Re: Serious problem

[Neil Houghton]

Hi Pat,

 

Yes, you are probably best waiting for someone with more experience to work 
through this on your computer.

 

It is unfortunate that you do not have any back-ups!  As Ronni has said many 
times this is most important.

 

There are only two kinds of computer user – those who have had hard drives fail 
and those who have not YET had hard drives fail (I’ve had more than one fail 
over the years) – the better your backup regime, the less precious data you 
should lose.

 

However, if the diagnostics ran OK and did not report any problems then you may 
be OK in that your hardware and hard drive are OK and so you SHOULD be able to 
re-install your OS without losing all your data.

 

This article gives the basics on re-installing Mojave using Recovery mode 
http://osxdaily.com/2018/10/10/how-reinstall-macos-mojave/

 

If Recovery mode (cmd+ R) just gave a grey screen, it is possible you did not 
wait long enough to let it get to the “macOS Utilities” screen or for some 
reason the Recovery partition is missing? This could be checked by booting 
whilst holding down OPTION during boot which should display any bootable 
partitions – I would expect two to show – your normal boot partition and the 
recovery boot partition. However, given that you are obviously less used to 
this sort of thing you are probably best waiting for someone with more 
experience to work through this on your computer.

 

One thing I would suggest is getting an external drive before you start. If 
someone like Daniel is going to help you they will probably have a portable 
drive with a bare OS and tools on it that they can boot your computer from. 
They could then copy your existing drive to your new drive, as a backup while 
they are sorting your machine. If anything goes wrong you will still have the 
data on this drive (even thought the copied system is probably unusable).

 

Assuming that you get your computer sorted OK with no loss of data, you could 
then erase this new drive and then use it as your new backup drive.

 

 

Anyway, just my thoughts – good luck!

 

 

Cheers

 

 

Neil

-- 

Neil R. Houghton

Albany, Western Australia

Tel: +61 8 9841 6063

Email: n...@possumology.com

 

 

From:  on behalf of Patricia 
Scott 
Reply-To: WAMUG 
Date: Friday, 16 August 2019 at 18:31
To: WAMUG 
Subject: Re: Serious problem

 

Hi,Neil,

 

I just spent several hours running through the various tests, especially the 
ones found in “How to use Mac recovery mode” in Macworld UK.  Most of the 
procedures did not change anything. The exception was Recovery mode (cmd+ R) 
which caused the monitor to go pale grey.  Diagnostics did not report anything.

 

Unfortunately, I don’t have any backup. There may be a few items that are in 2 
small external disks. I did have a 4GB disk used for backup, but it got knocked 
off the desk and won’t work now.

 

I will leave it there and hand it over to the experts.  I don’t want to be 
driving around tomorrow as it sounds like the weather is going to be dreadful, 
so more waiting.

 

Many thanks for your advice. It has been much appreciated.

 

Cheers,

Pat

 

 


On 16 Aug 2019, at 2:59 pm, Neil Houghton  wrote:

Hi Pat,

 

Could you clarify what you mean by “had no effect?

 

As I see it there are 3 possible outcomes here:

 

1.   The diagnostics do not run.

2.   The diagnostics run and report a problem or problems.

3.   The diagnostics run and report no hardware problems.

 

Each of these outcomes point to very different problems and therefore different 
approaches to resolve them.

 

If you are correct in your assumption that the problem is the botched changes 
to the security panel then I would probably expect outcome 3) above.

 

To help us identify your problem(s) and to suggest ways to fix it/them - could 
you:

1.   Confirm exactly what happened when you ran the diagnostics – ie which 
of the 3 outcomes above (or something else that I didn’t imagine)

2.   If outcome 2) – what were the diagnostic results reported.

3.   What kind of backups do you have – Time Machine, bootable clone, both 
– and how recent are these.

 

 

Also, you said that you tried starting in safe mode but that did not work – 
which is perhaps not unexpected if something is messed up at the basic OS level 
– but did you try booting in Recovery mode? This special mode boots from a 
separate recovery partition on your boot drive, which macOS creates at the time 
of installation. 

 

If you are correct in your assumption that the problem is the botched changes 
to the security panel then booting into recovery mode should let you re-install 
MacOS without having to wipe the disk completely and start over from scratch. 
In fact, macOS can make an effort to reinstall only the system files, replacing 
any corrupted or damaged system files and, hopefully, returning your system to 
a working state. If you give us the info requested above then it will help 
guide us as to whether

Re: Serious problem

[Patricia Scott]

Hi,Neil,

I just spent several hours running through the various tests, especially the 
ones found in “How to use Mac recovery mode” in Macworld UK.  Most of the 
procedures did not change anything. The exception was Recovery mode (cmd+ R) 
which caused the monitor to go pale grey.  Diagnostics did not report anything.

Unfortunately, I don’t have any backup. There may be a few items that are in 2 
small external disks. I did have a 4GB disk used for backup, but it got knocked 
off the desk and won’t work now.

I will leave it there and hand it over to the experts.  I don’t want to be 
driving around tomorrow as it sounds like the weather is going to be dreadful, 
so more waiting.

Many thanks for your advice. It has been much appreciated.

Cheers,
Pat



> On 16 Aug 2019, at 2:59 pm, Neil Houghton  wrote:
> 
> Hi Pat,
>  
> Could you clarify what you mean by “had no effect?
>  
> As I see it there are 3 possible outcomes here:
>  
> The diagnostics do not run.
> The diagnostics run and report a problem or problems.
> The diagnostics run and report no hardware problems.
>  
> Each of these outcomes point to very different problems and therefore 
> different approaches to resolve them.
>  
> If you are correct in your assumption that the problem is the botched changes 
> to the security panel then I would probably expect outcome 3) above.
>  
> To help us identify your problem(s) and to suggest ways to fix it/them - 
> could you:
> Confirm exactly what happened when you ran the diagnostics – ie which of the 
> 3 outcomes above (or something else that I didn’t imagine)
> If outcome 2) – what were the diagnostic results reported.
> What kind of backups do you have – Time Machine, bootable clone, both – and 
> how recent are these.
>  
>  
> Also, you said that you tried starting in safe mode but that did not work – 
> which is perhaps not unexpected if something is messed up at the basic OS 
> level – but did you try booting in Recovery mode? This special mode boots 
> from a separate recovery partition on your boot drive, which macOS creates at 
> the time of installation.
>  
> If you are correct in your assumption that the problem is the botched changes 
> to the security panel then booting into recovery mode should let you 
> re-install MacOS without having to wipe the disk completely and start over 
> from scratch. In fact, macOS can make an effort to reinstall only the system 
> files, replacing any corrupted or damaged system files and, hopefully, 
> returning your system to a working state. If you give us the info requested 
> above then it will help guide us as to whether this approach will work and I 
> can point you to more detailed articles/instructions about the process.
>  
>  
> Like many others on this list, I am quite happy to work with others on their 
> problems – we have all been helped by the list ourselves and, at least for 
> me, my ageing brain probably needs the challenge  ;o)
>  
>  
> Cheers
>  
>  
> Neil
> --
> Neil R. Houghton
> Albany, Western Australia
> Tel: +61 8 9841 6063
> Email: n...@possumology.com
>  
>  
> From:  on behalf of Patricia 
> Scott 
> Reply-To: WAMUG 
> Date: Friday, 16 August 2019 at 12:27
> To: WAMUG 
> Subject: Re: Serious problem
>  
> Hi, Neil,
>  
> I have now tried the diagnostics test as you suggested, but sadly, that also 
> had no effect. (My ‘puter is a late 2013 Mac Pro.)
>  
> I do appreciate your time and effort to help, and  I thank you very much.
>  
> Cheers,
> Pat
>  
>  
>  
> 
> On 15 Aug 2019, at 6:26 pm, Neil Houghton  wrote:
> 
> Hi Pat,
>  
> OK maybe I hadn’t explained the hardware test/diagnostics properly - the 
> Apple and the  progress bar should not come into it.
>  
> The first step is to switch the computer completely OFF – preferably using 
> the power button or, if all else fails, by turning off at the power socket.
>  
> Then, following the instructions on the relevant Apple support articles, the 
> hardware test/diagnostics is invoked BEFORE the computer can get to the Apple 
> and the  progress bar stage.
>  
> However, I guess I am probably more comfortable with all this – so I quite 
> understand that you may be more comfortable just leaving it to an expert like 
> Daniel.
>  
> Cheers
>  
>  
> Neil
> --
> Neil R. Houghton
> Albany, Western Australia
> Tel: +61 8 9841 6063
> Email: n...@possumology.com
>  
>  
> From:  on behalf of Patricia 
> Scott 
> Reply-To: WAMUG 
> Date: Thursday, 15 August 2019 at 15:47
> To: WAMUG 
> Subject: Re: Serious problem
>  
> Hi, Neil,
>  
> The simple constraint is that the only items showing on the monitor are the 
> Apple and 

