System not starting
System error information
System Extension conflicts
Restarting troubleshooting
Reinstalling / Re-blessing software
SCSI troubleshooting
MacOS troubleshooting

SYSTEM NOT STARTING

Ensure the computer has power - If your computer appears not to be getting any power, first ensure that the cords are properly connected and the wall outlet that you are connecting your computer to is getting power.

Ensure that the monitor is properly connected - Ensure that the monitor is correctly hooked to the computer as well as the monitor having power to it. Ensure that the monitor's brightness and contrast are correctly set on the monitor. If you are not sure of this, attempt to move to see if any change with the monitor's display. If possible, attempt to use another monitor on the computer to determine if computer / monitor issue.

Double check all connections - Ensure that everything is properly connected to the computer. If you do find something not connected properly, ensure that the computer is completely off by pressing the Power Key and then clicking Shut Down. Note when checking connections ensure that your printer is connected to the correct port; you may have a printer port and a SCSI port. Some printers may only work on one or another.

Resetting window display - Turn off the computer and as turning on the computer, hold down the Option key until the desktop icons appear.

Starting but not getting into the MacOS - It is a possibility that the computer may not have enough memory to load all apps. Restart the computer and when the computer displays "Welcome to MacOS", hold down the shift key until you see the message "Extensions Disabled" in the "Welcome to MacOS" box. If you are able to do this and successfully get into the MacOS, try the below recommendations.

Turn on or increase Virtual memory in the Memory Control Panel. We would recommend that you set the virtual memory to twice the size of your RAM for best performance

Reduce the size of disk cache in the Memory Control Panel.

If you are using RAM disk, reduce the size.

Use the Extension manager to turn off any Extensions you may not need.

If you continue not being able to properly get into the MacOS, attempt to reinstall your computer's software.

RAM disk - If you are attempting to boot from a RAM disk and get an error message about a disk corruption, cancel out of the open message and check the RAM disk settings in the Memory Control Panel to ensure that you are aren't trying to create a RAM disk larger than the amount of free space on your hard disk.

SYSTEM ERROR INFORMATION

Have you recently adding something? If you have recently added a program and began getting System Errors, try reverting back to the Mac's previous state and see if the error recurs. If you have recently installed a software application, see if the program has an un-install feature; if it does, attempt to use it to un-install the software to see if it resolves your errors.

Ensure there are no duplicate files. Newer Macs should not have any duplicate files. Use the Find File utility and search for items named "System" and/or "Finder." This should only return one file for both of these in the System Folder.

Scan for Viruses. Ensure that you have an up to date virus scanner and that you have scanned your computer for viruses that could possibly be causing your System Errors. See Virus Info Page for additional information on viruses.

Check your Mac's Configuration. If your Macintosh is returning System Errors relating to memory, ensure that there is enough RAM available to run your system software and your applications. If you are using the 68k Mac, ensure that 32-bit addressing is turned on. If the 32-bit addressing is not turned on, this prevents the 68k Mac from accessing more than 8MB of memory. On the 68040 Macs, check the Cache Switch Control Panel to see if caching is enabled. The default setting is Faster; however, setting it to more compatible may allow you to run older applications that do not support the 68040 caching routines. For all Macintoshes, if you are getting an error during running a certain program, ensure the program does not require an FPU. An FPU is a standard on many of Macs models, optional on others, and not available on older macs. Finally, ensure that sufficient memory is allocated to your applications by selecting the application's icon and choosing File and Get Info.

Check for Extension Conflicts - See System Extension Conflicts troubleshooting section.

Attempt to reinstall the application - If you have followed the above steps, some software applications may refuse to work until the application is reinstalled. To do this, Uninstall the program (if available), restart the Macintosh and when the computer is starting up, hold down the shift key until you get the message "Welcome to Macintosh Extensions off" appears and reinstall the application.

Reinstall Mac OS - If you are continuing to get System Errors after following all the above steps, attempt to completely reinstall MacOS.

If your system does not start up properly or behaves erratically, you possibly could be having an issue with the System Extensions such as an extension or Control Panel that is not compatible with another application or system software.

To verify the problem:

Start your computer while holding down the Space bar, this should open the Extensions Manager Control Panel. Once open, release the Space bar. Remember or write down the extensions that are highlighted in case you need to return to it later. Open the Selected Set pop-up menu and choose the "Mac OS 8.0 base" set, which will make the start up only use the software installed at the factory. Once completed, click the Continue button and continue with the boot process as normal. If after booting up the computer you are not able to recreate the error, it is a good possibility that you are having an issue with the Extensions.

Testing individual extensions and Control Panels:

Start your computer while holding down the Space bar, which should get you into the Extensions Manager Control Panel. Once open, release the Space bar. Click the Duplicate Set button to create a new set. In the window that appears, type a name for the set. Turn off all the extensions in the new set by choosing "All Off" in the Selected Set pup-up menu. Turn on the item you want to test by clicking its checkbox, then click continue to continue with the startup. If the problem occurs again, the item is probably incompatible. Remove the item from the Extensions folder or turn off using the Extensions Manager.

RESTARTING TROUBLESHOOTING

If the computer is non functional and the normal reset command (in the Special Menu) does not work, press the command, power, and control keys simultaneously, this should cause the system to reboot. Note: when doing this, it may take several seconds for the screen to re-appear because the system will thoroughly test the RAM.

If the above does not turn off or reset the computer, attempt to press the power switch / reset button.

If all of the above does not work and you do not have a power switch, unplug the computer and wait for 30 seconds until turning it back on.

REINSTALLING / RE-BLESSING SOFTWARE

"Re-Bless" the System Folder - If your computer is not recognizing the system software, the System Folder may need to be "re-blessed." To do this, start your computer with the System Software CD, open the System Folder, double-click on the System Folder, double-click the system suitcase; once open, close the suitcase and the System Folder, and restart the computer. If you are not able to do this, drag the suitcase out of the System Folder, close System Folder and place the suitcase back into the system folder.