2Restart the computer while holding down the keys Command (
x
), Option, P, and R until
you hear the startup sound repeat itself three times. Then release the keys.
This procedure resets the parameter RAM. For more information, see “The
Computer Makes an Unusual Sound at Startup, or You See a ‘Sad Maci ntosh’
Icon,” in the section “Problems Starting Up the Computer” in Chapter 7.
If the problem does not recur, it may involve file sharing, virtual memory, or
the disk cache. Tur n these features back on one at a time (restarting the
computer each time) until the problem recurs. You may be able to fix the
problem by making the disk cach e smaller or using a smaller amount of
virtual memory. If the problem involves file sharing, contact your network
administrator to make sure there are no network problems.
3Turn off troublesome extensions using the Extensions Manager control panel.
Tips for locating problem extensions:
mIf you recently installed a new item in the System Folder, it may be causing
the problem. If you recently installed a new application program, a new
extension may have been installed along with it. Check for new items in
the Extensions folder and Control Pa nels folder. Also check for items of the
kind “extension” or “control panel” in the System Folder itself.
mIf two of your extensions provide similar features (such as two screen
savers or two clocks), they may be incompatible with each other. Remove
one of the extensions.
mIf the computer is freezing or displaying an error message before it finishes
starting up, restart the computer and take note of the icons that appear at
the bottom of the screen. Many extensions display an icon as they start up,
and extensions start up alphabetically. The last extension that displays a n
icon, or the one after it alphabetically, may be the problem extension.
4Turn extensions back on, one extension at a time, in the Extensions Manager control
panel. Restart the computer after turning on each extension and test to see if the
problem recurs.
When you have located the problem extension, remove it from the System
Folder and contact the developer or vendor for compatibility information.
5Go to the next section if you are still having problems.
122 Chapter 8