Basic Mac Troubleshooting

Mac Troubleshooting Skills

Common Problems and Their Solutions

SymptomPossible CausePossible Solution
No Picture
Comletely Unresponsive
Computer Turned OffTurn on (power key location varies)
Computer Power UnpluggedPlug in power cord
Monitor Power UnpluggedPlug in power cord
Monitor Video Cable UnpluggedPlug in video cable
Energy Saver Mode
Asleep
Hold down any key for >= 1/2 second
PowerBook Battery DeadReplace with fresh battery or plug in power cable
Frozen Loose ADB CableReseat ADB Cables (Warning plugging and unplugging ADB devices while the computer is on can damage the motherboard)
Slow ApplicationWait (generally no more than 5 minutes)
Crashed ApplicationForce quit application, save work in other applications, and reboot the machine
Extension ConflictResolve the conflict
? Disk At Startup Damaged System FolderReinstall System
Multiple System FoldersRemove all but one System Folder
Damaged Startup DiskRun a disk repair utility
Chimes of Death & Unhappy Mac Hardware or System Software ProblemTry zapping PRAM or booting off a different disk. May require professional attention
Generic Icons
Wrong Icons
Corrupt Desktop FileRebuild the Desktop File
MacLeland Errors Incorrect Map or Clock SettingsReset Map and Clock

Network Troubleshooting

File Sharing

Legal/Illegal Software

MacOS 8 Features


Scott Atwood
scotto@rescomp.stanford.edu