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TICKET ARCHIVE -> How Do I Enable the Dvd Player In Safe Boot Mode?
LaMark - Jul 26, 2005 - 4:20 am
[Also posted under cataegory: Mac OS X - Mac Desktops]
Thanks for providing this service.
How do I enable the DVD player in Safe boot mode?
How do I make the normal boot mode like Safe boot mode and add each of the things disabled one-at-a-time to find a problem with my computer?
Recently, my computer has been displaying is a weird way. There is pixilation or blockiness, the icons will not redraw after a screen is moved, or many other bad drawing behavior. For the past few weeks I've been using my machine in Safe Boot mode. It works as expected, no sound, no DVD, etc. No display problems. Since Safe boot does not exhibit the display problems, I believe the display problems are a symptom of some other problem. I wish to find the problem.
I am unable and unwilling to purchase a new computer at this time. I would like to t least get access to my DVD drive (PIONEER DVD-RW DVR-105 Rev. A506) again.
My system profile reports the following:
Hardware Overview:
Machine Model: iMac
CPU Type: PowerPC G4 (3.3)
Number Of CPUs: 1
CPU Speed: 1 GHz
L2 Cache (per CPU): 256 KB
Memory: 768 MB
Bus Speed: 133 MHz
Boot ROM Version: 4.5.9f1
I've found and used the following possibly related posts:
http://www.macosx.com/forums/showthread.php?t=230199
http://www.macosx.com/content/faq.ph...-Problems.html
http://www.macosx.com/forums/showthr...oto=nextoldest
Thanks for providing this service.
How do I enable the DVD player in Safe boot mode?
How do I make the normal boot mode like Safe boot mode and add each of the things disabled one-at-a-time to find a problem with my computer?
Recently, my computer has been displaying is a weird way. There is pixilation or blockiness, the icons will not redraw after a screen is moved, or many other bad drawing behavior. For the past few weeks I've been using my machine in Safe Boot mode. It works as expected, no sound, no DVD, etc. No display problems. Since Safe boot does not exhibit the display problems, I believe the display problems are a symptom of some other problem. I wish to find the problem.
I am unable and unwilling to purchase a new computer at this time. I would like to t least get access to my DVD drive (PIONEER DVD-RW DVR-105 Rev. A506) again.
My system profile reports the following:
Hardware Overview:
Machine Model: iMac
CPU Type: PowerPC G4 (3.3)
Number Of CPUs: 1
CPU Speed: 1 GHz
L2 Cache (per CPU): 256 KB
Memory: 768 MB
Bus Speed: 133 MHz
Boot ROM Version: 4.5.9f1
I've found and used the following possibly related posts:
http://www.macosx.com/forums/showthread.php?t=230199
http://www.macosx.com/content/faq.ph...-Problems.html
http://www.macosx.com/forums/showthr...oto=nextoldest
Cheryl - Jul 26, 2005 - 10:44 pm
LaMark,
Safe Mode can be useful for troubleshooting. However, certain Mac OS X features do not work when you are started up in Safe Mode. For example, you can't use DVD Player, capture video in iMovie, use an AirPort card, use some audio input or output devices, or use an internal or external USB modem.
Were you able to use the Hardware CD test? What did it report?
Did you try removing the additional RAM?
Did you do the fsck repair?
Do you shut down your computer every night? If so, do you have Onyx or Macaroni to do the routine jobs that need to be done nightly?
I ask these question to make sure I do not repeat what you have already done. Because I am not in front of your computer, I am relying on you to give me the details.
--------
Let me know if you need further assistance and thank you for using MacOSX.com !
Cheryl
Safe Mode can be useful for troubleshooting. However, certain Mac OS X features do not work when you are started up in Safe Mode. For example, you can't use DVD Player, capture video in iMovie, use an AirPort card, use some audio input or output devices, or use an internal or external USB modem.
Were you able to use the Hardware CD test? What did it report?
Did you try removing the additional RAM?
Did you do the fsck repair?
Do you shut down your computer every night? If so, do you have Onyx or Macaroni to do the routine jobs that need to be done nightly?
I ask these question to make sure I do not repeat what you have already done. Because I am not in front of your computer, I am relying on you to give me the details.
--------
Let me know if you need further assistance and thank you for using MacOSX.com !
