Hold the C key during start-up after inserting the disc. If running Mac OS X v10.6 or earlier, you’ll need to run Disk Utility from a Mac OS X install or restore disc. (Note: you can also access Disk Utility from Mac OS X Internet Recovery – for more information, click on the Apple link at the bottom of the page.) Following Recovery System start-up you should see a desktop with an open “Mac OS X Utilities” window. If running Safe Mode is unsuccessful in fixing start up issues, or if you’re using a version earlier than Mac OS X 10.2, fix file system issues using Disk Utility:īoot into the Recovery System – press command+R as early as possible during start-up, and hold until the Apple icon appears. Note: Safe Mode won’t work if you have a firmware password. Safe mode should take itself though any checks and repairs, and you can restart your computer without holding any keys to leave safe mode.

A progress bar should then appear, indicating that safe mode is performing a directory check. Release the key when you see the gray Apple icon and spinning wheel. Make sure your computer is shut down – then when turning the computer back on, start holding the shift key immediately after you hear the start-up tone. If using Mac OS X 10.2 or later, you can start up in Safe Mode, which automatically performs disk check and repair: This article provides a couple preferred ways to fix these issues on a Mac computer.

Improper shutdown or power interruptions can create file system errors that stunt the start-up process.

How to boot to os x utilities