Re: Serious problem

[Neil Houghton]

Hi Pat,

 

Could you clarify what you mean by “had no effect?

 

As I see it there are 3 possible outcomes here:

 
The diagnostics do not run.
The diagnostics run and report a problem or problems.
The diagnostics run and report no hardware problems.
 

Each of these outcomes point to very different problems and therefore different 
approaches to resolve them.

 

If you are correct in your assumption that the problem is the botched changes 
to the security panel then I would probably expect outcome 3) above.

 

To help us identify your problem(s) and to suggest ways to fix it/them - could 
you:
Confirm exactly what happened when you ran the diagnostics – ie which of the 3 
outcomes above (or something else that I didn’t imagine)
If outcome 2) – what were the diagnostic results reported.
What kind of backups do you have – Time Machine, bootable clone, both – and how 
recent are these.
 

 

Also, you said that you tried starting in safe mode but that did not work – 
which is perhaps not unexpected if something is messed up at the basic OS level 
– but did you try booting in Recovery mode? This special mode boots from a 
separate recovery partition on your boot drive, which macOS creates at the time 
of installation. 

 

If you are correct in your assumption that the problem is the botched changes 
to the security panel then booting into recovery mode should let you re-install 
MacOS without having to wipe the disk completely and start over from scratch. 
In fact, macOS can make an effort to reinstall only the system files, replacing 
any corrupted or damaged system files and, hopefully, returning your system to 
a working state. If you give us the info requested above then it will help 
guide us as to whether this approach will work and I can point you to more 
detailed articles/instructions about the process.

 

 

Like many others on this list, I am quite happy to work with others on their 
problems – we have all been helped by the list ourselves and, at least for me, 
my ageing brain probably needs the challenge  ;o)

 

 

Cheers

 

 

Neil

-- 

Neil R. Houghton

Albany, Western Australia

Tel: +61 8 9841 6063

Email: n...@possumology.com

 

 

From:  on behalf of Patricia 
Scott 
Reply-To: WAMUG 
Date: Friday, 16 August 2019 at 12:27
To: WAMUG 
Subject: Re: Serious problem

 

Hi, Neil,

 

I have now tried the diagnostics test as you suggested, but sadly, that also 
had no effect. (My ‘puter is a late 2013 Mac Pro.)

 

I do appreciate your time and effort to help, and  I thank you very much.

 

Cheers,

Pat

 

 

 


On 15 Aug 2019, at 6:26 pm, Neil Houghton  wrote:

Hi Pat,

 

OK maybe I hadn’t explained the hardware test/diagnostics properly - the Apple 
and the  progress bar should not come into it.

 

The first step is to switch the computer completely OFF – preferably using the 
power button or, if all else fails, by turning off at the power socket.

 

Then, following the instructions on the relevant Apple support articles, the 
hardware test/diagnostics is invoked BEFORE the computer can get to the Apple 
and the  progress bar stage.

 

However, I guess I am probably more comfortable with all this – so I quite 
understand that you may be more comfortable just leaving it to an expert like 
Daniel.

 

Cheers

 

 

Neil

-- 

Neil R. Houghton

Albany, Western Australia

Tel: +61 8 9841 6063

Email: n...@possumology.com

 

 

From:  on behalf of Patricia 
Scott 
Reply-To: WAMUG 
Date: Thursday, 15 August 2019 at 15:47
To: WAMUG 
Subject: Re: Serious problem

 

Hi, Neil,

 

The simple constraint is that the only items showing on the monitor are the 
Apple and the  progress bar — absolutely nothing to click or see. At least, it 
is rigorously protecting the computer.

 

I just now have written to Daniel.

 

Again, thanks — WAMUG rocks!

 

Cheers,

Pat


On 15 Aug 2019, at 3:12 pm, Neil Houghton  wrote:

Hi Pat,

 

When you say “it didn’t work” are you saying that following the instructions 
for the hardware test/diagnostics failed to initiate the hardware tests (ie the 
hardware tests did not run) – or are you saying that they ran OK but did not 
indicate any problem?

 

You may be right when you say the problem is the botched changes to the 
security panel – but in that case I would expect that, while the problem might 
prevent the computer from booting up, the hardware test should run OK.

 

If the hardware test does not even run I would have thought it suggests other 
problems.

 

But maybe you do need someone with more experience to look at it – maybe try 
Daniel?

 

 

Just my thoughts.

 

Please let us know how it all turns out.

 

 

Cheers

 

 

Neil

-- 

Neil R. Houghton

Albany, Western Australia

Tel: +61 8 9841 6063

Email: n...@possumology.com

 

 

From:  on behalf of Patricia 
Scott 
Reply-To: WAMUG 
Date: Thursday, 15 August 2019 at 13:58
To: WAMUG 
Subject: Re: Serious problem

 

Hi, Neil,

 

Thank you for this information, it’s a good thing

Re: Serious problem

[Patricia Scott]

Hi, Neil,

I have now tried the diagnostics test as you suggested, but sadly, that also 
had no effect. (My ‘puter is a late 2013 Mac Pro.)

I do appreciate your time and effort to help, and  I thank you very much.

