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MacBook Stuck Decrypting FileVault During Restart

I restarted by Macbook, and after typing in my password on the FileVault login screen, progress page comes up, and no progress takes place. I've let it sit for several hours.

User uploaded file


Based on my reading here, I've also tried the following to no avail:

  • Resetting PRAM
  • Resetting SMC
  • Disk First Aid/Repair


I am almost ready to try a clean install due to my frustration level, but maybe there's a better way?

MacBook Pro, OS X El Capitan (10.11)

Posted on Oct 14, 2015 10:19 PM

Reply
1 reply

Oct 15, 2015 2:55 PM in response to bfahlgren

Please read this whole message before doing anything.

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 the file system or of certain system caches.

Disconnect all wired peripherals except those needed for the test, and remove all aftermarket expansion cards, if applicable. Start up in safe mode and log in to the account with the problem.

Note: If FileVault is enabled in OS X 10.9 or earlier, or if a firmware password is set, or if the startup volume is a software RAID, you can’t do this. Ask for further instructions.

Safe mode is much slower to start up and run than normal, with limited graphics performance, and some things won’t work at all, including sound output and Wi-Fi on certain models. The next normal startup may also be somewhat slow.

The login screen appears even if you usually login 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, restart as usual (not in safe mode) and verify that you still have the problem. Post the results of the test.

MacBook Stuck Decrypting FileVault During Restart

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