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TICKET ARCHIVE -> Mac Freezing
jessdp331 - Dec 12, 2005 - 3:52 pm
Dear Support,
I have OS 10.3.9 (on an eMac G4) and have had this version since the update came out, so I don't think that is my problem. All of a sudden recently, my computer has been freezing all the time. It has progressively gotten worse. It's hard to pinpoint what I did right before the problems began, i.e. if I downloaded something bad. When it started, I would minimize my mail program (GyazMail) and it while the window was being sucked into the dock the computer would freeze. Then it started when I minimized other programs like Safari. Now it does it all the time, and not just when I'm minimizing windows. I can't even do a force quit, and the only recourse is manually restarting the computer. It does it sometimes too when the screen saver is on where it just won't wake back up. And also when a "box" comes down (I don't know what it's called, but one like when it asks you would you like to save a password or if you're trying to save something). I downloaded a free virus detection program (ClamXav) and it didn't detect any viruses. I have tried to repair disk permissions and that didn't work. So now I am stuck. Should I reinstall the system software? This is probably a stupid question, but does that totally erase the hard drive? If I were to break down and buy 10.4, would that fix my problem? Please help, I can't work like this anymore!!
Thanks so much,
Jessica
I have OS 10.3.9 (on an eMac G4) and have had this version since the update came out, so I don't think that is my problem. All of a sudden recently, my computer has been freezing all the time. It has progressively gotten worse. It's hard to pinpoint what I did right before the problems began, i.e. if I downloaded something bad. When it started, I would minimize my mail program (GyazMail) and it while the window was being sucked into the dock the computer would freeze. Then it started when I minimized other programs like Safari. Now it does it all the time, and not just when I'm minimizing windows. I can't even do a force quit, and the only recourse is manually restarting the computer. It does it sometimes too when the screen saver is on where it just won't wake back up. And also when a "box" comes down (I don't know what it's called, but one like when it asks you would you like to save a password or if you're trying to save something). I downloaded a free virus detection program (ClamXav) and it didn't detect any viruses. I have tried to repair disk permissions and that didn't work. So now I am stuck. Should I reinstall the system software? This is probably a stupid question, but does that totally erase the hard drive? If I were to break down and buy 10.4, would that fix my problem? Please help, I can't work like this anymore!!
Thanks so much,
Jessica
LovesMacs - Dec 12, 2005 - 4:12 pm
Season's Greetings!
Hi Jessica,
My name is Carolyn and I will try to assist you.
OK.. you are running 10.3.9 on an eMac. You indicated your ran Disk Utility to Repair Permissions. While you had Disk Utility running, did you check for errors on the drive? In order to do this, you must run Disk Utility from the system CD that came with your eMac. Insert the CD while holding down the C key and power up the eMac. When the Apple logo appears, let go of the C key. Now, you should see an Installation window... Quit that. Now, at the top of the menu, look and see where it says: Utilities. Click that, then drag down to Disk Utility. Launch Disk Utility. When that window opens, select the MacintoshHD in the panel on the left. Click First Aid at the top, then click Verify. DU will run a check on the all volumes/files etc and give you a report. If it shows errors on the drive then click Repair. DU till then try to Repair the drive. If it can't... post back and let me know exactly what the error report said.
Disable the virus software. Virus software on a Mac isn't necessary and can only lead to system problems. Don't reinstall your system software until you run DU and let me know what happened. Let's see if we can spare you the time and trouble to do that. Meantime, just in case that becomes necessary, if you can, save important data/files/images/music... whatever is really important to you to an external drive, or burn to a CD if your eMac has that capability.
Now, how old is your eMac? And what is the CPU speed? To find this information, click the Apple logo top left of your Desktop. Then click, "About this Mac"... a pane will open and tell your the processor speed. I know you are running Panther.. but sometimes a little more information is required in order to help troubleshoot your issues.
Sounds like your Dock is acting up... try this little fix and see if it makes a difference. Locate this file: com.apple.dock.plist
To locate that file follow this path: On your Desktop click:
MacintoshHD>Users>Library>Preferences. Open the Preferences file and find the com.apple.dock.plist file. Drag that to the Trash and Empty the Trash. (It's ok... your system will create a new .plist file for your Dock for you). Sometimes system preference files can become corrupted and cause the problems you are experiencing with the Dock. I am hoping that's all it is. And since it's Preferences that might be the problem find this file also and drag it to the Trash:
com.apple.systempreferences.plist
Now, do you have any disk repair software other than Disk Utility that came pre-installed on your eMac? Like... DiskWarrior or TechToolPro?? That aren't terribly expensive and can fix system problems pretty fast.
