1
Tech / Re: Solving Computer Woes
« on: June 24, 2021, 10:29:07 AM »
I feel that I’m almost ready for that adventure 
The friendly Mac forum.
News:
SMF - Just Installed!
Show Posts
This section allows you to view all posts made by this member. Note that you can only see posts made in areas you currently have access to.
I feel that I’m almost ready for that adventure
2
Tech / Re: DESPERATE (seriously) Thunderbird 78 has almost destroyed my MacBook Pro
« on: June 17, 2021, 01:18:18 PM »
Dear Paddy,
My sincerest apologies for not replying till now. I have not been ignoring your awesome help messages - my eyes wore out (I think I mentioned my vision is limited among other serious health issues) so toward the end of last week, my eyes just wouldn't go any farther. I rested them till yesterday.
Here is what has occurred today. For the 15th or 16th time, I have checked the Thunderbird site (useless) and my Earthlink site, and matched up, as best I could, settings for all incoming and outgoing mail (outgoing still not working). But, in changing settings, all my subfolders magically returned. I am going to back up those before I take another step or two. The next steps must be how to get rid of now two accounts in my Earthlink email window without the folders hiding again. AND I REALLY want to delete Thunderbird 78.11.0, which has caused a multitude of problems, but am afraid to do so until I figure out or receive some help on what it will cause (for example, hidden folders and another email disaster).
Thank you for your patience. I am most appreciative. Please don't give up on me. If anyone else here is a Mac user with these same problems, I'd love to know.
Best,
Prin
My sincerest apologies for not replying till now. I have not been ignoring your awesome help messages - my eyes wore out (I think I mentioned my vision is limited among other serious health issues) so toward the end of last week, my eyes just wouldn't go any farther. I rested them till yesterday.
Here is what has occurred today. For the 15th or 16th time, I have checked the Thunderbird site (useless) and my Earthlink site, and matched up, as best I could, settings for all incoming and outgoing mail (outgoing still not working). But, in changing settings, all my subfolders magically returned. I am going to back up those before I take another step or two. The next steps must be how to get rid of now two accounts in my Earthlink email window without the folders hiding again. AND I REALLY want to delete Thunderbird 78.11.0, which has caused a multitude of problems, but am afraid to do so until I figure out or receive some help on what it will cause (for example, hidden folders and another email disaster).
Thank you for your patience. I am most appreciative. Please don't give up on me. If anyone else here is a Mac user with these same problems, I'd love to know.
Best,
Prin
3
Tech / Re: DESPERATE (seriously) Thunderbird 78 has almost destroyed my MacBook Pro
« on: June 11, 2021, 06:40:33 PM »Prin, the mail folders you lost were local folders - since you were/are using POP - so, I'm wondering if somehow Thunderbird became disconnected from your profile, so it appears that the mail is lost, when in fact it may still be there. (The SMTP issue is likely not related).
As per Jim's first link, have a look to see if you can find your TB profile files as a first step. As is noted in that link - the app and the profile are separate, and an update to the application shouldn't affect the profile or files within it.
More - example is for Windows, but I think the principles are the same on a Mac. Apparently this is NOT an unknown issue with TB.
https://www.emailadepts.com/blog/how-to-recover-lost-folder-in-mozilla-thunderbird.htm
Out of curiosity - any reason you're not using Mail? I switched to it over 10 years ago after being a long-time Entourage user, and I must say, despite a few complaints, it's actually worked pretty well for me. And I currently have 32 email addresses...and thousands upon thousands of emails in there. (many of the email addresses are connected to clients' domains - I'm not completely insane...yet)
BTW - if you do find your profile and mail folders, PLEASE back them up - copy them to a hard drive or a thumb drive or iCloud or SOMEWHERE (maybe twice) to be sure that you have them safely and then, and only then, start attempting the fixes to re-link the app and your profile. And get that backup drive up and running - whether as a clone or with TimeMachine.(I usually tell people to have both. Drives are cheap - your time and your data are not).