Cheers,
Pat




> On 15 Aug 2019, at 6:26 pm, Neil Houghton  wrote:
> 
> Hi Pat,
>  
> OK maybe I hadn’t explained the hardware test/diagnostics properly - the 
> Apple and the  progress bar should not come into it.
>  
> The first step is to switch the computer completely OFF – preferably using 
> the power button or, if all else fails, by turning off at the power socket.
>  
> Then, following the instructions on the relevant Apple support articles, the 
> hardware test/diagnostics is invoked BEFORE the computer can get to the Apple 
> and the  progress bar stage.
>  
> However, I guess I am probably more comfortable with all this – so I quite 
> understand that you may be more comfortable just leaving it to an expert like 
> Daniel.
>  
> Cheers
>  
>  
> Neil
> --
> Neil R. Houghton
> Albany, Western Australia
> Tel: +61 8 9841 6063
> Email: n...@possumology.com
>  
>  
> From:  on behalf of Patricia 
> Scott 
> Reply-To: WAMUG 
> Date: Thursday, 15 August 2019 at 15:47
> To: WAMUG 
> Subject: Re: Serious problem
>  
> Hi, Neil,
>  
> The simple constraint is that the only items showing on the monitor are the 
> Apple and the  progress bar — absolutely nothing to click or see. At least, 
> it is rigorously protecting the computer.
>  
> I just now have written to Daniel.
>  
> Again, thanks — WAMUG rocks!
>  
> Cheers,
> Pat
> 
> On 15 Aug 2019, at 3:12 pm, Neil Houghton  wrote:
> 
> Hi Pat,
>  
> When you say “it didn’t work” are you saying that following the instructions 
> for the hardware test/diagnostics failed to initiate the hardware tests (ie 
> the hardware tests did not run) – or are you saying that they ran OK but did 
> not indicate any problem?
>  
> You may be right when you say the problem is the botched changes to the 
> security panel – but in that case I would expect that, while the problem 
> might prevent the computer from booting up, the hardware test should run OK.
>  
> If the hardware test does not even run I would have thought it suggests other 
> problems.
>  
> But maybe you do need someone with more experience to look at it – maybe try 
> Daniel?
>  
>  
> Just my thoughts.
>  
> Please let us know how it all turns out.
>  
>  
> Cheers
>  
>  
> Neil
> --
> Neil R. Houghton
> Albany, Western Australia
> Tel: +61 8 9841 6063
> Email: n...@possumology.com
>  
>  
> From:  on behalf of Patricia 
> Scott 
> Reply-To: WAMUG 
> Date: Thursday, 15 August 2019 at 13:58
> To: WAMUG 
> Subject: Re: Serious problem
>  
> Hi, Neil,
>  
> Thank you for this information, it’s a good thing to know. I tried it, but it 
> didn’t work, at least for this kind of situation. I am pretty sure that the 
> problem is the botched changes to the security panel: it has locked down the 
> whole computer and will need the attention of a trained person.
>  
> Thanks,again,
>  
> Pat
>  
> 
> On 15 Aug 2019, at 1:19 pm, Neil Houghton  wrote:
> 
> Hi Pat,
>  
> If it was me, I would first try and ascertain whether it was a hardware 
> problem or just the OSX installation which had got messed up.
>  
> I am assuming that you don’t have a bootable clone of the Mac that predates 
> your problem? If you did you could just try booting up from the clone and if 
> it was just  the OSX installation which had got messed up then the Mac should 
> boot up OK from the clone.
>  
> If that was the case you could just clone the clone back to the main HD and, 
> in effect, rewind your system to the pre-problem status.
>  
>  
>  
> However, assuming you don’t have that option then the fact that the screen 
> gets as far as the white Apple shows that the hardware is working on some 
> level - but does not rule out hardware problems. Apple computers include 
> high-level hardware test/diagnostics routines which you can run BEFORE the 
> computer tries to load up the OS.
>  
> Depending on the age of your Mac this may be called Apple Hardware Test (for 
> pre June 2013 machines) or Apple Diagnostics (for machines introduced after 
> June 2013). The basic procedure is the same in both cases - disconnect 
> external device, shut down the Mac and then switch on and hold down the D key.
>  
> You should first read the Apple support articles here:
>  
> How to use Apple Hardware Test on your Mac  
> https://support.apple.com/en-au/HT201257
> How to use Apple Diagnostics on your Mac  
> https://support.apple

Re: Serious problem

[Neil Houghton]

Hi Pat,

 

OK maybe I hadn’t explained the hardware test/diagnostics properly - the Apple 
and the  progress bar should not come into it.

 

The first step is to switch the computer completely OFF – preferably using the 
power button or, if all else fails, by turning off at the power socket.

 

Then, following the instructions on the relevant Apple support articles, the 
hardware test/diagnostics is invoked BEFORE the computer can get to the Apple 
and the  progress bar stage.

 

However, I guess I am probably more comfortable with all this – so I quite 
understand that you may be more comfortable just leaving it to an expert like 
Daniel.

 

Cheers

 

 

Neil

-- 

Neil R. Houghton

Albany, Western Australia

Tel: +61 8 9841 6063

Email: n...@possumology.com

 

 

From:  on behalf of Patricia 
Scott 
Reply-To: WAMUG 
Date: Thursday, 15 August 2019 at 15:47
To: WAMUG 
Subject: Re: Serious problem

 

Hi, Neil,

 

The simple constraint is that the only items showing on the monitor are the 
Apple and the  progress bar — absolutely nothing to click or see. At least, it 
is rigorously protecting the computer.

 

I just now have written to Daniel.

 

Again, thanks — WAMUG rocks!

 

Cheers,

Pat


On 15 Aug 2019, at 3:12 pm, Neil Houghton  wrote:

Hi Pat,

 

When you say “it didn’t work” are you saying that following the instructions 
for the hardware test/diagnostics failed to initiate the hardware tests (ie the 
hardware tests did not run) – or are you saying that they ran OK but did not 
indicate any problem?

 

You may be right when you say the problem is the botched changes to the 
security panel – but in that case I would expect that, while the problem might 
prevent the computer from booting up, the hardware test should run OK.

 

If the hardware test does not even run I would have thought it suggests other 
problems.

 

But maybe you do need someone with more experience to look at it – maybe try 
Daniel?

 

 

Just my thoughts.

 

Please let us know how it all turns out.

 

 

Cheers

 

 

Neil

-- 

Neil R. Houghton

Albany, Western Australia

Tel: +61 8 9841 6063

Email: n...@possumology.com

 

 

From:  on behalf of Patricia 
Scott 
Reply-To: WAMUG 
Date: Thursday, 15 August 2019 at 13:58
To: WAMUG 
Subject: Re: Serious problem

 

Hi, Neil,

 

Thank you for this information, it’s a good thing to know. I tried it, but it 
didn’t work, at least for this kind of situation. I am pretty sure that the 
problem is the botched changes to the security panel: it has locked down the 
whole computer and will need the attention of a trained person.

 

Thanks,again,

 

Pat

 


On 15 Aug 2019, at 1:19 pm, Neil Houghton  wrote:

Hi Pat,

 

If it was me, I would first try and ascertain whether it was a hardware problem 
or just the OSX installation which had got messed up.

 

I am assuming that you don’t have a bootable clone of the Mac that predates 
your problem? If you did you could just try booting up from the clone and if it 
was just  the OSX installation which had got messed up then the Mac should boot 
up OK from the clone.

 

If that was the case you could just clone the clone back to the main HD and, in 
effect, rewind your system to the pre-problem status.

 

 

 

However, assuming you don’t have that option then the fact that the screen gets 
as far as the white Apple shows that the hardware is working on some level - 
but does not rule out hardware problems. Apple computers include high-level 
hardware test/diagnostics routines which you can run BEFORE the computer tries 
to load up the OS.

 

Depending on the age of your Mac this may be called Apple Hardware Test (for 
pre June 2013 machines) or Apple Diagnostics (for machines introduced after 
June 2013). The basic procedure is the same in both cases - disconnect external 
device, shut down the Mac and then switch on and hold down the D key.

 

You should first read the Apple support articles here:

 

How to use Apple Hardware Test on your Mac  
https://support.apple.com/en-au/HT201257

How to use Apple Diagnostics on your Mac  
https://support.apple.com/en-au/HT202731

 

Be aware that the tests can take some time to complete – so don’t worry if it 
seems “stuck” for a while.

 

If the Mac passes this test, you should probably look at reinstalling the 
system – but the best approach will depend on what sort of backups/clones you 
have.

 

Hopefully, this should give you a much clearer picture of just where your 
problem lies.

