iMac won't start after software update

Dave New Temple

I have exactly the same problem and it has been going on every time there is an update. I vowed not to update my iMac ever again but was just tempted again and here you go!

sooooo frustrating.

It has been a long time since Lion 10.7 has had an update. Is your problem with Lion?

If not, I suggest you create a new Post in the operating system forum that matches the version of OS X you are actually using.

Before you create your new post, try booting into "Safe" mode

<http://support.apple.com/kb/ht1564>

If that works, chances are you have 3rd party additions that are interfering with your Macs normal operation.

You can also try resetting the SMC and NVRAM

<Reset the System Management Controller (SMC) on your Mac - Apple Support>

<How to reset NVRAM on your Mac - Apple Support>

If none of these things work, then start that new post in the correct OS X forum. Please provide as many details as you can, include what update failed for you, what Mac model you are using, everything you have tried before posting, and anything else you can think of that might help the volunteers helping in these forums.

If you haven't already, see if the Mac will boot into Safe Mode: restart holding down the Shift key until you see a grey progress bar, input your admin password when prompted. Once booted restart as normal from the Apple menu - any luck?

I'm not sure this will solve the problem but it won't hurt to try:

https://discussions.apple.com/docs/DOC-3603

If that doesn't help, will it boot into the Recovery HD and let you run Disk Utility to see if the HD needs repairs? Restart holding down Command+r - select Disk Utility>Macintosh HD and click on 'repair disk'. If anything gets fixed click on repair disk again until you get a clean pass and then restart as nomral from the Apple menu.

There's also this knowledge-base article which addresses Grey Screen at Start-up problems:

http://support.apple.com/kb/TS2570

I don't understand logs, but what was the error message? Did Disk Utility say it couldn't repair the disk?

Do you have up-to-date backup (Time Machine or a clone) in case things go from bad to worse and Disk Utility can't repair the drive?

(I'm going to check out now as it's late here but hopefully someone else with spot this thread and help out - good luck).

Did you ever resolve this problem ?

The exact same thing has happened to me and I have no idea how to fix it..

I have exactly the same problem and it has been going on every time there is an update. I vowed not to update my iMac ever again but was just tempted again and here you go!

sooooo frustrating.