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How to fix non-responsive dialog box?

Ventura 13.5.2, 2019 Macbook Pro


When installing a package for example, the installer will pop up a dialog box that has 2 options, "Don't Allow" and "Ok". But pressing either doesn't work, and the dialog box does not disappear. And worse, the installation does not proceed and have to force-kill it. I have this issue on several Macs with the same OS version. Is there a fix for this? The articles I've look at refer to an older OS. i've also searched here to no avail.


I have no other programs running (except my browser).


Posted on Sep 10, 2023 12:24 AM

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Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Sep 10, 2023 8:02 AM

Experiencing issues with dialog boxes not responding on macOS can be frustrating, but there are several steps you can take to troubleshoot and potentially resolve this issue. Here are some troubleshooting steps you can try:


1. **Restart Your Mac**: Sometimes, temporary glitches can cause issues like unresponsive dialog boxes. A simple restart may help resolve the problem.


2. **Check for Updates**: Ensure your macOS is up to date. Go to "Apple Menu" > "About This Mac" > "Software Update" to check for and install any available updates.


3. **Safe Mode**: Boot your Mac into Safe Mode to see if the issue persists. Safe Mode loads only essential macOS components and can help identify if third-party software is causing the problem. To enter Safe Mode:

- Shut down your Mac.

- Turn it on and immediately press and hold the Shift key until you see the Apple logo.

- Try installing the package in Safe Mode to see if the dialog box responds.


4. **Check for Conflicting Software**: Sometimes, third-party software can interfere with system processes. Check if any third-party apps or extensions might be causing the issue. Try disabling or uninstalling them temporarily to see if the problem goes away.


5. **Disk Utility**: Run First Aid in Disk Utility to check for and repair any disk-related issues.

- Go to "Applications" > "Utilities" > "Disk Utility."

- Select your startup disk (usually named "Macintosh HD").

- Click "First Aid" and follow the on-screen instructions.


6. **Reset NVRAM/PRAM**: Resetting your Mac's non-volatile RAM (NVRAM) or parameter RAM (PRAM) can sometimes resolve display-related issues. To reset NVRAM/PRAM:

- Shut down your Mac.

- Turn it on and immediately press and hold Option, Command, P, and R keys simultaneously.

- Keep holding the keys for about 20 seconds, then release.

- Allow your Mac to boot normally.


7. **Create a New User Account**: Create a new user account and try installing the package from that account. This can help determine if the issue is specific to your user profile.


8. **Check for Malware**: Use reliable antivirus or anti-malware software to scan your Mac for potential threats that could be causing issues.


9. **Third-Party Installer**: If the issue persists with a specific package installer, consider contacting the software developer for support. They may have insights into the compatibility of their installer with your macOS version.


10. **Reinstall macOS**: If none of the above steps work, consider reinstalling macOS as a last resort. Make sure to back up your data before attempting this.

Similar questions

1 reply
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Sep 10, 2023 8:02 AM in response to ChrisF205

Experiencing issues with dialog boxes not responding on macOS can be frustrating, but there are several steps you can take to troubleshoot and potentially resolve this issue. Here are some troubleshooting steps you can try:


1. **Restart Your Mac**: Sometimes, temporary glitches can cause issues like unresponsive dialog boxes. A simple restart may help resolve the problem.


2. **Check for Updates**: Ensure your macOS is up to date. Go to "Apple Menu" > "About This Mac" > "Software Update" to check for and install any available updates.


3. **Safe Mode**: Boot your Mac into Safe Mode to see if the issue persists. Safe Mode loads only essential macOS components and can help identify if third-party software is causing the problem. To enter Safe Mode:

- Shut down your Mac.

- Turn it on and immediately press and hold the Shift key until you see the Apple logo.

- Try installing the package in Safe Mode to see if the dialog box responds.


4. **Check for Conflicting Software**: Sometimes, third-party software can interfere with system processes. Check if any third-party apps or extensions might be causing the issue. Try disabling or uninstalling them temporarily to see if the problem goes away.


5. **Disk Utility**: Run First Aid in Disk Utility to check for and repair any disk-related issues.

- Go to "Applications" > "Utilities" > "Disk Utility."

- Select your startup disk (usually named "Macintosh HD").

- Click "First Aid" and follow the on-screen instructions.


6. **Reset NVRAM/PRAM**: Resetting your Mac's non-volatile RAM (NVRAM) or parameter RAM (PRAM) can sometimes resolve display-related issues. To reset NVRAM/PRAM:

- Shut down your Mac.

- Turn it on and immediately press and hold Option, Command, P, and R keys simultaneously.

- Keep holding the keys for about 20 seconds, then release.

- Allow your Mac to boot normally.


7. **Create a New User Account**: Create a new user account and try installing the package from that account. This can help determine if the issue is specific to your user profile.


8. **Check for Malware**: Use reliable antivirus or anti-malware software to scan your Mac for potential threats that could be causing issues.


9. **Third-Party Installer**: If the issue persists with a specific package installer, consider contacting the software developer for support. They may have insights into the compatibility of their installer with your macOS version.


10. **Reinstall macOS**: If none of the above steps work, consider reinstalling macOS as a last resort. Make sure to back up your data before attempting this.

How to fix non-responsive dialog box?

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