macOS Sierra freeze on iMac late 2009 using Safari

Hey guys,


Since the installation of macOS Sierra on my iMac 27 inch late 2009, I'm experiencing freezes of the computer with the following symptoms:


- the freeze occurs when I scroll a webpage in Safari.

- The mouse cursor still moves but I can't click and manipulate the system ; the keyboard doesn't work, as well.

- A force reboot is mandatory to recover.

- I can establish a ssh connection from my MacBook to the iMac, suggesting that Darwin is still running well.

- The log indicates "userspace_watchdog_timeout.spin report for WindowServer version", suggesting that the problem is related to a crash of the WindowServer.


Somebody here with the same machine has the same problem?


Thanks!

VIN,iMac (27-inch Late 2009), macOS Sierra (10.12)

Posted on Sep 28, 2016 11:13 AM

Reply
473 replies

Dec 15, 2016 6:25 AM in response to riadfromhabsheim

I have an iMac 27 late 2009, macOS Sierra and have the exact same issue as everybody else. Safari freezes hard when scrolling, the mouse pointer still moves but I can't activate anything. The iMac doesn't freeze immediately, but after some time. And the only solution is to do a hard reset.
I have never had this problem prior to macOS Sierra, and as it seems I'm not alone.

Let's hope Apple does something about this soon.


I also have a Mac mini 2010 with macos Sierra, but without any problems at all.

Dec 15, 2016 11:28 AM in response to larisa pedroncell

Ever since the last update yesterday, and indexing.... and building up new cache.

SO FAR no issues yet - & I can had dozens and dozens of tabs to browser - more like it was when it was best functioning... have not maxed out with super duper heavy usage - but I've added new tools that take up my resources and texting and everything running very smooth.


I would suggest everyone have at least one device to back up in time machine. STUFF HAPPENS.

If you do it daily weekly or monthly - it really does not take that much time.


This is what I did immediately after installing the update: I logged into a 2nd user account I use only for movies and videos. On that account there's only about 2 GB of data... I did have a immediate spinning wheel issue until AFTER indexing was over... Once complete, it was smooth so I popped over to my heavy user account and logged in - and after opening up all my programs and closing them, allowing them to get all cache settled out, which took maybe half an hour... SMOOTH Sailing.

Dec 16, 2016 8:42 AM in response to MauserMan

A lot of my issues are gone.


I can still get it to spin and lock up if I open up a good number of tabs say 40-50 and especially when I have a good number of tabs open to search google images - that sets it off big time.


Safari seems to have sped up for me but still not as quick as many other browsers out there, and I do use a variety.User uploaded file For those wondering - the two 'Chrome' which I use not that often - theres a beta and the regular one many of you know.

Dec 16, 2016 10:38 PM in response to riadfromhabsheim

I just installed the public beta of macOS Sierra 10.12.3 and the issue is still present. Computer freezes on late 2009 iMac, mouse still moves. Computer refuses to wake, black screen, mouse still moves. I'm thinking of rolling back to El Cap but I just noticed that my spouse's 2007 iMac also has a similar issue with freezing. Both machines have Samsung EVO SSDs installed thats the only common thing I can think of between the machines that could be causing an issue.

This thread has been closed by the system or the community team. You may vote for any posts you find helpful, or search the Community for additional answers.

macOS Sierra freeze on iMac late 2009 using Safari

Welcome to Apple Support Community
A forum where Apple customers help each other with their products. Get started with your Apple Account.