applications won't open after sleep

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Level 1

8 points

applications won't open after sleep

Hi everyone,

I am having trouble with my youngest son's MacBook Pro. After it has been sleeping for a while (doesn't happen when sleeping for only a few minutes) it will not open any applications at all. I get a window that says it can't open whichever specific application I am trying to open. I have to restart, after which everything returns to normal.

This mac has very little software on it, as it is primarily my young son's Minecraft machine, so I suspect something related to Minecraft, however I have my other son's machine (newer iMac) set up nearly identically, and it doesn't have this issue.

Any ideas out there?

Thanks a bunch in advance.

David

15-inch MacBook Pro (late 2008)

2.8 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo

8GB RAM

OS 10.10.1

MacBook Pro, OS X Yosemite (10.10.1), 15-inch, Late 2008, 2.8Ghz

Posted on Nov 20, 2014 8:19 PM

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Answer 1

Best reply

Linc Davis

Level 10

209,547 points

Nov 20, 2014 8:59 PM in response to bullybro

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 the problem is caused by third-party software that loads automatically at startup or login, by a peripheral device, by a font conflict, or by corruption of the file system or of certain system caches.

Disconnect all wired peripherals except those needed for the test, and remove all aftermarket expansion cards, if applicable. Start up in safe mode and log in to the account with the problem. You must hold down the shift key twice: once when you turn on the computer, and again when you log in.

Note: If FileVault is enabled in OS X 10.9 or earlier, or if a firmware password is set, or if the startup volume is a software RAID, you can’t do this. Ask for further instructions.

Safe mode is much slower to start up and run than normal, with limited graphics performance, and some things won’t work at all, including sound output and Wi-Fi on certain models. The next normal startup may also be somewhat slow.

The login screen appears even if you usually login 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, restart as usual (not in safe mode) and verify that you still have the problem. Post the results of the test.

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Answer 2

bullybro Author

Level 1

8 points

Nov 21, 2014 8:06 PM in response to Linc Davis

Hey Linc,

I followed the procedure and tested the mac throughout the day, letting it sleep for a good while and then waking and trying out applications. Didn't run into the problem at all. How can I isolate what the problem is at this point?

Thanks!

David

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Answer 3

Linc Davis

Level 10

209,547 points

Nov 21, 2014 8:17 PM in response to bullybro

If you can no longer reproduce the problem, there's no need to do anything.

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Answer 4

bullybro Author

Level 1

8 points

Nov 21, 2014 8:19 PM in response to Linc Davis

I'm sorry, I should have been clearer. I could not reproduce the problem while in safe mode. I have left the mac in safe mode all day, as I thought that was what I was supposed to do for the testing. I'd rather not have to keep it in safe mode permanently.

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Answer 5

bullybro Author

Level 1

8 points

Nov 21, 2014 8:29 PM in response to bullybro

ugh, I just reread and realized that I didn't restart and test out of safe mode. my apologies. I will do so and report back.

sorry!

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Answer 6

bullybro Author

Level 1

8 points

Nov 22, 2014 2:35 PM in response to bullybro

Hey Linc,

Looks like the problem is solved. After restarting out of safe mode, I left the machine, but my son tried starting up Minecraft, and it wouldn't work. I reinstalled the application and got it to work, and then noticed after a day of waking the mac up and trying out applications that it seems to be ok now. I should have thought to reinstall Minecraft before. Nevertheless, I would not have gotten here without your help.

Thank you very much!

David

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