“As Mac users we’re used to not having to frequently troubleshoot our computer problems. However, that doesn’t mean that our Macs don’t misbehave from time to time,” Jordan Merrick reports for Mactuts+.
“It’s something that is very simple (usually a key combination or quick command) that is the first attempt by technicians to repair a problem quickly and simply,” Merrick reports. “Since most common issues are reasonably simple to resolve (despite the symptoms), then trying a ten-second fix makes much more sense than spending hours on a convoluted troubleshooting process.”
Merrick reports, “Before we begin, all the fixes we’re showing you are perfectly safe as long as you enter them (or perform them) exactly as described. They aren’t invasive in any way. However, always make sure you have a backup of your computer, not only in case a fix that’s performed causes your Mac to become unresponsive, but it’s just a good idea in general!”
5 quick fixes to common Mac problems:
• Power Cycle
• Remove Unused Apps
• NVRAM Reset
• Disk Permissions
• Software Updates
The 5 quick fixes are discussed in detail in the full article here.
Every once in a while I use Onyx. My son, who I told to try it said it was great in fixing some issues on his older Mac Mini.
Safe Boot also cures a lot of wacky things (esp. font wackyness) and never does any harm.
Restart holding down the Shift Key. After fully it’s fully booted up wait about a minute then restart again normally.
I always try that first and many times, I don’t need to try anything else. So simple a client can do it themselves. But the rest are good tips also in the article.
I don’t understand what Safe Boot is supposed to cure all on its own. That’s all you’re doing? Then booting back to regular mode? Why?
Instead, I go the route of booting to Safe Mode and running FSCK. After that is finished, then reboot to regular mode.
I use Safe Boot when things start to act odd. Quite often I don’t have to do anything further. And so simple a client can do it themselves and never causes any harm.
Restart holding down the Shift Key. After it boots up wait a minute, restart normally.
Buy a quality PC with Windows 8 and save a few hundred bucks as well. All your Mac problems will disappear. You won’t have to make an appointment to talk to a blue haired “genius” in an overcrowded store either.
So true, T. Roll. You can replace your Mac problems with Windows software problems and OEM hardware problems. And instead of a “genius,” you can speak with a customer service representative in Bangalore.
Well now! Thanks for the advice. Mr Troll!
Thanks for the advice Mr Roll – except that I regard those genii as cream in my coffee, there to keep me happy.
And please note, if you make an appointment, then it doesn’t really matter how busy the store is.
Windows machines are great because after you set it up, it will download umpteen updates and then, restart, and download a few dozen more updates.
Then, after you wonder if you’ll ever actually use the computer, you find out some drivers were updated to inferior versions. Great news though – Windows needs to update itself again. Maybe that will fix it. Nope.
“Should I call Microsoft”, you think to yourself. Nope, they don’t support you. Or should a call a foreign call centre who can’t understand me and vice versa? Nah.
Oh damn, Windows is still updating.
It is at this point you go to an Apple store and upgrade to a Mac.
I had a problem with my old 27” iMac. Apple could not fix it, so they replaced it with a faster, more expensive current model plus renewed my Applecare for 3 years. Try that with a windows thingy.
I have always had excellent help anytime I have visited Apple Store. Even with the few problems I’ve ever had. The same holds true for every time I have called Apple. Whether it was to order something, ask a question or the couple of times I have had problems. Support doesn’t get much better. And I use Macs for a living not just for fun.
Never had a problem with my Mac, so never had to use any of that ‘advice’. Working solidly since the day I bought it. In fact with Mountain Lion, it’s twice as reliable as before. Good job, Apple.
Agreed! And that suggests an MDN poll: When was the last time your Mountain Lion presented you with a kernel panic screen:
1) Never
2) Once, I think.
3) What’s a kernel panic screen?
Excellent!
In my case I’d almost answer (3) as I’d almost forgotten that such things existed. Maybe my last one was 10.4? And I install the latest Big Cat nearly as soon as they are released so that would have been 2006 or so IIRC.
Try a catalog repair using disk warrior.
The Articule mentions at the end that this is part one of a two-part tutorial, so maybe the Safe Boot suggestion will be added in the next installment. Very good tutorial, and not just for beginners.
Don’t forget to zap the PRAM
PRAM/NVRAM zapping is outlined in the article.
I haven’t had to restart my Macs for a few years now. Occasionally, software update may require it but that isn’t very often. Everything else in this article is completely foreign to me. My Macs just work.
Boot into single user mode and run
fsck -f
Looks cool too.
Agreed. I go one step further and type:
applejack auto restart
You have to get and install Applejack from MacUpdate.
Yeah but: Applejack is extremely out of date at this point. Don’t bother with it if you’re using OS X 10.7 or 10.8.
Upgrading to Snow Leopard fixes most 10.7x and 10.8x problems. Mac OS X peaked with Snow Leopard and has been bastardized, iOSified and dumbed down since that time.
I use Applejack and Diskwarrior.
Ditto DiskWarrior: Worth the cost.
Sadly, Applejack is just about useless on OS X 10.7 and 10.8. Apparently, no one has stepped forward to update the Applejack project in a few years. I’ve dumped it on my newer Macs and instead use any of the the plethora of free and shareware alternatives, such as Onyx. <- Highly recommended. But my current fave is MainMenu Pro, $10, because of the nice extras and simple GUI.
My usual critical point about backups:
The #1 Rule Of Computing Is: MAKE A BACKUP.
Back up your computer regularly, at least weekly. Ideally you want a local backup, where you are, AND an off-site backup in case where you are burns down. That’s the safe and secure way to go. Cloud backups qualify as off-site backups.
Cruel as it sounds, if you don’t make a backup, you get what you deserve. You have not followed the #1 Rule Of Computing. You’ve been very naughty. I have no pity for you.
And it doesn’t matter if your computer uses a hard drive or an SSD Flash drive or a mixed HD&SSD drive or a magical faerie drive the ‘never’ crashes. Make a backup or you will suffer catastrophe.
You have been warned.
You are responsible for your data.
/rant