Been happening with increasing frequency. Multiple times a week and not always when using the same application. (frequently just in Safari)
Would appreciate any insights that can be offered! Was hoping to get another year or two out of this system that I bought in late 2021, especially now that Apple has discontinued the 27" iMac.
Thanks in advance!
iMac 27″, macOS 15.2
Get the Current EtreCheckPro version 6.8.8
Your report indicates EtreCheckPro version: 6.4.4 (6E015)
Then repost the new report
Doing a Real Quick Look at the existing report
com.macpaw.CleanMyMac.
Any of the below should be removed as per Developers Instructions
Disk Cleaner
CleanMyMac , aka “ BrickMyMac “
The computer is running out of Available Empty Space
Further, there appears, there has been outdated software that has been migrated over and over until it has reached this computer running macOS Sequoia
Clean up - There are orphan files that could be removed.
System modifications - There are a large number of system modifications running in the background.
Hardware Information:
iMac (Retina 5K, 27-inch, 2020)
Drives: disk0 - APPLE SSD AP1024N 1.00 TB (Solid State - TRIM: Yes)
Size: 1.00 TB
Free: 103.89 GB
Available: 169.35 GB
From another contributor @etresoft regarding Free Space and Available Space
Free vs available disk space huge differe… - Apple Community
Quote >> “ The "available" storage is the amount of used storage that the operating system could automatically delete if it felt that it was really necessary. The "free" storage is the amount that you can actually use for something.
There are system processes that run in the background and automatically delete some of the "available" storage and convert it to "free". If you completely run out of storage, then those system processes will try a little harder. When you "delete" files you are just hinting to the operating system that you don't need those files anymore. The operating system will eventually remove them, but on its own schedule.
Certain tools will allow you to force the issue and manually clean up some of this storage and manually delete local snapshots. But that is only temporary. " << End Quote
OP wrote " I’ve been using macs for literally 25 years " - really ?
Then, we are to infer, they have no knowledge of this ?
Use Disk Utility to erase an Intel-based Mac
It would better to Start Over from Scratch
There is third party software dating back to 2012, 2013, 2015 etc
It’s good computer practice to keep at least 20% to 25% of the total drive capacity empty to avoid unintended consequences.
Just had another abrupt crash and restart since making the post. Problem Report of macOS attached.
Haven't had the CleanMyMac app for ages. Deleted the remaining files found in the report. Going to restart and then will run updated EtreCheck and post new report.
Thank you so much!
Thank you!
A few follow up questions:
1) If that’s considered “running out of space” what amount of space needs to be free on a 1TB drive to not have it crashing regularly?
2) How do I identify outdated software that’s been migrated over and could be causing problems?
3) How do I identify actual problems and address your two notes about “system modifications” and “orphaned files”?
I’ve been using macs for literally 25 years, and never had one start crashing like this. Just needing to know what actionable steps I can take to resolve the issue. (and ideally identify it really is software rather than hardware related)
Worth nothing that 5 out of 6 crashes are sudden with absolutely no sign of sluggishness, performance issues like spinning wheels etc. preceding them.
What exactly does starting over from scratch mean? Not using back ups when I upgrade OS? Not restoring from back up and losing all of my content when I upgrade my computer? Just uninstalling applications and reinstalling them? I've only ever followed exactly the process suggested to me by Apple itself when updating/upgrading.
And again, is there anything in the crash report that identifies what the actual culprit is? I don't want to go through a complete slash and burn out of a fear of old apps on the machine that have nothing to do with it. Again, in twenty years of using Macs I've never once experienced this. Surely there is a diagnostic way of establishing what is actually occurring?
Yes really. Sure, I've heard of those things, and as I've said, have never had a need to resort to those measures as my system has always "just worked" and perfectly smoothly at that.
Again, being that I've had no major issues in all this time, why would I ever have to completely erase and reinstall macOS? I follow the exact step by step guide that my computer prompts me to do every single time I upgrade and never had any major complications in all this time. Not one apple store employee or genius has ever suggested I delete everything and start from scratch when I bought a new system. After all, it's exactly this ease of use that Mac is so famous for.
Again:
Is there anything in the crash report that identifies or even strongly hints at what the actual culprit is for the restarts? That was the entire point of my coming and posting the crash report.
You're pointing at lack of space on my HD, but I've looked up what that is supposed to cause and I've experienced not a single one of those symptoms. No slowdowns. No sluggishness. Nothing hanging. My computer is as zippy as ever... right up until it just suddenly shuts down.
IMHO
There has been sufficient advice offered for the User ( you ) to make an informed and educated choice what remedial actions are required for this computer.
The suggestions have been put forth on a volunteer basis, in good faith and in the best interests of the computer.
What the Recipient does with this advise, Is really up to them
Here's the new EtreCheck report.
Thank you
We see the report
Will have a good look at it and report back
I've used Find Any File to remove every vestige of CleanMyMac and anything by MacPaw. Thank you!
Help troubleshooting frequent crashing/restarting, 2020 iMac 27"