Cheryl
LaMark - Jul 27, 2005 - 10:23 pm
Cheryl,
Thanks for contacting me.
I did remove, test, and reseat the extra memory. I di the same for the factory installed memory. I've also added a new disk drive (after the problem started), which involved formatting it and installing a new system.
I do not shutdown the machine every night and realize that this can cuase problems.
If we assume that not shutting the machine down each night has caused the problem by possibly damaging a component. What can I do using software to detect which component is damaged? This way I will know the new limits of my machine.
I realize that a number of features (extensions and drivers) are not loaded with Safe Boot mode. The computer is working as expected in this mode (i.e. no DVD and perfect display). The normal boot mode is not working correctly - the display is scrambled and moving windows leave artifacts. I'm considering creating a boot mode that I can add (one at a time) those features that are missing until the problem I am experiencing in normal mode appears. I will then assume the problem is with the last added feature. Part of my questions is how do I create a new mode or modify the original one?
My main focus is determining if the DVD writer (and its supporting features) is/are the problem and if not, re-enabling it.
LaMark
Thanks for contacting me.
I did remove, test, and reseat the extra memory. I di the same for the factory installed memory. I've also added a new disk drive (after the problem started), which involved formatting it and installing a new system.
I do not shutdown the machine every night and realize that this can cuase problems.
If we assume that not shutting the machine down each night has caused the problem by possibly damaging a component. What can I do using software to detect which component is damaged? This way I will know the new limits of my machine.
I realize that a number of features (extensions and drivers) are not loaded with Safe Boot mode. The computer is working as expected in this mode (i.e. no DVD and perfect display). The normal boot mode is not working correctly - the display is scrambled and moving windows leave artifacts. I'm considering creating a boot mode that I can add (one at a time) those features that are missing until the problem I am experiencing in normal mode appears. I will then assume the problem is with the last added feature. Part of my questions is how do I create a new mode or modify the original one?
My main focus is determining if the DVD writer (and its supporting features) is/are the problem and if not, re-enabling it.
LaMark
Cheryl - Jul 27, 2005 - 10:39 pm
Shutting down the machine every night does not damage components or files. OS X has daily, weekly and monthly routines that are scheduled during the night. This is written within the system. Shutting down the computer does not allow those routine jobs from occurring. There are a few utilities that do those jobs when you start up the computer. Macaroni and Onyx are two.
Safe mode is to allow you to uninstall or delete a file or program that you think is causing problems. You can not add to or modify Safe Mode.
Having a display that is scrambled may be the monitor itself. Have you made sure the display is set correctly.
Is the DVD drive the one that came with your iMac or a replacement?
Your iMac came with Hardware Test CD. Have you used that to test the iMac? What was the report?
--------
Let me know if you need further assistance and thank you for using MacOSX.com !
Cheryl
Safe mode is to allow you to uninstall or delete a file or program that you think is causing problems. You can not add to or modify Safe Mode.
Having a display that is scrambled may be the monitor itself. Have you made sure the display is set correctly.
Is the DVD drive the one that came with your iMac or a replacement?
Your iMac came with Hardware Test CD. Have you used that to test the iMac? What was the report?
--------
Let me know if you need further assistance and thank you for using MacOSX.com !
Cheryl
LaMark - Jul 28, 2005 - 8:00 am
I ran the Apple Hardware Test disk and no problems were reported.
Only the disk drive and extra memory are not original equipment. The disk drive was installed after the issue manifested itself as an attempt to fix the problem. The DVD drive is reported by the System Profiler is:
PIONEER DVD-RW DVR-105:
Manufacturer: PIONEER
Model: PIONEER DVD-RW DVR-105
Revision: A506
Drive Type: CD-RW/DVD-RW
Disc Burning: Apple Supported/Shipped
Removable Media: Yes
Detachable Drive: No
Protocol: ATAPI
Unit Number: 0
Socket Type: Internal
You may be correct the display system may be a problem. The problem does not manifest in the Safe boot mode, therefore, I believe the problem can be a combination of the display hardware and display software. Are there places other than the System Prefernces where I can check display preferences, Safe Mode and Normal Mode are set the same there? Do you have any suggestion on which extensions or drivers may cause such a problem?