Paddy - Well done! I got this far (see attachment) before I couldn't figure out what to do next. I even looked up File Explorer for Mac and File View under Finder. I even saw my Profiles and yes, you are correct, the folders are hiding. Problem is I could not figure out how to follow the remainder of the directions. whimpering
4
Tech / Re: DESPERATE (seriously) Thunderbird 78 has almost destroyed my MacBook Pro
« on: June 11, 2021, 05:07:23 PM »Prin, the mail folders you lost were local folders - since you were/are using POP - so, I'm wondering if somehow Thunderbird became disconnected from your profile, so it appears that the mail is lost, when in fact it may still be there. (The SMTP issue is likely not related).
As per Jim's first link, have a look to see if you can find your TB profile files as a first step. As is noted in that link - the app and the profile are separate, and an update to the application shouldn't affect the profile or files within it.
More - example is for Windows, but I think the principles are the same on a Mac. Apparently this is NOT an unknown issue with TB.
https://www.emailadepts.com/blog/how-to-recover-lost-folder-in-mozilla-thunderbird.htm
Out of curiosity - any reason you're not using Mail? I switched to it over 10 years ago after being a long-time Entourage user, and I must say, despite a few complaints, it's actually worked pretty well for me. And I currently have 32 email addresses...and thousands upon thousands of emails in there. (many of the email addresses are connected to clients' domains - I'm not completely insane...yet)
BTW - if you do find your profile and mail folders, PLEASE back them up - copy them to a hard drive or a thumb drive or iCloud or SOMEWHERE (maybe twice) to be sure that you have them safely and then, and only then, start attempting the fixes to re-link the app and your profile. And get that backup drive up and running - whether as a clone or with TimeMachine.
What a wonderful message, for which I thank you! Interestingly, after I replied earlier, I began exploring more of TB and looked specifically at my TB profiles, thinking that might be an issue. I must have picked up your vibes. I've found the information that Mozilla provides to be somewhat overwhelming (in my current state), but I will return to it, print it out, and try to figure it out. I am best at following a 1, 2, 3 sort of list. More and more, I have found that TB is aimed at Windows users. I do wish a human tech specializing in Macs could be available. I have been using Earthlink for nearly 20 years. I gave Mail a try but didn't care for it. Can't recall why. Am glad you like it. Maybe I'll give it a try again.
You can bet that I will back up EVERYTHING probably two times over!
Thanks again to all of you. You're terrific. Stay well.
~ Prin
5
Tech / Re: DESPERATE (seriously) Thunderbird 78 has almost destroyed my MacBook Pro
« on: June 11, 2021, 03:26:31 PM »I sincerely hope you have some family or friendly support. I have never used Thunderbird, so I have no experience to help with that app. However, my wife still uses EarthLink/Mindspring and that may offer some help. If you remember your EarthLink password, you log into your EarthLink Web Mail and hopefully read/see all your messages. At least recent ones.
EarthLink was very late in converting from POP to IMAP and you had to make the change manually. It sounds like you are now using the IMAP version of EarthLink Mail.
If you can log in to the web-based email system at EarthLink, I strongly encourage you to print anything that might be even semi-important. You can also attempt to download all the messages again. You can then try to export them into a format that will be readable by another app.
Did you make the latest update to TB? Current version is 78.11.0.
Perhaps one of these links will be of help with Thunderbird:
- Thunderbird Profiles (stores your emails and changes you make while using TB)
- Switching from POP to IMAP
- Support page/user forum
- Live (text) Chat
Yes, 78.11.0. Not using IMAP. Still on POP. Yes, I can easily log into and read Earthlink webmail with no problem. Issue is specifically with SMTP (outgoing email, not incoming). I am desperate to restore to previous version of Thunderbird with the hope that all my folders will return. For now at least, I have lost every critical folder imaginable that helps to keep me alive (somewhat dramatic, I know, but nonetheless basically factual).
I appreciate the list you sent. Thank you!
