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Level 1

8 points

27" iMac won't boot properly after power outage

Help! My iMac won’t boot properly following a power outage. I left my iMac in sleep mode and we lost power due to a thunderstorm. When I turned it back on, it chimed, got the Apple logo then white screen with spinning pinwheel (beach ball). I am a freelance videographer and editor, so my computer is my livelihood. Yes, I know, I should have had it plugged into an APC, but I can’t afford to have it repaired professionally and I would appreciate any tips on what could be the problem. Here are the specs of my computer:

27” iMac OS X v. 10.7.5 Lion

2.7 GHz Intel Core i5 Processor

12GB 1333 MHz DDR3

Here are the troubleshooting steps I’ve taken so far:

Rebooted in OS X Recovery mode and ran disk utility, after verifying the disk, it said “The Volume Macintosh HD appears to be OK”
Reset the SMC
Reset the NVRAM
Launched Single User Mode by shutting the iMac down and turning it back on while pressing Command-S. At the command-line prompt, I typed fsck –fy and hit return. After the checks were complete, I got the message that “The Volume appears to by OK”
Launched disk utility again in recovery mode and ran Repair Permissions
Performed a safe boot and it came up fine. Of course, I was unable to connect any peripheral devices to run a quick backups of anything I’ve done since June 2^nd, but I’ll deal with that later.
Shut down the computer and left it unplugged from back of iMac and the surge protector for 24 hours. The next day I plugged it back in and just walked away for an hour. When I came back, it was on the login screen. I was so excited that everything was fine. However, it took over 15 minutes to login and once I was logged in, it would take over 30 mins to just open applications, so something is still wrong. It has never run that slow.
The only thing I have not done yet is reinstall Mountain Lion. I’m hesitant in doing that since it runs fine in safe mode. Would the operating system be the problem if it runs fine in safe mode? My last time machine backups was on 2 June, so I’m not too worried about reloaded the OS X and losing data, I just don’t want to take that step if it’s not necessary.

What is a logic board failure? If it fails, would my computer still run in safe mode? Based on the troubleshooting steps I've taken so far and the fact it did start after an hour, but runs too slow to do anything, what could be the problem? I would greatly appreciate any advice or recommendations for this issue. Thanks!

iMac (27-inch Mid 2011), Mac OS X (10.7.5)

Posted on Jul 16, 2015 8:45 AM

48 replies

Csound1

Level 9

59,973 points

Jul 17, 2015 8:30 AM in response to MichelPM

MichelPM wrote:

The OP stated the they couldn't get to the Intenet to download and install Etrecheck.

Does Safe Mode disable connections to the Web?

No, but you must connect with an ethernet cable, don't use wireless. I already posted the info on that.

cdhw

Level 4

3,588 points

Jul 17, 2015 9:49 AM in response to jpfedele

Everything you have done so far seems very sensible. You may have tried this already, but you don't seem to have run the Apple Hardware Test that's on the install disk that came with your computer:

https://support.apple.com/en-gb/HT201257

If you can get your machine to a an Apple Genius they will be able to run more extensive diagnostics and, if there is a problem, give you a quote for a repair.

How much spare space is there on your disk? As a rule of thumb you need ca 10 GB free or the system will experience problems much like you describe.

Also, if you have managed to get the machine to boot, can you use Console.app to review the System Log to see that gives any hints as to what it was doing during the hour or so it took?

Next time you boot your machine use 'verbose mode',

Mac OS X: How to start up in single-user or verbose mode - Apple Support

which will show the console log as it happens. Watch it as the boot progresses and look for what it says just before and after any long pauses and/or messages that are repeated many times.

As others have recommended, do try and get a copy of EtreCheck onto your machine somehow. Perhaps get a friend to download the file onto a USB stick for you.

