makemesmile

Q: I am having a problem, my screen will go blue everything will be gone and then the screen appears and the front and Icons are large and i cannot make them go smaller, this goes on all day, do I have a virus

I am having a problem with my screen going blue and then the front and Icons are all large and i cannot make them normal size again, I have to drag everything as it will not fit on the screen. the screen goes blue again and then sometime everything will go back to normal size or stay large.

 

  I have performed the apple hardware test and everything passes.

 

  this problem will happen wether I am on mail or the internet.

 

   Do I have a virus, Is there any download that I could use to find out if I do have a virus.

 

   I have not lost anything in my computer yet,

 

   Please help someone

 

   Thank you.,

 

   Rob.

iMac, Mac OS X (10.4.11)

Posted on Jan 11, 2012 11:18 AM

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Q: I am having a problem, my screen will go blue everything will be gone and then the screen appears and the front and Icons are larg ... more

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  • by Limnos,

    Limnos Limnos Jan 11, 2012 11:34 AM in response to makemesmile
    Level 9 (54,326 points)
    Mac OS X
    Jan 11, 2012 11:34 AM in response to makemesmile

    Chances of a virus are pretty near zero.  If you have a virus then get ready to have the newspapers and tv stations pound a way to your doorstep as the first person to get a true one for OSX.  Oh, you can try some scanners, but those are mostly for you to use to stop passing a PC virus (which won't affect your computer) you got from one PC user onto another PC user.

     

    I'd guess it is more likely you have something going wrong with your display, less so the keyboard.

     

    A few things to try.  See if starting up in Safe Mode helps.  This does a bit of a spring cleaning and also disables some video things that can go wrong.  It isn't a long-term solution but can help in diagnosis.

     

    Mac OS X: Starting up in Safe Mode - http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=107393

     

    What is Safe Boot, Safe Mode? (Mac OS X) - http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1564

     

    Safe Boot takes longer than normal startup - http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=107394

     

    Mac OS X 10.4, 10.5 - Computer shuts down during Safe Boot - http://support.apple.com/kb/TA24054

     

    Safe boot mode runs a directory check command similar to that used by Disk Utility's repair.  In Tiger it ignores some stored information (cache) that is normally read that speeds up the boot process, and it moves some caches to the trash.  It also uses only System fonts and disables all Startup Items, third party items, and any Login Items.  Networking and some video components may also be disabled.

     

    Which model iMac is this, by the way?  Some were known to develop video problems after a while.  There was even a recall for some models, but that ended years ago.

     

    Another thing that might help is Applejack.  Note that this isn't run like a normal utility so do read the directions carefully.

     

    [Applejack|http://sourceforge.net/project/showfiles.php?group_id=79562]

     

    Very informative [Macworld Applejack article|http://www.macworld.com/article/135377/applejack15.html]

  • by makemesmile,

    makemesmile makemesmile Jan 11, 2012 1:42 PM in response to Limnos
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Jan 11, 2012 1:42 PM in response to Limnos

    thanks Limnos.

     

       I tried the safe mode , safe boot, was all excited when I logged back on as my screen saver came up instead of just the blue screen, however the icons all came back up large and font was large also. My ( TIGER) mac started going back to just  blue screen soon after and would get stuck on the blue screen for long periods of time and then go back. I tried the whole process over again, starting up in safe mode. Again it acting up, now luckily it has settled down, but now the icons are very small. I looked at Apple Jack but I don't think it will work for Tiger. I am correct there?

     

       Limnos, do you have any other suggestions? Right  now my computer  is working ok not freezing on the blue screen, This problem started two weeks ago, would act up and then run fine for two days with out any problems, however now it seems to happen very often, I might get an hour of safe running time and then it acts up again.

     

      Thanks Limnos

  • by BDAqua,

    BDAqua BDAqua Jan 11, 2012 1:47 PM in response to makemesmile
    Level 10 (123,765 points)
    Jan 11, 2012 1:47 PM in response to makemesmile

    AJ will work on Tiger/10.4.

     

    Get Temperature Monitor to see if it's heat related...

     

    http://www.macupdate.com/info.php/id/12381/temperature-monitor

     

    iStat Menus...

     

    http://bjango.com/mac/istatmenus/

     

    And/or iStat Pro...

     

    http://www.islayer.com/apps/istatpro/

     

    If you have any temps in the 70°C/160°F range, that's likely it.

     

    Except IntelMacs...

     

    http://www.intelmactemp.com/list

     

    Boot off your *original* Install Disk while holding down the Option key at bootup to select AHT then run the extended Apple Hardware Test. Some models have a separate AHT CD.

  • by Limnos,

    Limnos Limnos Jan 11, 2012 9:09 PM in response to makemesmile
    Level 9 (54,326 points)
    Mac OS X
    Jan 11, 2012 9:09 PM in response to makemesmile

    Something erratic like that really sounds hardware related, for example overheating as BDAqua mentioned.  The software suggestions are more to make sure it really isn't a software issue.

     

    The thoughts on Apple Hardware Test is if it reports something then it is real, if it doesn't report something then that doesn't mean it isn't there.  For something this sporadic you may need a truly extended test as suggested by BDAqua.

