Upgrading The OS On Ancient iMac late 2015 model

-
So I recently had to update the OS on my iMac, which I have put off for the longest time as the last time I did it, it didn't seem to go well.

The system hung and got stuck, so I used Time Machine to reverse it.
However recently I accidentally updated the OS on my iPhone and I was forced to act in order to continue syncing with my phone and the iMac. My iMac is a late 2015 27" model and can be updated up to the OS Monterey 12.7 
This has it's benefits as my Mail app has not been syncing my hotmail, and work mail for a while as the OS is too old - 10.14 so it has stopped and even the browsers could not be updated too.

So I bit the bullet, and went ahead.

First thing in any update, back up your data, so I made copies of my photo library, my music and my work file. Twice. And in different locations, plus iCloud. I have tons of data, photos and music and the photos of my baby are irreplaceable.

Then I did the install, which will take about 3-4 hours even on my SDD OS drive. The moment of truth came when it restarted and initially it seemed ok, but I quickly noticed something was wrong when the browsers were slow and did not have my history or settings. Then the Finder froze and despite restarting twice, I could not get the thing unstuck. I was beginning to panic.

Now google is your friend and I found others who had experienced this before so the key steps are in the search phrases
"finder not responding macOS Monterey" 

These tips are important:
You   may need to relaunch the Finder, but if it is stuck, then you go to the next phase.

The key points to do are to update the OS and all other software, but in order to get there, you need to restart in SAFE MODE using the shift key once you start the mac (for intel Macs)

Then if the Finder responds, you then add all the latest software version, and in some cases, you need to deactivate iCloud, but there was no need to dump iCloud in my case, I turned off my external drives one by one and then the Finder worked again. It's slow work especially on an old mac like mine

After the Finder function stabilised, I also found that iTunes lost my playlist and I found the answer here on this link: 

"The key was in how you open the MUSIC app.    Hold down the OPTION key while opening the MUSIC app.    You will see a dialog box.   Pick the option "Choose Library".     Now, navigate to your ITL file (not XML) for the old iTunes database you want to import and double click it.  The MUSIC app will then ask you to Save this as a new Music Library.  Give it a different name than your other library(s).    Pick a location etc.    Once that is done, you still have one final step - to change the default directory of your actual music files.  Go to MUSIC preferences, select Files directory, and change it to where your actual audio files are.    MUSIC app will then ask you to organize, click YES.   This took 2 hours to do on my iTunes database (153,263 songs, library size 8.4 TB).   I was originally on Sierra 10.12.6 using iTunes 12.8.2.3."

It takes a long time if you have as many songs as I, so let it run. 


The key is to keep calm and carry on. I must say, I was reading LUKE and the assurance that in the grand scheme of things, the Lord will provide and you just need to keep calm and work through the various solutions. 


Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

KEF LS 50 Meta review and comparison with the LS50

-
Image
The original KEF LS50 was one of those landmark speakers, a pocket rocket which performed at a much higher level than what it’s price tag might indicate. The original LS50 has been widely reviewed, and is well regarded by audiophiles everywhere.  However it does have some bite in the treble and lacks some deep bass, and works better for music which does not go too deep or with a sub to reinforce the bass. But what it does have is fabulous imaging, which allows you to how off great soundstaging, depth, and definition. If you are into details, you’ll love them. The coaxial design is also wonderful for those who sit a bit off axis. The construction is a marvel in itself and with a modern design, a beautiful gloss finish and a quality build. No wonder it’s loved by music lovers the world over. Now recently KEF has introduced the new KEF Meta. This is an updated version of the original and whilst it can look deceivingly the same, there are significant differences. First a link to the of...
Read more

Haiku fan review II - Mounting a Fan and Using more than one Fan

-
Image
A long long time ago, you had but a handful of choice of fans, and well, they mostly looked the same. The luxury fan market was almost non existent and then Haiku came along and all that changed. My original review is linked here:  Haiku fan review - how to choose a fan Since then, things have moved on and now we are into the fourth generation of the Haiku fan, or fifth if you count the more budget orientated version as well.  Well let's mention what is still present first. The cool, sleek design is still here. And you get both composite ABS blades, as well as bamboo options. It is still a DC motor, with the attendant energy savings, and the silent motor. But most importantly for most buyers, it still looks good. So what is new?  The size options have increased, from 52", 60" and now 84". You still get the option of a longer stalk for higher ceilings, but the longer mount  which extends from 40 to 70 cm comes with a rather bulbous base, instead of t...
Read more

Dynaudio Heritage Special Speaker Review

-
Image
Dynaudio is a company that has been in the speaker business for more than forty years and prides itself on making most of its components in house, especially the drivers and most of the cabinetry. Through the years they have developed many beloved components for their top end products and have also distilled them down to the masses whenever they launch a special edition. So they have adopted a similar format and take some of their finest drivers, an Esotar 3 tweeter and a woofer derived from the Evidence range and placed them into a more traditional walnut veneer speaker for us to sample.  Thus the Heritage Special (HS) was born. The catch ? Well there are two.. firstly it’s by no means cheap, even though it uses choice components. Second there are only 2500 pairs so if you’re waiting to get one, don’t ! And that’s the sum of my review if you may. If you’re a Dynaudio afficiando, just plonk down the deposit that had planned for the annual summer holiday and get this instead. Now re...
Read more