Don't rule out the possibility that the lightning/power thing was not the root cause of the problem. Coincidences do happen sometimes.

jpfedele Author

Level 1

8 points

Jul 17, 2015 10:06 AM in response to Csound1

Yes, I downloaded Etrecheck yesterday on my Mac Book Pro. I'm just trying to figure out how to get it on my iMac. I don't have a CAT5 cable long enough to reach my iMac from where my Internet modem is located. I would have carry the iMac into another room, but haven't had time to do that yet. While in Safe Mode, all my USB ports are disabled, so I can't transfer the program. Is there a specific reason why I shouldn't use WIFI while in Safe Mode? I haven't tried, it's probably disabled anyway in Safe Mode. I was thinking of burning the program to a DVD as a data file and getting to the iMac that way. I already burned files to a DVD from the iMac as a backup. They were new files since my last Time Machine Backup, which was 2 June. So I know the DVD drive works in Safe Mode. I'm working on it and I really appreciate your support!

jpfedele Author

Level 1

8 points

Jul 17, 2015 10:50 AM in response to cdhw

Thanks! Great info. FYI, the manual that came with my iMac said to restart the computer while holding down the "D" key to run the Apple Hardware Test, but that didn't do anything. Apparently, I was supposed to get a Apple Hardware Test chooser screen, but nothing showed up.

Csound1

Level 9

59,973 points

Jul 17, 2015 10:56 AM in response to jpfedele

jpfedele wrote:

Yes, I downloaded Etrecheck yesterday on my Mac Book Pro. I'm just trying to figure out how to get it on my iMac. I don't have a CAT5 cable long enough to reach my iMac from where my Internet modem is located. I would have carry the iMac into another room, but haven't had time to do that yet. While in Safe Mode, all my USB ports are disabled, so I can't transfer the program. Is there a specific reason why I shouldn't use WIFI while in Safe Mode? I haven't tried, it's probably disabled anyway in Safe Mode. I was thinking of burning the program to a DVD as a data file and getting to the iMac that way. I already burned files to a DVD from the iMac as a backup. They were new files since my last Time Machine Backup, which was 2 June. So I know the DVD drive works in Safe Mode. I'm working on it and I really appreciate your support!

Try WiFi but it may be inoperable, use a cable, if you don't have one move the iMac closer or go and get a cable. You're considering an entire erase and reinstall in lieu of a cable, or a move?

cdhw

Level 4

3,588 points

Jul 17, 2015 10:57 AM in response to jpfedele

Did you have the right disk in? It's on the second one 'Applications Install Disk 2'. Otherwise, try restarting with that disk in and the option key held down and choose the hardware test from the possibilities offered.

Jul 17, 2015 12:21 PM in response to jpfedele

Since you can boot into the Recovery HD, you should be able to re-install

OSX via the internet. However, since booting in safe mode is working,

it sure does seem to be some 3rd party driver or app (or more than 1) that has

become corrupted and may be getting stuck spinning its wheels and dragging

the system down.

jpfedele Author

Level 1

8 points

Jul 17, 2015 7:07 PM in response to Csound1

Ok, I moved my iMac to my other office that has the modem. I connected the ethernet cable to it, booted in safe mode, but was unable to access any websites. I tried accessing the etresoft.com website to download Etrecheck, but it could not connect. I tried accessing Google, no joy. Other websites, no joy. I verified my ethernet connection in System Preferences and it said I had a good active ethernet connection to the Internet. Is there something else I need to do? I tried Firefox and Safari as my web browsers and got the same results....it could not access any websites. Is this a safety feature in Safe Mode not allowing me to connect to the Internet?

Csound1

Level 9

59,973 points

Jul 17, 2015 7:10 PM in response to jpfedele

No, you should be able to browse the internet.

jpfedele Author

Level 1

8 points

Jul 17, 2015 7:12 PM in response to woodmeister50

I did notice in the Console that the following entry was listed numerous times and I don't know if that's normal:

"Virusbarriers: RTS: Low Resources. maximum concurrent scans reached: 119"

I do have Virusbarrier by Intego and have been running that software since I purchased the computer in 2011. I've never had a problem with it. Could this software be the issue?

jpfedele Author

Level 1

8 points

Jul 17, 2015 7:15 PM in response to Csound1

Hmm, it wouldn't let me. I couldn't access anything. I'll try again. Thanks!

jpfedele Author

Level 1

8 points

Jul 18, 2015 4:17 AM in response to Csound1

I'm still unable to browse the Internet. I disconnected the ethernet from my home router and connected the ethernet directly from my modem to the iMac. Once again, the System Preferences under Networking said I had a active Ethernet connection to the Internet. However, I still cannot access any websites using both Safari and Firefox. ?????

I also tried burning the Etrecheck software program to a DVD hoping to transfer it that way to the iMac, but my Mac Book Pro would not burn the program. My DVD slot on the iMac will allow me to read data files on a DVD because I tested that feature in Safe Mode. Any other suggestions on how to get Etrecheck to my iMac in Safe Mode? All my USB ports are unusable in Safe Mode and the SD card slot, so I've been unable to get the program on the iMac and run it. Any suggestions will be greatly appreciated.

Csound1

Level 9

59,973 points

Jul 18, 2015 6:22 AM in response to jpfedele

Its time to take it in, according to your description there is no functional way to get anything on the iMac.

jpfedele Author

Level 1

8 points

Jul 22, 2015 7:24 AM in response to Csound1

Csound1, I wanted to give you an update. I tried File Sharing by connecting my MacBook Pro, that has the downloaded Etrecheck software file, to my defective iMac using an ethernet cable. It didn't work. I'll try again using other methods/procedures, but I'm really trying to get that program on my iMac, run it, and send you the report. Thank you for your patience.

jpfedele Author

Level 1

8 points

Jul 23, 2015 12:21 PM in response to Csound1

Hi CSound1,

I was finally able to get the Etrecheck software on my iMac and run the scan. The results are below. I would really appreciate your assistance in reviewing this report and letting me know what I should do next to repair my computer. Thank you and I look forward to hearing back from you.

Sincerely,

John

Problem description:

iMac not booting properly following a power outage.

EtreCheck version: 2.2 (132)

Report generated 7/23/15 2:51 PM

Download EtreCheck from http://etresoft.com/etrecheck

Click the [Click for support] links for help with non-Apple products.

Click the [Click for details] links for more information about that line.

Hardware Information: ℹ️

27" iMac (Early 2011)

iMac - model: iMac12,2

1 2.7 GHz Intel Core i5 CPU: 4-core

12 GB RAM

BANK 0/DIMM0

2 GB DDR3 1333 MHz ok

BANK 1/DIMM0

2 GB DDR3 1333 MHz ok

BANK 0/DIMM1

4 GB DDR3 1333 MHz ok

BANK 1/DIMM1

4 GB DDR3 1333 MHz ok

Bluetooth: Old - Handoff/Airdrop2 not supported

Wireless: Unknown

Video Information: ℹ️

AMD Radeon HD 6770M - VRAM: 512 MB

iMac 2560 x 1440

System Software: ℹ️

Mac OS X 10.7.5 (11G63b) - Time since boot: one day 7:2:10

Disk Information: ℹ️

WDC WD1001FALS-403AA0 disk0 : (1 TB)

disk0s1 (disk0s1) <not mounted> : 210 MB

Macintosh HD (disk0s2) / : 999.35 GB (178.20 GB free)

Recovery HD (disk0s3) <not mounted> [Recovery]: 650 MB

OPTIARC DVD RW AD-5690H

USB Information: ℹ️

Apple Inc. FaceTime HD Camera (Built-in)

Apple Inc. BRCM2046 Hub

Apple Inc. Bluetooth USB Host Controller

Apple Internal Memory Card Reader

Apple Computer, Inc. IR Receiver

Thunderbolt Information: ℹ️

Apple, Inc. iMac

Kernel Extensions: ℹ️

/System/Library/Extensions

[not loaded] com.avid.driver.firewire.mboxpro (1.0.6) [Click for support]

