{
  "id": "mba-m1-safe-mode",
  "modelId": "mba-m1",
  "title": "Safe mode versus normal startup",
  "intent": "Compare one repeatable symptom across verified safe mode and normal startup.",
  "category": "diagnostics",
  "sourceIds": [
    "mac-safe",
    "mac-safety"
  ],
  "diagramId": "laptop-m1-startup",
  "prerequisites": [
    "Apple M1 confirmed and accessible work saved",
    "Owner can sign in privately"
  ],
  "tools": [
    "A repeatable local action that triggers the symptom"
  ],
  "steps": [
    {
      "id": "define",
      "text": "Pick one harmless local action that exposes the symptom, such as opening the same document. Record its normal-startup result before changing mode. Skip an action that would risk unsaved data.",
      "sourceIds": [
        "mac-safe"
      ],
      "locator": "Purpose of safe mode; original comparison worksheet"
    },
    {
      "id": "enter",
      "text": "Shut down completely. Hold power until startup options load, select the startup volume, then hold Shift and choose Continue in Safe Mode. This is the Apple silicon sequence.",
      "sourceIds": [
        "mac-safe"
      ],
      "locator": "Start up your Mac with Apple silicon in safe mode"
    },
    {
      "id": "confirm",
      "text": "Sign in using your own credential. Confirm Safe Boot at the login screen or inspect System Information → Software → Boot Mode. Record safe mode only when confirmed.",
      "sourceIds": [
        "mac-safe"
      ],
      "locator": "Verify your Mac started up in safe mode"
    },
    {
      "id": "compare",
      "text": "Perform the same available action once. If the feature cannot be tested in safe mode, mark that condition Not applicable and retain the limitation instead of declaring success.",
      "sourceIds": [
        "mac-safe"
      ],
      "locator": "Safe mode purpose; original same-action comparison"
    },
    {
      "id": "normal",
      "text": "Restart normally and compare that action again. Retain all three results for support; a difference suggests a startup-software lead without naming a particular app.",
      "sourceIds": [
        "mac-safe"
      ],
      "locator": "Safe mode purpose / Boot Mode Normal; original comparison worksheet"
    }
  ],
  "checks": [
    {
      "id": "safety",
      "question": "Is there swelling, a lifted case or trackpad, liquid damage, smoke, a burning smell, or damaged power equipment?",
      "goal": "Establish whether any powered comparison is safe.",
      "sourceIds": [
        "mac-safety"
      ],
      "options": [
        {
          "id": "safe",
          "label": "No visible danger",
          "next": "baseline"
        },
        {
          "id": "danger",
          "label": "Yes, or suspected damage",
          "next": "stop"
        },
        {
          "id": "unknown",
          "label": "Not checked / unsure",
          "next": "uncertain"
        }
      ]
    },
    {
      "id": "baseline",
      "question": "Is there a safe, repeatable action to compare?",
      "goal": "Avoid an undefined before/after claim.",
      "sourceIds": [
        "mac-safe"
      ],
      "options": [
        {
          "id": "yes",
          "label": "Same action available",
          "next": "mode"
        },
        {
          "id": "no",
          "label": "Symptom cannot be reproduced safely",
          "next": "attention"
        },
        {
          "id": "unknown",
          "label": "Not checked / unsure",
          "next": "uncertain"
        }
      ]
    },
    {
      "id": "mode",
      "question": "Was Safe Boot or Boot Mode: Safe confirmed?",
      "goal": "Validate the mode before interpreting the result.",
      "sourceIds": [
        "mac-safe"
      ],
      "options": [
        {
          "id": "yes",
          "label": "Safe mode confirmed",
          "next": "difference"
        },
        {
          "id": "no",
          "label": "Cannot reach or confirm safe mode",
          "next": "service"
        },
        {
          "id": "unknown",
          "label": "Not checked / unsure",
          "next": "uncertain"
        }
      ]
    },
    {
      "id": "difference",
      "question": "How did the same action compare?",
      "goal": "Separate a mode difference from a missing feature.",
      "sourceIds": [
        "mac-safe"
      ],
      "options": [
        {
          "id": "safe-only",
          "label": "Works in safe mode; fails normally",
          "next": "software"
        },
        {
          "id": "both-work",
          "label": "Works in both now",
          "next": "ready"
        },
        {
          "id": "both-fail",
          "label": "Fails in both modes",
          "next": "service"
        },
        {
          "id": "unavailable",
          "label": "Action unavailable in safe mode",
          "next": "attention"
        },
        {
          "id": "unknown",
          "label": "Not checked / unsure",
          "next": "uncertain"
        }
      ]
    }
  ],
  "terminals": {
    "ready": {
      "type": "preparation_saved",
      "title": "Comparison saved",
      "text": "The symptom was absent in the observed runs. Keep the baseline for recurrence.",
      "handoff": [
        "Record how safe mode was confirmed.",
        "Retain the original symptom and later normal-startup result."