I do not wish to modify Safe Boot mode but the normal booting mode. I am currently considering changing the *.kext/Contents/Info.plist files line:
OSBundleRequired
???
to force the extensions not to load. Do you think this is a possible method for changing the normal boot mode and finding the problem by process of elimination?
Only the disk drive and extra memory are not original equipment. The disk drive was installed after the issue manifested itself as an attempt to fix the problem. The DVD drive is reported by the System Profiler is:
PIONEER DVD-RW DVR-105:
Manufacturer: PIONEER
Model: PIONEER DVD-RW DVR-105
Revision: A506
Drive Type: CD-RW/DVD-RW
Disc Burning: Apple Supported/Shipped
Removable Media: Yes
Detachable Drive: No
Protocol: ATAPI
Unit Number: 0
Socket Type: Internal
You may be correct the display system may be a problem. The problem does not manifest in the Safe boot mode, therefore, I believe the problem can be a combination of the display hardware and display software. Are there places other than the System Prefernces where I can check display preferences, Safe Mode and Normal Mode are set the same there? Do you have any suggestion on which extensions or drivers may cause such a problem?
I do not wish to modify Safe Boot mode but the normal booting mode. I am currently considering changing the *.kext/Contents/Info.plist files line:
to force the extensions not to load. Do you think this is a possible method for changing the normal boot mode and finding the problem by process of elimination?
Cheryl - Jul 28, 2005 - 9:45 am
LaMark,
Before you mess with files within the system (which could render your machine unbootable) let's try dealing with the display since that is the main problem.
You can boot in Safe Mode and then do the following:
Go to Hard Drive>Library>ColorSync>Profiles>Displays.
Trash everything in the Displays folder.
Go to Hard Drive>Library>Caches>com.apple.ATS>501
Trash everything in that folder.
Go to Hard Drive>Library>Caches
Trash all the individual files that start with com.apple.
Note: not the folders or any other files. Just the com.apple.xxxx
Go to Home>Library>Caches>system Preferences
Trash all the folders in there.
Go to Home>Library>Preferences
Trash the following:
ColorSync Cache
com.apple.ColorSyncCalibrator.plist
com.apple.ColorSyncUtility.plist
Restart the computer.
How large is the hard drive? What brand is it?
--------
Let me know if you need further assistance and thank you for using MacOSX.com !
Cheryl
Before you mess with files within the system (which could render your machine unbootable) let's try dealing with the display since that is the main problem.
You can boot in Safe Mode and then do the following:
Go to Hard Drive>Library>ColorSync>Profiles>Displays.
Trash everything in the Displays folder.
Go to Hard Drive>Library>Caches>com.apple.ATS>501
Trash everything in that folder.
Go to Hard Drive>Library>Caches
Trash all the individual files that start with com.apple.
Note: not the folders or any other files. Just the com.apple.xxxx
Go to Home>Library>Caches>system Preferences
Trash all the folders in there.
Go to Home>Library>Preferences
Trash the following:
ColorSync Cache
com.apple.ColorSyncCalibrator.plist
com.apple.ColorSyncUtility.plist
Restart the computer.
How large is the hard drive? What brand is it?
--------
Let me know if you need further assistance and thank you for using MacOSX.com !
Cheryl
LaMark - Jul 28, 2005 - 8:58 pm
Cheryl,
I deleted all the preferences and settings you suggested then rebooted. The graphics exhibited the problems as soon as 'Checking Disks' was displayed on the startup screen. I am once again using Safe Boot mode as my only method of using the computer.
After the problems started occurring, I thought the issue could have been system related so I replaced the disk drive nd installed a new system. The new disk drive is 50% larger than the original. System Profile reports the following:
Maxtor 6Y120P0:
Capacity: 114.5 GB
Model: Maxtor 6Y120P0
Revision: YAR41BW0
Removable Media: No
Detachable Drive: No
BSD Name: disk0
Protocol: ATA
Unit Number: 0
Socket Type: Internal
OS9 Drivers: Yes
What is your line of thought concerning the Disk Drive? I replaced the disk drive at least a week after the problems started occurring. I assumed the problem could not have been caused by the new drive. Have you noticed a pattern among users with similar problems.
I deleted all the preferences and settings you suggested then rebooted. The graphics exhibited the problems as soon as 'Checking Disks' was displayed on the startup screen. I am once again using Safe Boot mode as my only method of using the computer.