[not loaded] com.avid.usb.mbox.driver (1.0.17) [Click for support]

[not loaded] com.avid.usb.mboxmini.driver (1.0.4) [Click for support]

[not loaded] com.digidesign.fwfamily.driver (8.0.4f2) [Click for support]

[not loaded] com.digidesign.iokit.DigiDal (8.0.4f2) [Click for support]

[not loaded] com.digidesign.mbox2.boot.driver (8.0.4f2) [Click for support]

[not loaded] com.digidesign.mbox2.driver (8.0.4f2) [Click for support]

[not loaded] com.digidesign.usb.elevenrack.driver (1.0.1) [Click for support]

[not loaded] com.echofx.videoglide.kext (1.0.0) [Click for support]

[loaded] com.intego.kext.ContentBarrierBootTime (10.6.4 ) [Click for support]

[not loaded] com.paceap.kext.pacesupport.master (5.9 - SDK 10.6) [Click for support]

[not loaded] com.wdc.driver.1394HP (1.0.11 - SDK 10.4) [Click for support]

[not loaded] com.wdc.driver.1394_64HP (1.0.1 - SDK 10.6) [Click for support]

[not loaded] com.wdc.driver.USBHP (1.0.11) [Click for support]

[not loaded] com.wdc.driver.USB_64HP (1.0.0 - SDK 10.6) [Click for support]

/System/Library/Extensions/PACESupportFamily.kext/Contents/PlugIns

[not loaded] com.paceap.kext.pacesupport.leopard (5.9 - SDK 10.4) [Click for support]

[not loaded] com.paceap.kext.pacesupport.panther (5.9 - SDK 10.-1) [Click for support]

[not loaded] com.paceap.kext.pacesupport.snowleopard (5.9 - SDK 10.6) [Click for support]

[not loaded] com.paceap.kext.pacesupport.tiger (5.9 - SDK 10.4) [Click for support]

/System/Library/Extensions/VideoGlide.kext/Contents/PlugIns

[not loaded] com.echofx.videoglide.kext.audio (1.0.0) [Click for support]

[not loaded] com.echofx.videoglide.kext.noseize.appleusbaudio (1.0.0) [Click for support]

[not loaded] com.echofx.videoglide.kext.noseize.classic (1.0.0) [Click for support]

Startup Items: ℹ️

Digidesign Mbox 2: Path: /Library/StartupItems/Digidesign Mbox 2

DigidesignLoader: Path: /Library/StartupItems/DigidesignLoader

PACESupport: Path: /Library/StartupItems/PACESupport

VideoGlide Startup: Path: /Library/StartupItems/VideoGlide Startup

Startup items are obsolete in OS X Yosemite

Problem System Launch Daemons: ℹ️

[failed] com.apple.crsud.plist [Click for details]

Launch Agents: ℹ️

[not loaded] com.adobe.AAM.Updater-1.0.plist [Click for support]

[not loaded] com.avid.mbox.helper.plist [Click for support]

[not loaded] com.avid.mboxmini.helper.plist [Click for support]

[not loaded] com.avid.mboxpro.helper.plist [Click for support]

[not loaded] com.epson.esua.launcher.plist [Click for support]

[not loaded] com.intego.commonservices.integomenu.plist [Click for support]

[not loaded] com.intego.commonservices.taskmanager.plist [Click for support]

[not loaded] com.intego.commonservices.uninstaller.plist [Click for support]

[not loaded] com.intego.ContentBarrier.agent.plist [Click for support]

[not loaded] com.intego.netbarrier.alert.plist [Click for support]

[not loaded] com.intego.netupdate.agent.plist [Click for support]

[not loaded] com.intego.virusbarrier.alert.plist [Click for support]

