Any suggestions before reinstalling?

After installing the latest security update my Macbook crashed and was stuck on a blue loading screen. I forced a reboot (after about 15-20mins) and it then stuck on a grey loading screen and simply sits there for ages. I have reset the PRAM and ran a hardware test which has made no difference. I also cannot enter “safe-mode” and am unaware what “verbose” mode is, or if it would be of any help.

I did a quick search and can see that others have had this problem and I’m pretty much resigned to the fact that I’m going to have to reinstall OS X. But before I do I thought I’d request some of the expert advice that floats around here.;D

1 - If I reinstall OS X and choose to keep my files are they all going to be found in the same locations / folders as before?

2 - Any suggestions on what else I could try before I reinstall the OS?

Thanks in advance.

Just keep in mind that before installing anything (software or OS updates) a simple procedure: always unplug all peripherals (except of course keyboard and mouse) before you install.

Have a read of this article as well: Shock and Awe: How Installing Apple's Updates can Render Your Mac Unbootable and How You Can Prevent it.

Taking these precautions make updating safer.

Cheers MHC, got that bookmarked now. This was my 1st OS X update and I thought it would be ok simply running in the background - so I was running a couple of apps, downloading and running maintenance scripts! We live and learn.

moss918,

Just thought I'd add that when you run Maintenance scripts it's best to have nothing else running at the time ... this allows the app full access to your Macs HD.

Never knew that either, cheers Pulse!

No worries, moss!

If you choose Archive & Install as an option, all your files will be preserved.