  • by old comm guy,

    old comm guy old comm guy Jan 11, 2012 11:30 PM in response to makemesmile
    Level 4 (2,244 points)
    Jan 11, 2012 11:30 PM in response to makemesmile

    This sounds like your display resolution is changing spontaneously (the intervening blue screen is the obvious clue here, as that is part and parcel of a display change event).  Step number one is to open the Displays preference panel in System Preferences and make sure that "Show Displays in Menu Bar" is checked.  You can then click the little display icon and see what the current resolution is and possibly change the resolution back to your desired resolution.  In any event, you can see what is going on, to the extent you can see the resolution to which the display has been changed.

     

    Now, as to the spontaneous resolution change issue, you might have something going on with either your display itself or perhaps the cable running from the video card to the monitor.  Something is getting the OS to change the display resolution and that is either the monitor itself or an application running on the computer (not as likely a culprit, but there are certain game apps that will change the resolution while they are running).

     

    Perhaps you could help us out a little more by specifying the exact computer configuration you are running, including display card, and also the specific monitor and interface (VGA, DVI, etc) that you are using.

  • by makemesmile,

    makemesmile makemesmile Jan 12, 2012 12:10 PM in response to old comm guy
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Jan 12, 2012 12:10 PM in response to old comm guy

    Thanks for your reply. Limnos has been helping me also, Will this person also get this response.

      This is the best that I can come up with for what system I have. iMac G5  Tiger  iLife OS X10.4 AHT version 2.5.3 Disc version 1.1 Mac OS 9.2

        I  have gone to system preferences and the show displays  in menu bar is checked. I have it at 1440 X900, I was also getting the VGA and it was at 800X600, for some reason now I cannot find the VGA anymore. If I do change the resolution the VGA instantly changes everything and it goes into (stretch) mode.

        I have done the apple hardware test, everything passed

        I have done the safe mode start up, a few times

        I have cleaned the key pad with compressed air, Un hooked and re- hooked the key pad and the mouse.

        I have not tried the apple jack, or the heat test........ I have had the computer shut down and when restarting the problems start right away.... the computer is completely cold. I guess this my limited test that shows the computer is acting up cold or hot.

     

          We had shut down the computer two weeks ago and had moved it to another room. It was not used during that time. All these problems have started since we moved it back to it's normal spot.I did think maybe the remote was causing problems as it was in the other room all this time. However it is back on the side of the computer and things have not changed although starting yesterday I cannot put the computer to sleep, it starts right back up again, but I was able to put the computer to sleep using the the remote today.

          I apologize I am not very computer savvy.

         If I phone the (apple tech) will they be able to figure out the problem and fix it for their $60.00 charge, or are they going to tell me that it has to be fixed at a service store?

     

           The computer was acting up earlier today, screen going blue for up to a few minutes and then going back to normal routine, only once today has  the resolution changed and gone into stretch mode. For the last hour the computer has behaved, however it seems to run slow (the colour wheel) when changing from mail to safari, or trying to got to displays or preferences.. It's like this computer has a mind of it's own and it's having fun playing games with me.

     

     

     

     

           Help.

     

           Thank you.

  • by BDAqua,

    BDAqua BDAqua Jan 12, 2012 12:20 PM in response to makemesmile
    Level 10 (123,765 points)
    Jan 12, 2012 12:20 PM in response to makemesmile

    Could your displays be set to Mirror instead of Extended?

  • by makemesmile,

    makemesmile makemesmile Jan 12, 2012 1:06 PM in response to BDAqua
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Jan 12, 2012 1:06 PM in response to BDAqua

    Hi BDAqua

     

       Could you please tell me how I check to see if the displays are set to Mirror instead of Extended

     

      Thank you.

  • by BDAqua,

    BDAqua BDAqua Jan 12, 2012 1:37 PM in response to makemesmile
    Level 10 (123,765 points)
    Jan 12, 2012 1:37 PM in response to makemesmile

    Wow, it's been so long since I could afford 2 monitors I forget, I remember in the Displays Pref Pane you could drag one on top of the other to Mirror them, not sure if dragging one off works.

     

    Do two Displays show there instead of one?

  • by makemesmile,

    makemesmile makemesmile Jan 12, 2012 5:09 PM in response to BDAqua
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Jan 12, 2012 5:09 PM in response to BDAqua

    Hi BDAqua,

     

        No I do not  have two monitors, just the one, I was reading where it is suggested to buy a VGA adapter number M8639G/A shut down the computer and plug the adapter in the video out port. This person no longer had the blue screen pop up and his resolutions have not changed since either.

     

        Today the computer seems to only have problems when it is taken out of its sleep mode, that's when the blue screen keeps coming up and the resolution gets all changed. the VGA display kept showing on top of the imac display so I could not change anything, I tried dragging it off but I could not do anything when both displays are side by side. I unplugged the key pad and when I plugged the keypad back in the blue screen went away and the imac resolution was back to normal. I have not put the computer to sleep since and everything is working fine now. Could I have a key board problem.

