This command directs the boot process to target the recovery partition available on computers running OS X 10.7 and newer. Solution: Power on the computer while holding down the + keys. Symptoms: Computer does not boot consistently or OS X may need to be reinstalled - or perhaps the hard drive is unresponsive and Disk Utility needs to be run.Ĭauses: Any number of issues could be resolved by booting into the recovery partition, such as running diagnostics, repairing disk permissions, or Terminal access for command line usage. Highlighting the desired device and pressing the key will redirect the boot process to that device. The boot process will halt and bring up the menu selection that lists all the bootable devices connected to that computer. Solution: Power on or reboot the computer while holding down the key.
Symptoms: Can’t boot the computer using external media or an optical drive.Ĭauses: Perhaps the end user needs to perform a clean install of OS X or would like to boot from an installation stored on an external hard drive. From a desktop with extensions disabled, “safe mode” will allow the end user to remove the offending app and boot normally. Continue to hold down the key to disable extensions and login items from loading during the boot process.
Solution: Power on or restart the computer while holding down the key. Symptoms: Apple computer does not boot or start up to the desktop.Ĭauses: When extensions prevent a computer from booting, it’s frequently due to an application that was installed or a login app that’s causing the lockup. Continue holding the keys down until you hear the second Apple chime to clear the PRAM. You should hear the Apple chime before the computer reboots.
Then power the device on while simultaneously holding down the +++ keys. However, certain changes might remain stagnant in residual memory which can lead to bizarre behavior(s). Symptoms: Boot issues, such as slow to start or halted startup.Ĭauses: PRAM is non-volatile memory used by the Apple computers to store configuration information. Let’s review 10 troubleshooting tips to help correct common OS X boot and performance issues.
However, for those times when a reboot doesn’t cut it (or perhaps exacerbates the problem), knowing some basic troubleshooting commands might make all the difference between getting your Mac up and running right away or scheduling an appointment at the Genius Bar or your friendly neighborhood IT pro. In fact, given that many Mac users tend to put their devices to sleep rather than power them off while not in use, most errors can be resolved with a simple reboot. It’s a modern OS that’s as flexible as it is powerful, limited only by the end users operating the system.īut that doesn’t mean that it’s not susceptible to errors, lock-ups, or other productivity-halting behaviors.
Its UNIX underpinnings are mature, tested, and - more importantly - stable. Jesus Vigo covers 10 common troubleshooting solutions for Apple OS X and explains how and when to perform them.