a shot.

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