 

 

HTH

 

 

Cheers

 

 

Neil

-- 

Neil R. Houghton

Albany, Western Australia

Tel: +61 8 9841 6063

Email: n...@possumology.com

 

 

From:  on behalf of Patricia 
Scott 
Reply-To: WAMUG 
Date: Thursday, 15 August 2019 at 09:58
To: WAMUG 
Subject: Re: Serious problem

 

Hi,Ronni,

 

Thank you very much for the information. Unfortunately, it didn’t work. The 
same black screen with just a white Apple is all that is visible.

 

I read all the rest of the support information, and I

Re: Serious problem

[Patricia Scott]

Hi, Neil,

The simple constraint is that the only items showing on the monitor are the 
Apple and the  progress bar — absolutely nothing to click or see. At least, it 
is rigorously protecting the computer.

I just now have written to Daniel.

Again, thanks — WAMUG rocks!

Cheers,
Pat

> On 15 Aug 2019, at 3:12 pm, Neil Houghton  wrote:
> 
> Hi Pat,
>  
> When you say “it didn’t work” are you saying that following the instructions 
> for the hardware test/diagnostics failed to initiate the hardware tests (ie 
> the hardware tests did not run) – or are you saying that they ran OK but did 
> not indicate any problem?
>  
> You may be right when you say the problem is the botched changes to the 
> security panel – but in that case I would expect that, while the problem 
> might prevent the computer from booting up, the hardware test should run OK.
>  
> If the hardware test does not even run I would have thought it suggests other 
> problems.
>  
> But maybe you do need someone with more experience to look at it – maybe try 
> Daniel?
>  
>  
> Just my thoughts.
>  
> Please let us know how it all turns out.
>  
>  
> Cheers
>  
>  
> Neil
> --
> Neil R. Houghton
> Albany, Western Australia
> Tel: +61 8 9841 6063
> Email: n...@possumology.com
>  
>  
> From:  on behalf of Patricia 
> Scott 
> Reply-To: WAMUG 
> Date: Thursday, 15 August 2019 at 13:58
> To: WAMUG 
> Subject: Re: Serious problem
>  
> Hi, Neil,
>  
> Thank you for this information, it’s a good thing to know. I tried it, but it 
> didn’t work, at least for this kind of situation. I am pretty sure that the 
> problem is the botched changes to the security panel: it has locked down the 
> whole computer and will need the attention of a trained person.
>  
> Thanks,again,
>  
> Pat
>  
> 
> On 15 Aug 2019, at 1:19 pm, Neil Houghton  wrote:
> 
> Hi Pat,
>  
> If it was me, I would first try and ascertain whether it was a hardware 
> problem or just the OSX installation which had got messed up.
>  
> I am assuming that you don’t have a bootable clone of the Mac that predates 
> your problem? If you did you could just try booting up from the clone and if 
> it was just  the OSX installation which had got messed up then the Mac should 
> boot up OK from the clone.
>  
> If that was the case you could just clone the clone back to the main HD and, 
> in effect, rewind your system to the pre-problem status.
>  
>  
>  
> However, assuming you don’t have that option then the fact that the screen 
> gets as far as the white Apple shows that the hardware is working on some 
> level - but does not rule out hardware problems. Apple computers include 
> high-level hardware test/diagnostics routines which you can run BEFORE the 
> computer tries to load up the OS.
>  
> Depending on the age of your Mac this may be called Apple Hardware Test (for 
> pre June 2013 machines) or Apple Diagnostics (for machines introduced after 
> June 2013). The basic procedure is the same in both cases - disconnect 
> external device, shut down the Mac and then switch on and hold down the D key.
>  
> You should first read the Apple support articles here:
>  
> How to use Apple Hardware Test on your Mac  
> https://support.apple.com/en-au/HT201257
> How to use Apple Diagnostics on your Mac  
> https://support.apple.com/en-au/HT202731
>  
> Be aware that the tests can take some time to complete – so don’t worry if it 
> seems “stuck” for a while.
>  
> If the Mac passes this test, you should probably look at reinstalling the 
> system – but the best approach will depend on what sort of backups/clones you 
> have.
>  
> Hopefully, this should give you a much clearer picture of just where your 
> problem lies.
>  
>  
> HTH
>  
>  
> Cheers
>  
>  
> Neil
> --
> Neil R. Houghton
> Albany, Western Australia
> Tel: +61 8 9841 6063
> Email: n...@possumology.com
>  
>  
> From:  on behalf of Patricia 
> Scott 
> Reply-To: WAMUG 
> Date: Thursday, 15 August 2019 at 09:58
> To: WAMUG 
> Subject: Re: Serious problem
>  
> Hi,Ronni,
>  
> Thank you very much for the information. Unfortunately, it didn’t work. The 
> same black screen with just a white Apple is all that is visible.
>  
> I read all the rest of the support information, and I think the only option 
> is to take it in to a repair shop and hope for the best.
>  
> Again, many thanks,
> Pat
> 
> On 15 Aug 2019, at 6:37 am, Ronni Brown  wrote:
> 
> Hello Pat,
>  
> You could try:
> Shut down your Mac, then turn it on and immediately press and hold these four 
> keys together: Option, Command, P, and R. 
> You

Re: Serious problem

[Neil Houghton]

Hi Pat,

 

When you say “it didn’t work” are you saying that following the instructions 
for the hardware test/diagnostics failed to initiate the hardware tests (ie the 
hardware tests did not run) – or are you saying that they ran OK but did not 
indicate any problem?

 

You may be right when you say the problem is the botched changes to the 
security panel – but in that case I would expect that, while the problem might 
prevent the computer from booting up, the hardware test should run OK.

 

If the hardware test does not even run I would have thought it suggests other 
problems.

 

But maybe you do need someone with more experience to look at it – maybe try 
Daniel?

 

 

Just my thoughts.

 

Please let us know how it all turns out.

 

 

Cheers

 

 

Neil

-- 

Neil R. Houghton

Albany, Western Australia

Tel: +61 8 9841 6063

Email: n...@possumology.com

 

 

From:  on behalf of Patricia 
Scott 
Reply-To: WAMUG 
Date: Thursday, 15 August 2019 at 13:58
To: WAMUG 
Subject: Re: Serious problem

 

Hi, Neil,

 

Thank you for this information, it’s a good thing to know. I tried it, but it 
didn’t work, at least for this kind of situation. I am pretty sure that the 
problem is the botched changes to the security panel: it has locked down the 
whole computer and will need the attention of a trained person.

 

Thanks,again,

 

Pat

 


On 15 Aug 2019, at 1:19 pm, Neil Houghton  wrote:

Hi Pat,

 

If it was me, I would first try and ascertain whether it was a hardware problem 
or just the OSX installation which had got messed up.

 

I am assuming that you don’t have a bootable clone of the Mac that predates 
your problem? If you did you could just try booting up from the clone and if it 
was just  the OSX installation which had got messed up then the Mac should boot 
up OK from the clone.

 

If that was the case you could just clone the clone back to the main HD and, in 
effect, rewind your system to the pre-problem status.

 

 

 

However, assuming you don’t have that option then the fact that the screen gets 
as far as the white Apple shows that the hardware is working on some level - 
but does not rule out hardware problems. Apple computers include high-level 
hardware test/diagnostics routines which you can run BEFORE the computer tries 
to load up the OS.

 

Depending on the age of your Mac this may be called Apple Hardware Test (for 
pre June 2013 machines) or Apple Diagnostics (for machines introduced after 
June 2013). The basic procedure is the same in both cases - disconnect external 
device, shut down the Mac and then switch on and hold down the D key.

 

You should first read the Apple support articles here:

 

How to use Apple Hardware Test on your Mac  
https://support.apple.com/en-au/HT201257

How to use Apple Diagnostics on your Mac  
https://support.apple.com/en-au/HT202731

 

Be aware that the tests can take some time to complete – so don’t worry if it 
seems “stuck” for a while.

