iMac (27-inch, Mid 2010) Symptom Charts — Startup and Power 44
2010-09-09
Kernel Panic, System Crashes
Quick Check
Symptoms Quick Check
Kernel Panic, System Crashes
• Kernel Panic on startup or
desktop use.
• System freeze during use.
• System freeze upon wake from
sleep.
1. Isolate OS by starting up from original install
media for this computer, from a same model
computer in Target Disk Mode, or from a
compatible known-good OS on an external drive.
Both AirPort and Bluetooth services are available
when booted from the Install disk.
2. Ensure that all software and rmware updates for
this model have been installed to take advantage
of any available bug xes.
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
Hardware Test on internal hard
drive or an inserted Install DVD
by holding down the D key at
startup. Verify if system boots
up from any of these volumes.
Yes Run extended tests and
proceed with results. If AHT
passes or boots with a kernel
panic, go to step 2.
No Go to step 2.
2. Remove all peripheral devices
including keyboard and mouse.
Verify if system starts without
kernel panic.
Yes Add peripheral devices one
at a time until kernel panic
repeats. Replace device
causing issue.
No Go to step 3.