Ok.. try my suggestions and get back to me when it's convenient.
Carolyn :-)
Hi Jessica,
My name is Carolyn and I will try to assist you.
OK.. you are running 10.3.9 on an eMac. You indicated your ran Disk Utility to Repair Permissions. While you had Disk Utility running, did you check for errors on the drive? In order to do this, you must run Disk Utility from the system CD that came with your eMac. Insert the CD while holding down the C key and power up the eMac. When the Apple logo appears, let go of the C key. Now, you should see an Installation window... Quit that. Now, at the top of the menu, look and see where it says: Utilities. Click that, then drag down to Disk Utility. Launch Disk Utility. When that window opens, select the MacintoshHD in the panel on the left. Click First Aid at the top, then click Verify. DU will run a check on the all volumes/files etc and give you a report. If it shows errors on the drive then click Repair. DU till then try to Repair the drive. If it can't... post back and let me know exactly what the error report said.
Disable the virus software. Virus software on a Mac isn't necessary and can only lead to system problems. Don't reinstall your system software until you run DU and let me know what happened. Let's see if we can spare you the time and trouble to do that. Meantime, just in case that becomes necessary, if you can, save important data/files/images/music... whatever is really important to you to an external drive, or burn to a CD if your eMac has that capability.
Now, how old is your eMac? And what is the CPU speed? To find this information, click the Apple logo top left of your Desktop. Then click, "About this Mac"... a pane will open and tell your the processor speed. I know you are running Panther.. but sometimes a little more information is required in order to help troubleshoot your issues.
Sounds like your Dock is acting up... try this little fix and see if it makes a difference. Locate this file: com.apple.dock.plist
To locate that file follow this path: On your Desktop click:
MacintoshHD>Users>Library>Preferences. Open the Preferences file and find the com.apple.dock.plist file. Drag that to the Trash and Empty the Trash. (It's ok... your system will create a new .plist file for your Dock for you). Sometimes system preference files can become corrupted and cause the problems you are experiencing with the Dock. I am hoping that's all it is. And since it's Preferences that might be the problem find this file also and drag it to the Trash:
com.apple.systempreferences.plist
Now, do you have any disk repair software other than Disk Utility that came pre-installed on your eMac? Like... DiskWarrior or TechToolPro?? That aren't terribly expensive and can fix system problems pretty fast.
Ok.. try my suggestions and get back to me when it's convenient.
Carolyn :-)
jessdp331 - Dec 14, 2005 - 2:17 pm
Hi Carolyn,
First of all, my most heartfelt gratitude for your quick reply!
I got rid of the virus detection software first. Second, I used the Disk Utility and verified the disk, and it said everything was OK. The problem was still there. The last thing I did was delete those preference files, and I have been problem-free for about a day, which was wayyyy longer than I was before without having a problem. So it looks like that may have been it. Fingers are crossed!
Thank you so much again, and if the problems come back I will be sure to let you know. I appreciate it!
Best,
Jessica
First of all, my most heartfelt gratitude for your quick reply!
I got rid of the virus detection software first. Second, I used the Disk Utility and verified the disk, and it said everything was OK. The problem was still there. The last thing I did was delete those preference files, and I have been problem-free for about a day, which was wayyyy longer than I was before without having a problem. So it looks like that may have been it. Fingers are crossed!
Thank you so much again, and if the problems come back I will be sure to let you know. I appreciate it!
Best,
Jessica
LovesMacs - Dec 15, 2005 - 10:45 pm
Yipppeeee Jessica! LOL
I'm so glad you're at least getting somewhere. Does my heart good! If you have any problems, just post back here at Macosx.com!
Happy Holidays!
Carolyn :-)
I'm so glad you're at least getting somewhere. Does my heart good! If you have any problems, just post back here at Macosx.com!
Happy Holidays!
Carolyn :-)
jessdp331 - Dec 16, 2005 - 5:31 pm
Hey Carolyn,
I have bad news
The problem is back. Not quite as bad, or perhaps it just hasn't been long enough. It's a possibility I will be getting OS 10.4 for Xmas...do you think just installing that might fix it?
Thanks again,
Jessica
I have bad news
The problem is back. Not quite as bad, or perhaps it just hasn't been long enough. It's a possibility I will be getting OS 10.4 for Xmas...do you think just installing that might fix it?
Thanks again,
Jessica
LovesMacs - Dec 17, 2005 - 1:36 am
Hi Jessica,
Sorry to hear the eMac is still ailling. I don't think installing Tiger on a machine that's having problems such as yours is a good idea.
I would run Disk Utility/First Aid/Verify to see if it reports any problems on the disk. If it does, click Repair. If it can't repair the disk, I would take it in for service. Installing Tiger on top of a drive with errors on it could add insult to injury.
