Cant log in?

[djschep]

Hey guys,

Sometimes when I turn on my iMac, it takes unusually long to get to the log-in screen, and when it finally gets there, I cant click on my User. Usually I just hard restart the computer thenit works sometimes but this isn't a permanent solution for me. It started happening last week and seems to happen most times i start up now.

Has anyone had this before? If so, how can it be solved? If you haven't heard of this before what do you recommend me to do?

If possible, seeing as it is an iMac, i'd rather not lug it to an apple store/reseller.

Thanks in advance!!!
djschep

 

[Razorhog]

Try resetting the PRAM:

Resetting PRAM and NVRAM

1. Shut down the computer.
2. Locate the following keys on the keyboard: Command, Option, P, and R. You will need to hold these keys down simultaneously in step 4.
3. Turn on the computer.
4. Press and hold the Command-Option-P-R keys. You must press this key combination before the gray screen appears.
5. Hold the keys down until the computer restarts and you hear the startup sound for the second time.
6. Release the keys.

 

[djschep]

Try resetting the PRAM:

Resetting PRAM and NVRAM

1. Shut down the computer.
2. Locate the following keys on the keyboard: Command, Option, P, and R. You will need to hold these keys down simultaneously in step 4.
3. Turn on the computer.
4. Press and hold the Command-Option-P-R keys. You must press this key combination before the gray screen appears.
5. Hold the keys down until the computer restarts and you hear the startup sound for the second time.
6. Release the keys.

Ok, i've done this, wil get back to you if i notice it still happening! any chance you could explain to me what PRAM and NVRAM are?
Thanks

 

[Razorhog]

Your Mac stores certain settings in a special memory area even if it is turned off. On Intel-based Macs, this is stored in memory known as NVRAM; on PowerPC-based Macs, this is stored in memory known as PRAM. Information stored in NVRAM or PRAM may include:

Speaker volume
Screen resolution
Startup disk selection

You may need to reset the NVRAM or PRAM if you experience issues related to these functions. For example, if your Mac starts up from a startup disk other than the one you've specified in Startup Disk preferences, or if a "question mark" icon appears briefly when your Mac starts up, resetting NVRAM or PRAM may help.

http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1895#

 

[djschep]

Your Mac stores certain settings in a special memory area even if it is turned off. On Intel-based Macs, this is stored in memory known as NVRAM; on PowerPC-based Macs, this is stored in memory known as PRAM. Information stored in NVRAM or PRAM may include:

Speaker volume
Screen resolution
Startup disk selection

You may need to reset the NVRAM or PRAM if you experience issues related to these functions. For example, if your Mac starts up from a startup disk other than the one you've specified in Startup Disk preferences, or if a "question mark" icon appears briefly when your Mac starts up, resetting NVRAM or PRAM may help.

http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1895#

WOW! thanks so much Razorhog you've been so helpful!

 

[djschep]

Still doing it

Well after I reset the NRAM, everything was okay for about 4-5 startups but it seems to have come back with a vengeance! It wont even let me log in after having waited 5-10mins (last time if I waited a bit then it would let me in)! Please someone help!!
djschep

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It's an intel based mid 2011 21,5 iMac just so you know

 

[JediMeister]

What kind of input device are you using? Is this a USB mouse, Apple's Magic Mouse or Magic Trackpad? Not sure it would explain the longer startup time but it could account for the delay or inability to click the account to login to. Try replacing the batteries on the Bluetooth device or make sure the USB mouse is directly connected, not through a hub.

 

[djschep]

What kind of input device are you using? Is this a USB mouse, Apple's Magic Mouse or Magic Trackpad? Not sure it would explain the longer startup time but it could account for the delay or inability to click the account to login to. Try replacing the batteries on the Bluetooth device or make sure the USB mouse is directly connected, not through a hub.

I have a USB mouse and an apple wireless keyboard