After the problems started occurring, I thought the issue could have been system related so I replaced the disk drive nd installed a new system. The new disk drive is 50% larger than the original. System Profile reports the following:
Maxtor 6Y120P0:
Capacity: 114.5 GB
Model: Maxtor 6Y120P0
Revision: YAR41BW0
Removable Media: No
Detachable Drive: No
BSD Name: disk0
Protocol: ATA
Unit Number: 0
Socket Type: Internal
OS9 Drivers: Yes
What is your line of thought concerning the Disk Drive? I replaced the disk drive at least a week after the problems started occurring. I assumed the problem could not have been caused by the new drive. Have you noticed a pattern among users with similar problems.
Cheryl - Jul 28, 2005 - 9:14 pm
LaMark,
I must say that I have not noticed/ or read about this problem from other users.
When you ran the Hardware Test CD, what did it report? I think you may have a serious hardware problem, possibly with the logic board, or a component on it.
The only thing I can suggest now is to call Apple. Give them the exact description of your problem with the display. They may want to walk you through some steps like using Disk Utility or booting in Single User Mode and running fsck. Have your OS CDs/DVDs handy - especially the Hardware Test CD.
--------
Let me know if you need further assistance and thank you for using MacOSX.com !
Cheryl
I must say that I have not noticed/ or read about this problem from other users.
When you ran the Hardware Test CD, what did it report? I think you may have a serious hardware problem, possibly with the logic board, or a component on it.
The only thing I can suggest now is to call Apple. Give them the exact description of your problem with the display. They may want to walk you through some steps like using Disk Utility or booting in Single User Mode and running fsck. Have your OS CDs/DVDs handy - especially the Hardware Test CD.
--------
Let me know if you need further assistance and thank you for using MacOSX.com !
Cheryl
LaMark - Jul 29, 2005 - 10:04 pm
Cheryl,
I agree with your assessment, I do have a serious hardware problem. I went to the Apple store and showed the machine to a "Mac Genius.” They suggested a new computer since this is an all-in-one machine. As I wrote initially, I don’t have the ability to obtain a new machine at this time.
I am trying to find a compromise. I wish to have access to my optical(DVD) drive. Currently, I am using the Safe Mode, which provides much of the functionality I require. I would be satisfied with the machine (until I could replace it) if I had access to the DVD drive. I am looking for a way to have the normal boot mode load the same extensions as Safe Mode plus the DVD drive related extensions, I could utilize my computer nearly as I did before this issue started. Another option is to place the drive in and external firewire case (which I already own) and use it as an external drive within Safe Boot mode.
I believe the problem is caused by a component that is a non-critical part of the display system - possibly a graphics accelerator card or something similar. If I could turn on the extensions in a piecemeal fashion, I could isolate the problem hardware and continue to use the computer with almost all of its capabilities available to me.
If you have any more information on enabling the DVD drive in Safe Boot Mode I would appreciate it. It would also be helpful if you have information on the display system at the driver level.
I agree with your assessment, I do have a serious hardware problem. I went to the Apple store and showed the machine to a "Mac Genius.” They suggested a new computer since this is an all-in-one machine. As I wrote initially, I don’t have the ability to obtain a new machine at this time.
I am trying to find a compromise. I wish to have access to my optical(DVD) drive. Currently, I am using the Safe Mode, which provides much of the functionality I require. I would be satisfied with the machine (until I could replace it) if I had access to the DVD drive. I am looking for a way to have the normal boot mode load the same extensions as Safe Mode plus the DVD drive related extensions, I could utilize my computer nearly as I did before this issue started. Another option is to place the drive in and external firewire case (which I already own) and use it as an external drive within Safe Boot mode.
I believe the problem is caused by a component that is a non-critical part of the display system - possibly a graphics accelerator card or something similar. If I could turn on the extensions in a piecemeal fashion, I could isolate the problem hardware and continue to use the computer with almost all of its capabilities available to me.
If you have any more information on enabling the DVD drive in Safe Boot Mode I would appreciate it. It would also be helpful if you have information on the display system at the driver level.
Cheryl - Jul 30, 2005 - 9:56 am
LaMark,
I am surprised that the "Mac Genius" did not suggest getting it repaired.