You could try installing Tiger by doing an Erase and Install. That wipes the drive completely clean. Make sure you back up all your important data/images/documents/music... everything. Erasing the drive can fix certain problems but if it can't install Tiger, you will get a dialog box saying so and it should tell you why. It usually gives a error number.
One thing for sure I would do is delete the anti-virus program. Macs don't get viruses... you have no worry there. Just make sure your Firewall is turned on in: System Preferences>Sharing>Firewall. That's all you need to do. Anti-virus programs on Macs do more harm then good... considering Disk Utility coulnd't even Repair Permissions is a sign something is really wrong with the drive.
Another option would be to get DiskWarrior or TechToolPro. Disk Warrior is available at www.alsoft.com and TechToolPro is available at www.micromat.com. Either one can repair a disk and help you keep your eMac in good condition. I use DiskWarrior and TTPro myself. Also, you can get a great little FREE maintenance utility from: http://www.apple.com/downloads/macos...ties/onyx.html
It's called Onyx. If you can, download and install Onyx. Launch Onyx and click the Maintenance button and the Cleaning button also. Onyx will ask you for your password. I use Onyx weekly and it does a great job.
Hang in there!
Carolyn
Sorry to hear the eMac is still ailling. I don't think installing Tiger on a machine that's having problems such as yours is a good idea.
I would run Disk Utility/First Aid/Verify to see if it reports any problems on the disk. If it does, click Repair. If it can't repair the disk, I would take it in for service. Installing Tiger on top of a drive with errors on it could add insult to injury.
You could try installing Tiger by doing an Erase and Install. That wipes the drive completely clean. Make sure you back up all your important data/images/documents/music... everything. Erasing the drive can fix certain problems but if it can't install Tiger, you will get a dialog box saying so and it should tell you why. It usually gives a error number.
One thing for sure I would do is delete the anti-virus program. Macs don't get viruses... you have no worry there. Just make sure your Firewall is turned on in: System Preferences>Sharing>Firewall. That's all you need to do. Anti-virus programs on Macs do more harm then good... considering Disk Utility coulnd't even Repair Permissions is a sign something is really wrong with the drive.
Another option would be to get DiskWarrior or TechToolPro. Disk Warrior is available at www.alsoft.com and TechToolPro is available at www.micromat.com. Either one can repair a disk and help you keep your eMac in good condition. I use DiskWarrior and TTPro myself. Also, you can get a great little FREE maintenance utility from: http://www.apple.com/downloads/macos...ties/onyx.html
It's called Onyx. If you can, download and install Onyx. Launch Onyx and click the Maintenance button and the Cleaning button also. Onyx will ask you for your password. I use Onyx weekly and it does a great job.
Hang in there!
Carolyn
jessdp331 - Dec 20, 2005 - 11:59 am
Hi Carolyn,
I installed Onyx, and there was an error with repairing disk permissions...from what it said in the help menu, the reason for this is probably that I am missing files from the Library. Here's what it says:
_____________________________________________
Problem: Unable to Repair Disk Permissions?
In most cases, this is caused by the absence of certain package files in the /Library/Receipts folder. These files contain the information needed by Disk Utility and OnyX to repair disk permissions. Fortunately, the solution is simple. Insert the Panther (OS X 10.3.x) Install Disc 1 and double-click on the CD icon to open its root directory. Open the /System/Installation/Packages folder and copy the BaseSystem.pkg, AdditionalApplications.pkg, AdditionalFonts.pkg (if installed), any applicable packages which end in "PrinterDrivers.pkg", and any applicable language packages to your /Library/Receipts folder.
This will allow Disk Utility's "Repair Disk Permissions" feature to function again. Alternatively, you may be able to copy these files from another computer running Mac OS X 10.3.x.
_____________________________________________
So when I go to the Software Install disk and click on the CD icon, it takes me to the installation and I can't find this root directory they're talking about. But I've looked for a couple of the files they mentioned, like the AdditionalApplications.pkg, and it's not on my hard drive. So maybe that's the problem?
I will not install OS 10.4 until I figure out what's wrong. But should I reinstall OS 10.3.4 and then go through all the subsequent updates to get back up to 10.3.9? That's a lot of time, but I'm definitely willing to do it if it'll solve the problem. That doesn't erase the hard drive, right?
Thanks again for your help!
Best,
Jessica
I installed Onyx, and there was an error with repairing disk permissions...from what it said in the help menu, the reason for this is probably that I am missing files from the Library. Here's what it says:
_____________________________________________
Problem: Unable to Repair Disk Permissions?