      ]
    },
    "software": {
      "type": "maintenance_possible",
      "title": "A startup-software lead is available",
      "text": "Use this difference with Apple or the app provider before removing software.",
      "handoff": [
        "Share the same-action normal/safe/normal matrix.",
        "Describe recent software changes privately to the provider."
      ]
    },
    "service": {
      "type": "service_needed",
      "title": "Take both startup results to support",
      "text": "Failure in both modes or failure to reach safe mode needs a broader review.",
      "handoff": [
        "Report the last startup stage and whether the volume was visible.",
        "Keep the accessible-data and backup status with the record."
      ]
    },
    "attention": {
      "type": "maintenance_possible",
      "title": "Keep the comparison limitation",
      "text": "The action is unrepeatable or unavailable in safe mode. Save that limitation for support.",
      "handoff": [
        "Identify the action privately without uploading a document.",
        "Do not record an unavailable feature as repaired."
      ]
    },
    "uncertain": {
      "type": "preparation_saved",
      "title": "Keep the unanswered checks visible",
      "text": "The original action or safe-mode confirmation is missing, so no mode comparison can be concluded.",
      "handoff": [
        "Provide the normal/safe/normal result and verification method.",
        "Identify which action or startup stage could not be checked.",
        "Keep unperformed conditions marked Not tested. Ask the provider to confirm these before further changes."
      ]
    },
    "stop": {
      "type": "service_needed",
      "title": "Stop the powered checks",
      "text": "Stop using or charging damaged equipment. Keep away from hot or smoking equipment; obtain emergency help for an immediate fire risk. Arrange manufacturer guidance before handling or transport.",
      "handoff": [
        "Tell Apple about the visible damage before arranging a MacBook Air service.",
        "Provide the normal/safe/normal result and verification method.",
        "Do not open the case, remove the battery, press a lifted surface, or continue a test to complete this record."
      ]
    }
  },
  "missing": "The original action or safe-mode confirmation is missing, so no mode comparison can be concluded.",
  "handoff": [
    "Provide the normal/safe/normal result and verification method.",
    "Identify which action or startup stage could not be checked."
  ],
  "outcomeChecks": [
    "Safe mode is verified rather than assumed.",
    "The same action and unavailable features are recorded."
  ],
  "workflow": {
    "family": "startup-diagnostics",
    "summary": "Verify safe mode, then preserve a normal/safe/normal comparison.",
    "osOptions": [
      "macos26-plus",
      "macos-earlier",
      "macos-unknown"
    ],
    "fields": [
      {
        "id": "symptom-scope",
        "label": "Repeatable symptom",
        "type": "select",
        "options": [
          {
            "value": "unknown",
            "label": "Not selected"
          },
          {
            "value": "app-launch",
            "label": "App or document launch"
          },
          {
            "value": "input",
            "label": "Keyboard/pointer response"
          },
          {
            "value": "startup",
            "label": "Startup/login behavior"
          },
          {
            "value": "other-local",
            "label": "Another local action"
          }
        ]
      },
      {
        "id": "mode-confirmation",
        "label": "Safe-mode evidence",
        "type": "select",
        "options": [
          {
            "value": "unknown",
            "label": "Not checked"
          },
          {
            "value": "login",
            "label": "Safe Boot at login"
          },
          {
            "value": "system-info",
            "label": "Boot Mode: Safe"
          },
          {
            "value": "not-safe",
            "label": "Normal or not confirmed"
          }
        ]
      },
      {
        "id": "safe-availability",
        "label": "Action in safe mode",
        "type": "select",
        "options": [
          {
            "value": "unknown",
            "label": "Not checked"
          },
          {
            "value": "available",
            "label": "Available"
          },
          {
            "value": "unavailable",
            "label": "Unavailable in this mode"
          }
        ]
      }
    ],
    "matrix": {
      "title": "Same action across startup modes",
      "rows": [
        {
          "id": "normal-before",
          "label": "Normal startup baseline",
          "condition": "Same local action before changing mode"
        },
        {
          "id": "safe",
          "label": "Verified safe mode",
          "condition": "Same action only if supported and available"
        },
        {
          "id": "normal-after",
          "label": "Normal startup afterward",
          "condition": "Same action after a normal restart"
        }
      ],
      "results": [
        {
          "value": "not-tested",
          "label": "Not tested"
        },
        {
          "value": "works",
          "label": "Works in this condition"
        },
        {
          "value": "fails",
          "label": "Fails in this condition"
        },
        {
          "value": "intermittent",
          "label": "Intermittent"
        },
        {
          "value": "not-applicable",
          "label": "Not applicable"
        }
      ]
    },
    "reportFocus": [
      "Safe-mode verification",
      "Same action across modes",
      "Unavailable feature limitations"
    ],
    "notDoneGuidance": [
      "If login is unavailable, stop before further account changes.",
      "Keep mode unconfirmed until Safe Boot or Boot Mode says Safe."