6
Tech / Re: DESPERATE (seriously) Thunderbird 78 has almost destroyed my MacBook Pro
« on: June 11, 2021, 03:19:13 PM »Do you have a Time Machine backup? If so, you should be able to restore from the time before you updated to Thunderbird 78.
If only. I had just ordered and received a G-drive external hd for my iMac, but not laptop. (I know - stupid of me.) I thought I had backed up laptop to iCloud, but so far, I can't find it. I did check before downloading anything. Migraine from beating head against wall. Thank you for your reply. I'm really not usually this idiotic. But "not usually" is irrelevant at the moment. I am truly lost. I seriously want to get rid of this latest incarnation of Thunderbird.
7
Tech / DESPERATE (seriously) Thunderbird 78 has almost destroyed my MacBook Pro
« on: June 11, 2021, 01:49:32 PM »
Trying to be brief but having multiple problems including limited vision and a congenital anatomical problem requiring high risk surgery within the next month. Sorry to be so personal, but distress and depression have reared their heads mainly due to major computer issues. 6/7/21 I downloaded newest version of T'bird. Since then, my SMTP will not work. Incoming mail was fine. I have reset innumerable times. Contacted Thunderbird - found no help. Contacted Earthlink - no help. I explained this limited vision problem so needed tech support. No help. Yesterday, for probably 12th time, I checked all settings. Eleven times, they were the same as on iMac. But 12th time, I found the Library line was/is different. Don't know how. When I found that, I opened my Thunderbird mail and newsgroup folder just to find that ALL of my folders had vanished. I need to know if I can go backwards and get rid of T'bird 78 and somehow restore all my folders, which are filled with my life. I had written a legal document to my attorney, couldn't send. Kept it in Drafts but that folder vanished yesterday with ALL others. I have zoomed in to see what I'm writing but as I say, my vision is limited. PLEASE HELP. PLEASE.
8
Tech / Backing up/Need another External HD
« on: April 27, 2018, 07:28:24 PM »QUOTE(Xairbusdriver @ Apr 26 2018, 04:15 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
First, take care of yourself and let others help you with that, as well! 
Second, based on the "Model Identifier: iMac4,1", I think you have either a 17 or 21", models from around 2008. It is one of the first Intel based iMacs. If so, you have three USB 2.0 ports, two Firewire 400 ports and built-in AirPort Extreme (802.11g). Instead of buying cables to use maybe twice, just think about getting the external that will be best for the new iMac.
I think you have one of these two: iMac 17" or iMac 20"
Assuming you still have the MBP listed in your Profile, I'd suggest youbite the bullet and buy an Airport Extreme buy a WiFi router*. That will let you use the laptop anywhere in the house and connect to them both from either one. It will also allow you to access the old Mac before you shut it down for the last time.
You will probably want to use Migration Assistant to transfer everything on the old iMac to the new one, no external drive needed. Be aware, however, many of your applications will probably be out-of-date and some may not work. You can update them when you get time and already have all your files on the new iMac. The updated apps may cost and it may be time to start working with the new versions of apps supplied by Apple or free apps that can replace old ones that are no longer being supported. That's all work for the future, however.
I'm pretty sure any new iMac you buy will have at least 4GB of ram, possibly 8. Unless you added memory to the old one, it may have only 512MB! That's one half a Gigabyte! You will be getting at least 8 times that, maybe 16! I don't think you'll need any extra ram based on your plans.
Likewise, I think your internal drive is no more than 250MB! Most new iMacs come with 1 Terrabyte! Way more than what you now have! Again, I don;t thing you need to worry about getting all your files onto the new iMac.
I'd suggest you decide what iMac you want and we'll be able to figure out the easiest, simplest and hopefully least expensive way to transfer stuff from the old one.
* We've suspected the news was coming, but Apple today announced it has 'officially' stopped new Airport offerings. Here's some info at TidBITS with links to info on suggested replacements (assuming you don't already have a cable box with built-in WiFi).