In most cases, this is caused by the absence of certain package files in the /Library/Receipts folder. These files contain the information needed by Disk Utility and OnyX to repair disk permissions. Fortunately, the solution is simple. Insert the Panther (OS X 10.3.x) Install Disc 1 and double-click on the CD icon to open its root directory. Open the /System/Installation/Packages folder and copy the BaseSystem.pkg, AdditionalApplications.pkg, AdditionalFonts.pkg (if installed), any applicable packages which end in "PrinterDrivers.pkg", and any applicable language packages to your /Library/Receipts folder.
This will allow Disk Utility's "Repair Disk Permissions" feature to function again. Alternatively, you may be able to copy these files from another computer running Mac OS X 10.3.x.
_____________________________________________
So when I go to the Software Install disk and click on the CD icon, it takes me to the installation and I can't find this root directory they're talking about. But I've looked for a couple of the files they mentioned, like the AdditionalApplications.pkg, and it's not on my hard drive. So maybe that's the problem?
I will not install OS 10.4 until I figure out what's wrong. But should I reinstall OS 10.3.4 and then go through all the subsequent updates to get back up to 10.3.9? That's a lot of time, but I'm definitely willing to do it if it'll solve the problem. That doesn't erase the hard drive, right?
Thanks again for your help!
Best,
Jessica
LovesMacs - Dec 22, 2005 - 1:04 am
Jessica!
Good to hear from you.... you can go ahead an install 10.4 (Tiger)... the Tiger installation disk will take care of any files that are missing for you. You don't need to go through all the update rigamarole.... And Tiger can fix your Repair Permissions problem also and Onyx will run for you in Tiger also without glitches.
One suggestion though so you are aware. Anytime you do a Software Update... from the Software Update application from Apple... instead of just installing... in the Menu top of your Desktop, click Update>Download Only. That will download the file. Navigate to the file and select it. It should be a .dmg file. (.dmg stands for disk image)... now select the .dmg file. A disk image will mount on the Desktop. Select that icon and then go to Edit>Copy. (Create a folder in your Documents folder and name it something like Copy of Software Updates. Then select that folder and then go to the menu again and click Edit>Paste. That will create a copy of that software update you just downloaded. If it's a large file like the 99mb 10.4.3 was... it's well worth keeping a copy of just in case. If you can, get an external drive to save files like this one... comes in very handy! Even an iPod can be accessed as hard disk space to save files like this one... not just for music!
Hang in there... it will get better! And you are so welcome... I'm happy to help!
Carolyn :-)
Good to hear from you.... you can go ahead an install 10.4 (Tiger)... the Tiger installation disk will take care of any files that are missing for you. You don't need to go through all the update rigamarole.... And Tiger can fix your Repair Permissions problem also and Onyx will run for you in Tiger also without glitches.
One suggestion though so you are aware. Anytime you do a Software Update... from the Software Update application from Apple... instead of just installing... in the Menu top of your Desktop, click Update>Download Only. That will download the file. Navigate to the file and select it. It should be a .dmg file. (.dmg stands for disk image)... now select the .dmg file. A disk image will mount on the Desktop. Select that icon and then go to Edit>Copy. (Create a folder in your Documents folder and name it something like Copy of Software Updates. Then select that folder and then go to the menu again and click Edit>Paste. That will create a copy of that software update you just downloaded. If it's a large file like the 99mb 10.4.3 was... it's well worth keeping a copy of just in case. If you can, get an external drive to save files like this one... comes in very handy! Even an iPod can be accessed as hard disk space to save files like this one... not just for music!
Hang in there... it will get better! And you are so welcome... I'm happy to help!
Carolyn :-)
jessdp331 - Dec 26, 2005 - 4:34 pm
I really appreciate it, Carolyn. I will install OS 10.4 --fingers are crossed! Hope you have had a great holiday, and I will definitely follow your suggestions and let you know how it goes!
Best,
Jessica
Best,
Jessica
jessdp331 - Dec 29, 2005 - 1:32 pm
Hi Carolyn,
Well, I installed 10.4 and the problem is just as bad if not worse!
It's not doing the thing where when I minimize a window it freezes, but it's even less stable when I do things like try to save a website in my bookmarks, like when that window comes down. It seems to be related to motion because never has it just frozen when there's no animation.
I think I am frustrated enough that I need to just reinstall the OS. I have no idea what to do beyond just saving my files first. Any tips, pointers? Can I save my preferences and reload them? Basically if you could help me work through this because I really don't want to screw it up!
Thank you!
Jessica
Well, I installed 10.4 and the problem is just as bad if not worse!
It's not doing the thing where when I minimize a window it freezes, but it's even less stable when I do things like try to save a website in my bookmarks, like when that window comes down. It seems to be related to motion because never has it just frozen when there's no animation.
