SSM0770
Level 1 (8 points)
Desktops

Q: How to check what exstension/program is crashing my iMac?

I've finally gotten my iMac fixed enough that it fully boots up, but I'm still having an issue with the iMac crashing after startup.

 

I mentioned that after installing a printer, it crashed when I hit print on an application, the iMac crashed (Froze up, couldn't move cursor, have to force it off)

 

I think that either an extension was corrupted (Because I can start it up with extensions off), or the printer preview from when I hit print the first time attempts to resume upon startup. Like I said, I can boot it up with extensions off, so how can I check what the issue is?

 

The other way I can get it to not crash is to boot up Mac OS X 10.0.3, which I didn't realize was already installed on the iMac, so it's definitely an issue with OS 9 on standard startup.

iMac, Mac OS 9.2.x, G3 (Indigo) (Refurbished)

Posted on Aug 31, 2016 4:48 PM

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SSM0770

Q: How to check what exstension/program is crashing my iMac?

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  • Helpful answers

  • by Kenichi Watanabe,Helpful

    Kenichi Watanabe Kenichi Watanabe Sep 2, 2016 4:32 PM in response to SSM0770
    Level 8 (38,071 points)
    Mac OS X
    Sep 2, 2016 4:32 PM in response to SSM0770

    In Mac OS 9, you use Extensions Manager to enable/disable system extensions, until you determine the one (or combination) that is causing the problem.  If you think it is related to a printer driver, disable the one you recently installed.

     

    Extensions Manager is accessed from the menu bar, Apple menu -> Control Panels -> Extensions Manager

    Screen Shot 2016-08-31 at 7.01.18 PM.png

  • by SSM0770,

    SSM0770 SSM0770 Sep 1, 2016 5:53 PM in response to Kenichi Watanabe
    Level 1 (8 points)
    Desktops
    Sep 1, 2016 5:53 PM in response to Kenichi Watanabe

    I'll try to do this, it would be hard to test because whatever loads that makes it crash takes less than a minute lo start and crash the iMac. I'll try in Extensions Off mode if possible.

  • by Kenichi Watanabe,Helpful

    Kenichi Watanabe Kenichi Watanabe Sep 2, 2016 4:32 PM in response to SSM0770
    Level 8 (38,071 points)
    Mac OS X
    Sep 2, 2016 4:32 PM in response to SSM0770

    If iMac crashes during startup, the cause is likely to be conflicting third-party extension, which includes control panels.

     

    If iMac is getting the Desktop before the crash, you can also look in the Startup Items folder, which is in the System Folder.  Start up with extensions off, and see if there's anything in that folder.  Those are items (including programs) that open automatically immediately after startup.

  • by SSM0770,

    SSM0770 SSM0770 Sep 2, 2016 4:32 PM in response to Kenichi Watanabe
    Level 1 (8 points)
    Desktops
    Sep 2, 2016 4:32 PM in response to Kenichi Watanabe

    I'll try that tonight!

  • by SSM0770,

    SSM0770 SSM0770 Sep 3, 2016 12:14 PM in response to Kenichi Watanabe
    Level 1 (8 points)
    Desktops
    Sep 3, 2016 12:14 PM in response to Kenichi Watanabe

    It worked! I'm now able to use OS 9.2 with no problems.

     

    But sadly, my iMac's so old that the PAV board stopped working today and I haven't been able to turn it back on.

     

    Thanks anyway.

  • by Kenichi Watanabe,

    Kenichi Watanabe Kenichi Watanabe Sep 3, 2016 12:21 PM in response to SSM0770
    Level 8 (38,071 points)
    Mac OS X
    Sep 3, 2016 12:21 PM in response to SSM0770

    That's unfortunate, especially since you got it to start up properly.  Does "Indigo" means it has a slot-loader optical drive (not tray-loader)?

     

    Are you sure it's a PAV problem?  There are other reasons for not powering up...

  • by SSM0770,

    SSM0770 SSM0770 Sep 3, 2016 12:36 PM in response to Kenichi Watanabe
    Level 1 (8 points)
    Desktops
    Sep 3, 2016 12:36 PM in response to Kenichi Watanabe

    It's a slot loading, and I'm not sure if it's the PAV board. I've pushed the button inside to reset it, but it didn't help.

    I unplugged the iMac from the back, and I hear a click when I turn on the power, like it's starting up, but it shuts off before any lights turn on.

     

    I was looking for the hockeypuck mouse that I got with it, and after about 20 minutes of having the Mac sit there, I went to look at the settings when the screen faded to black, but I could still hear audio. I forced it off because I couldn't see anything. When I turned it on it started up all the way to the desktop, but the monitor never turned on though. 5 minutes later the screen came up with the desktop image thinned up and then I heard a click and it the whole Mac shut off. The top was really hot at first.

     

    It's at home right now with all cords unplugged from the Mac itself, including the power.

     

    The other thing is that when I got it when I was 9, I know that the lady I got it from refurbished it from parts of two blueberry slot-loading iMacs that I always saw on the counter. The only reason I know that is because I asked her how come the color was different.

  • by Kenichi Watanabe,

    Kenichi Watanabe Kenichi Watanabe Sep 3, 2016 12:55 PM in response to SSM0770
    Level 8 (38,071 points)
    Mac OS X
    Sep 3, 2016 12:55 PM in response to SSM0770

    Because you're seeing those video-related issues, you are probably right about the cause.  CRT displays (unlike LCD) need really high voltage to operate.  The components that supply this high voltage tend to go bad over time.  The iMac is designed to shut off and not turn back on (for safety), if a potentially dangerous failure is detected.  Unplugging it for a few hours may "reset" the safety trigger, and it may initially power up, but it will likely shut off again.