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TICKET ARCHIVE -> Recent Updates: Powerbook Started Freezing.

rutt - Apr 22, 2005 - 9:32 pm

I downloaded two updates yesterday (one of them being the Java fix), and am currently running 10.3.9. However, shortly after these updates my computer started frequently freezing, and I don't know why. I get no response and have to power down and the power up my computer (Powerbook G4). I tried repairing the disk with Disk Utility but my problem still occurs. Any idea what might be causing this?

DeltaMac - Apr 23, 2005 - 8:01 am

What do you mean by 'freezing'?
Does the clock stop?
Do you just see the rotating wheel?
Can you use your system at all, and at certain actions, the system just stops?
What actions, (opening apps, printing, can it be repeated?)

You may find a fix simply by downloading the Combined 10.3.9 updater from Apple (unless that is the one you already have, which is great) and reinstalling that. Many minor problems that show up after a system update like this, are fixed by reinstalling the Combined update.
You would then Repair Permissions after applying that combo update.
I have also found one the utilities that will clean out your cache folders are really helpful in these situations (OnyX, Maintain, Cocktail, System Optimizer X, Xupport, YASU, Panther Cache Cleaner, etc, etc,) There must be 100 of them, all perform the basic functions, and some are better than others. Versiontracker.com has a ton of these. You may already have something like this. Try it out.
The other main trick to try- Create a new user account for this purpose, and login as that new user. If your problem is gone, then something is corrupted in your main account, probably in the preferences folder in your library.
Come back after trying these ideas, if you still need help.
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rutt - Apr 23, 2005 - 10:42 am

Just to note, when I say freezing, I mean that. Everything stops, there is no movement whatsoever, I cannot move the mouse, quit applications, anything at all. Trying what you said now though, I'll let you know how things go.

rutt - Apr 23, 2005 - 12:14 pm

Yup, reinstalled the combined update and ran onyx scripts and my computer seems to have stopped freezing. Thanks. =) I'll make sure to let you know if it starts up again.

rutt - Apr 23, 2005 - 2:39 pm

Another update on my issue:
It came back. I'm not sure why though (it was running okay for sure).

Prior to trying anything, on boot, the progress bar got as far as perhaps "File Deletion Tracking" (or something of the like), and then went right to my desktop. After running OnyX cleaning scripts, the progress bar completes as it should, and my computer runs properly afterwards. Any idea what might be causing this?

DeltaMac - Apr 23, 2005 - 5:38 pm

According to your last statement, your computer runs properly now. I'm guessing that is not what you meant.
Have you tried logging in as another user? You can create one just for this purpose.
When a freeze occurs next, after rebooting, you can open your console utility, and check in the system log for some event happening at about the time your system freezes. If you see anything, you may get a clue about the cause.
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rutt - Apr 24, 2005 - 2:49 am

Okay, no dice. I eventually just gave up and gave in and decided to do a fresh install, and my computer is still completely freezing. No movement whatsoever. Apple+Option+Power kills it, but it won't necessarily reboot immediately either. Overheating... if so, why all of a sudden? *sigh*

DeltaMac - Apr 24, 2005 - 11:24 am

That's a tough break!
You should boot to your Apple Hardware Test, see if any failures are reported with that.
My first guess is a failing hard drive, which may not fail in the hardware test, but try it anyway, get back to me with what you find out.
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rutt - Apr 24, 2005 - 1:00 pm

Okay, newest update:

Running on default setup (no extra ram or anything, etc).

Reset PRAM, no luck.
Reset PMU, no luck.

Hardware test (thorough):
AirPort - Passed
Logic Board - Passed
Mass Storage - Passed
Memory - Passed
Modem - Device found
Video RAM - Passed

No problems detected.

The problem seems to occur most often when my computer is very active.. commonly when I'm doing anything w/ the combo drive (installing something, playing war3, etc).

DeltaMac - Apr 24, 2005 - 1:51 pm

In warranty - Applecare?

really sounds like a failing hard drive

Here's a trick: the Apple Hardware Test has a looping mode. I think it's pressing control-L when you are are the test select window (not the hardware display) You'll see 'looping turned on' appear somewhere toward the bottom of the window. Could be option-L, I don't have one to try right now. This will run either test until you stop it.

Combo drive? sure, that's another possibility, but a bad hard drive is much more common.

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rutt - Apr 24, 2005 - 7:39 pm

Yeah, it's only 5 months old. Hopefully taking it in to the apple store tomorrow, might try the looping out tonight, don't have much else to do.

rutt - Apr 24, 2005 - 10:38 pm

Yeah, looped hardware test for 2 and a half hours w/ no problem.