I think I am frustrated enough that I need to just reinstall the OS. I have no idea what to do beyond just saving my files first. Any tips, pointers? Can I save my preferences and reload them? Basically if you could help me work through this because I really don't want to screw it up!
Thank you!
Jessica
LovesMacs - Dec 30, 2005 - 12:49 am
Hi Jessica,
My goodness, your Mac is just not getting the message! And you've done everything under the sun too.
If you save your Preferences and reload them you could be just saving the one file that's causing all the problems. It's very important when you Erase a disk to not reinstall old system files... they can be corrupt and cause the nightmare to repeat itself. Save your files the best you can, use Disk Utility to ERase and Install from your system CD and see if that solves the problem. My PBookG4 had a similar problem about a year ago... I Erased and reinstalled the OS and that did the trick. So that's my advice at this point. I understand your concerns and I will try to help you through this! Have you Erased the disk before???
Jessica, you could do an "Archive and Install", which automatically moves existing system files to a folder named Previous System, then installs Mac OS X again. The files in the Previous System cannot cause problems with the newly installed OS X. Here is how to do this:
Start up from your Mac OS X Install Disc 1 or Install DVD. If you have different versions of Mac OS X Installer discs (for example, if your computer came with version 10.3 and you later purchased and installed version 10.4), start from the disc that most closely matches the installed Mac OS X version. Usually, that's the latest (newer) version.
Select your language. The Welcome to the Mac OS X Installer window appears.
Click Continue. The Important Information window appears.
After reading or printing the information, click Continue. The Software License Agreement window appears.
After reading or printing the information, click Continue.
An agreement sheet appears. If you agree with the license agreement, click Agree. The Select a Destination window appears.
Click the volume that you wish to install to.
Click Options. The installation options sheet appears.
Select Archive and Install.
Select the volume which already has Mac OS X installed.
You should also select Preserve Users and Network Settings, to preserve network and Home directory settings. (See notes and Related documents below.)
Click OK.
Click Continue to begin the installation.
All the info above is from here:
http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=107120 So you can read further.
Jessica, it isn't hard to either Erase and Install which wipes the drive completely clean, or to Archive and Install... leaving a Previous System Folder... the first time I did it on my old iMac I was nervous too... but I just followed the instructions like I have posted above for you and I finally got it and then after that I had the confidence to do it when needed without problems! So, if I can do this... YOU can! :-)
Keep me posted!
Carolyn :-)
My goodness, your Mac is just not getting the message! And you've done everything under the sun too.
If you save your Preferences and reload them you could be just saving the one file that's causing all the problems. It's very important when you Erase a disk to not reinstall old system files... they can be corrupt and cause the nightmare to repeat itself. Save your files the best you can, use Disk Utility to ERase and Install from your system CD and see if that solves the problem. My PBookG4 had a similar problem about a year ago... I Erased and reinstalled the OS and that did the trick. So that's my advice at this point. I understand your concerns and I will try to help you through this! Have you Erased the disk before???
Jessica, you could do an "Archive and Install", which automatically moves existing system files to a folder named Previous System, then installs Mac OS X again. The files in the Previous System cannot cause problems with the newly installed OS X. Here is how to do this:
Start up from your Mac OS X Install Disc 1 or Install DVD. If you have different versions of Mac OS X Installer discs (for example, if your computer came with version 10.3 and you later purchased and installed version 10.4), start from the disc that most closely matches the installed Mac OS X version. Usually, that's the latest (newer) version.
Select your language. The Welcome to the Mac OS X Installer window appears.
Click Continue. The Important Information window appears.
After reading or printing the information, click Continue. The Software License Agreement window appears.
After reading or printing the information, click Continue.
An agreement sheet appears. If you agree with the license agreement, click Agree. The Select a Destination window appears.
Click the volume that you wish to install to.
Click Options. The installation options sheet appears.
Select Archive and Install.
Select the volume which already has Mac OS X installed.
You should also select Preserve Users and Network Settings, to preserve network and Home directory settings. (See notes and Related documents below.)
Click OK.
Click Continue to begin the installation.
All the info above is from here:
http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=107120 So you can read further.
Jessica, it isn't hard to either Erase and Install which wipes the drive completely clean, or to Archive and Install... leaving a Previous System Folder... the first time I did it on my old iMac I was nervous too... but I just followed the instructions like I have posted above for you and I finally got it and then after that I had the confidence to do it when needed without problems! So, if I can do this... YOU can! :-)
Keep me posted!
