-
All replies
-
Helpful answers
-
-
-
-
Oct 21, 2015 8:27 AM in response to helplessinmoby Eric Root,Try a restart.
Do a backup, using either Time Machine or a cloning program, to ensure files/data can be recovered. Two backups are better than one.
Try setting up another admin user account to see if the same problem continues. If Back-to-My Mac is selected in System Preferences, the Guest account will not work. The intent is to see if it is specific to one account or a system wide problem. This account can be deleted later.
Isolating an issue by using another user account
If the problem is still there, try booting into the Safe Mode using your normal account. Disconnect all peripherals except those needed for the test. Shut down the computer and then power it back up after waiting 10 seconds. Immediately after hearing the startup chime, hold down the shift key and continue to hold it until the gray Apple icon and a progress bar appear. The boot up is significantly slower than normal. This will reset some caches, forces a directory check, and disables all startup and login items, among other things. When you reboot normally, the initial reboot may be slower than normal. If the system operates normally, there may be 3rd party applications which are causing a problem. Try deleting/disabling the third party applications after a restart by using the application un-installer. For each disable/delete, you will need to restart if you don't do them all at once.
-
Oct 21, 2015 9:11 AM in response to Eric Rootby helplessinmo,Two - three years ago I did use a USB hub from Radio Shack, and I suspect that was the origin of my problem. I have since disposed of that hub as I saw in its "manual" it might draw too much power. Have not used any hub since. When I first had this problem I did Restart my computer to no effect. I even took it to a repair shop, but they could not replicate the warning message. I was going to take it to an Mac Store, but the problem began to stop to the point that in the last 6-8 months it stopped all together.
Then I used one of my Flash Drives in the same port that I had once plugged in the hub. Now the problem has reappeared.
I'll try the remedies your have suggested (thanks), but I'm on the road right now with my trusty MacBookPro and won't be back to my older desktop until November 2nd.
I'll give you guys an update then.
Thanks for your help.
-
-
Oct 21, 2015 4:00 PM in response to BobHarrisby helplessinmo,Bob,
I'm afraid I don't understand. My computer skills are quite limited.
-
Oct 22, 2015 5:58 AM in response to helplessinmoby BobHarris,Applications -> Utilities -> System Profiler -> USB
Will tell you what things are plugged into your USB ports. The items I have marked on the right side is the power information for the different device I have plugged into my iMac. If you look at "Your" System Profile report, maybe you can identify the collection of USB devices on a given USB bus that are drawing too much power. And maybe not.
This link tells you the maximum power each USB bus can provide
<Apple Computers and Displays: Powering peripherals through USB - Apple Support>
-
Nov 1, 2015 3:45 PM in response to BobHarrisby helplessinmo,Bob,
Back home tonight with my malfunctioning iMac. I've gone to my Systems Profiler and USB and found a lot of information that I do not understand.
I have disconected everything from my USB ports and still get "flashed" with the same message, i.e. that one of my USB ports is drawing too much energy. How can that be if all ports are disconncected?
-
Nov 1, 2015 7:35 PM in response to helplessinmoby BobHarris,★HelpfulIF YOU DO have a USB keyboard and/or USB Mouse (or a USB wireless dongle for something like a Logitech mouse or keyboard), these items could be at fault.
If there is nothing plugged into any USB ports, including keyboards and mice, then maybe you have a hardware problem inside the iMac, and should consider making an Apple Store Genius Bar appointment to have the iMac evaluated (the evaluation is free, but if repairs are needed, they will want money, unless it is under warranty or Apple Care).
-
Nov 1, 2015 7:36 PM in response to BobHarrisby helplessinmo,★HelpfulBob,
Nothing plugged into any USB ports. I'm considering an appointment for an evaluation. Depending on the results I'll either pay for any repair if that's the proper term or consider tossing the machine and getting a new lap top.
Thanks very much for your attention and advice.
Scott
-
Nov 1, 2015 8:06 PM in response to helplessinmoby BobHarris,Did you try the Safe mode Eric Root suggested?
Safe mode does not load 3rd party additions, and it is an easy way to make sure 3rd party additions are not interfering with standard OS X software.
If Save mode changes nothing, then again, the Genius Bar appointment is suggested.
