iMac G4 has crashes every 20 minutes or so...

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Level 1

18 points

iMac G4 has crashes every 20 minutes or so...

I have an 800 MHz iMac G4 that has suddenly begun crashing repeatedly. I haven't installed any new software (the latest thing installed is the latest iTunes update to come out). The crashes are occuring at seemingly random times. I'm never doing the same thing twice when a crash occurs, never have the same applications open, and it often crashes when I'm not even in the room. These are full system crashes with the "You need to restart your computer. Hold down the Power button for several seconds..." message. This computer has crashed more in the last 24 hours than it did in the previous six years or so that I've owned it. I've run disk utility and found only permission problems. I've reset the PRAM. I don't own any third-party disk utilities. Does it sound like I have a software problem? A problem with my RAM? What?

Mac Mini Core Duo, iMac G5, iMac G4, Mac OS X (10.4.6), Seasoned (since 1988) Mac power user

Posted on Nov 13, 2006 8:52 PM

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Answer 1

Chris CB

Level 3

631 points

Nov 14, 2006 1:49 AM in response to cpoagsc

The X Lab page on Resolving Kernel Panics may be helpful

MacBook (OS 10.4.8) iMac G4 (OS 10.3.9) iMac G3 (OS 10.2.8) etc

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Answer 2

cpoagsc Author

Level 1

18 points

Nov 16, 2006 7:16 PM in response to Chris CB

That document was insanely helpful, thanks! I haven't solved the problem yet, but have tried more and wanted to post an update and ask a question.

I have replaced both RAM cards (and doubled my RAM to 1GB), but still get kernel panics very often when booting normally.

I removed all startup items except Mail, but still get kernel panics very often (and they happen whether Mail is running or not).

I booted in "safe" mode and did NOT have a problem (but too much didn't work so that is not a long-term solution.

I created a new account and logged into it and did NOT have a problem, which tells me that there is some problem specific to my primary login account.

Any ideas what kinds of things I might be able to check/fix about my login account that would end the kernel panics? If at all possible, I would prefer to avoid a complete system reinstall. I'm not sure I can track down all of the keys for all of my software if I'm forced to reinstall it all. So if anyone has any ideas that could help me avoid that, they would be greatly appreciated!

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Answer 3

Nov 18, 2006 6:38 PM in response to cpoagsc

What devices do you have plugged in? I no there has been an HP issue as well as some Epsons that make kernal panic problems. Have you pushed the reset button on the logic board after you installed you new ram? That is one of the most common things that people do who are not Apple Techs.

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Answer 4

cpoagsc Author

Level 1

18 points

Nov 29, 2006 9:26 PM in response to Chris CB

I ran the permissions repair a second time and haven't had a crash in days. Hooray!!! Thanks for the help.

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Answer 5

Dec 9, 2006 5:28 PM in response to cpoagsc

I had the same problem recently. I had a devil of a time even using my computer. I stumbled on to a fix that might work for you. I got rid of my old keyboard which was pretty dirty and bought a new one for $29. It worked and the computer is fine now...like brand new. Good luck.

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