Computer randomly shuts down/Very unstable since upgrade to yosemite

A number of problems exist including the likelihood of system corruption as a result of using CleanMyMac.

It is not reasonable to expect a Mac to operate normally after using CleanMyMac. Like many ill-conceived "cleaning" utilities, it is capable of corrupting a Mac to the point that erasing it completely is the only practicable means of recovery. CleanMyMac is not the only example; it is merely popular due to marketing strategies that are as effective as they are intrusive.

There is no practicable way to reverse the effects of having used CleanMyMac2 other than to reinstall all affected files from backups or their original sources. Its developer's uninstallation instructions are ineffective despite their recent claims to the contrary. Only MacPaw, its developer, can know the reason for that, but I can think of two possibilities: either they are purposefully leaving components behind for reasons known only to them, or they simply don't know what they're doing. Neither one of those possibilities is particularly comforting for the user.

Reinstalling OS X alone will have no effect on either removing CleanMyMac or reversing the damage it is capable of inflicting upon a system.

Besides CleanMyMac2, garbage "cleaning" and "anti-virus" software exists, specifically "Avast", "Smith Micro", and "Symantec / Norton". Those products should not be installed on any Mac, because they convey no benefit and are only capable of creating or contributing to problems.

In addition, that Mac's Hosts file appears to have been modified. Fixing a modified Hosts file requires specific instructions. Apple Support Communities contributor and EtreCheck author etresoft recently added a User Tip discussing that concern, and how to correct it: Fixing a hacked /etc/hosts file

The recovery procedure that follows will obviate the need to correct all those separate problems and is likely to require the least amount of your time and interaction.

Follow the applicable recovery procedure below:

• If you have a backup that you created prior to using CleanMyMac, now is the time to use it. For Time Machine, boot OS X Recovery, and at the Mac OS X Utilities screen, choose Restore from Time Machine Backup. Choose a date preceding the installation of CleanMyMac.
• If you do not have a backup that predates the use of CleanMyMac, create one now. To do that read Mac Basics: Time Machine backs up your Mac.
  • The recovery procedure will require that you erase the Mac using OS X Recovery, and then create a new user whose contents will be empty. You will then be able to use Setup Assistant to migrate your essential documents including photos, music, work products and other essential files.
  • When doing so, select only your previous User account and do not select "Applications", "Computer and Network Settings" or "Other files and folders". De-select those choices.
  • Subsequent to using Setup Assistant, you will need to reinstall the essential software you may require, once again remembering to install software only from their original sources, and omitting all non-essential software.

To erase and install Yosemite read: OS X Yosemite: Erase and reinstall OS X

To migrate your essential documents read: OS X Yosemite: Transfer your info from a computer or storage device and follow the procedure under Transfer info from a Time Machine backup or other storage device.

Symantec

Avast (two AV??!?!?? YGBSM)

SmithMicro

CleanMyMac

Parallels if not the most recent version

Blackberry drivers caused kernel panics, but if update, may be ok

Two versions of PACE--this is required to use whatever expensive audio/video software/hardware you have installed, but I don't think you need two. I also don't know if that would cause a problem

I don't know how to uninstall all the crapware as I would never infect my Mac with it, even for testing. Check the developer's websites.

I don't honestly see much from a software standpoint and still lean toward a hardware problem.

You have a few fragments of problematic software that don't seem to be running so cannot cause a problem, but still indicate an incomplete un-installl process was attempted. Paceapp, Avast!, Symantec, Roxio and RIM software fall into this category. Always start with the developers site for instructions for an un-install as these things have become much more complicated over the years.

DivX has been known to cause issues for other users, if you don't use it.

I think we've already talked about CleanMyMac2 and the damage it might have already caused.

You have the minimum amount of RAM needed to run Yosemite (in spite of what Apple has said).

Spotlight crashed for some reason, but that should not cause a shutdown.

Your hosts file has been modified for some reason Fixing a hacked /etc/hosts file.

Please describe the problem in as much relevant detail as possible. The "etrecheck" fad hasn't made that step any less necessary. The usual results of posting etrecheck output on this site without a full description of the problem are very poor.

jennifer014 wrote:

I may just have to take it in, especially if it's a hardware problem, and see what they suggest I do.

What about the Apple Hardware Test results? IMHO, that's the first thing you need to have done at this point. It's not perfect by any means, so if it passes the long test I would still take it to the repair shop so they can conduct a more thorough test.

I still don't know what the problem is or was, but if the computer is now working to your satisfaction, you don't need to do anything else. You certainly don't need to, and should not, waste your time making changes to the configuration merely because of something in "etrecheck" output.

jennifer014 wrote:

am unable to remove the fragments left over by blackberry, CleanMyMac2, parallels and all other problematic software.

Most of those aren't affecting operation, so of secondary importance in solving your problems.

What problem are you having with them? Unable to find un-install instructions? Sometimes you must re-install in order for an un-installer to work. If you are only concerned with the leftovers shown above, then the paths are as shown:

• /Library/LaunchAgents/
• /Library/LaunchDaemons/
• ~/Library/LaunchAgents/
• ~/Library/LaunchDaemons/

Where "~" is your home folder. You will need to hold the <Option>-key down and select "Library" from the Finder's Go menu since it's normally invisible.

jennifer014 wrote:

it is still shutting down randomly so it appears the issue is hardware related.

I don't do much hardware maintenance, other than my own Mac, but I've read that one of the most common reasons for shutdowns is overheating. The computer is designed to shut down when temperatures reach a certain point to prevent damage to the CPU or other components. This could be due to a variety of things, including dust clogged vents, inoperable fans, inoperable temperature sensors or a loose/disconnected temperature/fan connector. As I've said a couple of times, the AHT will often tell you if it's one of the latter items and cleaning vents can take care of the first one. You might be able to get by placing something under your MBP to allow better air flow and running a small fan to increase circulation around the computer. Probably not a permanent solution, but might help until you can take it in.

jennifer014 wrote:

I tried to do the Apple hardware test w/no success.

It looks like your MBP came with Snow Leopard, so the AHT is on one of your install DVD's. Probably the one for "Applications".