    ]
  },
  "entityKind": "task",
  "version": "2.0.0",
  "deviceFamily": "laptop",
  "modelApplicability": {
    "id": "mba-m1",
    "name": "MacBook Air M1",
    "family": "laptop",
    "revision": "MacBook Air (M1, 2020), Apple M1 chip",
    "os": "macOS Big Sur or later; Ventura and later call the preferences app System Settings. Diagnostic screens vary by macOS.",
    "region": "US-first; local repair provider requirements vary.",
    "help": "Choose Apple menu → About This Mac. Confirm MacBook Air (M1, 2020) and Chip: Apple M1. An Intel processor or another chip does not match.",
    "exclusions": [
      "MacBook Air Intel 2020",
      "MacBook Air M2",
      "MacBook Pro M1"
    ],
    "sourceIds": [
      "mac-id",
      "mac-spec",
      "mac-diagnostics"
    ]
  },
  "exclusions": [
    "MacBook Air Intel 2020",
    "MacBook Air M2",
    "MacBook Pro M1"
  ],
  "materials": [
    "Keep any existing backup accessible to you.",
    "Keep credentials and personal files outside this record."
  ],
  "stopConditions": [
    "Stop using and charging equipment with swelling, casing separation, smoke, a burning smell or suspected battery damage. Do not open or press on it.",
    "Set damaged accessories aside. Do not open mains adapters or force connectors.",
    "Do not erase, reset, flash firmware or bypass a lock as a default diagnostic step."
  ],
  "branches": [
    {
      "from": "safety",
      "answer": "safe",
      "to": "baseline"
    },
    {
      "from": "safety",
      "answer": "danger",
      "to": "stop"
    },
    {
      "from": "safety",
      "answer": "unknown",
      "to": "uncertain"
    },
    {
      "from": "baseline",
      "answer": "yes",
      "to": "mode"
    },
    {
      "from": "baseline",
      "answer": "no",
      "to": "attention"
    },
    {
      "from": "baseline",
      "answer": "unknown",
      "to": "uncertain"
    },
    {
      "from": "mode",
      "answer": "yes",
      "to": "difference"
    },
    {
      "from": "mode",
      "answer": "no",
      "to": "service"
    },
    {
      "from": "mode",
      "answer": "unknown",
      "to": "uncertain"
    },
    {
      "from": "difference",
      "answer": "safe-only",
      "to": "software"
    },
    {
      "from": "difference",
      "answer": "both-work",
      "to": "ready"
    },
    {
      "from": "difference",
      "answer": "both-fail",
      "to": "service"
    },
    {
      "from": "difference",
      "answer": "unavailable",
      "to": "attention"
    },
    {
      "from": "difference",
      "answer": "unknown",
      "to": "uncertain"
    }
  ],
  "sources": [
    {
      "id": "mac-safe",
      "title": "Start up your Mac in safe mode",
      "url": "https://support.apple.com/guide/mac-help/start-up-your-mac-in-safe-mode-mh21245/mac",
      "locator": "Apple silicon / Verify safe mode",
      "purpose": "M1 power, startup volume, Shift + Continue in Safe Mode and Boot Mode verification",
      "checkedAt": "2026-10-13",
      "reuse": "Reference only. Original paraphrase and observation worksheets; no copied images or manual pages.",
      "licenseStatus": "Public support document; no redistribution license assumed."
    },
    {
      "id": "mac-safety",
      "title": "Important safety information for your Mac",
      "url": "https://support.apple.com/guide/macbook-air/important-safety-information-apd9b8f7aa11/mac",
      "locator": "Handling / Built-in battery / Charging",
      "purpose": "General damaged-equipment and moisture safety only; M1-specific connections are sourced from mac-spec",
      "checkedAt": "2026-10-13",
      "reuse": "Reference only. Original paraphrase and observation worksheets; no copied images or manual pages.",
      "licenseStatus": "Public support document; no redistribution license assumed."
