Dotexe_V2
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Desktops

Q: Imac 10.9.5 shuts down randomly

Hello, i have a iMac runnning osx 10.9.5. The problem i have with this mac is when i turn on the iMac, it shuts itself down and restarts several times (After i log in a). It does end up working after alot of times but i don't think this is normal. Does anyone know how to resolve this?

 

Thank you.

iMac, OS X Mavericks (10.9.5)

Posted on May 3, 2015 2:34 PM

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Dotexe_V2

Q: Imac 10.9.5 shuts down randomly

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  • by judysings,

    judysings judysings May 5, 2015 12:38 PM in response to Dotexe_V2
    Community Specialists
    May 5, 2015 12:38 PM in response to Dotexe_V2

    Hello Dotexe_V2,

    If your iMac is randomly restarting several times, the resource below may provide some troubleshooting steps to address the issue.  I've highlighted the key information here for you.  Click on the article for complete details.

    OS X: When your computer spontaneously restarts or displays "Your computer restarted because of a problem." - Apple Support
    https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT200553

    About unexpected restarts

    In rare instances, OS X may encounter an unrecoverable issue affecting all open apps. When this happens, your Mac must be restarted. This is sometimes due to what is known as a "kernel panic" because an underlying part of the operating system (the "kernel") has determined there is an issue that requires a restart.

     

    If your computer experiences a kernel panic, a message may appear for a few seconds explaining that the computer has been restarted: "Your computer restarted because of a problem. Press a key or wait a few seconds to continue starting up." After a moment, the computer continues starting up. 

    Preventing unexpected restarts

    In most cases, kernel panics are not caused by an issue with the Mac itself. They are usually caused by software that was installed, or a problem with connected hardware. 

    To help avoid kernel panics, install all available software updates until Software Update reports, "Your software is up to date." OS X updates help your Mac handle the kinds of issues that can cause kernel panics, such as malformed network packets, or third party software issues. For most kernel panics, updating your software is all you have to do.

    After your computer restarts

    Once your Mac restarts successfully, an alert message appears, "You shut down your computer because of a problem."


    Click Open to re-open any apps that were active before you restarted. If you believe the issue may have been caused by one of the apps that you were using, click Cancel instead. If you don't click anything for 60 seconds, OS X automatically continues as if you had clicked Open.

    Note: If your computer is unable to recover from the issue, it may restart repeatedly, and then shut down. If this happens, or if you see the "computer restarted because of a problem" message frequently, see the Additional Information section of this article for guidance.

     

    Troubleshooting a recurring kernel panic

    Diagnosing a recurring kernel panic can be difficult. If you need help with this process, consider bringing your Mac to a Genius at an Apple Store or an Apple Authorized Service Provider for help.  If you plan to visit an Apple Retail store, you can make a reservation (available in some countries only).

    Tip: To help diagnose recurring kernel panics, record the date and time it occurs, and any information that appears with the kernel panic message.

    • Was the computer starting up, shutting down, or performing a particular task when the recurring kernel panic happened? 
    • Is the kernel panic intermittent, or does it happen every time you do a certain thing? For example, were you playing a particular game, or printing at the time?
    • Does it occur only when a certain external device is connected, or a device is connected to a certain port?

     

    Take care,

    - Judy