 

If the Mac passes this test, you should probably look at reinstalling the 
system – but the best approach will depend on what sort of backups/clones you 
have.

 

Hopefully, this should give you a much clearer picture of just where your 
problem lies.

 

 

HTH

 

 

Cheers

 

 

Neil

-- 

Neil R. Houghton

Albany, Western Australia

Tel: +61 8 9841 6063

Email: n...@possumology.com

 

 

From:  on behalf of Patricia 
Scott 
Reply-To: WAMUG 
Date: Thursday, 15 August 2019 at 09:58
To: WAMUG 
Subject: Re: Serious problem

 

Hi,Ronni,

 

Thank you very much for the information. Unfortunately, it didn’t work. The 
same black screen with just a white Apple is all that is visible.

 

I read all the rest of the support information, and I think the only option is 
to take it in to a repair shop and hope for the best.

 

Again, many thanks,

Pat


On 15 Aug 2019, at 6:37 am, Ronni Brown  wrote:

Hello Pat,

 

You could try:

Shut down your Mac, then turn it on and immediately press and hold these four 
keys together: Option, Command, P, and R. 

You can release the keys after about 20 seconds, during which your Mac might 
appear to restart.

https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT204063

 

Kind Regards,

Ronni





 Ronni Brown’s iPad Pro 12.9-inch 256GB 

 


On 14 Aug 2019, at 3:56 pm, Patricia Scott  wrote:

I have a Wacom pen tablet. Yesterday a message came up on the computer that the 
firmware for the tablet needed to be updated because in the new Mojave update 
Apple neglected to classify Wacom as safe software, and it was necessary for 
users to modify items in the Security Preferences panel.

So I read the instructions and followed them (I thought).
Unfortunately, I think I omitted a step and then tried boot the computer. The 
result was that the monitor now shows only the white Apple and the stalled 
progress bar.

I did a Safe boot, but it didn’t work.

I hope the really savvy members might know how this can be remedied. 

Pat
-- The WA Macintosh User Group Mailing List

Re: Serious problem

[Patricia Scott]

Hi, Neil,

Thank you for this information, it’s a good thing to know. I tried it, but it 
didn’t work, at least for this kind of situation. I am pretty sure that the 
problem is the botched changes to the security panel: it has locked down the 
whole computer and will need the attention of a trained person.

Thanks,again,

Pat


> On 15 Aug 2019, at 1:19 pm, Neil Houghton  wrote:
> 
> Hi Pat,
>  
> If it was me, I would first try and ascertain whether it was a hardware 
> problem or just the OSX installation which had got messed up.
>  
> I am assuming that you don’t have a bootable clone of the Mac that predates 
> your problem? If you did you could just try booting up from the clone and if 
> it was just  the OSX installation which had got messed up then the Mac should 
> boot up OK from the clone.
>  
> If that was the case you could just clone the clone back to the main HD and, 
> in effect, rewind your system to the pre-problem status.
>  
>  
>  
> However, assuming you don’t have that option then the fact that the screen 
> gets as far as the white Apple shows that the hardware is working on some 
> level - but does not rule out hardware problems. Apple computers include 
> high-level hardware test/diagnostics routines which you can run BEFORE the 
> computer tries to load up the OS.
>  
> Depending on the age of your Mac this may be called Apple Hardware Test (for 
> pre June 2013 machines) or Apple Diagnostics (for machines introduced after 
> June 2013). The basic procedure is the same in both cases - disconnect 
> external device, shut down the Mac and then switch on and hold down the D key.
>  
> You should first read the Apple support articles here:
>  
> How to use Apple Hardware Test on your Mac  
> https://support.apple.com/en-au/HT201257
> How to use Apple Diagnostics on your Mac  
> https://support.apple.com/en-au/HT202731
>  
> Be aware that the tests can take some time to complete – so don’t worry if it 
> seems “stuck” for a while.
>  
> If the Mac passes this test, you should probably look at reinstalling the 
> system – but the best approach will depend on what sort of backups/clones you 
> have.
>  
> Hopefully, this should give you a much clearer picture of just where your 
> problem lies.
>  
>  
> HTH
>  
>  
> Cheers
>  
>  
> Neil
> --
> Neil R. Houghton
> Albany, Western Australia
> Tel: +61 8 9841 6063
> Email: n...@possumology.com
>  
>  
> From:  on behalf of Patricia 
> Scott 
> Reply-To: WAMUG 
> Date: Thursday, 15 August 2019 at 09:58
> To: WAMUG 
> Subject: Re: Serious problem
>  
> Hi,Ronni,
>  
> Thank you very much for the information. Unfortunately, it didn’t work. The 
> same black screen with just a white Apple is all that is visible.
>  
> I read all the rest of the support information, and I think the only option 
> is to take it in to a repair shop and hope for the best.
>  
> Again, many thanks,
> Pat
> 
> On 15 Aug 2019, at 6:37 am, Ronni Brown  wrote:
> 
> Hello Pat,
>  
> You could try:
> Shut down your Mac, then turn it on and immediately press and hold these four 
> keys together: Option, Command, P, and R. 
> You can release the keys after about 20 seconds, during which your Mac might 
> appear to restart.
> 
> https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT204063
>  
> Kind Regards,
> Ronni
> 
> 
>  Ronni Brown’s iPad Pro 12.9-inch 256GB 
>  
> 
> On 14 Aug 2019, at 3:56 pm, Patricia Scott  wrote:
> 
> I have a Wacom pen tablet. Yesterday a message came up on the computer that 
> the firmware for the tablet needed to be updated because in the new Mojave 
> update 
> Apple neglected to classify Wacom as safe software, and it was necessary for 
> users to modify items in the Security Preferences panel.
> 
> So I read the instructions and followed them (I thought).
> Unfortunately, I think I omitted a step and then tried boot the computer. The 
> result was that the monitor now shows only the white Apple and the stalled 
> progress bar.
> 
> I did a Safe boot, but it didn’t work.
> 
> I hope the really savvy members might know how this can be remedied. 
> 
> Pat
> -- The WA Macintosh User Group Mailing List --
> Archives - <http://www.wamug.org.au/mailinglist/archives.shtml>
> Guidelines - <http://www.wamug.org.au/mailinglist/guidelines.shtml>
> Settings & Unsubscribe - 
> <http://lists.wamug.org.au/listinfo/wamug.org.au-wamug>
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> Archives - <http://www.wamug.org.au/mailinglist/archives.shtml>
> Guidelines - <http://www.wamug.org.au/mailinglist/guidelines.shtml>
> Settings & Unsubscribe - 
> <http://li

Re: Serious problem

[Neil Houghton]

Hi Pat,

 

If it was me, I would first try and ascertain whether it was a hardware problem 
or just the OSX installation which had got messed up.

 

I am assuming that you don’t have a bootable clone of the Mac that predates 
your problem? If you did you could just try booting up from the clone and if it 
was just  the OSX installation which had got messed up then the Mac should boot 
up OK from the clone.

 

If that was the case you could just clone the clone back to the main HD and, in 
effect, rewind your system to the pre-problem status.

 

 

 

However, assuming you don’t have that option then the fact that the screen gets 
as far as the white Apple shows that the hardware is working on some level - 
but does not rule out hardware problems. Apple computers include high-level 
hardware test/diagnostics routines which you can run BEFORE the computer tries 
to load up the OS.

 

Depending on the age of your Mac this may be called Apple Hardware Test (for 
pre June 2013 machines) or Apple Diagnostics (for machines introduced after 
June 2013). The basic procedure is the same in both cases - disconnect external 
device, shut down the Mac and then switch on and hold down the D key.

