jonpaulr123
Level 1 (4 points)
Desktops

Q: El Capitan freezing problem

Hey everyone,

 

I have an iMac 24 inch from 2009. 

3.06 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo

8 GB Memory

NVIDIA Ge Force GT 130 512 MB Graphics

 

The computer itself, although old for computer standards, runs very well.  It's fast, smooth and I have no problems at all with it, except the freezing I've been experiencing since updating to El Capitan. 

 

At random times the colors on my screen get locked into stuck pixels and fill up the screen one by one, then it freezes.  Upon restarting, there is a white film that covers the entire display.  If I put the computer to sleep and then turn it back on, the display goes back to normal (until the freezing process repeats itself).  I noticed that google chrome was causing it to freeze almost immediately so I deleted that and have been using safari with better luck.  But it just froze again. 

 

To try and fix it I completely wiped my computer clean, and reinstalled my OS to have a clean slate.  No change at all.

 

Can anyone help me?  As I said, I know my computer is older but it runs so well, it should be fine. 

 

Thank you kindly

 

JP

iMac (24-inch Early 2009), OS X El Capitan (10.11.5)

Posted on Jun 23, 2016 4:00 PM

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jonpaulr123

Q: El Capitan freezing problem

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  • by Mike Sombrio,

    Mike Sombrio Mike Sombrio Jun 23, 2016 6:11 PM in response to jonpaulr123
    Level 6 (17,283 points)
    Apple Watch
    Jun 23, 2016 6:11 PM in response to jonpaulr123

    Try running the Apple Hardware Test in extended mode from disc two of your original gray install discs. Report any errors if there are any.

  • by jonpaulr123,

    jonpaulr123 jonpaulr123 Jun 24, 2016 7:22 AM in response to Mike Sombrio
    Level 1 (4 points)
    Desktops
    Jun 24, 2016 7:22 AM in response to Mike Sombrio

    Mike,

     

    Thanks for the reply.  I found the two disc.  One says "Mac OS X install DVD" which seems to be a way to reinstall snow leopard.  The other is "Applications Install DVD."  On that one there is an install button to install iPhoto, iMovie etc, and a read me file about hardware test.  Upon reading the file, it says in order to run the hardware test, restart the computer and hold the "D" key and follow instructions.  I've tried it a number of times and my computer shuts off as soon as the hardware test window pops up.  It turns off so fast I don't even have a chance to read what's on the box that comes up.

     

    Any ideas?  Am I doing something wrong, or is there another way to run the test?

     

    Thank you!

  • by Mike Sombrio,

    Mike Sombrio Mike Sombrio Jun 24, 2016 9:52 AM in response to jonpaulr123
    Level 6 (17,283 points)
    Apple Watch
    Jun 24, 2016 9:52 AM in response to jonpaulr123

    I doesn't sound like you're doing anything wrong with AHT, insert disc two and restart while holding the D key. You might try resetting the SMC Reset the System Management Controller (SMC) on your Mac - Apple Support

    Then booting into Safe Mode Try safe mode if your Mac doesn't finish starting up - Apple Support

    Then try booting normally. If you're still having problems I'd give AHT one more try before looking for an AASP (not an Apple Store as the computer is "obsolete") and taking it in for a professional diagnostic.