2

I am using FileVault 2.0 on Mavericks.

After restarting the computer one day, I was presented with the gray file vault login screen (normal). After typing in a password, it begins the login process, but then after 20 seconds or so, a spinner shows up below the account image. This spinner continues spinning indefinitely (the most I have waited at this screen is 30 minutes).

If I try holding down the power button and attempting to login again it fails no matter which user account I try.

I tried using Disk Utility to verify my disk and it shows that it is fine.

How do I fix this problem?

Improve this question

1 Answer 1

Reset to default
1

TLDR: I contacted Apple about this problem, and they recommended to reinstall OS X, which seems like a temp fix.

Reinstalling OS X should at least allow you to login again. This is great if you have any data that isn't backed up. However, after a subsequent restart, I have experienced this problem again, so it seems like this only a temporary solution.

  1. Restart the computer.
  2. Hold command-c while it is starting up.
  3. Open Disk Utility.
  4. Select the grayed out encrypted partition.
  5. Choose unlock.
  6. Type in your FileVault master password. (You saved it somewhere safe, right?)
  7. Close Disk Utility.
  8. Choose reinstall OS X.
  9. Go through the setup process.
  10. Once it is done, you should be able to login and access all of your data.

Note: according to the Apple representative, reinstalling OS X this way does not get rid of any of the data on your hard drive.

Improve this answer

You must log in to answer this question.

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged .