Rick Burke, A+, Network+, INet+, MCP, MCP+I, MCSE, CCNA

1

How to Troubleshoot the Apple Macintosh

Rick BurkeDHS Coordinator

James Monroe H.S.

Rick Burke, A+, Network+, INet+, MCP, MCP+I, MCSE, CCNA

2

What’s Happened?

• What’s changed with your Mac?

• Software may not be up to date?

• There maybe an extension conflict?

• Something may not be plugged in all the way?

• Take notes of what happened prior to the problem

Rick Burke, A+, Network+, INet+, MCP, MCP+I, MCSE, CCNA

3

Troubleshooting

• Determine hardware vs. software problems

• Eliminate variables

• Turn off the Extensions • Disconnect external devices:

• Pull out Preferences folder onto desktop

        

Rick Burke, A+, Network+, INet+, MCP, MCP+I, MCSE, CCNA

4

What are some Solutions?

• PRAM corruption (CMD+OPT+P+R)

• Desktop database damaged ( CMD+OPT)

• Logic board may need to be reset – CUDA Switch

• Preference corruption (folder to desktop)

• Logic board battery may need to replaced

• Font Corruptions (reload from system disk)

Rick Burke, A+, Network+, INet+, MCP, MCP+I, MCSE, CCNA

5

Here’s what Error Numbers Mean:

• Type 1, 2, 3, 10, 11-Usually a memory address

conflict

• Type 25, 28-Application needs more RAM

• Error –39-End of file encountered prematurely, or damaged (large files)

Rick Burke, A+, Network+, INet+, MCP, MCP+I, MCSE, CCNA

6

Solving Your Mac Problem?

• Has it happened before? How did you fix it? • What has changed or been installed recently?• Check the Internet for updates or patches?• Is the power turned on?• Are the cables secure?• Is the application installed properly? (Has it been

moved from within its original folder?)

Rick Burke, A+, Network+, INet+, MCP, MCP+I, MCSE, CCNA

7

Solving Your Mac Problem II

• Is their an application installed more than once?• If you give the problem application more memory, does

the the problem go away?• If you remove the program’s preferences, does the

problem go away?• Are you using the latest version of the application or

extension?• Does the problem happen with extensions off?• Does the problem happen when you start from the system

CD disk?

Rick Burke, A+, Network+, INet+, MCP, MCP+I, MCSE, CCNA

8

Mac Toolkit Ideas

• Ethernet cables

• External hard drive

• Screwdriver

• Compressed air

• Q-tips

• 99% Isopropyl alcohol

• Anti-static wrist strap

Rick Burke, A+, Network+, INet+, MCP, MCP+I, MCSE, CCNA

9

Preventing Catastrophes

• Regular maintenance• Have a bootable repair CD• Keep software up-to-date• Make regular backups• Archive onto CD• Create a backup strategy• Use a UPS• Spare computer

Rick Burke, A+, Network+, INet+, MCP, MCP+I, MCSE, CCNA

10

Creating a Bootable Repair CD

• Make it bootable for all machines and OS

• Add repair tools

• Add installation software

• Add virus checking software

Rick Burke, A+, Network+, INet+, MCP, MCP+I, MCSE, CCNA

11

Is Your Data Protected

• Develop a backup strategy for your Macintosh

• Use Retrospect / Retrospect Express

• Have multiple backup set(s)

• Have at least one backup offsite

• Know how to restore from backing up

Rick Burke, A+, Network+, INet+, MCP, MCP+I, MCSE, CCNA

12

Web Resources to Check

• MacFixit.com

•

• Versiontracker

• Check each company’s Support Site

                                                               

Rick Burke, A+, Network+, INet+, MCP, MCP+I, MCSE, CCNA

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Internet News Groups

• Comp.sys.mac

• Comp.sys.mac.apps

• Comp.sys.mac.hardware

• Comp.sys.mac.portables

• Comp.sys.mac.system

• Mac Managers: www.mac-mgrs.org