 

You should first read the Apple support articles here:

 

How to use Apple Hardware Test on your Mac  
https://support.apple.com/en-au/HT201257

How to use Apple Diagnostics on your Mac  
https://support.apple.com/en-au/HT202731

 

Be aware that the tests can take some time to complete – so don’t worry if it 
seems “stuck” for a while.

 

If the Mac passes this test, you should probably look at reinstalling the 
system – but the best approach will depend on what sort of backups/clones you 
have.

 

Hopefully, this should give you a much clearer picture of just where your 
problem lies.

 

 

HTH

 

 

Cheers

 

 

Neil

-- 

Neil R. Houghton

Albany, Western Australia

Tel: +61 8 9841 6063

Email: n...@possumology.com

 

 

From:  on behalf of Patricia 
Scott 
Reply-To: WAMUG 
Date: Thursday, 15 August 2019 at 09:58
To: WAMUG 
Subject: Re: Serious problem

 

Hi,Ronni,

 

Thank you very much for the information. Unfortunately, it didn’t work. The 
same black screen with just a white Apple is all that is visible.

 

I read all the rest of the support information, and I think the only option is 
to take it in to a repair shop and hope for the best.

 

Again, many thanks,

Pat


On 15 Aug 2019, at 6:37 am, Ronni Brown  wrote:

Hello Pat,

 

You could try:

Shut down your Mac, then turn it on and immediately press and hold these four 
keys together: Option, Command, P, and R. 

You can release the keys after about 20 seconds, during which your Mac might 
appear to restart.

https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT204063

 

Kind Regards,

Ronni




 Ronni Brown’s iPad Pro 12.9-inch 256GB 

 


On 14 Aug 2019, at 3:56 pm, Patricia Scott  wrote:

I have a Wacom pen tablet. Yesterday a message came up on the computer that the 
firmware for the tablet needed to be updated because in the new Mojave update 
Apple neglected to classify Wacom as safe software, and it was necessary for 
users to modify items in the Security Preferences panel.

So I read the instructions and followed them (I thought).
Unfortunately, I think I omitted a step and then tried boot the computer. The 
result was that the monitor now shows only the white Apple and the stalled 
progress bar.

I did a Safe boot, but it didn’t work.

I hope the really savvy members might know how this can be remedied. 

Pat
-- The WA Macintosh User Group Mailing List --
Archives - <http://www.wamug.org.au/mailinglist/archives.shtml>
Guidelines - <http://www.wamug.org.au/mailinglist/guidelines.shtml>
Settings & Unsubscribe - <http://lists.wamug.org.au/listinfo/wamug.org.au-wamug>

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Re: Serious problem

[Patricia Scott]

Hi,Ronni,

Thank you very much for the information. Unfortunately, it didn’t work. The 
same black screen with just a white Apple is all that is visible.

I read all the rest of the support information, and I think the only option is 
to take it in to a repair shop and hope for the best.

Again, many thanks,
Pat

> On 15 Aug 2019, at 6:37 am, Ronni Brown  wrote:
> 
> Hello Pat,
> 
> You could try:
> Shut down your Mac, then turn it on and immediately press and hold these four 
> keys together: Option, Command, P, and R. 
> You can release the keys after about 20 seconds, during which your Mac might 
> appear to restart.
> 
> https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT204063
> 
> Kind Regards,
> Ronni
> 
>  Ronni Brown’s iPad Pro 12.9-inch 256GB 
> 
> 
>> On 14 Aug 2019, at 3:56 pm, Patricia Scott  wrote:
>> 
>> I have a Wacom pen tablet. Yesterday a message came up on the computer that 
>> the firmware for the tablet needed to be updated because in the new Mojave 
>> update 
>> Apple neglected to classify Wacom as safe software, and it was necessary for 
>> users to modify items in the Security Preferences panel.
>> 
>> So I read the instructions and followed them (I thought).
>> Unfortunately, I think I omitted a step and then tried boot the computer. 
>> The result was that the monitor now shows only the white Apple and the 
>> stalled progress bar.
>> 
>> I did a Safe boot, but it didn’t work.
>> 
>> I hope the really savvy members might know how this can be remedied. 
>> 
>> Pat
>> -- The WA Macintosh User Group Mailing List --
>> Archives - 
>> Guidelines - 
>> Settings & Unsubscribe - 
>> 
> -- The WA Macintosh User Group Mailing List --
> Archives - 
> Guidelines - 
> Settings & Unsubscribe - 
> 
-- The WA Macintosh User Group Mailing List --
Archives - 
Guidelines - 
Settings & Unsubscribe - 

Re: Serious problem

[Ronni Brown]

Hello Pat,

You could try:
Shut down your Mac, then turn it on and immediately press and hold these four 
keys together: Option, Command, P, and R. 
You can release the keys after about 20 seconds, during which your Mac might 
appear to restart.

https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT204063

Kind Regards,
Ronni

 Ronni Brown’s iPad Pro 12.9-inch 256GB 


> On 14 Aug 2019, at 3:56 pm, Patricia Scott  wrote:
> 
> I have a Wacom pen tablet. Yesterday a message came up on the computer that 
> the firmware for the tablet needed to be updated because in the new Mojave 
> update 
> Apple neglected to classify Wacom as safe software, and it was necessary for 
> users to modify items in the Security Preferences panel.
> 
> So I read the instructions and followed them (I thought).
> Unfortunately, I think I omitted a step and then tried boot the computer. The 
> result was that the monitor now shows only the white Apple and the stalled 
> progress bar.
> 
> I did a Safe boot, but it didn’t work.
> 
> I hope the really savvy members might know how this can be remedied. 
> 
> Pat
> -- The WA Macintosh User Group Mailing List --
> Archives - 
> Guidelines - 
> Settings & Unsubscribe - 
> 
-- The WA Macintosh User Group Mailing List --
Archives - 
Guidelines - 
Settings & Unsubscribe - 

Serious problem

[Patricia Scott]

I have a Wacom pen tablet. Yesterday a message came up on the computer that the 
firmware for the tablet needed to be updated because in the new Mojave update 
Apple neglected to classify Wacom as safe software, and it was necessary for 
users to modify items in the Security Preferences panel.

So I read the instructions and followed them (I thought).
Unfortunately, I think I omitted a step and then tried boot the computer. The 
result was that the monitor now shows only the white Apple and the stalled 
progress bar.

I did a Safe boot, but it didn’t work.

I hope the really savvy members might know how this can be remedied. 

Pat
-- The WA Macintosh User Group Mailing List --
Archives - 
Guidelines - 
Settings & Unsubscribe - 

Serious problem

[Pat Scott]

Yesterday the boot disk of my Mac Pro suddenly began filling up with something 
unknown. Tech tool Pro put up messages saying the disk had only 13% free space 
left, out of 320 GB.   The only thing I could think to do was try to find out 
where the excess was accumulating.  This seemed to be the Application Support 
folder in my Home folder. I moved an assortment of the folders to another disk 
(there are 3 disks), and this moved the added GBs out of the boot disk, so it 
was back to 140 GB free.

Today I did various jobs on the computer and things seemed normal until I tried 
to install Security Update 2011-004. The message came up that this update could 
not be installed on the boot disk because it was not suitable.  

Then I tried to install the OS 10.6.8 update, and it did install.   I tried the 
Security update again, and got the same message. Then Tech Tool Pro started its 
warnings again only this time there was only 4% of free space left and it was 
going down fast. Within a few minutes it was down to 600MB, so I shut it down 
quick.

I am totally at a loss as to what I should do.  To make things even more 
difficult, from Monday I have to be away for ten days.

