How do you read crash reports?

iMac switches off randomly - how do I find / fix the fault? Thanks


iMac 21.5″ 4K

Posted on Jan 13, 2024 5:03 AM

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Posted on Jan 14, 2024 10:04 AM

Run the third party app EtreCheck and post the report here so we can examine the report for clues.


The only useful crash logs these days would be ones for Kernel Panic. The Kernel Panic logs can be found in "/Library/Logs/DiagnosticReports" folder and in the "Retired" sub folder. The file names usually begin with "kernel" and/or end in ".panic". Usually you need to post & examine several Kernel Panic logs to see if there is any pattern to them. No pattern usually indicates a memory problem. There are usually several lines in a Kernel Panic log which may contain possible clues.


FYI, the EtreCheck report will contain summaries of the system logs including the Kernel Panic logs. If the summary doesn't contain any useful information, we will ask to have several of the full Kernel Panics logs posted.


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Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Jan 14, 2024 10:04 AM in response to Thomasjeg

Run the third party app EtreCheck and post the report here so we can examine the report for clues.


The only useful crash logs these days would be ones for Kernel Panic. The Kernel Panic logs can be found in "/Library/Logs/DiagnosticReports" folder and in the "Retired" sub folder. The file names usually begin with "kernel" and/or end in ".panic". Usually you need to post & examine several Kernel Panic logs to see if there is any pattern to them. No pattern usually indicates a memory problem. There are usually several lines in a Kernel Panic log which may contain possible clues.


FYI, the EtreCheck report will contain summaries of the system logs including the Kernel Panic logs. If the summary doesn't contain any useful information, we will ask to have several of the full Kernel Panics logs posted.


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How do you read crash reports?

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