64 Chapter 5 Troubleshooting
ÂIf the computer still doesn’t respond, try to restart it by simultaneously pressing the
Command (x) and Control keys on your keyboard and the power button (®).
If the problem occurs frequently, choose Help > Mac Help from the menu bar at the top
of the screen. Search for the word “freeze” to get help for instances when the computer
freezes or doesn’t respond.
If the problem occurs only when you use a particular application, check with the
application’s manufacturer to see if it is compatible with your computer. If you know an
application is compatible, you might need to reinstall your computer’s system software
or, if you’re using the Classic environment, you might need to check for incompatible
system extensions. See the instructions for using Disk Utility in the next topic.
If the computer freezes during startup or you see a flashing question mark
ÂWait a few seconds. If the computer doesn’t start up after a delay, shut down your
computer by pressing and holding the power button (®) for about 5 seconds, until
the computer shuts down. Then hold down the Option key and press the power
button (®) again to start up your computer. When your computer starts up, click the
hard disk icon, and then click the right arrow. After the computer starts up, open
System Preferences and click Startup Disk. Select a local Mac OS X System folder.
ÂIf that doesn’t work, try using Disk Utility to repair the disk by inserting the Mac OS X
Install Disc 1 into your computer. Then restart your computer and hold down the C
key as it starts up. Choose Installer > Open Disk Utility. When Disk Utility opens,
follow the instructions in the First Aid pane to see if the utility can repair your disk.
If using Disk Utility doesn’t work, you might need to reinstall your computer’s system
software. For instructions, see “Reinstalling the Software That Came With Your
Computer” on page 67.
If the computer won’t turn on or start up
ÂMake sure the power adapter is plugged in to the computer and in to a functioning
power outlet. Make sure to use the power adapter that came with your computer. If
the power adapter stops charging and you don’t see a light when you plug in the
power cord, try unplugging and replugging it to reset it.
ÂCheck if your battery needs to be recharged. Press the small button on the battery.
You should see one to four lights indicating the battery’s level of charge. If only one
battery level indicator light is flashing, allow the power adapter to charge the battery
until at least one indicator light is glowing continuously.
ÂIf the first two suggestions do not solve the problem, return the computer to its
factory settings by disconnecting the power adapter, removing the battery, and
holding down the power button (®) for at least 5 seconds.
ÂIf you recently installed additional memory, make sure that it is correctly installed
and that it is compatible with your computer. See whether removing it allows the
computer to start up (see “Installing Additional Memory” on page 58).