How do I make OS X automatically take a screenshot of a self dismissing system pop up?

Question

How do I make OS X automatically take a screenshot of a self dismissing system pop up?

I have been experiencing an intermittent system pop up message appear and then immediately disappear. I am concerned about what it is because it dismisses itself less than a second after appearance and I do not have a chance to read what it says. Therefore, I am trying to set up an applescript or whatever to automatically take a screenshot of every new window that opens so I can figure out what it is going on exactly. I'm hoping someone on here has an idea about how to help as Google has been very unhelpful thus far..

MacBook Pro with Retina display, OS X Mountain Lion (10.8.2)

Posted on Mar 18, 2013 11:43 AM

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Answer 1

Lanny

Level 6

13,183 points

Mar 18, 2013 11:58 AM in response to AppleSupportUsername1000

Just press Command-Shift-3, the next time it appears. Then open the screenshot to read it.

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Answer 2

Mar 18, 2013 12:25 PM in response to Lanny

Unfortunately, this message always disappears less than a second after appearing. It appears and disappears too quickly for me to react to it, it is on the screen just long enough to notice it was even there.

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Answer 3

Eric Root

Level 10

684,027 points

Mar 18, 2013 12:43 PM in response to AppleSupportUsername1000

Here is one:

http://topics.udm4.com/automatic_screenshot/

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Answer 4

Mar 18, 2013 1:28 PM in response to AppleSupportUsername1000

Does it occur when you do something specific or does it appear to be random?

If it occurs when you do something specific you could use Quicktime Player to start a screen recording, then trigger the action that causes the pop-up and stop the recording. You'll then be able to go frame by frame thru the recording to see what the pop-up says.

If it occurs randomly, you might try checking the System Log (using the Console app in the Utilities folder) for any clues druing the time the pop-up occurred.

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