Carolyn :-)
jessdp331 - Dec 31, 2005 - 11:36 am
Hey Carolyn,
OK, I'm definitely going to try the Archive and Install. The only question I have is probably a dumb one, but I'm worried about my emails. I have third-party software with thousands of messages, and I've deleted a lot of the emails off the server so I can't get them back if they're gone off this program. So will they be deleted when I do the Archive and Install? And if so, could I get them back from the Previous System folder?
Thanks!
Jessica
OK, I'm definitely going to try the Archive and Install. The only question I have is probably a dumb one, but I'm worried about my emails. I have third-party software with thousands of messages, and I've deleted a lot of the emails off the server so I can't get them back if they're gone off this program. So will they be deleted when I do the Archive and Install? And if so, could I get them back from the Previous System folder?
Thanks!
Jessica
jessdp331 - Dec 31, 2005 - 11:36 am
Hey Carolyn,
OK, I'm definitely going to try the Archive and Install. The only question I have is probably a dumb one, but I'm worried about my emails. I have third-party software with thousands of messages, and I've deleted a lot of the emails off the server so I can't get them back if they're gone off this program. So will they be deleted when I do the Archive and Install? And if so, could I get them back from the Previous System folder?
Thanks!
Jessica
OK, I'm definitely going to try the Archive and Install. The only question I have is probably a dumb one, but I'm worried about my emails. I have third-party software with thousands of messages, and I've deleted a lot of the emails off the server so I can't get them back if they're gone off this program. So will they be deleted when I do the Archive and Install? And if so, could I get them back from the Previous System folder?
Thanks!
Jessica
LovesMacs - Jan 1, 2006 - 12:22 am
HI Jessica! Happy New Year!
Ok.. first... there are no dumb questions. If we don't ask, we don't find the answers!
Now.. as for e-mails. If you deleted the e-mails off the server did you save them to your hard drive somewhere? And to answer your question... no, with an Archive and Install.. your data is never touched. But if you deleted the e-mails fromt he server, and did not Save them to your hard drive you won't be able to retrieve those anyway. I know because I made that mistake myself once.
Your Previous System Folder will have the data that was on the hard drive before you do an Archive and Install. But only that data that was saved. Whatever files you are concerned about, make a new Folder on your Desktop and drag all those files to it. Just leave the folder there. Do the Archive and Install. Ta da!
Post back... I here for you :-)
Carolyn :-)
Ok.. first... there are no dumb questions. If we don't ask, we don't find the answers!
Now.. as for e-mails. If you deleted the e-mails off the server did you save them to your hard drive somewhere? And to answer your question... no, with an Archive and Install.. your data is never touched. But if you deleted the e-mails fromt he server, and did not Save them to your hard drive you won't be able to retrieve those anyway. I know because I made that mistake myself once.
Your Previous System Folder will have the data that was on the hard drive before you do an Archive and Install. But only that data that was saved. Whatever files you are concerned about, make a new Folder on your Desktop and drag all those files to it. Just leave the folder there. Do the Archive and Install. Ta da!
Post back... I here for you :-)
Carolyn :-)
jessdp331 - Jan 2, 2006 - 6:35 pm
Hi Carolyn,
Well, I did the Archive and Install and the problem is still there! So I think I'm just going to do an Erase and Install. Even if I forget to save something and lose some information, I am desperate. Since the computer can't go more than thirty minutes - and sometimes as little as five minutes - without freezing, it's made my productivity go essentially down to zero. So at this point I'll take my chances!
Anything in particular that you suggest before I take the plunge? From what I've read it sounds like there are different levels of erasing, so which do you recommend?
Thanks again!
Best,
Jessica
Well, I did the Archive and Install and the problem is still there! So I think I'm just going to do an Erase and Install. Even if I forget to save something and lose some information, I am desperate. Since the computer can't go more than thirty minutes - and sometimes as little as five minutes - without freezing, it's made my productivity go essentially down to zero. So at this point I'll take my chances!
Anything in particular that you suggest before I take the plunge? From what I've read it sounds like there are different levels of erasing, so which do you recommend?
Thanks again!
Best,
Jessica
LovesMacs - Jan 4, 2006 - 1:10 am
HI Jessica,
I wish the Archive would have worked but maybe there's something in that
Previous system folder that is causing the problem. So Erase and Install is the next logical step. Ok... as to levels.. just make sure you choose Mac OS Extended (Journaled) from the pop up menu... that's all ya gotta do.
My fingers are sooooo crossed for you!
Carolyn
I wish the Archive would have worked but maybe there's something in that
Previous system folder that is causing the problem. So Erase and Install is the next logical step. Ok... as to levels.. just make sure you choose Mac OS Extended (Journaled) from the pop up menu... that's all ya gotta do.