     

       Oh the joy of computers.

  • by makemesmile,

    makemesmile makemesmile Jan 12, 2012 5:14 PM in response to BDAqua
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Jan 12, 2012 5:14 PM in response to BDAqua

    Forgot to mention that I do not have anything hooked up to the video out port on the back of the computer, so do not know why the VGA display even comes up. my computer has nothing but the keyboard and the might mouse hooked up to it.

     

        It's been very faithful for 7 years. I guess I should count my lucky stars.

  • by BDAqua,

    BDAqua BDAqua Jan 12, 2012 5:54 PM in response to makemesmile
    Level 10 (123,765 points)
    Jan 12, 2012 5:54 PM in response to makemesmile

    Oh, so this is headless? No Monitor at all?

     

    It certainly could be a flaky KB or any USB device.

  • by Limnos,

    Limnos Limnos Jan 13, 2012 8:39 AM in response to BDAqua
    Level 9 (54,326 points)
    Mac OS X
    Jan 13, 2012 8:39 AM in response to BDAqua

    No, the OP said it is a G5 iMac (built-in monitor).

  • by Limnos,

    Limnos Limnos Jan 13, 2012 9:17 AM in response to makemesmile
    Level 9 (54,326 points)
    Mac OS X
    Jan 13, 2012 9:17 AM in response to makemesmile

    Will this person also get this response.

     

    Yes, we all see what others post.

    This is the best that I can come up with for what system I have. iMac G5  Tiger  iLife OS X10.4 AHT version 2.5.3 Disc version 1.1 Mac OS 9.2

    As I may have mentioned, G5 iMacs were known to develop display issues.  There was even a recall on some models, though that has now expired.  I don't know if what you are seeing was the feature of that recall, but when I see "G5" and "display" and "problem", it doesn't surprise me.

    I have done the apple hardware test, everything passed

     

    I think we commented on the limitations of AHT.

    We had shut down the computer two weeks ago and had moved it to another room. It was not used during that time. All these problems have started since we moved it back to it's normal spot.I did think maybe the remote was causing problems as it was in the other room all this time. However it is back on the side of the computer and things have not changed although starting yesterday I cannot put the computer to sleep, it starts right back up again, but I was able to put the computer to sleep using the the remote today.

    Was the computer unplugged all the time?  If so, it is possible the PRAM battery is getting low.  This stores certain hardware configuration parameters used at startup.  Usually with displays it will be more a matter of a display not showing anything when you start up the computer but who knows.

     

    Texas Mac Man's PRAM, battery, PMU tutorial - https://sites.google.com/site/macpram/mac-pram-nvram-cuda-pmu-battery-tutorial

     

    Apple's PRAM reset directions - http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=2238

     

    If you have a digital multimeter you can check the condition of your present battery.  It should read at least 3.2V if it is the 3.6V half-AA battery type.  A new battery provides 3.67 Volts DC. A bad battery provides under 3.2 Volts DC.  Ideally this should be measured while the battery is under load; added recommendation from Hans777:

     

    >I have recently found out that an exhausted battery will still indicate >3.6 V with a high internal resistance VM.

    >

    >Checking incircuit: powercord disconnected press PMU reset button for >about 5 sec before measuring.

    >

    >Checking outside: load the battery with a 1500 Ohm resistor when measuring.

     

    Alternatively, test the battery while it is still in the computer.

     

    If the battery is more than 5 years old, especially if you totally disconnect the computer from the power regularly, or have left it unplugged for several months at one time, it is likely the battery is dead.

     

    This is getting a bit more in depth on doing a hardware reset.  Maybe a bit more technical than you want but I would seriously consider it.

     

    iMac G5: How to Reset the SMU|http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1767

     

    Another thought is maybe the moving of the computer dislodged something.  I don't know if these have a soldered on card or if it can be removed, in which case maybe it got loose.  This is starting to sound more like a question that should be posted on the iMac or PowerPC forum rather than Tiger.

    If I phone the (apple tech) will they be able to figure out the problem and fix it for their $60.00 charge, or are they going to tell me that it has to be fixed at a service store?

    Unlikely.  They will tell you many of the things we have.  They will then tell you to take it to an Apple repair place. The place will take one look at it and then try to find the oldest person on their staff who may actually remember a computer that is older than 4 years.  Okay, I may be going too far, but not too much.  They really are not used to working on anything that is more than a couple of years old because it just isn't worth it (from their perspective if they owned it). We bought an iPhone 4s recently and when I asked the Apple Store person about battery life he said, "Oh it will last at least 2 years, but the battery can't be replaced which doesn't matter because by that time you will be thinking of buying a new model anyway."  Fine; it wasn't for me anyway; a keeper of 10-year old Macs. I digress.  Anyway, you will find if it is hardware related that even if they can find the parts it will cost more to fix than to buy a new used one.  If you're lucky a new PRAM battery and/or a SMU reset will fix it.  Those are things I would do myself.  If you are not sure whether you're supposed to apply the pointy end or the fat end of a screwdriver to the screw then maybe you could take it to a service place and have them do it, drawing the line at $60.

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