Intermittent Shutdown
Quick Check
Symptoms | Quick Check | |||
|
|
| ||
Intermittent Shutdown | 1. | Isolate OS by starting up from original Install | ||
• | Powers off during startup. |
| media for the computer, the same make and | |
• Powers off during desktop use. |
| model computer in Target Disk Mode, or | ||
| compatible | |||
• | Computer restarts |
| ||
| Both AirPort and Bluetooth services are available | |||
| spontaneously. |
| ||
|
| when booted from the Install disk. | ||
• Powers off when waking from |
| |||
2. | Reset SMC and PRAM to clear any stored, | |||
| sleep. | |||
|
| corrupted information. | ||
|
|
| ||
|
| 3. | Start up in Safe Mode by holding the shift key | |
|
|
| down during startup to load only required kernel | |
|
|
| extensions and disable all startup and login | |
|
|
| items. See KBase article | |
|
|
| http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1564 | |
|
| 4. | Open System Preferences > Energy Saver > | |
|
|
| Schedule and make sure that a ‘Shut Down’ event | |
|
|
| is not scheduled. | |
|
| 5. | Make sure that power cord is securely attached to | |
|
|
| the back of the computer, and is not hindered by | |
|
|
| a desk or other furniture. | |
|
| 6. | Plug the computer directly into an AC outlet to | |
|
|
| test whether a surge protector, outlet strip, or UPS | |
|
|
| is causing the issue. | |
|
|
|
| |
Deep Dive
Check | Result | Action | Code |
|
|
|
|
1. Verify improper shutdown | Yes | Determine if user caused |
|
by opening the system.log |
| improper shutdown. Use |
|
located in /var/log. Filter the |
|
| |
log for “shutdown cause”. Entries |
| and AC outlet. Go to step 2. |
|
of value “0” or a negative |
|
|
|
No | Revisit Quick Check examples |
| |
value indicate an improper |
| ||
shutdown. Did you find entries |
| for possible software issues. |
|
of improper shutdown? |
| Check if user is running |
|
|
| other automating software |
|
|
| that may be shutting down |
|
|
| system. Verify issue and jump |
|
|
| to appropriate symptom |
|
|
| flow. No repair needed under |
|
|
| current symptom flow. |
|
|
|
|
|
Mac mini (Late 2009) Symptom Charts — Startup and Power 22 |
