Apple 8 manual If Disaster Strikes, Preferences and Parameter RAM

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If Disaster Strikes

Your first priority should be to make a backup of your most important documents. Attempt to copy your files (lyrics, songs, tax records) to other hard, or removable drives, without launching their associated applications. You can skip this step for CD-ROMs, but be aware that even CDs require a little care when handling: neither side of the disk should be scratched. Once you have made backups of your files and programs, the chances of a true disaster are all but eliminated. Never skip making regular backups, even if everything is working perfectly—eventually, any hard disk may crash!

A system crash can be caused by:

ÂOperator error

ÂA software conflict (incompatibility between two programs, or a virus)

ÂA hardware configuration error

ÂOverloading the system’s resources

ÂFaulty cable connections (or missing termination)

ÂA hardware defect

Eliminate the first five causes before deciding to have your hardware repaired.

If the problem persists, make precise notes of the following:

ÂWhat you were doing at the time of the error (which program, which function, which applications were open).

ÂThe exact text of any error messages and/or error numbers (if applicable).

ÂThe version of the operating system, as well as that of the program in which the error occurred.

ÂThe Apple System Profiler, installed with Mac OS X, offers an in-depth component overview, which can be printed.

ÂWhich System Preferences (found in the Apple menu) are active.

Note: The Apple System Profiler can be used to print details of your entire system configuration, including the properties of all hardware.

Preferences and Parameter RAM

Many crashes can be avoided by taking one of the following measures (please exit the program first):

ÂMove or delete the preferences of the program that is crashing. The preferences files are found in your User folder ~/library/preferences. Drag the preference file to the desktop. Doing so will often require you to reset some of your program’s preferences.

“Zap” the Parameter-RAM (P-RAM). This contains clock time, date, and many system settings which are preserved when the computer is turned off. You can easily reset them. Hold the Command-Option P and R keys during a restart (immediately after hearing the start sound). Keep the keys held until you hear the Macintosh start sound three times.

Appendix C Optimizing Your Computer Audio System