And I don't think it is a non critical part because when you boot in Safe mode, only the basic kernels are enabled. You are not using a vital part that the DVD needs on the video side. It could be a graphics card, or display kernel that is disabled.
I have done an extensive search for anything that can help you and came up empty. I even went into the developers side to see if there was any kind of hint to help.
The graphics card in your machine is NVIDA GeForce4 MX (AGP 4x). I found a hack for Radeon PCI cards, but not for your GeForce.
Have you tried attaching a second display to it? I assume that you did not purchase Apple Care for the machine, as that would have covered the repair.
Have you posted a request for command line instructions under the Unix forum at MacOSX.com? There just might be some one that visits that forum section that might be able to help you.
I have run out of ideas to help. Would you like me to put this back into the open pool?
--------
Let me know if you need further assistance and thank you for using MacOSX.com !
Cheryl
I am surprised that the "Mac Genius" did not suggest getting it repaired.
And I don't think it is a non critical part because when you boot in Safe mode, only the basic kernels are enabled. You are not using a vital part that the DVD needs on the video side. It could be a graphics card, or display kernel that is disabled.
I have done an extensive search for anything that can help you and came up empty. I even went into the developers side to see if there was any kind of hint to help.
The graphics card in your machine is NVIDA GeForce4 MX (AGP 4x). I found a hack for Radeon PCI cards, but not for your GeForce.
Have you tried attaching a second display to it? I assume that you did not purchase Apple Care for the machine, as that would have covered the repair.
Have you posted a request for command line instructions under the Unix forum at MacOSX.com? There just might be some one that visits that forum section that might be able to help you.
I have run out of ideas to help. Would you like me to put this back into the open pool?
--------
Let me know if you need further assistance and thank you for using MacOSX.com !
Cheryl
LaMark - Jul 30, 2005 - 5:03 pm
Cheryl,
Yes, please place this thread back in the open pool.
The Mac Genius tells me that the problem is with the graphics card, which is permanently attached to the motherboard. To replace the card they would have to replace the entire motherboard. I am unable to replace the motherboard at this time and prefer instead to wait a year and acquire a new machine.
I too am stumped. I agree with you, the problem is with a graphics card component (not the entire card). Safe boot’s basic kernel does not enable the problem component of the card. The normal mode uses a driver that enables more advanced components of the graphics card and that is were the problem lies and manifest itself. I am trying to determine if the Intrepid IC Video Display Subsystem could be the problem. After reading an introduction (http://developer.apple.com/documenta...y03/index.html), this seems to be a possibility as the text suggests that the subsystem is not required for normal use.
If this is the case, my goal will be to isolate the subsystem’s kernel from the normal boot process. I expect this may give me limited use of my optical drive. I would not be able to efficiently create iMovies or burn DVDs, but these are secondary for my needs. I simply wish to read backup DVDs.
Thank you for your assistance.
Yes, please place this thread back in the open pool.
The Mac Genius tells me that the problem is with the graphics card, which is permanently attached to the motherboard. To replace the card they would have to replace the entire motherboard. I am unable to replace the motherboard at this time and prefer instead to wait a year and acquire a new machine.
I too am stumped. I agree with you, the problem is with a graphics card component (not the entire card). Safe boot’s basic kernel does not enable the problem component of the card. The normal mode uses a driver that enables more advanced components of the graphics card and that is were the problem lies and manifest itself. I am trying to determine if the Intrepid IC Video Display Subsystem could be the problem. After reading an introduction (http://developer.apple.com/documenta...y03/index.html), this seems to be a possibility as the text suggests that the subsystem is not required for normal use.
If this is the case, my goal will be to isolate the subsystem’s kernel from the normal boot process. I expect this may give me limited use of my optical drive. I would not be able to efficiently create iMovies or burn DVDs, but these are secondary for my needs. I simply wish to read backup DVDs.
Thank you for your assistance.
Cheryl - Jul 30, 2005 - 5:35 pm
Lamark,
I will send this back to the open pool. Good luck!
--------
Let me know if you need further assistance and thank you for using MacOSX.com !
Cheryl
I will send this back to the open pool. Good luck!
--------
Let me know if you need further assistance and thank you for using MacOSX.com !
Cheryl
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