Can't continue past the login screen.

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Level 1

4 points

Can't continue past the login screen.

Hi, I'm 16 and I am having issues with my macbook pro laptop. I do not have the money to go to a store if needed (yet), so if there is anyway to fix this issue without needing professional help, please let me know.. I have a MacBook Pro 13" and the version is macOS 10.15.7.

I can turn my mac on and put in my password, but when it's done loading on that screen with the white bar, it completely shuts off and makes me redo it all over again.

I would like to add as well, if this helps, that my laptop was plugged into an outlet when my power went out and I am not sure if that caused an issue.

I looked up plenty of ways to fix this but none have resolved the issue yet. The startup disk is messed up I think and will not let me erase my mac. I try using shortcut keys but they did not work. I haven't been on this laptop for a few months now I think, and I just remembered it and want to try and get it fixed..

Please if you can help, I would appreciate it. If this does need professional help at a store, I will talk to my parents about that..

Thank you,

Natalie

MacBook Pro 13″, macOS 10.15

Posted on Nov 28, 2025 10:20 PM

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Answer 1

Top-ranking reply

D.I. Johnson

Level 7

32,556 points

Nov 29, 2025 5:44 AM in response to opossumesque

Hello, Natalie. (opossumesque)

This sounds to me as if the startup drive directory has been damaged.

This damage might be repaired by starting the Mac in Recovery mode and running the Disk Utility First Aid routine on the startup drive and its container and volumes.

For your Intel-based Mac, start up in recovery by pressing the power button to turn it on, then immediately when you hear the chime, press and hold Command-R (⌘R) until you see the Apple logo or spinning globe. Then follow the guidance found at the page linked below.

How to repair a Mac storage device with Disk Utility - Apple Support

Important note: After you launch Disk Utility you must select View > Show All Devices to continue properly.

With any luck, after you've run the First Aid routines on the drive the Mac will reboot properly.

If it does not, post back here again and we'll see what else we can come up with to assist.

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Answer 2

HWTech

Level 9

68,618 points

Nov 29, 2025 8:09 PM in response to opossumesque

Please provide the exact model of your Mac. You can get this information by entering the system serial number on the Apple check coverage page, but please do not post the serial number on the forum since it is considered personal information:

View Coverage - AppleCare & Warranty

Also, see if you can boot into Safe Mode & report back on whether it allowed you to fully log in or not.

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