The update completely screwed up my computer! Now it won't start-up - it only goes into Terminal then shuts down. After three tries Techtool Pro opens in e-disk mode to repair the problem (which it can't find a solution). Great Apple - thanks !

That "thing" on your screen is a kernel panic report. (It is not a Terminal window even though it superficially resembles one.)

That usually means that some file that loaded at startup time is either damaged or not compatible with the rest of the OS. That prevents the boot process from completing so the only thing the computer can do without a fully function OS to tell you what happened is to display that report.

When it occurs early in the boot process immediately after an OS update has been applied it usually means a third party "kext" (kernel extension) file is the culprit. Typically this is because the developer either hasn't yet updated the file to be fully compatible with the OS update or you haven't yet installed the latest version that is.

It can also mean that a preexisting part of the OS that the update doesn't replace was damaged for some reason. This is often a part that is rarely used (for instance only during the update process itself) so there is no sign of the damage until the update reveals it.

Unless the problem is in an essential part of the OS, a safe boot will at least get the Mac booted but with limited functionality. This will allow you to do some troubleshooting & possibly fix it, for instance by manually downloading & running the combo version of the update, which contains more replacement files than the 'delta' version Software Update will install. That has a better chance of replacing any damaged OS files, but won't do anything useful if the problem is an incompatible or damaged third party file.

yes...back to 10.8.4...had a short bluetooth problem after restart...but now everything is back to "normal" 😉

I just get a frozen restart wheel.....sometimes even a log on screen, but then it will frezze the long in after putting in the password.......

The reason this is so puzzling is that com.eltima.eveusb.kext still appears in the panic report, which is also the prime suspect for the fact your Mac cannot complete its boot sequence.

R C-R's reply posted a couple minutes before my question about the screenshot echoes what I'm thinking. Something isn't making sense.

Lesultan wrote:

I got the kext bit and was going through the extensions but haven't booted up again to see if one of those is the culprit. I did revert back to standard system fonts (I publish books and do magazine layouts also - so have some pretty funky fonts) but again, haven't rebooted yet.

OK. It still isn't clear how the kext(s), extra fonts, etc. got onto the 'clean' HD in the first place but you are on the right track if you are looking for them. The panic report (if you still see it) should provide clues about that, or you can try looking for the panic log as explained in the "Advanced information about kernel panics and panic logs" section of the "About Kernel Panics" Knowledge base article.

Where do I find the 'combo' version of the update ? I'd like to keep that at my shoulder in case I run out of ammunition.

Go to http://support.apple.com/downloads/#macos & look for the latest update for the OS you are using (Mountain Lion) with the suffix "(Combo)" in the title.

Lesultan wrote:

Where do I find the 'combo' version of the update ?

OS X Mountain Lion Update v10.8.5 (Combo)

How do you safe boot? I have tried the "SHIFT" button and "COMMAND, SHIFT+ V" and "Command + R" with no satisfactory results. Really "frustrated" (being nice) with this v10.8.5 update...I need my computer up and running and have access to all my documents. Had to use my husbands computer, get into my web based email for access to documents that I could upload and send for a job prospect. Could REALLY use ANY help possible!!

Thank you!

Ravenscove

ravenscove wrote:

How do you safe boot? I have tried the "SHIFT" button

That's correct, but if you have a Wireless keyboard, the timing is tricky and sometimes doesn't work.

Immediately after hearing the startup tone, press the Shift key.

If you can use a wired keyboard, you can press the Shift key any time prior to the tone.

Hold the shift key down until you see the gray screen. I usually wait to see the apple.

Did you hold down the LEFT shift button right after pressing the power button, raven?

Absolutely.

whenever I go to iTunes it opens in the gray screen of death! and has to be forced to quit.

Lesultan wrote:

Thank you John ~

Now is there a chance you could find another moment to explain WHY TTP is such a problem ? I've used it for more than 10 years and it's only been an asset.

I am not inclined to do what someone (a few people now) suggests without further infomation to substantiate their motion.

thanks in advance ~

So do as you please, it doesn't affect us, and with that attitude we are unlikely to care.