10.11.5 wheel does not stop spinning after entering password

Question

nicabrian Author

Level 1

15 points

10.11.5 wheel does not stop spinning after entering password

Upgraded to 11.5 via Apple store download. Twice same result both times as follows.

Everything downloaded and installed.

Login opened and asked for password.

Entered password, accepted, wheel starts spinning as if loading and opening.

But never stops. Ran as long as 4 hours wheel still spinning. Tried several reboots same results.

Removed all accessories and rebooted. Same results.

Tried in safe mode same result.

Running a late 2012 mac mini

Had similar problems with 11.3 and 11.4

With those versions everything froze after os x opened so was able to access folders etc.

Checked the /var/folders/ via terminal and it indicated only the .trach and zz folder existed.

Tried to download th 10.11.5 combo via safarai with an message popping up stating there was not enough room on the drive. Tried all three drives 1) 89GB free 2) 790GB free 3) where el capitan was to go 140GB free.

Tried to do restart with time machine but it would not recognize the files.

Any suggestions?

Posted on Jun 26, 2016 11:38 PM

Reply

Answer 1

lllaass

Level 10

210,519 points

Jun 27, 2016 2:57 PM in response to nicabrian

- Try resetting the SMC and NVRAM/PRAM

Intel-based Macs: Resetting the System Management Controller (SMC)

https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT201295

About NVRAM and PRAM

https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT204063

- Try starting in Safe Mode

OS X: What is Safe Boot, Safe Mode?

https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT201262

- Boot to Recovery and repair the startup disk

OS X: About OS X Recovery - Apple Support

https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT201314

- If it is repairable reinstall the OSX

How to reinstall OS X on your Mac - Apple Support

https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT204904

- If you do not have a backup use disk utility to restore the internal disk to an external disk so you can try to recover data.

Then format the startup disk and do a fresh install of OSX

Reply

Answer 2

nicabrian Author

Level 1

15 points

Jun 27, 2016 3:13 PM in response to lllaass

Thanks for the prompt response, Illaass.

Went through your suggestions with no positive changes.

However, the exercise prompted me to load el capitan on a new drive rather than reformating the drive I was trying to update.

Apologize for the slow reply but the download time for el capitan was in excess of 6 hours, usually 10. That was fast today which was appreciated. Yes I know apple is not responsible for the speed. It is problems within 3rd world countries.

Lesson learned. From now on with el capitan use minimum 2 drives. One with the version you currently have operating. 2nd for install of new upgraded version.

Probably a good practice with all future updates or upgrades. At least then one has a functioning operating system while trying to get the new one to operate or test to see if it is worth the upgrade.

The el capitan os x has been the worst system I have tried to use. With a total time lost of close to 3 weeks since the initial introduction and subsequent updates. If not for the other benefits offered and currently receiving with apple one would be hard pressed to continue to use apple products.

But certainly a huge benefit with the prompt response.

Thanks again.

It did initiate the install on the second drive.

Brian

Reply