Mac OS X 10.2: May Not Start Up If LDAP Server Designated in Directory Access Is Not Available

Symptom

The computer appears to start up normally, but stops starting up near the end of the progress bar. If the computer is already started up, it may slow down or become unresponsive for extended periods of time.


Solution

Update to Mac OS X 10.2.2 or later for best results. For earlier versions, or if the issue persists, the steps below may be used to reach a resolution.

Click here for Mac OS X client.
Click here for Mac OS X Server.

I. Steps for Mac OS X

If the computer is already started up:

1. Open Directory Access.
2. If necessary, click the padlock and authenticate.
3. Deselect the checkbox for LDAP services.
4. Click Apply.

If the computer will not start up:

1. Start up into single-user mode by pressing and holding the Command-S key combination immediately after the system startup sound. Press the keys until you see text on the screen.
2. Check the volume with fsck. For instructions, see technical document 106214.
3. After using fsck, type: mount -uw /
4. Press Return.
5. Type: cd /Library/Preferences
6. Press Return.
7. Type: mv DirectoryService DirectoryService.old
8. Press Return.
9. Type: reboot
10. Press Return.

Note: This will set all Directory Access configurations back to their default values."

II. Steps for Mac OS X Server

1. Start up into single-user mode by holding the Command-S key combination immediately after the system startup sound. Press the keys until you see text on the screen.
2. Check the volume with fsck. For instructions, see technical document 106214.
3. After using fsck, type: mount -uw /
4. Press Return.
5. Type: cd /Library/Preferences
6. Press Return.
7. Type: mkdir -m 775 DirectoryService.old
8. Press Return.
9. Type: mv DirectoryService/* DirectoryService.old
10. Press Return.
11. Type: reboot
12. Press Return.

Note: The "*" character in step 9 is vital, as it prevents the deletion of important invisible files. If you followed these instructions incorrectly and accidentally deleted the .DSTCPListening file, this command will create a new one:

sudo touch /Library/Preferences/DirectoryService/.DSTCPListening