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User profile for user: Pepperonidog
Pepperonidog Author
User level: Level 1
19 points

Disk completely full - need to delete files to finish updating OS. Stuck in a loop.

I tried to update my OS but forgot to check my disk space first and now it's stuck in a gray screen restart loop. When I sign in, a portion of the screen turns black and a message with the word "panic" appears. It then quickly restarts (without time to read the rest).

At one point the restore option appeared but I must've accidentally closed that window when I realized I didn't have a functioning time machine back-up. I can't seem to get back to that screen. Is there another way to get into safe mode (or another idea?) then delete files, find a way to back-up the rest, and then I'll decide what to do after that?

MacBook Pro, Mac OS X (10.6.1)

Posted on Aug 22, 2018 5:59 PM

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User profile for user: Encryptor5000
Encryptor5000
User level: Level 5
7,502 points

Posted on Aug 22, 2018 10:56 PM

If you don't have the necessary cable(s) for Target Disk Mode, you can use a 32 GB (or larger) flash drive to view and manage your files on your problematic Mac:


  1. Hold down Command-R as you turn on or restart your Mac. Release the keys when the Apple logo and a progress bar appear. This will boot Recovery Mode.
  2. When the main Utilities window appears, select Disk Utility and continue.
  3. Connect your flash drive that you wish to use. Be warned that it will be completely erased.
  4. Click on View, then select Show All Devices. Be cautious in these next steps. Make sure that you're selecting your flash drive and not your internal drive for erasure.
  5. Select the top level of your flash drive (under the External header in the sidebar), then click Erase. Format as follows:
    1. Name: Don't leave it as Untitled
    2. Format: Mac OS Extended (Journaled)
    3. Scheme: GUID Partition Table or GUID Partition Map

      If the Scheme option doesn't appear, you haven't selected the top level of your flash drive.

  6. Double check that you're erasing your flash drive and not your internal drive, then click Erase. When the erasure is complete, quit Disk Utility.
  7. Select Install macOS (or Reinstall macOS) and follow the onscreen instructions. When prompted to select a destination drive, choose your flash drive and start the installation.
  8. When the installation is complete, Setup Assistant should appear. Choose not to transfer any data and set up an administrator account for your flash drive (it won't be transferred onto your Mac).
  9. When Setup Assistant is completed, the Desktop should appear. Your Mac's internal drive should appear on the Desktop or in Finder. If it doesn't, see step 10.

    If prompted for a password to access the internal drive, enter your Mac's administrator password and continue.

  10. Open Finder, then click on Finder in the top menu bar and select Preferences. Select the Sidebar tab and check the box next to Hard Disks. (You can also do this if desired in the General tab.)
  11. Clear at least 20 GB of free space for on your Mac's internal drive. Transfer the data to an external hard drive if needed.
  12. Open System Preferences and click Startup Disk. Unlock the padlock and select your internal startup disk. Then, click Restart to continue the installation.
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User profile for user: Encryptor5000
Encryptor5000
User level: Level 5
7,502 points

Aug 22, 2018 10:56 PM in response to Pepperonidog

If you don't have the necessary cable(s) for Target Disk Mode, you can use a 32 GB (or larger) flash drive to view and manage your files on your problematic Mac:


  1. Hold down Command-R as you turn on or restart your Mac. Release the keys when the Apple logo and a progress bar appear. This will boot Recovery Mode.
  2. When the main Utilities window appears, select Disk Utility and continue.
  3. Connect your flash drive that you wish to use. Be warned that it will be completely erased.
  4. Click on View, then select Show All Devices. Be cautious in these next steps. Make sure that you're selecting your flash drive and not your internal drive for erasure.
  5. Select the top level of your flash drive (under the External header in the sidebar), then click Erase. Format as follows:
    1. Name: Don't leave it as Untitled
    2. Format: Mac OS Extended (Journaled)
    3. Scheme: GUID Partition Table or GUID Partition Map

      If the Scheme option doesn't appear, you haven't selected the top level of your flash drive.