[not loaded] com.oracle.java.Java-Updater.plist [Click for support]

Launch Daemons: ℹ️

[not loaded] com.adobe.fpsaud.plist [Click for support]

[not loaded] com.adobe.SwitchBoard.plist [Click for support]

[not loaded] com.digidesign.elevenrack.helper.plist [Click for support]

[not loaded] com.digidesign.fwfamily.helper.plist [Click for support]

[not loaded] com.intego.commonservices.daemon.integod.plist [Click for support]

[not loaded] com.intego.commonservices.daemon.taskmanager.plist [Click for support]

[not loaded] com.intego.commonservices.icalserver.plist [Click for support]

[not loaded] com.intego.commonservices.metrics.kschecker.plist [Click for support]

[not loaded] com.intego.ContentBarrier.daemon.plist [Click for support]

[not loaded] com.intego.netbarrier.daemon.logger.plist [Click for support]

[not loaded] com.intego.netbarrier.daemon.monitor.plist [Click for support]

[not loaded] com.intego.netbarrier.daemon.plist [Click for support]

[not loaded] com.intego.netupdate.daemon.plist [Click for support]

[not loaded] com.intego.personalantispam.daemon.plist [Click for support]

[not loaded] com.intego.virusbarrier.daemon.emlparser.plist [Click for support]

[not loaded] com.intego.virusbarrier.daemon.logger.plist [Click for support]

[not loaded] com.intego.virusbarrier.daemon.plist [Click for support]

[not loaded] com.intego.virusbarrier.daemon.scanner.plist [Click for support]

[not loaded] com.intego.washingmachine.daemon.plist [Click for support]

[not loaded] com.microsoft.office.licensing.helper.plist [Click for support]

[not loaded] com.oracle.java.Helper-Tool.plist [Click for support]

[not loaded] PACESupport.plist [Click for support]

User Launch Agents: ℹ️

[not loaded] com.adobe.AAM.Updater-1.0.plist [Click for support]

User Login Items: ℹ️

NetBarrier Monitor Application (/Library/Intego/netbarrier.bundle/Contents/MacOS/NetBarrier Monitor.app)

Internet Plug-ins: ℹ️

FlashPlayer-10.6: Version: 18.0.0.203 - SDK 10.6 [Click for support]

Flash Player: Version: 18.0.0.203 - SDK 10.6 Cannot contact Adobe

QuickTime Plugin: Version: 7.7.1

JavaAppletPlugin: Version: Java 7 Update 51 Check version

SharePointBrowserPlugin: Version: 14.5.2 - SDK 10.6 [Click for support]

Audio Plug-ins: ℹ️

DVCPROHDAudio: Version: 1.3.2

Digidesign CoreAudio: Version: 8.0.4 [Click for support]

3rd Party Preference Panes: ℹ️

Digidesign Eleven Rack [Click for support]

DigidesignMbox2 [Click for support]

Digidesign Mbox 2 Pro [Click for support]

Flash Player [Click for support]

Java [Click for support]

Mbox [Click for support]

Mbox Mini [Click for support]

Mbox Pro [Click for support]

Time Machine: ℹ️

Time Machine not configured!

Top Processes by CPU: ℹ️

3% fontd

0% WindowServer

0% blued

Top Processes by Memory: ℹ️

111 MB Finder

98 MB WindowServer

98 MB Dock

98 MB loginwindow

86 MB iCal

Virtual Memory Information: ℹ️

484 MB Free RAM

12.00 GB Used RAM

0 B Swap Used

Diagnostics Information: ℹ️

Jul 22, 2015, 07:49:55 AM /Library/Logs/CrashReporter/crsud_2015-07-22-074955_[redacted].crash

Jul 22, 2015, 07:49:55 AM /Library/Logs/DiagnosticReports/crsud_2015-07-22-074955_[redacted].crash

Jul 22, 2015, 07:48:22 AM Self test - passed

27" iMac won't boot properly after power outage