Apple LATE 2009 manual Symptoms Quick Check Kernel Panic, System Crashes

Kernel Panic, System Crashes

Quick Check

Symptoms	Quick Check
Kernel Panic, System Crashes	1.	Isolate OS by starting up system from original
• Kernel Panic on startup or		Install media for the computer, the same make
desktop use.		and model computer in Target Disk Mode, or
		compatible known-good OS on an external drive.
• System freeze during use.
		Both AirPort and Bluetooth services are available
• System freeze upon wake from
		when booted from the Install disk.
sleep.
	2.	Ensure that all software and firmware updates
		for the computer have been installed to take
		advantage of any available bug fixes.
	3.	Reset SMC and PRAM to clear any stored,
		corrupted information.
	4.	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
	5.	Check the panic.log, located /Library/Logs/
		Panicreporter, for information in the backtrace
		that may give clues about the kernel panic.
	6.	For more information on kernel panics refer to
		KBase article
		http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1392

Deep Dive

Check		Result	Action	Code
1.	Boot the machine to Apple	Yes	Run the extended tests and
	Hardware Test on the Install		proceed with results. If AHT
	DVD, OR, boot Apple Server		passes or boots with a kernel
	diagnostics by holding down		panic, go to step 2.
	the “D” key. Does the computer
		No	Go to step 2.
	boot up to this volume?
2.	Remove all peripheral devices	Yes	Add peripheral devices one at
	including the keyboard and		a time until the kernel panic
	mouse. Does computer start		repeats. Replace the device
	without kernel panic?		causing the issue.
		No	Go to step 3.

2009-11-03 Mac mini (Late 2009) Symptom Charts — Startup and Power  24