Second, based on the "Model Identifier: iMac4,1", I think you have either a 17 or 21", models from around 2008. It is one of the first Intel based iMacs. If so, you have three USB 2.0 ports, two Firewire 400 ports and built-in AirPort Extreme (802.11g). Instead of buying cables to use maybe twice, just think about getting the external that will be best for the new iMac.
I think you have one of these two: iMac 17" or iMac 20"
Assuming you still have the MBP listed in your Profile, I'd suggest you
You will probably want to use Migration Assistant to transfer everything on the old iMac to the new one, no external drive needed. Be aware, however, many of your applications will probably be out-of-date and some may not work. You can update them when you get time and already have all your files on the new iMac. The updated apps may cost and it may be time to start working with the new versions of apps supplied by Apple or free apps that can replace old ones that are no longer being supported. That's all work for the future, however.
I'm pretty sure any new iMac you buy will have at least 4GB of ram, possibly 8. Unless you added memory to the old one, it may have only 512MB! That's one half a Gigabyte! You will be getting at least 8 times that, maybe 16! I don't think you'll need any extra ram based on your plans.
Likewise, I think your internal drive is no more than 250MB! Most new iMacs come with 1 Terrabyte! Way more than what you now have! Again, I don;t thing you need to worry about getting all your files onto the new iMac.
I'd suggest you decide what iMac you want and we'll be able to figure out the easiest, simplest and hopefully least expensive way to transfer stuff from the old one.
* We've suspected the news was coming, but Apple today announced it has 'officially' stopped new Airport offerings. Here's some info at TidBITS with links to info on suggested replacements (assuming you don't already have a cable box with built-in WiFi).
Hi and thank you, Xairbusdriver,
Yes, I still have the MBP that is listed. Also, I neglected to change the Netopia DSL to my Wifi on external Cable box. I also have Airport Extreme. I hope I’m using all the correct language. We have a 3-level home and so far Wifi works fine. What I’ve been doing is using remote access from the MBP (3rd level of home) down 2 flights to the iMac. Or I just walk downstairs (good exercise) to old iMac to obtain a file or photos. I plan to buy an iMac with significant TBs.
Here is my jawdrop du jour. When you said I could “transfer from old to new iMac with no ext hd needed using Migration Assistant” (which I’ve never used - is it truly that simple & easy?), don’t I first still need to download all from iMac to an ext hd to transfer all to new iMac? I re-read - you said no, correct? How do the two iMacs communicate then for complete transfer? I will be so dazzled if your answer is “Yes, just go buy a new iMac, tell us what you bought and we will tell you how to use Migration Assistant”.
I believe I have understood the rest of your message. Least expensive sounds promising. Also, thank you for the Tidbits info.
Very best of everything to Jon and you for saving my sanity.
9
Tech / Backing up/Need another External HD
« on: April 27, 2018, 06:52:06 PM »QUOTE(jchuzi @ Apr 26 2018, 03:40 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
If you get an external drive, be sure that it can use those connections. Later versions of USB and FW are backwards compatible (although you'll need a FW 400 - 800 adapter if the external has FW 800) but you'll only get the slower speeds of USB 2 and/or FW 400.
This means that, if the external drive has (for example) USB 3 and your computer only has USB 2, it will still work but you won't get USB 3 speeds, only USB 2. The cable will fit, but the computer has a chip for USB 2, so that's the limiting factor. Similarly, if the external has Firewire 800 but the computer has a FW 400 chip, you'll only get FW 400 speeds (and you'll need an adapter for the cable).
Good luck with your health issues! I wish you only the best.
This means that, if the external drive has (for example) USB 3 and your computer only has USB 2, it will still work but you won't get USB 3 speeds, only USB 2. The cable will fit, but the computer has a chip for USB 2, so that's the limiting factor. Similarly, if the external has Firewire 800 but the computer has a FW 400 chip, you'll only get FW 400 speeds (and you'll need an adapter for the cable).
Good luck with your health issues! I wish you only the best.
