several issues - are they related?

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Level 1

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several issues - are they related?

I've been experiencing several issues with my new IMac, and I wonder if they are related.

First, the Adobe Flash plug in for Safari has been quitting unexpectedly. Then, Safari would start closing on its own. Finally, IPhoto also would suddenly quit.

This morning, I tried a manual update of software. It stopped about 3/4 of the way through with a message that the update may have been corrupted. It will try the install again the next time Updater runs.

I thought of putting these issues out there on their respective software forums, but I am guessing that they are all related since they all happened at the same time. Thank you, in advance, for any clues you can give to solving this mystery.

IMac, Mac OS X (10.6.2)

Posted on Feb 15, 2010 5:10 AM

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Answer 1

kguy

Level 2

420 points

Feb 15, 2010 5:42 AM in response to a_jagow

Hi-

Please clarify- which iMac are you using? One of the new 27" or 21" iMacs? If not, what exactly?

First, the Adobe Flash plug in for Safari has been quitting unexpectedly. Then, Safari would start closing on its own. Finally, IPhoto also would suddenly quit.

What exactly is happening here? Is some flash playing, and then suddenly without any error message Safari quits? What website? All or just some (or random?)

Immediately after safari quits, iPhoto also quits? No error message- it just quits?

This morning, I tried a manual update of software. It stopped about 3/4 of the way through with a message that the update may have been corrupted. It will try the install again the next time Updater runs.

Please explain- exactly what do you mean by 'Manual Update of software?" Exactly what file did you download from Apple.com to do this manual update?

I thought of putting these issues out there on their respective software forums, but I am guessing that they are all related since they all happened at the same time. Thank you, in advance, for any clues you can give to solving this mystery.

There are a lot of variables going on here- maybe it is all related, or maybe not. We need to isolate some of these variables so we can troubleshoot in a systematic way.

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Answer 2

Feb 15, 2010 6:02 AM in response to a_jagow

Hello a:

Welcome to Apple discussions.

Rather than try to troubleshoot multiple problems (that could take forever), I suggest you reinstall OS X 10.6 over your existing system from the software install DVD (use the upgrade function). Then run software update to bring things to current levels.

If you still have problems, trot to an Apple store or call Applecare with a warranty issue.

Barry

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Answer 3

a_jagow Author

Level 1

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Feb 15, 2010 8:09 AM in response to kguy

I am using a new 21" IMac.

Adobe Flash quits when we are on Facebook and Disney, mostly (this IMac services a family of four). Sometimes it works, sometimes it does not - it seems random. A small window opens with a list of code. The screen says that the problem will be reported to Apple. This is the same with the other software when it quits unexpectedly. It is not that IPhoto quits immeadiately after Safari or the Adobe plug-in. This has happened different times throughout the past week, but with increased frequency the last two days.

Incidentially, ITunes decided to join the fun just now. Mr. Magic Mouse does not have a "right click" function like I am used to, so I cannot just copy the information in this post. If this helps, part of the message reads:

exception type: EXC BadAccess (SIGSEGV)
exception codes: KERN_INVALID ADDRESS

By "manual update" I mean I click on the apple at the top, click on "About this Mac" and click on "update software." I put in my Apple ID and off we go. The small window tells me that there are three updates. It begins to download and then an error window pops up: _The update “Digital Camera Raw Compatibility Update” can’t be installed_. I have no idea what that is or why it is gumming up the update.

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Answer 4

a_jagow Author

Level 1

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Feb 15, 2010 8:15 AM in response to Barry Hemphill

Thank you - good to be here and learning something new.

If I re-install OSX, would my files, photos, and music be safe?

If I can, I want to learn more about how this Mac works before I do that so I can be more aware of what causes these issues to begin with. I am a real novice and will probably try the average expert's patience, but I am willing to learn.

Thanks, again!

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Answer 5

Feb 15, 2010 8:40 AM in response to a_jagow

Hello again:

If I re-install OSX, would my files, photos, and music be safe?

Yes, but always have a good backup before any software changes. I use both Time Machine and a little program called SuperDuper (makes bootable clones - $28 @ www.shirt-pocket.com). I said yes, but anything can happen when one makes software changes.

Barry

P.S. I am not an expert, buy any definition. I do, however, enjoy trying to help people solve problems.

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Answer 6

kguy

Level 2

420 points

Feb 15, 2010 3:44 PM in response to a_jagow

Mr. Magic Mouse does not have a "right click" function like I am used to, so I cannot just copy the information in this post.

Incidentally, your magic mouse does have a right click function, but it is disabled by default. Go to system preferences, mouse, and you should see a checkbox for 'secondary click'. Make sure it says 'right', and then make sure the checkbox is checked.

You will now have a 2 button mouse, that works like your PC one did.

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Answer 7

a_jagow Author

Level 1

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Feb 16, 2010 4:40 PM in response to kguy

Thanks! That was very useful information.

So, is everyone on board with the re-install OS X or are there other options to pursue?

Is this like a regular thing with the Mac that one has to re-install often? I thought this platform was supposed to be more stable than Windows. I've only been a Mac user for two months, so I was not expecting to have this kind of harshness so early on in our relationship.

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Answer 8

Feb 16, 2010 4:52 PM in response to a_jagow

Notice that this is a problem with a third party plug-in, Flash. Re-installs are not that common, but they are sometimes required.

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Answer 9

a_jagow Author

Level 1

0 points

Feb 25, 2010 3:18 AM in response to Keith Barkley

its unfortunately been this long since I have gotten back to this problem. Still undecided on the best course of action.

The best advice so far is a complete re-install, and no one seems to have any clues as to what is causing all my applications to quit.

This is not just a problem with the third party plug-in on Safari, but ITunes, IPhoto and IMovie have all shut down on me. The problem with Flash would be enough since so many things on the Web rely on Flash.

Thanks for your help and any useful information that would help me get to know my new Mac better.

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Answer 10

TildeBee

Level 7

31,923 points

Feb 25, 2010 8:02 AM in response to a_jagow

a --
If you have a Safari crash report, you can copy and paste the whole thing for us to look at.
iTunes, iPhoto, iChat will also crash due to a problem with Safari. That is your main road
to the internet, and when it crashes, it automatically affects the other i apps.

It would be better if you posted your thread over in the Safari forum:
http://discussions.apple.com/forum.jspa?forumID=876

Tell us your details, and copy & paste the whole crash report in that post.
OK?

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