After working fine for a year, suddenly I cannot get past the apple logo with spinning gear page,
Already tried:
1. safe mode-loading bar disappears 1/3 way through,
2. downloading/reinstalling Mavericks OS-took 4 hours, reboot led right back to same issue,
3. disk/permissions repair - same issue when rebooted
4. Resetting PRAM - heard second chime - same issue
Mac Pro, OS X Mavericks (10.9.5)
The startup drive is failing, or there is some other internal hardware fault.
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.
Mac Book Pro Mavericks OS 10.9.5 stops at apple logo with spinning gear.
