Henri Cosemans
Level 1 (0 points)

Q: sleep wake failure

Hello, recently I have been getting unexpected restarts, after restarting it tells me 'sleep wake failure' How do I fix this?

iMac, OS X Mavericks (10.9)

Posted on Nov 28, 2013 8:33 PM

by Linc Davis,Solvedanswer
Linc Davis Linc Davis
Level 10 (208,037 points)
Applications
A:

Intel-based Macs: Resetting the System Management Controller (SMC)

 

If there's no improvement, do as below.

 

This procedure is a diagnostic test. It’s unlikely to solve your problem. Don’t be disappointed when you find that nothing has changed after you complete it.

The purpose of the test is to determine whether the problem is caused by third-party software that loads automatically at startup or login, by a peripheral device, by a font conflict, or by corruption of certain system caches.

 

Disconnect all wired peripherals except those needed for the test, and remove all aftermarket expansion cards. Boot in safe mode and log in to the account with the problem. Note: If FileVault is enabled on some models, or if a firmware password is set, or if the boot volume is a software RAID, you can’t do this. Ask for further instructions.
   
Safe mode is much slower to boot and run than normal, and some things won’t work at all, including sound output and  Wi-Fi on certain models. The next normal boot may also be somewhat slow.

The login screen appears even if you usually log in automatically. You must know your login password in order to log in. If you’ve forgotten the password, you will need to reset it before you begin.

 

Test while in safe mode. Same problem?

 

After testing, reboot as usual (i.e., not in safe mode) and verify that you still have the problem. Post the results of the test.

Posted on Nov 29, 2013 11:42 AM

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Henri Cosemans

Q: sleep wake failure

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  • Helpful answers

  • by Linc Davis,Solvedanswer

    Linc Davis Linc Davis Nov 29, 2013 11:42 AM in response to Henri Cosemans
    Level 10 (208,037 points)
    Applications
    Nov 29, 2013 11:42 AM in response to Henri Cosemans

    Intel-based Macs: Resetting the System Management Controller (SMC)

     

    If there's no improvement, do as below.

     

    This procedure is a diagnostic test. It’s unlikely to solve your problem. Don’t be disappointed when you find that nothing has changed after you complete it.

    The purpose of the test is to determine whether the problem is caused by third-party software that loads automatically at startup or login, by a peripheral device, by a font conflict, or by corruption of certain system caches.

     

    Disconnect all wired peripherals except those needed for the test, and remove all aftermarket expansion cards. Boot in safe mode and log in to the account with the problem. Note: If FileVault is enabled on some models, or if a firmware password is set, or if the boot volume is a software RAID, you can’t do this. Ask for further instructions.
       
    Safe mode is much slower to boot and run than normal, and some things won’t work at all, including sound output and  Wi-Fi on certain models. The next normal boot may also be somewhat slow.

    The login screen appears even if you usually log in automatically. You must know your login password in order to log in. If you’ve forgotten the password, you will need to reset it before you begin.

     

    Test while in safe mode. Same problem?

     

    After testing, reboot as usual (i.e., not in safe mode) and verify that you still have the problem. Post the results of the test.

  • by Incredulocious,Helpful

    Incredulocious Incredulocious Dec 3, 2013 1:01 PM in response to Henri Cosemans
    Level 1 (5 points)
    Dec 3, 2013 1:01 PM in response to Henri Cosemans

    Henri Cosemans wrote:

     

    Hello, recently I have been getting unexpected restarts, after restarting it tells me 'sleep wake failure' How do I fix this?

    Yup, no surprise, join the club:

    https://discussions.apple.com/message/23577633#23577633

     

    And sorry, no fix yet and no workaround yet other than unplugging your USB hard drives before sleeping.

  • by Ricklsanders ,

    Ricklsanders Ricklsanders Apr 3, 2014 1:46 PM in response to Henri Cosemans
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Apr 3, 2014 1:46 PM in response to Henri Cosemans

    I think I may have found the reason as to why the screen suddenly goes black...

     

    Its due to the "Hot Corner" functionality. The screen has 4 programable Hot Corners that functions like an additional set of TrackPad gestures. When you move your mouse near one of the four corners the function kicks in. Whether its view Dashboard, Mission Control or PUT DISPLAY TO SLEEP.

     

    The Fix:

    In the DESKTOP & SCREENSAVER folder in the system preferences, click to SCREENSAVER page. At the BOTTOM RIGHT corner is the Hot Corner button. Click that then change all of the hot corners to - (null) or whatever function you want it to be.

     

    Hope that helps.

  • by Lohvarn,

    Lohvarn Lohvarn Jun 23, 2014 12:13 AM in response to Ricklsanders
    Level 1 (25 points)
    Apple Pay
    Jun 23, 2014 12:13 AM in response to Ricklsanders

    I started getting these Sleep Wake Failures last week. Not long before that, I had enabled my top-left corner to start my screen saver. I disabled that function and will give it another week or two to see if that was causing the issue.