Jon,
Much appreciation for your good wishes about my health problems. Heavens, I wish I would heal.
Thank you especially for the USB 3 info. PLEASE excuse my lack of knowledge - I used to understand more. When you refer to cable and an adapter, are you referring to the cable that connects to both computers and the ext hd? One more Q (I think) - I thought new iMacs don't have FW but Thunderbolt instead. No? So if that is the case, will an ext hd with USB 3 and FW work with a new iMac with Thunderbolt? I believe I have seriously misunderstood and confused USBs, FWs, and maybe even more. My computer life used to be simpler.
I realize this is a negative self message to formerly bright me, but I am feeling almost unbearably stupid. If you can, please hang in with me till this is resolved. There will be a celebration. 10
Tech / Backing up/Need another External HD
« on: April 26, 2018, 01:19:03 PM »QUOTE(Xairbusdriver @ Mar 15 2017, 09:47 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Snow Leopard is a fine operating system... for its day. Unfortunately, as Jon pointed out, it is no longer supported by Apple. However, whatever comes on the next machine will be newer but not as different that you'll be confused. No need to worry about learning a new user interface.
Don't be rushed, but get all the info you need. Let us and any Apple techs retailers help. Would be wise to run any retailer suggestions by the folks here, they will, of course, be most happy to suggest the most expensive package.
Hope your new computer will make your life a bit more calm and yet interesting!
QUOTE
Later versions of USB and FW are backwards compatible (although you'll need a FW 400 - 800 adapter if the external has FW 800) but you'll only get the slower speeds of USB 2 and/or FW 400.
I just want to add that when Jon says "you'll only get the slower speeds of USB 2 and/or FW 400" he means when you use those technologies on the old iMac. You will be able to use the newer, higher speeds when you connect them to the new(er) machine. On the other hand, the newest machines don't even have any flavor of FireWire (it's been replaced by Thunderbolt), so I'd suggest you consider USB 3, which is also compatible with all previous USB types, for the external drives.Don't be rushed, but get all the info you need. Let us and any Apple techs retailers help. Would be wise to run any retailer suggestions by the folks here, they will, of course, be most happy to suggest the most expensive package.
Hope your new computer will make your life a bit more calm and yet interesting!
Dear Xairbusdriver,
THANK YOU for making my life easier. I think you anticipated some questions I would have. Your reply is tremendously helpful. And yes, it has been a bit more than a year since we communicated. Sometimes life gets in the way of computing. Am smiling at your note "Don't be rushed". I certainly took that seriously. smiles Now, I MUST act immediately to find the right external HD for my ancient iMac so I can back it up and move forward in buying a new iMac. Another clueless question on my part. After I back up the old iMac, can I upload all that info to a new iMac so I have my work files in one place?
I am so grateful to you.
Kind regards,
Marti
11
Tech / Backing up/Need another External HD
« on: April 26, 2018, 12:35:46 PM »QUOTE(jchuzi @ Mar 15 2017, 06:39 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Your iMac is officially considered obsolete by Apple, meaning that they will no longer provide parts or service. And, you are not running Sierra. OS 10.6.8 is not only Snow Leopard, but is the maximum OS that that machine can handle. The vertical, thin lines imply that the display is shot and Apple won't repair it. You have USB and Firewire connections, neither of which is extremely fast (judging from the specs in MacTracker, it's USB 2 and FW 400). If you get an external drive, be sure that it can use those connections. Later versions of USB and FW are backwards compatible (although you'll need a FW 400 - 800 adapter if the external has FW 800) but you'll only get the slower speeds of USB 2 and/or FW 400.
Apple will not help you with this but I suggest that you speak with a tech person at Other World Computing. This is a very reliable company (I have done business with them for many years so I speak from experience). OWC should be able to advise you about meeting your needs.
As long as you have the cash, a new computer is a great idea. If there is an Apple store near to you, you should go there and try the different models to see what suits you. You don't have to buy from Apple. Often, you can get better deals from BH photovideo, also a very reliable company. Look at http://appleinsider.com for a guide to deals.
