Mavericks won't complete a start-up in safe mode (shift key held down after the chime). It goes progresses slowly in the start-up process, then near the end of the process the screen goes blank and the computer automatically restarts in the normal mode. Does anyone know what is causing this 😕
William ...
Why the need to boot in Safe Mode ?
I'm having the exact same problem with mavericks on a brand new imac.
I want to go into safe mode to try and troubleshoot an issue with files taking 15-20 seconds to appear in the finder in all my apps. ie: Try to open a file in any app, I get the spinning gear for 15-20 seconds before they appear in the finder.
Can't find any successful solutions for either problem online.
Booting in safe mode runs through maintenance and repair scripts. I was using that method in an attempt to solve a problem.
I think Filevault 2 can stop safe mode from loading.
https://discussions.apple.com/thread/3637813
There is also a very long thread on the topic, take a look through some of the suggestions over there…
https://discussions.apple.com/thread/3750015
The question I have is what are you trying to troubleshoot? Are you having issues?
EtreCheck could help show third party software that can cause conflicts.
Thanks for pointing out the other thread. It doesn't appear that there was a reliable explanation. Prior to perusing that thread, I thought it was a Maverikcs issue, since not being able to finish the Safe Mode start-up began for me after upgrading from Mountain Lion. However, I can see that other users were having a similar issue with OSX before 10.9.
Are you using a wireless keyboard?
Exact same problem here and I have the IMAC late 2012 model. I have reported this issue to Apple and it was submitted to engineering. They were able to recreate the issue on same model IMAC. The issue only effects certain models of the IMAC. The older machines don't seem to have a problem. Some one had mentioned why the need to go into safe boot. There are many reasons for booting into safe boot. For one it essentially cleans up the machine and frees up some of the disk space. Sometimes you need to access safe boot for troubleshooting. IMO this is a major bug and I am surprised this was missed in pre release testing. I ended up going back to Mountain Lion until Apple resolves this issue.
I have a late 2012 iMac and I've never been able to Safe Boot - either with Mountain Lion or now Mavericks. I did find an Apple KB article (HT1455) that shows how to setup Safe Boot using a Terminal command. I tried it - BIG mistake. The machine started the Safe Boot process, but couldn't complete it. It was in an endless re-start cycle. AppleCare got me to Terminal mode, and then I was able to reverse the Safe Boot setup command. Note: the reverse command in the KB article must be modified if you have to use Terminal in Recorery mode.
Hi Floridman,
Did you hear back from Apple regarding a resolution to your safe mode boot problem? I have a late 2012 iMac as well and cannot boot into safe mode.
I have not heard back from them on this matter. I am hoping it will be in the next Mavericks update. It would help for you to report the issue and if you do speak with a senior advisor.
My Late 2012 27-inch is unable to boot in Safe Mode also. Replying to this chain to see if anything gets updated. Thanks.
No resolution here. I still can't boot in safe mode. Looking for a solution.
fixed in 10.9.2
I wish I could say the same, but I can't.
won't start in safe mode
