Kernel Panic, System Crashes

Quick Check

Symptoms

Quick Check

 

 

 

Kernel Panic, System Crashes

1.

Isolate OS by starting up from original install

• Kernel Panic on startup or

 

media for this computer, from a same model

desktop use.

 

computer in Target Disk Mode, or from a

 

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

 

 

 

this model 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 shift key down

 

 

during startup to load only required kernel

 

 

extensions and disable all startup and login

 

 

items. See kBase #HT1564: Mac OS X: What is

 

 

Safe Boot, Safe Mode?

 

5.

Check the panic.log, located /Library/Logs/

 

 

Panicreporter, for information in the back trace

 

 

that may give clues about the kernel panic.

 

6.

For more information, see kBase #HT1392:

 

 

About “You need to restart your computer”

 

 

(kernel panic) messages.

 

 

 

Deep Dive

Check

Result

Action

Code

 

 

 

 

 

1.

Boot the computer to Apple

Yes

Run extended tests and

 

 

Hardware Test on internal hard

 

proceed with results. If AHT

 

 

drive or an inserted Install DVD

 

passes or boots with a kernel

 

 

by holding down the D key at

 

panic, go to step 2.

 

 

startup. Verify if system boots

 

 

 

 

No

Go to step 2.

 

 

up from any of these volumes.

 

 

 

 

 

 

2.

Remove all peripheral devices

Yes

Add peripheral devices one

 

 

including keyboard and mouse.

 

at a time until kernel panic

 

 

Verify if system starts without

 

repeats. Replace device

 

 

kernel panic.

 

causing issue.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

No

Go to step 3.

 

 

 

 

 

 

2010-09-09

iMac (27-inch, Mid 2010) Symptom Charts — Startup and Power  44

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Apple MD094LL/A manual Symptoms Quick Check Kernel Panic, System Crashes, About You need to restart your computer