What do you intend to do with the new computer? That determines which model to consider. More RAM is always a good thing as is more hard drive space. I know that you will be amazed at the difference in performance between your old iMac (which is one of the first to appear after the G5 iMacs were discontinued) and a new one.
Post back with any questions, and good luck to you!
Apple will not help you with this but I suggest that you speak with a tech person at Other World Computing. This is a very reliable company (I have done business with them for many years so I speak from experience). OWC should be able to advise you about meeting your needs.
As long as you have the cash, a new computer is a great idea. If there is an Apple store near to you, you should go there and try the different models to see what suits you. You don't have to buy from Apple. Often, you can get better deals from BH photovideo, also a very reliable company. Look at http://appleinsider.com for a guide to deals.
What do you intend to do with the new computer? That determines which model to consider. More RAM is always a good thing as is more hard drive space. I know that you will be amazed at the difference in performance between your old iMac (which is one of the first to appear after the G5 iMacs were discontinued) and a new one.
Post back with any questions, and good luck to you!
Hello Jon,
Well, it's been a bit more than a year since March 2017, and I'm still where I was with our ancient iMac, but I've had two surgeries plus medical issues that basically have kept me from accomplishing almost anything. I wanted to thank you most thoroughly for your kind reply last year. Confession: I didn't fully understand all of your reply regarding the sentences I tried to underline. I'm a bit lost. I thought I was supposed to find an external HD that has both USB 2 and USB 3 ports. No? Yes?
I will follow up with the company you recommended. In a related matter, you ask what I plan to do with a new computer. Graphics, writing, publications are all in my plans, which is why I desperately need a new external HD because I have loads of invaluable work on the old iMac. Do you still think my plan for a new iMac is the way to go? I want more RAM and definitely more HD space. Again, many thanks for your help, advice, and patience.
Kind regards,
Marti
12
Tech / Backing up/Need another External HD
« on: March 15, 2017, 05:02:04 PM »
Hello All,
I sincerely, truly hope I'm in the correct place. I consider all of this a tech problem, but am not 100% on that. I haven't been here for too long so basically I have forgotten almost everything I knew. I reviewed Topics and such - I never knew that anything written on this site can be accessed by the world. Wow. Ok, so first I tried to figure out how to do a screen shot, which I knew how to do once upon a time. I followed the directions given, but nope. Can't do it. So I'm going to copy/paste below what this machine is. Here are my issues:
1. Vertical very thin lines running down screen. I did say this is a very old iImac so hubby and I want to get a newer one (I bought this from original user in 2010).
2. Memory is on overload.
3. LaCie was my external HD but I filled that a few years ago. I checked it a few weeks ago and it has 0 space on it.
4. Now I'm thinking that before even attempting to shop for an iMac or perhaps a Macbook laptop for hubby, I really need to back up this iMac because it has older but highly important work-related files on it.
I cannot think or see clearly (two auto accidents with related PTSD, anxiety, chronic pain, vision problems) so I thought I'd reach out to you. I don't know what to buy to back up this iMac. Please help. I'll discuss my MacBook Pro in a separate message, but this iMac issue comes first. I need to rest a bit now but I'll get back on later, either on this iMac or on my laptop. Btw, I do best if you send me a list of questions/problems/issues/whathaveyous.
Am thanking you in advance for courage, advice and ideas.