I hope someone can advise me.

Thanks,

Pat


On 22/06/2011, at 10:11, Ronda Brown ro...@mac.com wrote:

 Hi Alan,
 
 This is a HTTPS 413 error. 
 413 - Request Entity Too Large
 The server is refusing to process a request because the request entity is 
 larger than the server is willing or able to process. The server may close 
 the connection to prevent the client from continuing the request. What 
 constitutes 'too large' depends in part by the operation being attempted. 
 For example a request to upload a very large file (via the HTTP PUT method) 
 may encounter a limitation on upload file size set by the Web server.”
 
 You could try “Empty Cache” in Safari, then restart Safari and try the 
 process again, making sure you don’t have any other pages open at the time 
 you are trying to do the upload.
 
 Cheers,
 Ronni
 
 17 MacBook Pro 2.3GHz Quad-Core i7 “Thunderbolt
 2.3GHz / 8GB / 750GB @ 7200rpm HD
 
 OS X 10.6.7 Snow Leopard
 Windows 7 Ultimate (under sufferance)
 
 
 On 22/06/2011, at 7:51 AM, Alan Smith wrote:
 
 
 I receive an error message when submitting a web form:  Page was not 
 displayed because the request entity is too large. Any suggestions as 
 to where the cause of the problem may be?
 
 I was attempting to complete a 3-step web form for a Myer extended warranty. 
   Step two requires details including a proof of purchase attachment of less 
 than 4MB.   My PDF  scan of the receipt is 586KB.  Process halts when I 
 press Step 3 - Confirmation.   After a period of inactivity I receive the 
 above error message.   Google suggested it is HTTPS 413.
 
 I am using Safari 5.0.5.  I have previously submitted web forms with 
 larger attachments successfully (to a State Govt department) so it MAY not 
 be my iMac or ISP.
 
 Regards, Alan
 
 Alan Smith
  iMac 21.5 Intel Core 2 Duo 3.06GHz 4M - OSX 10.6.7
  iPad2; ATV2
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 -- The WA Macintosh User Group Mailing List --
 Archives - http://www.wamug.org.au/mailinglist/archives.shtml
 Guidelines - http://www.wamug.org.au/mailinglist/guidelines.shtml
 Unsubscribe - mailto:wamug-unsubscr...@wamug.org.au



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Re: Serious problem

[Rob Phillips]

  
  
Hi Pat

I am probably less qualified than others to respond, but in the
interests of urgency I can think of two causes:

  your hard disk is rapidly becoming corrupt and there is a
decreasing amount of usable space.
  something is writing huge amounts of stuff to some sort of log
file

For 1, I'd boot up off the installation DVD (hold down C on startup)
and run disk utility. Failing that reboot off the installation DVD
in diagnostic mode (hold down D on startup) and run the hardware
test.  Techtools might help you here too, but I haven't used these
for 5+ years.

If 1 is OK, look for files which are very large and increasing in
size.

Hope this helps, but things might not be looking good...

Rob

On 2/07/11 10:01 PM, Pat Scott wrote:

  Yesterday the boot disk of my Mac Pro suddenly began filling
up with something unknown. Tech tool Pro put up messages saying
the disk had only 13% free space left, out of 320 GB.   The only
thing I could think to do was try to find out where the excess
was accumulating.  This seemed to be the Application Support
folder in my Home folder. I moved an assortment of the folders
to another disk (there are 3 disks), and this moved the added
GBs out of the boot disk, so it was back to 140 GB free.
  
  
  Today I did various jobs on the computer and things seemed
normal until I tried to install Security Update 2011-004. The
message came up that this update could not be installed on the
boot disk because it was not suitable.  
  
  
  Then I tried to install the OS 10.6.8 update, and it did
install.   I tried the Security update again, and got the same
message. Then Tech Tool Pro started its warnings again only this
time there was only 4% of free space left and it was going down
fast. Within a few minutes it was down to 600MB, so I shut it
down quick.
  
  
  I am totally at a loss as to what I should do.  To make
things even more difficult, from Monday I have to be away for
ten days.

  
  I hope someone can advise me.
  
  
  Thanks,
  
  
  Pat

  
  
  
On 22/06/2011, at 10:11, Ronda Brown ro...@mac.com
wrote:

  
  
Hi Alan,
  
  
  This is a HTTPS 413 error. 
"413 - Request Entity Too Large
The server is refusing to process a request because the
request entity is larger than the server is willing or able
to process. The server may close the connection to prevent
the client from continuing the request. What constitutes
'too large' depends in part by the operation being
attempted. 
  For example a request to upload a very large file (via
the HTTP PUT method) may encounter a limitation on upload
file size set by the Web server.”
  
  
  You could try “Empty Cache” in Safari, then restart
Safari and try the process again, making sure you don’t have
any other pages open at the time you are trying to do the
upload.
  
  
  Cheers,
Ronni

17" MacBook Pro 2.3GHz Quad-Core i7 “Thunderbolt"
2.3GHz / 8GB / 750GB @ 7200rpm HD

OS X 10.6.7 Snow Leopard
Windows 7 Ultimate (under sufferance)


On 22/06/2011, at 7:51 AM, Alan Smith wrote:
  

  I receive an error message when submitting a web form:
   "Page was not displayed because the request entity is too
  large".     Any suggestions as to where the cause of the
  problem may be?
  
  I was attempting to complete a 3-step web form for a Myer
  extended warranty.   Step two requires details including a
  proof of purchase attachment of less than 4MB.   My PDF
   scan of the receipt is 586KB.  Process halts when I press
  "Step 3 - Confirmation".   After a period of inactivity I
  receive the above error message.   Google suggested it is
  HTTPS 413.
  
  I am using Safari 5.0.5.      I have previously submitted
  web forms with larger attachments successfully (to a State
  Govt department) so it MAY not be my iMac or ISP.
  
  Regards, Alan
  
  Alan Smith
   iMac 21.5" Intel Core 2 Duo 3.06GHz 4M - OSX 10.6.7
   iPad2; ATV2
  



  
  
  
   

Re: Serious problem

[Ronda Brown]

Hi Pat,

In System Preferences  Other - TechTool Protection, check the Directory Backup 
Interval.
If you have it set for every 4 hours,  if it is doing this on every drive that 
is ever connected to your Mac (backup drives / Time Machine etc)  it can create 
a very large folder.

I had similar to what you have explained below happen on a client’s computer 
and I checked the TechTool Pro Protection folder and it was over 100GB in size!

The folder containing all the TechTool directory backups is located in the main 
Hard Drive  Library  Application Support  TechTool Protection folder.
Drag any that are no longer required to the Trash, you will be asked for your 
administrator password.
Empty the trash when you have finished.

Restart you Mac.

Cheers,
Ronni


On 02/07/2011, at 10:57 PM, Rob Phillips wrote:

 Hi Pat
 
 I am probably less qualified than others to respond, but in the interests of 
 urgency I can think of two causes:
 your hard disk is rapidly becoming corrupt and there is a decreasing amount 
 of usable space.
 something is writing huge amounts of stuff to some sort of log file
 For 1, I'd boot up off the installation DVD (hold down C on startup) and run 
 disk utility. Failing that reboot off the installation DVD in diagnostic mode 
 (hold down D on startup) and run the hardware test.  Techtools might help you 
 here too, but I haven't used these for 5+ years.
 
 If 1 is OK, look for files which are very large and increasing in size.
 
 Hope this helps, but things might not be looking good...
 