    },
    {
      "id": "mac-id",
      "title": "Identify MacBook Air model",
      "url": "https://support.apple.com/en-ie/102869",
      "locator": "Find model / MacBook Air M1 2020",
      "purpose": "Model and chip confirmation",
      "checkedAt": "2026-10-04",
      "reuse": "Reference only. Original paraphrase; no copied images or manual pages.",
      "licenseStatus": "Public support document; no redistribution license assumed."
    },
    {
      "id": "mac-spec",
      "title": "MacBook Air (M1, 2020) technical specifications",
      "url": "https://support.apple.com/en-us/111883",
      "locator": "Charging and Expansion / Display Support",
      "purpose": "Two USB-C Thunderbolt/USB4 ports and one native external display up to 6K at 60 Hz",
      "checkedAt": "2026-10-13",
      "reuse": "Reference only. Original paraphrase and observation worksheets; no copied images or manual pages.",
      "licenseStatus": "Public support document; no redistribution license assumed."
    },
    {
      "id": "mac-diagnostics",
      "title": "Use Apple Diagnostics to test your Mac",
      "url": "https://support.apple.com/en-gb/102550",
      "locator": "Prepare / Apple silicon / Run Apple Diagnostics / Results",
      "purpose": "M1 Options then Command-D; Tahoe 26+ selected tests versus earlier automatic testing; preserve reference code",
      "checkedAt": "2026-10-13",
      "reuse": "Reference only. Original paraphrase and observation worksheets; no copied images or manual pages.",
      "licenseStatus": "Public support document; no redistribution license assumed."
    }
  ],
  "assets": [
    {
      "id": "laptop-m1-startup",
      "path": "/assets/laptop-m1-startup.svg",
      "title": "M1 startup routes",
      "alt": "Original schematic: hold power to Options; Command-D for diagnostics or select volume and Shift for safe mode. Diagnostics divides by macOS version.",
      "sourceIds": [
        "mac-diagnostics",
        "mac-safe"
      ],
      "caption": "Original schematic. M1 uses startup Options. Tahoe 26+ offers a test choice; earlier macOS tests automatically. Unknown OS remains unconfirmed.",
      "kind": "Original schematic"
    }
  ],
  "relatedIds": [
    "mba-m1-diagnostics",
    "mba-m1-blank-screen",
    "mba-m1-usbc-charge"
  ],
  "estimatedDuration": {
    "minutes": 20,
    "label": "Planning estimate for recording observations; excludes charging, backups, drying and service. Not a measured repair time."
  },
  "legacyVersion": "1.0.0",
  "legacyChecks": [
    {
      "id": "safety",
      "goal": "Separate unsafe hardware from routine preparation.",
      "question": "Any swelling, casing separation, liquid damage, smoke, burning smell, or damaged battery/adapter?",
      "sourceIds": [
        "mac-charge"
      ],
      "options": [
        {
          "id": "safe",
          "label": "No visible danger",
          "next": "check-1"
        },
        {
          "id": "danger",
          "label": "Yes, or suspected damage",
          "next": "stop"
        },
        {
          "id": "unknown",
          "label": "I cannot confirm",
          "next": "uncertain"
        }
      ]
    },
    {
      "id": "check-1",
      "goal": "Use the correct chip-specific method.",
      "question": "Did you enter safe mode through startup options on this M1 Mac?",
      "sourceIds": [
        "mac-safe"
      ],
      "options": [
        {
          "id": "yes",
          "label": "Yes",
          "next": "check-2"
        },
        {
          "id": "no",
          "label": "No",
          "next": "attention"
        },
        {
          "id": "unknown",
          "label": "Not checked / unsure",
          "next": "uncertain"
        }
      ]
    },
    {
      "id": "check-2",
      "goal": "Compare one repeatable symptom.",
      "question": "Does the original symptom disappear in safe mode?",
      "sourceIds": [
        "mac-safe"
      ],
      "options": [
        {
          "id": "yes",
          "label": "Absent in safe mode",
          "next": "ready"
        },
        {
          "id": "no",
          "label": "Still present",
          "next": "service"
        },
        {
          "id": "unknown",
          "label": "Not checked / unsure",
          "next": "uncertain"
        }
      ]
    }
  ],
  "legacyPreparation": [
    "Apple M1 chip confirmed",
    "Accessible files saved and backed up",
    "Your own login credential",
    "A private place to keep your findings",
    "A current backup if the device is accessible"
  ]
}