Here is the iMac info:
iMac Info 01/26/17
iMac 10.6.8 OS Sierra
Processor 1.83 GHz Intel Core Duo
Memory 2 GB 667 MHz DDR2 SDRAM
Power On Self-Test:
Last Run: 1/26/17 5:03 PM
Result: Passed
Memory Slots:
ECC: Disabled
BANK 0/DIMM0:
Size: 1 GB
Type: DDR2 SDRAM
Speed: 667 MHz
Status: OK
Manufacturer: 0x2C00000000000000
Part Number: 0x3848544631323836344844592D3636374531
Serial Number: 0xDE15CC9D
BANK 1/DIMM1:
Size: 1 GB
Type: DDR2 SDRAM
Speed: 667 MHz
Status: OK
Manufacturer: 0x2C00000000000000
Part Number: 0x3848544631323836344844592D3636374531
Serial Number: 0xDA204052
Hardware Overview:
Model Name: iMac
Model Identifier: iMac4,1
Processor Name: Intel Core Duo
Processor Speed: 1.83 GHz
Number Of Processors: 1
Total Number Of Cores: 2
L2 Cache: 2 MB
Memory: 2 GB
Bus Speed: 667 MHz
Boot ROM Version: IM41.0055.B08
SMC Version (system): 1.1f5
I sincerely, truly hope I'm in the correct place. I consider all of this a tech problem, but am not 100% on that. I haven't been here for too long so basically I have forgotten almost everything I knew. I reviewed Topics and such - I never knew that anything written on this site can be accessed by the world. Wow. Ok, so first I tried to figure out how to do a screen shot, which I knew how to do once upon a time. I followed the directions given, but nope. Can't do it. So I'm going to copy/paste below what this machine is. Here are my issues:
1. Vertical very thin lines running down screen. I did say this is a very old iImac so hubby and I want to get a newer one (I bought this from original user in 2010).
2. Memory is on overload.
3. LaCie was my external HD but I filled that a few years ago. I checked it a few weeks ago and it has 0 space on it.
4. Now I'm thinking that before even attempting to shop for an iMac or perhaps a Macbook laptop for hubby, I really need to back up this iMac because it has older but highly important work-related files on it.
I cannot think or see clearly (two auto accidents with related PTSD, anxiety, chronic pain, vision problems) so I thought I'd reach out to you. I don't know what to buy to back up this iMac. Please help. I'll discuss my MacBook Pro in a separate message, but this iMac issue comes first. I need to rest a bit now but I'll get back on later, either on this iMac or on my laptop. Btw, I do best if you send me a list of questions/problems/issues/whathaveyous.
Am thanking you in advance for courage, advice and ideas.
Here is the iMac info:
iMac Info 01/26/17
iMac 10.6.8 OS Sierra
Processor 1.83 GHz Intel Core Duo
Memory 2 GB 667 MHz DDR2 SDRAM
Power On Self-Test:
Last Run: 1/26/17 5:03 PM
Result: Passed
Memory Slots:
ECC: Disabled
BANK 0/DIMM0:
Size: 1 GB
Type: DDR2 SDRAM
Speed: 667 MHz
Status: OK
Manufacturer: 0x2C00000000000000
Part Number: 0x3848544631323836344844592D3636374531
Serial Number: 0xDE15CC9D
BANK 1/DIMM1:
Size: 1 GB
Type: DDR2 SDRAM
Speed: 667 MHz
Status: OK
Manufacturer: 0x2C00000000000000
Part Number: 0x3848544631323836344844592D3636374531
Serial Number: 0xDA204052
Hardware Overview:
Model Name: iMac
Model Identifier: iMac4,1
Processor Name: Intel Core Duo
Processor Speed: 1.83 GHz
Number Of Processors: 1
Total Number Of Cores: 2
L2 Cache: 2 MB
Memory: 2 GB
Bus Speed: 667 MHz
Boot ROM Version: IM41.0055.B08
SMC Version (system): 1.1f5
13
Tech / iMac problems
« on: March 13, 2013, 11:45:51 AM »
Hi, No, the "?" start up disk was not chosen. I was questioning it because I noticed the "?" and didn't know what it represented. The iMac has always been started from the HD. I think TS Addict-Jon (?) recommended adding RAM - I will. Thank you for explaining what the spinning beachball means. (OTP: That has also been happening on my MacBook Pro when I'm in Thunderbird v17.0.4. I've sent reports to Mozilla T'bird. That is causing problems when I'm replying to emails. Before you ask ;-) - info on this computer is MacBookPro6,2, Intel Core i7, 266GHz, capacity 400GB, available 338.64 GB.) Multiple thanks for advice and help...M
QUOTE(tacit @ Mar 12 2013, 07:56 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
It sounds like your computer took a long time to start up because the "?" was selected as the startup disk. This might mean it couldn't tell what to start from, or it might mean that somehow the network startup got chosen."Network Startup" means "ignore the hard drive on this computer. Don't start from it. Instead, start scanning the network for an Apple file server. When you find one, ask it what to do to start up."The spinning beachball means that the computer has run out of RAM and is now trying to move stuff to the hard drive to free up RAM. Your computer doesn't have nearly enough RAM, as XABD said; you need to add more. (It's cheap.)
