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If anyone could please help me I'd really appreciate it. I was a Windows user my whole life and just switched to a Mac and I'm not very familiar with how it works. I need to install some software for a new printer and a digital camera, but the installations require that my computer be restarted. Whenever it is automatically or manually restarted it freezes. The icons are gone and all that's left is my wallpaper and a grey bar across the top (sounds like another post I read on this forum). I have to shut down the computer and when I turn it back on the programs are not loaded. Is there anyway to fix this problem?

Thank you!

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Dani AI

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This looks like a classic Finder/desktop or extension conflict rather than a hardware fault. The symptom you describe (only wallpaper plus a gray bar at top) means Finder isn’t finishing startup or the Desktop database is corrupted. Since can’t complete an installer restart, try these safe troubleshooting steps before attempting the 9.x update that mentioned.

  1. Try a one‑time boot with extensions disabled: hold the Shift key immediately after the chime; you should see “Extensions Disabled.” If the Mac starts normally, the problem is a third‑party extension/control panel. Use the Extensions Manager (or drag non‑Apple items out of the Extensions folder) and test by disabling half the items, then reboot — repeat to narrow the bad item. Back up your System Folder before removing anything. Startup keystrokes reference. (poynton.ca) (reddit.com)

  2. Rebuild the Desktop database (this fixes missing icons and Finder oddities): either use the Classic/Advanced “Rebuild Desktop” option or restart while holding Command+Option to trigger a rebuild. This often restores icons without reinstalling. Rebuild Desktop guidance. (flylib.com)

  3. If the above fails, boot the machine from the OS install CD (hold C during power‑on) and run the installer from that environment — this avoids relying on the broken system during the upgrade. Make a full backup first (floppy/CD/another Mac) and, when possible, run Disk First Aid on the drive before reinstalling. Note: some very old Macs require an ADB keyboard to send startup keys, so USB keyboards might not register on those models. Boot from CD how‑to. (macyourself.com)

If none of these restore reliable restarts, a clean install (from CD) after backing up, or swapping the hard drive for testing, is the next step.

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Member Avatar for jn530

I forgot to mention that I'm using OS 9.0

Member Avatar for kc0arf

Hello,

There is a system patch to go from 9.0 to something like 9.0.4, or perhaps, even to 9.1 You should move your OS up the path to get to 9.1 if possible.

CHristian

Member Avatar for jn530

Hello,

There is a system patch to go from 9.0 to something like 9.0.4, or perhaps, even to 9.1 You should move your OS up the path to get to 9.1 if possible.

CHristian

I am trying to upgrade to 9.1, but the upgrade requires that my computer automatically restart. See the problem? :-| I don't know what to do.

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