Why is this site needed?

zara

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Aug 15, 2006, 11:13:45 AM8/15/06

to

I was under the impression that they "just work"

http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=25392

Isolating issues in Mac OS X

By using the approach here, you can learn how to isolate an issue to
its root cause, or at minimum to determine the sequence of events that
causes the issue to occur. Using this approach may help you solve the issue,
locate other documents in the Knowledge Base, write better posts to Apple
Discussions, or communicate with AppleCare Technical Support.

Describing the issue

Start by asking yourself basic questions about the issue that will
help you describe it.

What is the issue?

When answering this question, be sure to note any alert or "error"
messages that appear. Be sure to describe any unexpected hardware or
software behavior, and any other details that seem relevant.

Users accustomed to reading logs should review them in Apple System
Profiler for any relevant information. If you are not experienced with
reading logs, it is generally best to ignore them unless instructed to
search for a specific message.

When does it occur?

a.. If you can identify a sequence of events that lead up to the
issue, be sure to document each.
b.. If the issue seems to occur at certain time intervals, be sure
to record the times at which it happens. Does it happen only at certain
times (for example, daily at 9:00) or on a periodic basis (for example,
every 47 minutes)?
c.. If the issue occurs so irregularly that you cannot yet describe
when it happens, the suggestions below will help you troubleshoot the issue
over time by making certain changes, then watching to see if the issue
stops.
d.. If the issue occurs at startup immediately following a
third-party software installation, find out what you can do.
e.. You can also troubleshoot any other issues that occur during
startup.

When did the issue start?

Note any recent changes to the computer and its software, since they
could affect the issue. Was any new software or hardware installed?

Check documentation

After you can describe the issue, check known documentation sources,
searching on key terms you have identified.

If an application program is affected, first check any "read me" files
included with it. These may describe known issues.

If the issue is with a third-party product, check the manufacturer's
or publisher's website for information about the issue.

Up-to-date software and firmware?

As a general rule, make sure you are using the latest versions of
Apple and third-party software for best compatibility. Also make sure your
computer's firmware is up-to-date.

Is it a software or hardware issue?

Pay attention to important clues.

a.. If the issue seems specific to a certain application or Mac OS X
feature, troubleshoot software before hardware.
b.. If the issue occurs as the computer starts up--unless the
computer does not turn on at all-- troubleshoot software before hardware.
c.. For other issues, or when software troubleshooting does not
produce a resolution, use the rest of this document.

Use Disk Utility to check for disk errors and permission issues

Such issues can contribute to other symptoms, but are usually easy to
fix.

Can you isolate to a hardware device?

Issues with a hardware device can sometimes appear to be software
issues, but are not resolved with software troubleshooting. Eliminate
hardware as a cause (or conversely, isolate the issue to software):

1. Disconnect external devices. If the computer is an iBook or
PowerBook computer, disconnect all external devices. For an iMac, disconnect
all devices other than the Apple keyboard and mouse. For a Power Mac,
disconnect all external devices other than one display (which should be
connected to an original, built-in video port), and the original Apple
keyboard and mouse. If this resolves the issue, add devices back one at a
time (shut down first if the device requires it) to further isolate the
issue.

2. Insert the Apple Hardware Test CD that came with your
computer (if one did). Use the extended test. If any issues are found
proceed to step 3, or contact AppleCare or your nearest Apple Authorized
Service Provider to arrange for diagnostics and service as necessary.

3. Shut down the computer and remove any third-party memory
upgrades, expansion cards, additional hard drives, or other internal
hardware upgrades. If you are not comfortable doing this, an Apple
Authorized Service provider can assist. A service fee may be charged if the
issue is not related to your Apple hardware. Alternatively, you may wish to
skip this step and go to "Reinstall Mac OS X" below.

§ If the issue is resolved, add your devices back one at a
time. When the issue returns, remove the most recently-added device. If the
issue goes away again, you have identified the cause. If software was
included with the device, try deleting and reinstalling it. You may also
wish to contact the vendor or manufacturer of that device for specific
troubleshooting steps.

§ You may want to test devices on all available ports into
which they can be used. If a USB device works on USB port 1 but not on USB
port 2, try connecting other devices to port 2. It is possible that your
computer's ports aren't working properly.

Reinstall Mac OS X

If an issue persists, reinstalling Mac OS X should resolve it.

a.. For Mac OS X 10.2, 10.3, 10.4 or later, perform an Archive and
Install installation.

Tip: You won't be able to return to your previous System following
an Archive and Install installation, but you can select the "Preserve
existing Users & Network Settings" option to retain your original
applications and settings, documents, and user accounts.
b.. For Mac OS X 10.1.5 or earlier, reinstallation of Mac OS X
requires erasing the Mac OS X volume. This is described in the next
paragraph.

If the issue persists, back up any necessary data, start up from a Mac
OS X Install or Restore CD, erase the Mac OS X volume, reinstall Mac OS X
and restore any additional Apple software.

Reinstall additional software one item at a time, restarting the
computer after each install. For best results, use the computer for several
hours after each installation to determine if that particular software
contributed to the issue. Reinstalling everything at once without noting
when the issue returned may lead to a need to repeat this process.

Warning: Choosing Erase and Install will completely erase the contents
of the chosen volume before installing Mac OS X. Be sure to back up your
files before continuing.

If these suggestions do not resolve your issue, contact AppleCare or
your nearest Apple Authorized Service Provider for assistance.

Adam H

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Dec 22, 2008, 8:15:29 PM12/22/08

to

On Tue, 15 Aug 2006 09:13:45 -0600, zara wrote
(in article <_slEg.12524$q96....@bignews4.bellsouth.net>):

Ah, you were under the impression that these were magic powered computers.
Well, now, I was under the impression that you weren't an idiot. You sure
showed me.

Hunter

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Aug 12, 2009, 6:53:43 PM8/12/09

to

On 2008-12-22 19:15:29 -0600, Adam H <ar...@arrpirate.com> said:

>> http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=25392

Like all things macs get strewed up. Unlike windows that screws it self
up. They do work but if you drop it or it brushes a magnet things
happen.