Hi xairbusdriver,I can't get to it today but I will send as soon as I can. I deeply appreciate how everyone is so clear when explaining steps I should take! Regards,MQUOTE(Xairbusdriver @ Mar 13 2013, 12:23 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Correct, Jon made the suggestion to increase RAM.
QUOTE
Under System Preferences, System - the Startup Disk has a ? on it.
Can you possibly show us a screen capture of that window? If you need help capturing that image, look at the instructions by opening the System Preferences and selecting "Keyboard." Hopefully, your panel will look similar enough to the image below to see what keys to use. You can also just type something like "shortcuts" in the search area of the System Prefs window and it should highlight the Keyboard panel for you.14
Tech / iMac problems
« on: March 13, 2013, 11:31:20 AM »
Dear TS Addict:
For many reasons, I haven't yet done your #5 below - but I certainly will. When you say "may take a loooong time to fully start" - should I prepare for hours? And, I wanted to answer your Q about capacity and remaining memory: 200GB (it's never really that much - but more like 194GB) with 123 GB free. Do you all offer ideas (I realize you probably don't recommend) about where to buy RAM or the best RAM brand? I've looked at two sites so far - http://eshop.macsales.com/shop/apple/memor.../Intel_Core_Duo and http://www.macmemory.com/collections/imac-...els-4-1-4-2-5-2
And, should I be prepared to add it (which means I must learn how - I'm willing) or take it somewhere to be added?
Many thanks again!
M
5. For the problem of the loooong startup, try starting in Safe Mode. That does all these things. Since many diagnostics are performed during the process, it may take a loooong time to fully start. Then, restart normally and see if things are better.
For many reasons, I haven't yet done your #5 below - but I certainly will. When you say "may take a loooong time to fully start" - should I prepare for hours? And, I wanted to answer your Q about capacity and remaining memory: 200GB (it's never really that much - but more like 194GB) with 123 GB free. Do you all offer ideas (I realize you probably don't recommend) about where to buy RAM or the best RAM brand? I've looked at two sites so far - http://eshop.macsales.com/shop/apple/memor.../Intel_Core_Duo and http://www.macmemory.com/collections/imac-...els-4-1-4-2-5-2
And, should I be prepared to add it (which means I must learn how - I'm willing) or take it somewhere to be added?
Many thanks again!
M
5. For the problem of the loooong startup, try starting in Safe Mode. That does all these things. Since many diagnostics are performed during the process, it may take a loooong time to fully start. Then, restart normally and see if things are better.
15
Tech / iMac problems
« on: March 13, 2013, 11:21:29 AM »
Thank you! I will print out all the directions and info I've received here and, when I finish checking the iMac, I'll go over everything with my husband.
Now to answer your questions - you asked –
1. Additional questions:
Now to answer your questions - you asked –
1. Additional questions:
- How many apps do you normally have running? Especially when you saw the spinning pizza thingy? Husband rarely runs other apps. As far as I know, he had nothing else open, odd that it might be.
2. Do you have any backups? Do you have any external hard drives? Nope, been shopping for one since I filled up my LaCie external HD. (Don't yell - I KNOW I need backup - fast.)
3. Are you using Time Machine? No.
4. Do you have any maintenance applications? No. Names please?
Remaining space on HD: 123 GB.
Thanks again,
M