Symptom
After installing third-party software that installs a kernel extension (.kext) file and restarting, a kernel panic message appears, or the computer does not start up as expected. This may include a text message such as "kernel exception" or "you need to restart your computer." For additional help identifying a kernel panic, see technical document 106227, "
Mac OS X: What is a Kernel Panic?"
Solution
1. Press and hold the Shift key as the computer starts up, until "Safe Boot" appears. If this does not permit the computer to start up, a different issue exists. Refer instead to technical document 106464, "Mac OS X: Troubleshooting a Startup Issue".
2. Use the third-party software's original installer to remove the recently-installed software, if feasible. Contact the third party for assistance if needed. Alternatively, try Step 3.
3. If you are uncertain about which software was installed last, open these in List view and sort by Date Modified:
/Library/StartupItems/
/System/Library/Extensions/
Temporarily remove any relevant, recently-modified, third-party .kext files and restart the computer. For compatibility information, contact the manufacturer of any third-party software items which seem to cause this issue.
Note: Apple software installers do not place items in /Library/Startuptems/.