Mac OS X: Slow Startup, Pauses at "Initializing network" or "Configuring network time"

Lucida Grande Mac OS X may start up slowly
if you have an IP configuration that includes valid IP and router
address, but does not include a valid domain name system (DNS) server
address. The computer may appear to encounter full or partial Internet
connection failure. You may also need to adjust port priority.

Symptom

The computer takes longer than normal to start up, up to a few
minutes. Pauses occur when the progress bar reaches "Initializing
network" and "Configuring network time".

After the computer starts up, inconsistent Internet (TCP/IP) behavior
may occur. Some applications may work as expected, others may not, and
alert boxes with messages such as these may appear:

"The server could not be found."

"The specified server could not be found."

"A connection failure has occurred."

"Connection attempt failed."

"Name servers not responding."

Products affected

▪ Mac OS X 10.0 and later

Solution

After the computer starts up, you should enter a valid DNS
server address in the Network pane of System Preferences. You may add
more than one DNS server address, ensuring your service in the event
that one becomes unavailable. If you do not know your DNS server
address, get it from your network administrator or Internet service
provider before continuing. Only they can provide you with this
information. If you already have correct DNS configuration, be sure
that the network interface, or "port", that you use to connect to the
Internet is listed first in your Active Network Ports list. Examples
of network interfaces are Built-in Ethernet, AirPort, and Internal
Modem. Mac OS X searches the ports in the order that they are listed.

These steps cover both the DNS and port priority aspects:

1. Choose System Preferences from the Apple menu.

2. Choose Network from the View menu.

3. From the Show menu, choose the network interface you use to
physically connect to the Internet. See Note 1.

4. Click the TCP/IP tab.

5. Type your DNS address in the Domain Name Servers field. If you
have more than one, press Return at the end of each to put the next
address on a new line.

6. Choose Active Network Ports from the Show menu. See Note 2.

7. If the interface you chose in Step 3 is not at the top of the
list, drag it to the top. See Note 3.

8. Click Apply Now.

You may need to quit and reopen some Internet applications to return
to normal behavior. If you still have a connection issue, more general
information is available from technical document 106796,
"0000,0000,EEEEMac OS X: Internet and
Network Topics (Getting Connected, Troubleshooting)".