ametames
Level 1 (12 points)
Mac OS X

Q: MacBook Pro won't restart after transferring files from Time Machine!

l had problems with my MacBook Pro (early 2011 edition - 17 inch) after updating it to latest software, mac Sierra so I decided to erase the Macintosh HD.

I then decided to restore my backup files by transferring them from my Time Machine successfully and the mac booted up nicely. The system requested for some software updates which l did but was asked to restart my machine.

Since Saturday till today, Tuesday, the MacBook Pro hasn't been able to restart. It only shows a white blank screen with the Apple logo in the middle with a busy signal at the bottom.

I'm at my wits end as I don't know what to do with my machine.

Can anyone please offer me any suggestions or help?

MacBook Pro (17-inch Early 2011), iOS 9.1, OS EI Capitan

Posted on Oct 18, 2016 11:25 AM

by ametames,Solvedanswer
ametames ametames
Level 1 (12 points)
Mac OS X
A:

So glad for the information.

Unfortunately, no discs came with the mac but shall follow your instructions to the letter and see how it goes.

After a successful outcome, I'd then transfer my backup files from my Time Machine.

I presume each software update shall have its corresponding updates for the common applications.

Have a blessed day.

Posted on Oct 19, 2016 11:55 PM

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ametames

Q: MacBook Pro won't restart after transferring files from Time Machine!

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  • Helpful answers

  • by Kappy,

    Kappy Kappy Oct 18, 2016 11:36 AM in response to ametames
    Level 10 (271,794 points)
    Desktops
    Oct 18, 2016 11:36 AM in response to ametames

    Reinstall El Capitan Without Erasing Drive

     

           Please be sure you back up.

     

    1. Restart the computer. Immediately after the chime hold down the Command and R keys until the Utility Menu appears.
    2. Select Disk Utility and click on the Continue button.
    3. Select the indented (usually, Macintosh HD) volume entry from the side list.
    4. Click on the First Aid icon in the toolbar. Wait until the Done button activates, then click on it.
    5. Quit Disk Utility and return to the Utility Menu.
    6. Select Reinstall OS X and click on the Continue button.

     

    Also, see this User Tip: Basic Steps for Upgrading OS X.

  • by ametames,

    ametames ametames Oct 18, 2016 11:53 AM in response to Kappy
    Level 1 (12 points)
    Mac OS X
    Oct 18, 2016 11:53 AM in response to Kappy

    Hello! Kappy,

    Thanks for the prompt response.

    I did all your suggestions prior to my transfer of files from my Time Machine successfully but just that the MacBook Pro would not restart after the required software updates.

    Interestingly, when i reinstalled my OS X, it defaulted to the software that was on the machine when l bought it new in August 2011 - v 10.7.1. So currently I don't have latest software version yet.

    Are you suggesting l should repeat the process when l have already erased the hard drive?

    Please clarify for me - once again thanks for the support.

  • by Kappy,Helpful

    Kappy Kappy Oct 18, 2016 12:17 PM in response to ametames
    Level 10 (271,794 points)
    Desktops
    Oct 18, 2016 12:17 PM in response to ametames

    I only made one suggestion, namely, the Reinstall. So at this point, I will assume you are now running El Capitan. It was reinstalled because the Sierra installer was unable to create a Recovery HD. If you now have El Capitan running, then re-download the Sierra installer (unless you saved your original download) and upgrade El Capitan. You may want to make a backup first, just in case.

     

    An alternative method is to create a 30-50GB partition on your hard drive provided you have enough free space and do not have a Boot Camp partition for Windows. When you open the Sierra installer select the new partition you created before clicking on the Install button. If you still can't get it installed at least you will still have your El Capitan volume.

  • by ametames,

    ametames ametames Oct 18, 2016 12:20 PM in response to Kappy
    Level 1 (12 points)
    Mac OS X
    Oct 18, 2016 12:20 PM in response to Kappy

    Thanks. Shall try the first option you suggested and

    see how it goes and shall get back to you in case I

    eencounter any more problems.

    Regards.

  • by ametames,

    ametames ametames Oct 18, 2016 1:07 PM in response to ametames
    Level 1 (12 points)
    Mac OS X
    Oct 18, 2016 1:07 PM in response to ametames

    Hello! Dear Kappy,

    Sorry to be such a pain. Just finished re-installing mac OS X and the restart has gone back to the white screen with only the Apple logo and the busy signal.

    I noticed during the installation process it said 36 minutes and within seconds the screen went back to the mac utilities screen and i verified the disc again from where l decided to restart and it's now a hung process.

    What am l doing wrong or not doing at all?

  • by Kappy,

    Kappy Kappy Oct 19, 2016 1:06 PM in response to ametames
    Level 10 (271,794 points)
    Desktops
    Oct 19, 2016 1:06 PM in response to ametames

    I think your drive may be corrupted or is failing. See if you can do the following:

     

    Install El Capitan from Scratch

     

         Backup if possible before continuing.

     

    1. Restart the computer. Immediately after the chime hold down the Command and R keys until the Apple logo appears. When the Utility Menu appears:
    2. Select Disk Utility from the Utility Menu and click on Continue button.
    3. When Disk Utility loads select the volume (indented entry, usually Macintosh HD) from the Device list.
    4. Click on the Erase icon in Disk Utility's main window. A panel will drop down.
    5. Set the Format type to Mac OS Extended (Journaled.)
    6. Click on the Apply button, then wait for the Done button to activate and click on it.
    7. Quit Disk Utility and return to the Utility Menu.
    8. Select Reinstall OS X and click on the Continue button.

