What is an \'unimplemented trap\'?

[David]

Hi Everyone!

Sorry, but, now I've been introduced to you all, I'd appreciate an answer to this, my first (of many), question/s!

What, exactly, is an 'unimplemented trap'?

For no apparent reason, my 9500 refused to start up.
An 'unimplemented trap' error appeared.

I had done nothing to my machine since last using it, but, I tried twelve times without success.
Eventually, I ran Norton from my Emergency CD with a 'no faults found' result.

Then I performed a conventional re-start and IT STARTED!

Huh??

David L.

[tacit]

An "unimplemented trap" is an error condition that occurs when a program atempts to execute a PowerPC instruction that does not exist.

Generally, what this means is that a program has "gone off into hyperspace"--started trying to execute instructions from an address in memory that is filled with garbage.

It's difficult totell what was causing this problem in the situation you describe; however, since it's working now, it probably doesn't really matter.

[Paddy]

Welcome to TS, David!

 

quote:Q: What is an unimplemented trap error and how to correct it?
A: An unimplemented trap basically means that the software tried to call a routine that wasn't there. If this is happening during startup the most likely       cause (though not the only possible cause) is a non-Apple extension/control panel that isn't working quite right, or that expects a newer (or older) version of the OS than you are running. If the problem is reproducible (i.e. it happens every time you startup) you're in luck; you can restart without extensions by holding down the shift key, then try removing any third-party extensions and control panels and adding them back in slowly, rebooting each time. When       it starts crashing again, the last one you added in is probably the culprit.

From: http://www.engsw.com/Help/QAndA/ErrorsFAQ.html

Well, seems Tacit got there while I was typing...but anyway, if it happens again, then you know what to try! The few times I ever had this happen, the exact conditions didn't repeat themselves - computer hiccups?

BTW - it can be helpful if you include info on your OS & Mac when asking questions, though in this case, it wouldn't have made much difference.