My fingers are sooooo crossed for you!
Carolyn
jessdp331 - Jan 7, 2006 - 8:37 pm
Hi Carolyn,
I did the erase and install and it is STILL doing it! Can you believe it?! I have, however, gotten a better idea of when it happens. It seems to do it only on Mac programs, especially Safari. It does it every single time I try to save a bookmark or print in Safari. What it is is that window (or whatever those are called) coming down from the title bar of the program and it freezes in the middle of it. It might be some sort of preference or setting problem, although it seems like that would have gotten cleared up when I erased the drive. It doesn't do it at all with programs like Firefox and MS Office.
Do you think it is possible that this is a hardware problem? I don't know a lot about computers, but it doesn't seem like that could be it because it happens so predictably.
Insights? Suggestions? Does this rank up there in most stubborn problems you've ever dealt with? The good news in all this is that with the erasing of the drive the computer otherwise is working much faster.
Thanks, Carolyn!
Best,
Jessica
I did the erase and install and it is STILL doing it! Can you believe it?! I have, however, gotten a better idea of when it happens. It seems to do it only on Mac programs, especially Safari. It does it every single time I try to save a bookmark or print in Safari. What it is is that window (or whatever those are called) coming down from the title bar of the program and it freezes in the middle of it. It might be some sort of preference or setting problem, although it seems like that would have gotten cleared up when I erased the drive. It doesn't do it at all with programs like Firefox and MS Office.
Do you think it is possible that this is a hardware problem? I don't know a lot about computers, but it doesn't seem like that could be it because it happens so predictably.
Insights? Suggestions? Does this rank up there in most stubborn problems you've ever dealt with? The good news in all this is that with the erasing of the drive the computer otherwise is working much faster.
Thanks, Carolyn!
Best,
Jessica
LovesMacs - Jan 17, 2006 - 11:28 pm
Hi Jessica :-)
I'm so sorry.. I didn't disappear... my husband passed away on New Year's Day. He had a long term illness (cancer). I tried to catch up on my questions and responses but somewhere along the line I missed yours. I apologize.
LOL Your situation ranks up there with the one's that trouble me at 3am. Since you are having trouble with Safari... dump the Safari.plist file and reboot. Go to: MacintoshHD>Jessica>Library>Preferences. Locate the com.apple.safari.plist file. Drag it to the Trash, then empty the Trash.
A problem with Safari I doubt is a hardware problem. Also, try the following trouble shooting tips for Safari:
Safari Troubleshooting:
CACHE: Empty the Safari Cache by clicking on the Safari menu and selecting Empty Cache
HISTORY: Clear the browser history
PREFERENCES: Delete the file com.apple.Safari.plist located in
/user name/ Library/Preferences
ICONS: Delete the Icons directory from /user name/Library/Safari. The small
icons known as favicons that load in the URL field will no longer be cached.
COOKIES: Delete site-specific cookies by going to Safari>Preferences, clicking the Security tab, and selecting Show Cookies. Remove cookies that correspond to the sites you're having problems with.
JAVA CACHES: Delete your Java caches. Open the application Java 1.4.2
Plugin Settings located in /Applications/Utilities/Java. Click the Cache tab. Click Clear. Repeat this process for Java 1.3.1 Plugin Settins (also located in /Applications/Utilties/Java
RESET: Reset Safari by choosing Reset Safari from the Safari menu. Resetting Safari clears the history, empties the cache, clears the Downloads window, and removes all cookies. It also removes any saved user names and passwords, other AutoFill data, and Google search entries.
Jessica, are you able to Repair Permissions using Disk Utility??? I don't mean Onyx, but definitely Disk Utility??? That's reeeeaaaalllly important to do that.
If I were you I would get DiskWarrior. It can replace and repair any missing files that could be causing the glitches. I just went over to Amazon where DiskWarrior is available. Great price. DiskWarrior has saved my PBookG4 many times but DiskWarrior is for any Mac and is available for the latest Mac OS. Also, you might consider moving up to Tiger. Installing Tiger could clear up the situation immediately. You have an eMac G4 running 10.3.9 ... how much memory is on the eMac? To locate this information click the Apple logo top left of your Desktop and the click About This Mac. A pane will appear and tell you how much memory your eMac has. More the better. Also, what size is the hard drive? If you aren't certain launch Disk Utility. In the panel on the left it will tell you the manufacturer of the hard disk and the size:
Example: 37.3GB Toshiba MK The 37.3GB is the size of the hard drive.
I'm really wishing I had a magic Mac wand for this one! LOL
Carolyn :-)
PS Again, I apologize for not responding sooner!