 Rob
 
 On 2/07/11 10:01 PM, Pat Scott wrote:
 
 Yesterday the boot disk of my Mac Pro suddenly began filling up with 
 something unknown. Tech tool Pro put up messages saying the disk had only 
 13% free space left, out of 320 GB.   The only thing I could think to do was 
 try to find out where the excess was accumulating.  This seemed to be the 
 Application Support folder in my Home folder. I moved an assortment of the 
 folders to another disk (there are 3 disks), and this moved the added GBs 
 out of the boot disk, so it was back to 140 GB free.
 
 Today I did various jobs on the computer and things seemed normal until I 
 tried to install Security Update 2011-004. The message came up that this 
 update could not be installed on the boot disk because it was not suitable.  
 
 Then I tried to install the OS 10.6.8 update, and it did install.   I tried 
 the Security update again, and got the same message. Then Tech Tool Pro 
 started its warnings again only this time there was only 4% of free space 
 left and it was going down fast. Within a few minutes it was down to 600MB, 
 so I shut it down quick.
 
 I am totally at a loss as to what I should do.  To make things even more 
 difficult, from Monday I have to be away for ten days.
 
 I hope someone can advise me.
 
 Thanks,
 
 Pat
 




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Re: Serious problem

[Daniel Kerr]

Also, just to add to Ronni's post.
If you still find after searching that nothing turns up large files
anywhere a couple of other things to look out for are:-
1) backups that are saving back to the original hard drive instead of
another drive (eg Silverkeeper, Time Machine, Deja Vu.) Sometimes if the
destination drive disappears it can change the script and save back to
itself.
2) invisible system log files. I can't remember off the top of my head
exactly where these ones are, but if you have no joy post back to the list
and I'll check my notes for the location of it.

I've had both the above happen with client where the backup was backing up
to the same drive as the original data was and was eating up the hard drive
space.
And on another occasion had another client who had a corrupt system log
file. As quickly as they were deleting things to make space it was chewing
it back up again. In fact it got down to zero KBs of free space! I was
surprised the machine was still running when I went out there to fix it!
Once I found the hidden corrupt files it returned about 250GB of space back
to them!!

Just a couple of thoughts off the top of my head.

Hope that helps.

Kind regards
Daniel


On 2/7/11 11:44 PM, Ronda Brown ro...@mac.com wrote:

 Hi Pat,
 
 In System Preferences  Other - TechTool Protection, check the Directory
 Backup Interval.
 If you have it set for every 4 hours,  if it is doing this on every drive
 that is ever connected to your Mac (backup drives / Time Machine etc)  it can
 create a very large folder.
 
 I had similar to what you have explained below happen on a client¹s computer
 and I checked the TechTool Pro Protection folder and it was over 100GB in
 size!
 
 The folder containing all the TechTool directory backups is located in the
 main Hard Drive  Library  Application Support  TechTool Protection folder.
 Drag any that are no longer required to the Trash, you will be asked for your
 administrator password.
 Empty the trash when you have finished.
 
 Restart you Mac.
 
 Cheers,
 Ronni
 
 
 On 02/07/2011, at 10:57 PM, Rob Phillips wrote:
 
 Hi Pat
 
 I am probably less qualified than others to respond, but in the interests of
 urgency I can think of two causes:
 your hard disk is rapidly becoming corrupt and there is a decreasing amount
 of usable space.
 something is writing huge amounts of stuff to some sort of log file
 For 1, I'd boot up off the installation DVD (hold down C on startup) and run
 disk utility. Failing that reboot off the installation DVD in diagnostic mode
 (hold down D on startup) and run the hardware test.  Techtools might help you
 here too, but I haven't used these for 5+ years.
 
 If 1 is OK, look for files which are very large and increasing in size.
 
 Hope this helps, but things might not be looking good...
 
 Rob
 
 On 2/07/11 10:01 PM, Pat Scott wrote:
 
 Yesterday the boot disk of my Mac Pro suddenly began filling up with
 something unknown. Tech tool Pro put up messages saying the disk had only
 13% free space left, out of 320 GB.   The only thing I could think to do was
 try to find out where the excess was accumulating.  This seemed to be the
 Application Support folder in my Home folder. I moved an assortment of the
 folders to another disk (there are 3 disks), and this moved the added GBs
 out of the boot disk, so it was back to 140 GB free.
 
 Today I did various jobs on the computer and things seemed normal until I
 tried to install Security Update 2011-004. The message came up that this
 update could not be installed on the boot disk because it was not suitable.
 
 Then I tried to install the OS 10.6.8 update, and it did install.   I tried
 the Security update again, and got the same message. Then Tech Tool Pro
 started its warnings again only this time there was only 4% of free space
 left and it was going down fast. Within a few minutes it was down to 600MB,
 so I shut it down quick.
 
 I am totally at a loss as to what I should do.  To make things even more
 difficult, from Monday I have to be away for ten days.
 
 I hope someone can advise me.
 
 Thanks,
 
 Pat
 
 
 
 
 
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---
Daniel Kerr
MacWizardry

Phone: 0414 795 960
Email: daniel @ macwizardry . com . au
Web:   http://www.macwizardry.com.au


**For everything Macintosh**





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Re: Serious problem

[Pat]

Thanks so much, everyone, Ronni, Rob and Daniel,

It looks like it was TechToolPro that was the culprit.  The main disk was down 
to 0 and now it has 163 GB free after I threw out the entire TechTool folder.  
Neither of the other 2 disks had any problem.

Is TechTool of real value, worth having even if it is likely to go insane?  And 
more and more we put our lives in the tender (not) mercy of computers and their 
software.

It's an enormous relief, but I am going to keep an eagle eye on that 163 GB to 
see if it starts melting away again (I've been watching it all morning, and it 
still seems OK).

Thank you, thank you, thank you!

Pat



On 02/07/2011, at 11:44 PM, Ronda Brown wrote:

 Hi Pat,
 
 In System Preferences  Other - TechTool Protection, check the Directory 
 Backup Interval.
 If you have it set for every 4 hours,  if it is doing this on every drive 
 that is ever connected to your Mac (backup drives / Time Machine etc)  it can 
 create a very large folder.
 
 I had similar to what you have explained below happen on a client’s computer 
 and I checked the TechTool Pro Protection folder and it was over 100GB in 
 size!
 
 The folder containing all the TechTool directory backups is located in the 
 main Hard Drive  Library  Application Support  TechTool Protection folder.
 Drag any that are no longer required to the Trash, you will be asked for your 
 administrator password.
 Empty the trash when you have finished.
 
 Restart you Mac.
 
 Cheers,
 Ronni
 
 On 2/07/11 10:01 PM, Pat Scott wrote:
 
 Yesterday the boot disk of my Mac Pro suddenly began filling up with 
 something unknown. Tech tool Pro put up messages saying the disk had only 
 13% free space left, out of 320 GB.   The only thing I could think to do 
 was try to find out where the excess was accumulating.  This seemed to be 
 the Application Support folder in my Home folder. I moved an assortment of 
 the folders to another disk (there are 3 disks), and this moved the added 
 GBs out of the boot disk, so it was back to 140 GB free.
 
 Today I did various jobs on the computer and things seemed normal until I 
 tried to install Security Update 2011-004. The message came up that this 
 update could not be installed on the boot disk because it was not suitable. 
  
 
 Then I tried to install the OS 10.6.8 update, and it did install.   I tried 
 the Security update again, and got the same message. Then Tech Tool Pro 
 started its warnings again only this time there was only 4% of free space 
 left and it was going down fast. Within a few minutes it was down to 600MB, 
 so I shut it down quick.
 
 I am totally at a loss as to what I should do.  To make things even more 
 difficult, from Monday I have to be away for ten days.
 
 I hope someone can advise me.
 
 Thanks,
 
 Pat




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