Looks like no one’s replied in a while. To start the conversation again, simply ask a new question.

Mac Mini – internet timeout

Wonder if anyone has a solution for a mac that keeps timing out on its internet connection.


* All other devices, Apple and non-Apple, work fine. No disconnect.


* I've reset the router several times anyway, to no effect.


– Restarted the Mac and also PRAM reset, FWIW.


* No apparent pattern to this behaviour.


– It can be fine for weeks, then do it several times in an hour.


– With and without other apps open.



Thanks!

iMac, Mac OS X (10.7.5)

Posted on Mar 30, 2015 9:34 AM

Reply
Question marked as Best reply

Posted on Apr 6, 2015 3:22 AM

Try a restart.


Do a backup, using either Time Machine or a cloning program, to ensure files/data can be recovered. Two backups are better than one.


Try setting up another admin user account to see if the same problem continues. If Back-to-My Mac is selected in System Preferences, the Guest account will not work. The intent is to see if it is specific to one account or a system wide problem. This account can be deleted later.


Isolating an issue by using another user account


If the problem is still there, try booting into the Safe Mode using your normal account. Disconnect all peripherals except those needed for the test. Shut down the computer and then power it back up after waiting 10 seconds. Immediately after hearing the startup chime, hold down the shift key and continue to hold it until the gray Apple icon and a progress bar appear. The boot up is significantly slower than normal. This will reset some caches, forces a directory check, and disables all startup and login items, among other things. When you reboot normally, the initial reboot may be slower than normal. If the system operates normally, there may be 3rd party applications which are causing a problem. Try deleting/disabling the third party applications after a restart by using the application un-installer. For each disable/delete, you will need to restart if you don't do them all at once.


Safe Mode - About




Try a restart.


3 replies
Question marked as Best reply

Apr 6, 2015 3:22 AM in response to TresRoque

Try a restart.


Do a backup, using either Time Machine or a cloning program, to ensure files/data can be recovered. Two backups are better than one.


Try setting up another admin user account to see if the same problem continues. If Back-to-My Mac is selected in System Preferences, the Guest account will not work. The intent is to see if it is specific to one account or a system wide problem. This account can be deleted later.


Isolating an issue by using another user account


If the problem is still there, try booting into the Safe Mode using your normal account. Disconnect all peripherals except those needed for the test. Shut down the computer and then power it back up after waiting 10 seconds. Immediately after hearing the startup chime, hold down the shift key and continue to hold it until the gray Apple icon and a progress bar appear. The boot up is significantly slower than normal. This will reset some caches, forces a directory check, and disables all startup and login items, among other things. When you reboot normally, the initial reboot may be slower than normal. If the system operates normally, there may be 3rd party applications which are causing a problem. Try deleting/disabling the third party applications after a restart by using the application un-installer. For each disable/delete, you will need to restart if you don't do them all at once.


Safe Mode - About




Try a restart.


Apr 6, 2015 3:22 AM in response to Eric Root

Hi Eric. Thanks for your comprehensive reply.


I did a safe boot.


  • The Mac was so slow to do the most basic thing (e.g. reveal a drop-down menu) I didn't pursue this for more than a few minutes.
  • I'm in the final phase of an important project and uninstalling-reinstalling apps is too time consuming.
  • However, on restarting in normal mode, the Mac was initially very slow, and Spotlight reindexed the drive.


I tried a different user account.


  • Again, due to time constraints, this wasn't practicable for more than a few minutes.
  • No dropped internet, though. But the issue is random and intermittent, so this doesn't mean much.


I changed the DCHP settings, following other tips online, and will see how this fares.


Once again, thanks for your time and I'm sorry I can't comply fully with your suggestions.


I'll leave this question unsolved until further notice.

Mac Mini – internet timeout

Welcome to Apple Support Community
A forum where Apple customers help each other with their products. Get started with your Apple ID.