UI updates were forcibly disabled by application "xxx" for over 1.00 seconds

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Level 1

44 points

UI updates were forcibly disabled by application "xxx" for over 1.00 seconds

I am running a mid 2012 13" MacBook Pro and it has recently been locking up frequently. The console shows UI updates were forcibly disabled by application "xxx" for over 1.00 seconds, usually the culprit is the Finder. At first I thought it was an OS issue, so I reinstalled the 10.9.4 combo installation without any change. Then I ran disk repair and permissions repair from the boot utility, and neither gave me any errors. I then tried Safe Mode booting to see if it was an application, but the computer was still functioning noticeably slower. Next was single user mode with a FSCK which did not show any disk abnormalities. I was worried it was a disk issues so I ran SMART status as well without any errors being reported on the drive. I ran the comprehensive Apple Hardware Test and was normal. Finally I opened the bottom of the MacBook Pro to see if the SATA cable looked damaged but it was visibly intact without any obvious signs of damage, and then I disconnected the cable from the logic board and hard drive then re-attched it. That seemed to have improved things although only for maybe 20 minutes of use.

Given everything I have done, how can I better pinpoint what is causing this lag? I am not sure how much more the folks at the Apple Store can do.

Posted on Jul 4, 2014 7:53 PM

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Answer 1

Javad Azadi Author

Level 1

44 points

Jul 4, 2014 8:00 PM in response to Javad Azadi

I have also reset the SMC and PRAM without any effect.

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Answer 2

Linc Davis

Level 10

209,547 points

Jul 4, 2014 11:03 PM in response to Javad Azadi

Safe mode is always slow. Did the system "lock up" while in safe mode?

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Answer 3

Javad Azadi Author

Level 1

44 points

Jul 5, 2014 4:37 AM in response to Linc Davis

Yes, but I should be careful when I say lock up because I mean it beachballs for 1 to 60 seconds.

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Answer 4

Linc Davis

Level 10

209,547 points

Jul 5, 2014 7:31 AM in response to Javad Azadi

The startup drive is failing, or there is some other internal hardware fault. The hardware test is unreliable.

Back up all data on the drive immediately if you don't already have a current backup. There are ways to back up a computer that isn't fully functional—ask if you need guidance.

Make a "Genius" appointment at an Apple Store, or go to another authorized service provider.

If privacy is a concern, erase the data partition(s) with the option to write zeros* (do this only if you have at least two complete, independent backups, and you know how to restore to an empty drive from any of them.) Don’t erase the recovery partition, if present.

Keeping your confidential data secure during hardware repair

Apple also recommends that you deauthorize a device in the iTunes Store before having it serviced.

*An SSD doesn't need to be zeroed.

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Answer 5

Mar 3, 2015 2:19 PM in response to Javad Azadi

I am seeing this log message ("UI updates were forcibly disabled...") too, when

a) Flux is running and
b) Safari plays a movie.

Disabling flux solves the problem. I can reproduce this.

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