Google Maps not loading on my iMac

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Level 1

66 points

Google Maps not loading on my iMac

I can't get Google Maps to load on my iMac. Whenever I go to a web page that uses Google maps (i.e. http://connect.garmin.com/activity/29817682), the outline of the map loads and the scale, route etc. but the actual background map or satellite image doesn't load, it just sites there with a grey background and the status shows 'connecting to mt1.google.com'

The number on the 'mt1.google.com' may be different as sometimes it is mt0.google.com, but it would seems as though my iMac can't connect to the Google servers.

This happens in both Safari and Firefox and also any third party apps that use Google Maps.

I thought it must have been an issue with my ISP or router, but I have a couple of PC's that connect to the internet through the same router on the same internet connection. These can all connect to Google Maps OK so it doesn't appear to be an issue with the ISP or the router, it is just my iMac that has this problem.

Any ideas how to fix it? It does very occasionally manage to download the maps after about 10 minutes of trying but more often than not it doesn't.

Thanks,
Alan.

iMac 21.5", Mac OS X (10.6.3), Belkin router connected via ethernet

Posted on Apr 17, 2010 10:58 PM

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Answer 1

baltwo

Level 9

62,386 points

Apr 18, 2010 12:18 AM in response to Alan Cole

What happens at http://maps.google.com/ ?

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Answer 2

Alan Cole Author

Level 1

66 points

Apr 18, 2010 2:03 AM in response to baltwo

It's the same there... It tries to load (in this case from khm1.google.com) but all I get is the place names and such like but no background map.

Alan.

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Answer 3

baltwo

Level 9

62,386 points

Apr 18, 2010 11:01 AM in response to Alan Cole

Then, open your user's /Library/Preferences/ folder, move every com.google.XXX.YYY file onto the Desktop, log out and back in, and try Google maps again. If that fixes things, delete the moved files. If not, remove any Google folders in your /Library/Caches/, log out and back in, and try again. If still not go, create a new admin user account, log into it, and try there.

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Answer 4

Alan Cole Author

Level 1

66 points

Apr 19, 2010 12:33 AM in response to baltwo

Thanks for the suggestions, I've tried both of those (removing the Google preferences and restarting / logging in, and creating a completely new user account and logging into that) but neither of them worked. I still don't get the Google maps loading.

Is there anything else I could try?

Thanks,
Alan.

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Answer 5

Apr 19, 2010 5:10 AM in response to Alan Cole

Try out with Google's Public DNS in network preferences...does that work ?

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Answer 6

Alan Cole Author

Level 1

66 points

Apr 19, 2010 5:12 AM in response to ParagJ_11

I'm not sure what you mean??

Alan.

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Answer 7

Alan Cole Author

Level 1

66 points

Apr 19, 2010 5:24 AM in response to Alan Cole

Actually, I've worked out what you mean and I'm trying it now.

Al.

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Answer 8

Alan Cole Author

Level 1

66 points

Apr 19, 2010 5:39 AM in response to ParagJ_11

No, that hasn't helped either.

I went to Network Preferences and added two DNS servers to it:
8.8.8.8
8.8.4.4

Was that what you meant?

The results are still the same. No Google maps in any application / browser.
What else could cause this?

Thanks,
Alan.

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Answer 9

baltwo

Level 9

62,386 points

Apr 19, 2010 10:35 AM in response to Alan Cole

Then, I'm out of ideas, except to install the 10.6.3 v1.1 COMBO.

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Answer 10

Alan Cole Author

Level 1

66 points

Apr 19, 2010 11:24 AM in response to baltwo

OK, thanks for trying. I don't think the combo updater will work. I'm already on 10.6.3 but this has been going on from before any OS upgrades.

I have a feeling it was an issue on my G5 PowerMac running Tiger before I upgraded to my iMac as well.

Al.

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Answer 11

baltwo

Level 9

62,386 points

Apr 19, 2010 11:41 AM in response to Alan Cole

Running the COMBO update on top of 10.6.3 will replace any missing items. Alternatively, reinstall SL, which will put down a clean copy of the OS stuff, then run the COMBO update. FWIW, my current SL installation is one that's been migrated from Jaguar via all the cats in between from the G4. IMO, it's nothing to do with the G5 and Tiger.

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Answer 12

Dogcow-Moof

Level 8

36,851 points

Apr 20, 2010 11:36 AM in response to Alan Cole

You may need to adjust settings in your router if it has a built-in SPI firewall:

http://discussions.apple.com/thread.jspa?messageID=10849351&#10849351

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Answer 13

Alan Cole Author

Level 1

66 points

Apr 21, 2010 5:34 AM in response to Dogcow-Moof

Thanks William... That has certainly helped with diagnosis. Unfortunately I don't seem to be able to adjust any of those settings within my belkin router.

Switching the firewall off in the router does allows Google Maps (and Google images that I was also having issues with) to load in both browsers and other applications. I'm a little reluctant to do this however as it doesn't really seem like a sensible 'fix'?

Alan.

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Answer 14

Dogcow-Moof

Level 8

36,851 points

Apr 21, 2010 2:17 PM in response to Alan Cole

If it can't be adjusted on the Belkin (you may want to check your manual or the Belkin web site for more information) your only alternative is to shut it off.

If you don't have any PCs on your network, your Mac has a software firewall that can be activated to protect it if you so desire (see System Preferences…->Security and click on the "Firewall" tab.)

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Answer 15

Alan Cole Author

Level 1

66 points

Apr 21, 2010 11:07 PM in response to Dogcow-Moof

Thanks William... Unfortunately I do have a PC on the network. Maybe its time to buy a new router?

Alan.

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