Q: Location of computer changed with upgrade HDD
I live just outside Belfast NI. I have just upgraded my HDD to an SSD. My computer is a Late 2009 iMac.
I have had a lot of alerts on my iPhone about authorising this new drive since it counts as logging on to a new computer, which is perfectly fine. But the authorisations said that the location of my iMac is now in MANCHESTER, England (including the alert when I logged into my Apple account to ask this question)! Is this something I should worry about?
I'm struggling to understand this. When I go into Date & Time preferences it gives my correct location. The local, Apple authorised, company that upgraded my HDD had to order in the SSD, presumably from Manchester, could there be something integral to the SSD that gives a Manchester location? If so, is there any way I can reset it?
Thanks,
iMac (G5 & Intel), Mac OS X (10.5)
Posted on Aug 13, 2016 4:42 AM
Location Services uses the location of the router your Mac is using. The Mac itself has no ability to determine its location. Excerpted from About Location Services in OS X and Safari - Apple Support:
Your approximate location is determined using information from local Wi-Fi networks, ...
Perhaps the iMac contains a location cached at an earlier time - that of the AASP installing the SSD. Your Mac's time zone (in System Preferences > Date & Time > Time Zone) is based on the broad location of your router's IP address and may simply be choosing the nearest large city.
If so, is there any way I can reset it?
Perhaps. Open System Preferences > Security & Privacy > Privacy. Authenticate, then de-select Enable Location Services. Select it again.
If that does not work, try cycling the power on your router.
If that still does not work, give it a day or more to reset itself.
Posted on Aug 13, 2016 7:58 AM