I'm so sorry.. I didn't disappear... my husband passed away on New Year's Day. He had a long term illness (cancer). I tried to catch up on my questions and responses but somewhere along the line I missed yours. I apologize.
LOL Your situation ranks up there with the one's that trouble me at 3am. Since you are having trouble with Safari... dump the Safari.plist file and reboot. Go to: MacintoshHD>Jessica>Library>Preferences. Locate the com.apple.safari.plist file. Drag it to the Trash, then empty the Trash.
A problem with Safari I doubt is a hardware problem. Also, try the following trouble shooting tips for Safari:
Safari Troubleshooting:
CACHE: Empty the Safari Cache by clicking on the Safari menu and selecting Empty Cache
HISTORY: Clear the browser history
PREFERENCES: Delete the file com.apple.Safari.plist located in
/user name/ Library/Preferences
ICONS: Delete the Icons directory from /user name/Library/Safari. The small
icons known as favicons that load in the URL field will no longer be cached.
COOKIES: Delete site-specific cookies by going to Safari>Preferences, clicking the Security tab, and selecting Show Cookies. Remove cookies that correspond to the sites you're having problems with.
JAVA CACHES: Delete your Java caches. Open the application Java 1.4.2
Plugin Settings located in /Applications/Utilities/Java. Click the Cache tab. Click Clear. Repeat this process for Java 1.3.1 Plugin Settins (also located in /Applications/Utilties/Java
RESET: Reset Safari by choosing Reset Safari from the Safari menu. Resetting Safari clears the history, empties the cache, clears the Downloads window, and removes all cookies. It also removes any saved user names and passwords, other AutoFill data, and Google search entries.
Jessica, are you able to Repair Permissions using Disk Utility??? I don't mean Onyx, but definitely Disk Utility??? That's reeeeaaaalllly important to do that.
If I were you I would get DiskWarrior. It can replace and repair any missing files that could be causing the glitches. I just went over to Amazon where DiskWarrior is available. Great price. DiskWarrior has saved my PBookG4 many times but DiskWarrior is for any Mac and is available for the latest Mac OS. Also, you might consider moving up to Tiger. Installing Tiger could clear up the situation immediately. You have an eMac G4 running 10.3.9 ... how much memory is on the eMac? To locate this information click the Apple logo top left of your Desktop and the click About This Mac. A pane will appear and tell you how much memory your eMac has. More the better. Also, what size is the hard drive? If you aren't certain launch Disk Utility. In the panel on the left it will tell you the manufacturer of the hard disk and the size:
Example: 37.3GB Toshiba MK The 37.3GB is the size of the hard drive.
I'm really wishing I had a magic Mac wand for this one! LOL
Carolyn :-)
PS Again, I apologize for not responding sooner!
jessdp331 - Jan 23, 2006 - 7:19 am
Hi Carolyn!
Now *I* am sorry it took me so long to get back to you! I started to write and wouldn't you know my computer froze right in the middle of it! Meanwhile, I am also very sorry to hear about your husband...my thoughts are with you.
I have about decided that I might have two problems, one hardware and one software. The video has been messing up...sort of scrambling when the computer freezes, which from what I've heard might be hardware-related. I did a clean install of Tiger a few weeks ago and the problems are still there. I have done Disk Utility, and last time I did it a few days ago it repaired a whole slew of things, but when the computer froze again and I ran DU afterward, it repaired exactly the same things, which seemed sort of weird.
I tried everything you said to do as far as Safari and Java, and the problem seemed to go away for a little while, but it started back.
This eMac has a 1.25GHz processor and 256MB memory. It's got a 38.3GB hard drive. I'm currently running OS 10.4.4.
So would you say I've reached the point that I ought to just take it somewhere?
Thanks, Carolyn!
Best,
Jessica
Now *I* am sorry it took me so long to get back to you! I started to write and wouldn't you know my computer froze right in the middle of it! Meanwhile, I am also very sorry to hear about your husband...my thoughts are with you.
I have about decided that I might have two problems, one hardware and one software. The video has been messing up...sort of scrambling when the computer freezes, which from what I've heard might be hardware-related. I did a clean install of Tiger a few weeks ago and the problems are still there. I have done Disk Utility, and last time I did it a few days ago it repaired a whole slew of things, but when the computer froze again and I ran DU afterward, it repaired exactly the same things, which seemed sort of weird.
I tried everything you said to do as far as Safari and Java, and the problem seemed to go away for a little while, but it started back.
This eMac has a 1.25GHz processor and 256MB memory. It's got a 38.3GB hard drive. I'm currently running OS 10.4.4.
So would you say I've reached the point that I ought to just take it somewhere?
Thanks, Carolyn!
Best,
Jessica
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