  • by ametames,

    ametames ametames Oct 19, 2016 1:41 PM in response to Kappy
    Level 1 (12 points)
    Mac OS X
    Oct 19, 2016 1:41 PM in response to Kappy

    Thanks. The Disc Utility appears to be OK after verifying and repair.

    l have started doing that before your mail came in and chosen the Secure Erase option.

    When l finish how do l update the OS X Lion to mac OS Sierra (I haven't saved the install app before erasing) since the mac doesn't restart. I tried using Safari from the help section in the Mac Utilities but it doesn't work so l then decided to erase the hard Drive a second time.

    l'm of the view that starting the mac in Safe Mode would be a better option but l need your confirmation first besides l don't know how to enter the safe mode. How's it done please?

    This erasure would probably be done by tomorrow morning.

  • by Kappy,

    Kappy Kappy Oct 20, 2016 12:08 AM in response to ametames
    Level 10 (271,794 points)
    Desktops
    Oct 20, 2016 12:08 AM in response to ametames

    I wish you had not used Secure Erase as it is not needed. A normal fast erase takes just a few seconds. The former can take hours or days depending on how many files there are to remove.

     

    After the drive has been erased you will regain control. Until then do not try to do anything with the computer. When the computer can be used, again, then you need to start by installing Snow Leopard from the disc that came with your computer when it was new. Should have been two DVDs with gray labels. They may be marked as Software Restore discs. You will need the one labeled as Disc One. Follow these instructions:

    Snow Leopard Erase and Install

     

         Be sure you back up your files.

     

    1. Insert Snow Leopard DVD into the optical drive and restart the computer.
    2. Immediately upon hearing the chime hold down the C key.
    3. Release the key when the Apple logo appears, and wait for the loading to finish.
    4. After the installer, loads select your language and click on the Continue  button. When the menu bar appears select Disk Utility from the Utilities menu.  After Disk Utility loads select the out-dented disk entry from the side list (mfgr.'s ID and drive size.)  Click on the Partition tab in the Disk Utility’s right window.  Set the number of partitions to one (1) from the drop down menu. Click on the Options button and select GUID, click on OK, set the format type to MacOS Extended, Journaled. Finally, click on the Apply button.
    5. After formatting has finished quit Disk Utility.  Continue with the OS X installation and follow the directions.
    6. When the installation has finished, the computer will restart into the Setup Assistant. After you complete the Setup Assistant you will be running a fresh installation of Snow Leopard. Open Software Update and install the recommended updates. You can stop here because you need not do anything more with Snow Leopard.
    7. Download and install Mac OS X 10.6.8 Update Combo v1.1.

     

    At this point, you should be running Snow Leopard 10.6.8. Now, you can download and install El Capitan. You can re-download the El Capitan installer you downloaded when you originally installed it. Open the App Store, click on the Purchases tab in the App Store's menubar. Locate your original download entry and click on the Download button on the right of the entry. The installer will automatically run when it finishes downloading. This may take a while as it is a large file - over 6GBs. When the installer starts it will open an Install button on your screen. Click it to begin the installation.

  • by ametames,Solvedanswer

    ametames ametames Oct 19, 2016 11:55 PM in response to Kappy
    Level 1 (12 points)
    Mac OS X
    Oct 19, 2016 11:55 PM in response to Kappy

    So glad for the information.

    Unfortunately, no discs came with the mac but shall follow your instructions to the letter and see how it goes.

    After a successful outcome, I'd then transfer my backup files from my Time Machine.

    I presume each software update shall have its corresponding updates for the common applications.

    Have a blessed day.

  • by ametames,

    ametames ametames Oct 20, 2016 2:28 AM in response to ametames
    Level 1 (12 points)
    Mac OS X
    Oct 20, 2016 2:28 AM in response to ametames

    l'm just about 31 minutes into finishing installing OS X El Capitan after which l shall update my needed and frequently used applications and carry on From there.

    I cannot express my sincere gratitude to you much less than the usual thankfulness but will ever remain indebted to you for taking your time to guide me through solving my mac software issues.

    Shall give you a final update later in the day on the behavior of the mac before i undertake the onerous task of transferring my files from the Time Machine.

    Best regards.

  • by Kappy,

    Kappy Kappy Oct 20, 2016 9:32 AM in response to ametames
    Level 10 (271,794 points)
    Desktops
    Oct 20, 2016 9:32 AM in response to ametames

    I'm so glad you are on your way back to having a normal working machine. Good luck, and thank you for the kind remarks. I'm glad I could help.

  • by ametames,

    ametames ametames Oct 20, 2016 11:05 AM in response to Kappy
    Level 1 (12 points)
    Mac OS X
    Oct 20, 2016 11:05 AM in response to Kappy

    Really glad you saved me from either going to software engineers or disposing of the mac for a new one.

    Since this afternoon, the mac has been running normally and at the moment doing some backups to the Time Machine.

    My dilemma now is when to do another update for the latest software and when to transfer my files from the previous backups.

    But all the same, have a good night - off to work now until morrow a.m.