  6. Double check that you're erasing your flash drive and not your internal drive, then click Erase. When the erasure is complete, quit Disk Utility.
  7. Select Install macOS (or Reinstall macOS) and follow the onscreen instructions. When prompted to select a destination drive, choose your flash drive and start the installation.
  8. When the installation is complete, Setup Assistant should appear. Choose not to transfer any data and set up an administrator account for your flash drive (it won't be transferred onto your Mac).
  9. When Setup Assistant is completed, the Desktop should appear. Your Mac's internal drive should appear on the Desktop or in Finder. If it doesn't, see step 10.

    If prompted for a password to access the internal drive, enter your Mac's administrator password and continue.

  10. Open Finder, then click on Finder in the top menu bar and select Preferences. Select the Sidebar tab and check the box next to Hard Disks. (You can also do this if desired in the General tab.)
  11. Clear at least 20 GB of free space for on your Mac's internal drive. Transfer the data to an external hard drive if needed.
  12. Open System Preferences and click Startup Disk. Unlock the padlock and select your internal startup disk. Then, click Restart to continue the installation.
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User profile for user: Pepperonidog
Pepperonidog Author
User level: Level 1
19 points

Aug 22, 2018 7:47 PM in response to kaz-k

I have a semi functioning MacBook. I was using my MacBook Pro to access my MacBook until I could afford to get the cracked display repaired. Ioddly it wasn't covered by apple care). But if I can access my MacBook display via another source (such as my TV via apple TV, then I think I could do it!) So, I'll give that a try and see if it works. Thanks for the link! I hope it works. I'm open to other ideas too. Thx

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User profile for user: Pepperonidog
Pepperonidog Author
User level: Level 1
19 points

Aug 23, 2018 12:11 PM in response to Encryptor5000

Thank you! That sounds intimidating, complicated, and scary, (but definitely doable!! So, thank you!) I feel relieved that there's a way to do this without losing my data. (and not having to use my windows PC).

I'll get to it as soon as I find a 32 gb flashrive around here that I can erase, and after I've had a couple of shots of coffee. Thanks!!

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User profile for user: Pepperonidog
Pepperonidog Author
User level: Level 1
19 points

Sep 9, 2018 8:25 AM in response to Encryptor5000

Thank you. I think I sort of messed up my MacBook Pro though because I decided to just wipe it clean and start over and now it doesn’t seem to have a startup disk. I called Apple support but those remedies aren’t available to me at this time. I have El Capitan on a different Mac but the display on it isn’t working right so I just can’t flat out use that computer either. I just really need a bandaid for now until I can go buy a new dongle for my MacBook, find my FireWire cord, or my other connector cords.

How this all started when my MacBook display went wonky, I was successfully using my MacBook Pro’s display to access and fully use my MacBook.

The trouble started when I succumbed to notifications that my operating system was out of date on my MacBook Pro when I was using it as a stand-alone computer from time to time. I’d did not check the available space first. My bad. It snowballed from there.

Can anyone reading this think of a way for me to get one of these two computers working that does involve spending any money? I would have many solutions if I had access to my adapters, my own internet, etc. But for now I’ve been displaced due to an apartment fire so don’t have even simple things that I normally would (like a 32g usb thumb drive, my original MacBook Pro recovery discs, etc.). I’ll have the funds and time to correct these things properly in a month or two but right now I just need a bandaid to get me through this odd time.

So please tell me if I could possibly use my functional MacBook to restore my MacBook Pro operating system? The caveats are: the dongle on my MacBook seems to not be working correctly and it’s the second one I’ve bought in the last year, otherwise I would just plug my MacBook into my LED TV monitor with an HDMI cable directly.

I could access The MacBook display via Apple TV IF I had a secure and reliable wifi but that is also not an option right now.

And the reason I just can’t simply use my 12” MacBook for now and just set aside this problem I created with my 17” MacBook Pro is only because the display of my 12” MacBook is cracked so it flickers and shifts and has lines going through it. I know I have to replace it but no moola today...that has a

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Disk completely full - need to delete files to finish updating OS. Stuck in a loop.

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