Mac computer safe mode, trouble shooting, kernel panics?

Question

When I put my mac computer into safe mode, I get no volume, and can't control it whatsoever. I can't listen to my music on iTunes! Does the safe boot have anything to do with this?

With the kernel panics, my computer seems to get them a lot. Then I have to hold down the power button, and sometimes it won't turn on again. This happened to my mac already, and it would not turn on whatsoever. I got it fixed under warranty, but now I'm not under warranty anymore. And the kernel panic is coming back. Help me please!!! I don't want to buy another computer or pay money to get it fixed!

Answer 1

FYI: "Safe Mode" is a Windows term, on OS X it's called "Safe Boot" mode. And, just like Windows, most apps will not run, it's primarily used for doing diagnostics.



"I got it fixed under warranty, but now I'm not under warranty anymore."



If you had the same problems before, then it's likely the same problem again. What did they fix last time? This is just a guess: They likely replaced the hard drive, among other things, and that IS what your symptoms indicate. Apple's hard drives are junk. I replaced mine two years ago, with a larger Seagate drive, and it's fabulous!



So, take your Mac, and OS X disks, into Best Buy, or a local Apple Service Centre, and they will test, and repair it for you. And yes, it will be way cheaper than a new Mac.



TIP:: Remember to ask them to try to back up all your personal data, if you don't use Time Machine, and an external hard drive, at home. You will lose everything when they repair it.

Answer 2

Safe mode is a diagnostic mode for trouble-shooting what's wrong with your system. The kernel panic is basically where the operating system had a catastrophic crash and had to shut down. If you're getting these, something has become corrupted in the operating system files, or alternatively there is a hardware problem.



The reason you're getting no sound is probably because the diagnostic mode will only enable the bare minimum hardware to enable you to solve the problem. The safe mode is not intended for general usage (eg. listening to music in iTunes), only diagnosis and repair.



Do you have access to your Mac installation discs? One option here is to reinstall the Operating System. This should solve the issue if it is a corruption of one or more operating system files which is causing the problem, If you're going to do this, you need to back up all your data and files to an external disc or discs (DVD-R or hard disk drive) as they will be wiped from the system.



If following a restore of the Operating System, you're still having problems, then I'm afraid it's likely that you have a hardware problem and you will need to seek help from Apple support.



Hope this info helps.

Answer 3

As far as the safe mode thing is concerned if it's anything like windows it probably disables a lot of things. typically safe mode will boot the system using minimal resources so yea, you sound issue could easily be that you're booting to safe mode.



as far as the kernel panic it could be file corruption, hard disk going bad, ram going bad, or even the boot options are not configured right. it could be a lot of things. do you change major (advanced) system settings frequently (boot options could be messed up)? do you get beeps during the boot process (ram could be bad)? does your system make any clicking or knocking sounds (hard disk could be bad)? have you run any diag utilities (not sure what mac ones there are), if so what are the results?

Answer 4

this is simple! before you do anything though, download Spyware Terminator it's the best new spyware/trojan/everything remover! ok, now restart your computer, and click any of the F1 - F12 buttons. The reason i say any, is because every computer varies to wat key stroke turns wat on. But, all computers usually have it somewhere in the F keys, so just run your fingers along their till a screen comes up. This screen will be black with little grey or white writing. Using the arrow keys, locate and click enter on "Safe Mode" makesure its not safe mode with networking, because that gives you internet access, you dont want internet right now. Now, let the computer start in Safe Mode. The computer will look different, and it's supposed to be liek this don't be shocked. Also, I should have said this before, makesure to actually install Spyware Terminator and and AVG Free Edition (both) before doing the safe mode thing. Also makesure that you have desktop shortcuts to each program. So, in safe mode click the shortcuts on your desktop and run both Spyware Terminator and AVG Free Edition (FYI, when installing Spyware Terminator, it will ask wat you will use the program for, make sure to select the one wit hthe most protect. So if it says like "option A" or "option B" or "option A&B" obviosuly click the "option A&B") So, run both programs, let them scan the computer FULLY!!! So don't do liek quick scan, do the full system scans and don't run any other programs. Ok both will find something indefinetely, so both programs will guide you thorugh how to remove the trojan. Also, when your done, just restart your computer, and then it should start up in normal mode. If it doesn't, restart and click through the F buttons until the Mode menu appears, and look for Normal Mode. Lastly, Spyware Terminator is a great program and has ket my business free of crap for years! I love it, and it works great, so i'd def keep it after you finish cleaning off your computer. Hopefully you'll kill that virus, and I hope this helped! Simon

Answer 5

What happens if you run it in dangerous mode?