Mac Pro Mystery - fans, ethernet, iTunes -50 error, no longer authorised...

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Level 1

48 points

Mac Pro Mystery - fans, ethernet, iTunes -50 error, no longer authorised...

My Mac Pro (2009) is experiencing a bunch of problems lately. I'm not sure if they're related but it seems likely, so I'll start from the beginning and hopefully someone here can solve the mystery.

- after being shut down for a week while I was away, the Mac Pro fans went crazy on start-up. I force-restarted and the same thing happened so then I shut down and reset the SMC by unplugging the power cord. Restarted and fans returned to normal.

- then discovered ethernet is no longer working. According to the network preference panel I have no ethernet connected - the option isn't even there. Ethernet works fine when I test it on a MacBook from the same outlet and with the same ethernet cable..

- I then switched to wi-fi

- launched itunes and it gives me a -50 error (which is apparently network-related), then when I try to sync my iPhone it tells me my computer is no longer authorised and I have to delete all of my apps to continue with sync. When I try to authorise the computer, I get the -50 error again. Unfortunately the apps are the first thing itunes tries to sync, so I've been unable to sync my phone at all.

- a couple of days later I get the alert (paraphrasing) "There is already a [computer name]'s Mac Pro on the network. The name of this computer has now been changed to [computer name]'s Mac Pro (2)".

- itunes 11 is released so I update but errors persist

- more days later, and I get a new alert There is already a [computer name]'s Mac Pro (2) on the network. The name of this computer has now been changed to [computer name]'s Mac Pro (3)".

I've reset the PMU, and repaired permissions. I haven't been able to successfully run a hardware test with Mountain Lion on this computer.

Any help would be greatly appreciated!

Mac Pro, OS X Mountain Lion (10.8.2), 2009

Posted on Dec 10, 2012 4:26 AM

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Answer 1

Linc Davis

Level 10

209,547 points

Dec 10, 2012 6:32 AM in response to oodlum

I haven't been able to successfully run a hardware test with Mountain Lion on this computer.

What happens when you try? If neither of the two Ethernet interfaces is working after an SMC reset, you certainly do have a hardware fault.

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Answer 2

oodlum Author

Level 1

48 points

Dec 13, 2012 12:24 AM in response to Linc Davis

The mountain Lion method (holding down the D key while the computer restarts) doesn't work for this computer, and I can't find the original application disc. I'll keep digging around for it.

Can anyone comment on the other problems?

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Answer 3

Linc Davis

Level 10

209,547 points

Dec 13, 2012 8:32 AM in response to oodlum

"There is already a [computer name]'s Mac Pro on the network. The name of this computer has now been changed to [computer name]'s Mac Pro (2)".

Were Ethernet and Wi-Fi both connected then?

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Answer 4

oodlum Author

Level 1

48 points

Dec 13, 2012 5:28 PM in response to Linc Davis

No just the wi-fi at that stage.

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Answer 5

Linc Davis

Level 10

209,547 points

Dec 13, 2012 5:38 PM in response to oodlum

Please read this whole message before doing anything.

This procedure is a diagnostic test. It’s unlikely to solve your problem. Don’t be disappointed when you find that nothing has changed after you complete it.

The purpose of the test is to determine whether your problem is caused by third-party system modifications that load automatically at startup or login.

Disconnect all wired peripherals except those needed for the test, and remove all aftermarket expansion cards. Boot in safe mode* and log in to the account with the problem. The instructions provided by Apple are as follows:

Shut down your computer, wait 30 seconds, and then hold down the shift key while pressing the power button.
When you see the gray Apple logo, release the shift key.
If you are prompted to log in, type your password, and then hold down the shift key again as you click Log in.

*Note: If FileVault is enabled under OS X 10.7 or later, or if a firmware password is set, or if the boot volume is a software RAID, you can’t boot in safe mode.

Safe mode is much slower to boot and run than normal, and some things won’t work at all, including wireless networking on certain Macs.

The login screen appears even if you usually log in automatically. You must know your login password in order to log in. If you’ve forgotten the password, you will need to reset it before you begin.

Test while in safe mode. Same problem?

After testing, reboot as usual (i.e., not in safe mode) and verify that you still have the problem. Post the results of the test.

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Answer 6

oodlum Author

Level 1

48 points

Dec 13, 2012 6:25 PM in response to Linc Davis

Thanks Linc - partial success. In safe mode the iTunes -50 error disappeared and my computer was once again authorised. I can now sync my phone. After rebooting in normal mode the error has not reappeared, which is fantastic.

The ethernet still does not work, however, but it's good to know the issues are unrelated. I'll keep hunting for the software disc to run a hardware test, but I'd say it's likely I'll need to buy a new ethernet card.

Cheers!

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Answer 7

Dec 13, 2012 6:48 PM in response to oodlum

Ethernet chips are not on a separate card. They are soldered on an expensive motherboard.

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Answer 8

oodlum Author

Level 1

48 points

Dec 13, 2012 7:30 PM in response to Grant Bennet-Alder

I was thinking more of an ethernet card for the PCI slot, but I guess that wouldn't help if the logic board was at fault.

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Answer 9

Dec 13, 2012 8:06 PM in response to oodlum

If you are showing No Ethernet interface In System preferences > Network,

does it show in:

About this Mac > ( More Info ) > Ethernet cards ?? OR

About this Mac > ( More Info ) > Network ??

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Answer 10

oodlum Author

Level 1

48 points

Dec 13, 2012 8:19 PM in response to Grant Bennet-Alder

Good point.

About this Mac > ( More Info ) > Ethernet cards - yes both ports

About this Mac > ( More Info ) > Network - no, it doesn't appear on the list of active services

When I try to add a new ethernet connection in the network control panel, I get the message "This computer does not appear to be connected to a DSL or cable modem, or to an ethernet network".

Once again, I can get ethernet on my MacBook Pro fine when connecting the same cable.

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Answer 11

Dec 13, 2012 8:26 PM in response to oodlum

But does it show up as a connection method under System preferences > Ethernet ??

If it does, there is some hope that it is a configuration problem.

Use the ( Assist me ) button and Assistant to set it up again from scratch, including specifying a new "Location".

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Answer 12

oodlum Author

Level 1

48 points

Dec 13, 2012 8:41 PM in response to Grant Bennet-Alder

The assistant worked! I tried it several times previously with "Assist me > Diagnostics" but perhaps not "Assist me > Assistant". Maybe the safe mode reboot helped.

Thanks Grant and Linc - everything is back to normal 🙂

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