Locked at apple gear screen

[ahddubsbos]

Tonite I was listening to some itunes. An update was availiable so I did. After reboot it did not go to finder. It just hung at apple screen after tone. I tried to go to safe mode, could not get there either. Other than a archive reload anyone have any ideas?

 

[Satcomer]

If you have access to another Mac you can fix it. To do this follow these steps:

1) Boot the sick Mac into FireWire target disk mode and connect it to the good Mac.

2) Once the FireWire mode mounts on the good Mac run Disk Utility on the Mac.

3) Then download the 10.4.9 PPC Combo and apply it to the sick Mac.

4) Try to boot the sick Mac normal now.

If this doesn't help consider getting the the best sick Mac utility called DiskWarrior. If DiskWarrior can't fix it, your looking at either a reinstall or a new hard disk.

I have to give you warning (and to whom ever is reading this entry) about updates. The best procedure for any update is to save and quit the programs you are running at the time before the update begins the install. Especially during OS X system point upgrades. Once the update reboots your Mac, immediately launch /Applications/Utilities/Disk Utility and "Repair Permissions". Also get a general maintenance program like Yasu or Onyx and run either program about once a month. this regular maintenance will keep your Mac it tip top shape.

 

[simbalala]

I have to give you warning (and to whom ever is reading this entry) about updates. The best procedure for any update is to save and quit the programs you are running at the time before the update begins the install. Especially during OS X system point upgrades. Once the update reboots your Mac, immediately launch /Applications/Utilities/Disk Utility and "Repair Permissions". Also get a general maintenance program like Yasu or Onyx and run either program about once a month. this regular maintenance will keep your Mac it tip top shape.

The other warning (and to me obvious). Do not use the computer at all when you have the software update running. Don't even touch the keyboard during the final optimization process. Disturbing that process is the most common cause of problems.

 

[barhar]

'Tonite I was listening to some itunes. An update was availiable so I did' - what update? - a system level or an iTunes update?

If not the former - then do not update to MacOS X 10.4.9 - unless desired and / or required. Otherwise, you may be creating additional problems - not solving the current one. Numerous complaints of 10.4.9 (disasters) have resulted in many (some including my assistance) returning their Macs to earlier 'Tiger' versions.

'Do not use the computer at all when you have the software update running. Don't even touch the keyboard during the final optimization process.' - is a possible overkill.

'Disturbing that [Software update] process is the most common cause of problems.' - where is such documented?
Most (Mac'ers) consider it a better choice to download the (related) installer files via 'Apple Downloads' and then install such; as opposed to using 'Software Update' (via the 'Apple' menu, and / or 'System Preferences' [in the '/Applications/' folder] 'Software Update' utility).

 

[barhar]

'After reboot it [the Mac] did not go to finder. It just hung at apple screen after tone. I tried to go to safe mode, could not get there either.' - consider booting up via the 'Mac OS X Install' (CD / DVD) disc, and using its' 'Disk Utility' to 'Repair Disk' and 'Repair Disk Permissions'. Then attempt to boot from the Macs' internal hard disk drive.