I've recently posted that over the weekend I reformatted my mac, as it had been getting a little snarled up but nothing too bad. Since then it keeps randomly freezing, in programmes (so far opera, firefox, internet explorer and msn messenger). I haven't a clue what I've done. As far as I'm aware I've not coppied any old preferences over to it, I fixed my disk permissions (of which there were a fair few considering it had only been formatted a day before) Could this be a virus or something? I do have Norton on here, but perhaps it's not the most reliable copy. Please help I'm really stuck!
Tried to fix my mac, think I made it worse :(
- Thread starter MissyC
- Start date
Zammy-Sam
Desertchild
It can't be a virus or you will be the first mac user that got one. One big NO-NO for Norton. Sell that box on ebay. But if you are more responsible just throw it away. 
If something caused problems on macs, then it was some Norton package. Since you reinstalled very recently, why not erase the disc once more and make a full fresh panther install? Don't copy any of your files yet but test the freshly installed system. Maybe something is wrong with your panther dvd?!
If something caused problems on macs, then it was some Norton package. Since you reinstalled very recently, why not erase the disc once more and make a full fresh panther install? Don't copy any of your files yet but test the freshly installed system. Maybe something is wrong with your panther dvd?!I'm still using 10.2 but when I originally got my mac I think I had to put it on then, so I should think my disc is ok. What would you recommend instead of Norton? I have Intego firewall and virus barrier, but it seems a bit naff as it doesn't seem to intercept enough.
I meant to add that on this reformat I didn't copy across any files, it still happened but it took longer to happen. Also the computer seems sooooo slow, as I'm typing this it's taking a little time to catch up with me. I don't know what on earth I did! Ah well reformat number 6.....
By the way wasn't there some kind of virus that effected mac graphics cards? I just ask because there's a patch of my screen that randomly goes blank at the moment...
I meant to add that on this reformat I didn't copy across any files, it still happened but it took longer to happen. Also the computer seems sooooo slow, as I'm typing this it's taking a little time to catch up with me. I don't know what on earth I did! Ah well reformat number 6.....
By the way wasn't there some kind of virus that effected mac graphics cards? I just ask because there's a patch of my screen that randomly goes blank at the moment...
Get Disk Warrior or Drive 10 for your OS X machine. Norton screws up OS X, and rather than correcting the problem they are no longer supporting utilities for Mac.
First, start up with the OS CD and at the install screen, go to the Installer menu and select Disk Utility. Have First Aid repair the disk.
When you formated did you go with HFS Extended? That is the one to format to.
The virus you are thinking about was a possible virus. Nothing came of it. It was, in my opinion, a hoax to buy the anti virus program from the company that claimed it identified the virus. Who would want to take the time to create a virus for 10% of the market? And if they did, we would yell loudly and get even with that guy (hehehe).
Did you machine come with Hardware Test CD? Run that and see if there is a major problem.
First, start up with the OS CD and at the install screen, go to the Installer menu and select Disk Utility. Have First Aid repair the disk.
When you formated did you go with HFS Extended? That is the one to format to.
The virus you are thinking about was a possible virus. Nothing came of it. It was, in my opinion, a hoax to buy the anti virus program from the company that claimed it identified the virus. Who would want to take the time to create a virus for 10% of the market? And if they did, we would yell loudly and get even with that guy (hehehe).
Did you machine come with Hardware Test CD? Run that and see if there is a major problem.
scruffy
Notorious Olive Counter
Actually there's two known trojans for OS X out there - the one that got publicity, that you're probably thinking of is just a proof of concept trojan, that hides an executable inside a valid mp3 file, and runs it if it's double-clicked. All the program does is open a dialog box to point out that the program ran itself.
The other one is really malicious - it's an applescript that deletes the user's entire home directory. It's distributed as "MS Word 2004 OS X Web Installer" or something, apparently put out on kazaa or similar networks to fool the stupid. Someone on this forum even was silly enough to get bitten by it (I would point you to the thread, but I think it's been deleted. Apparently if the mods kick someone off here, they delete every thread they've ever started...)
That said, your problem sounds like it's not so much a trojan, more likely bad RAM or a bad hard drive.
The other one is really malicious - it's an applescript that deletes the user's entire home directory. It's distributed as "MS Word 2004 OS X Web Installer" or something, apparently put out on kazaa or similar networks to fool the stupid. Someone on this forum even was silly enough to get bitten by it (I would point you to the thread, but I think it's been deleted. Apparently if the mods kick someone off here, they delete every thread they've ever started...)
That said, your problem sounds like it's not so much a trojan, more likely bad RAM or a bad hard drive.
First: Norton's AntiVirus is okay. It's SystemWorks and/or DiskDoctor that are bad. Also, you're talking about system freezes, not slow-downs. So it might not even be connected with software, but rather hardware. Have you tried taking out and putting back your RAM bricks? What kinda Mac do you have, how much RAM etc.?
Right I have a G4 Dual 1.42 with 512mb ram running OSX10.2.8 usually, I have a 120GB hardrive which I usually partition into 2 fairly equally. What's really confusing me is that I didn't have these problems at all before I reformatted, which makes me think that it couldn't be the ram. I'll run the test software later on today when I'm back home, but I'm so frustrated. When I did the reformat each time I've just updated all the software in one big go (my OSX CD is 10.1 i think) could this have something to do with it as well?
Thank you for all your replies people, hopefully with all your suggestions one of them will work, and I won't have to raid my bank accouint and ring applecare!
Thank you for all your replies people, hopefully with all your suggestions one of them will work, and I won't have to raid my bank accouint and ring applecare!
Zammy-Sam
Desertchild
I wouldn't recommend anyone to update a system. Obviously apple tried to adjust this kind of installation and it does work, but I remember a lot of posters that had terrible problems after an update and when they freshly installed the new system, things worked fine again. So, if this is possible, try to freshly install (not update) your system, if your hardware worked just fine before.
RacerX
Old Rhapsody User
MissyC said:
Wow, I hope you got that wrong. Your system came with 10.2.x preinstalled, if you put 10.1 on it it would be really messed up. 10.1 wouldn't know what to do with a lot of the hardware on your system.
Why aren't you starting with the system restore? Even a generic 10.2 CD set would be earlier than what your system needs. As I recall, the base OS for that model was around 10.2.5.
If you have lost the restore CDs/DVD, at this point I would highly recommend buying Mac OS X 10.3. Any other way of installing 10.2 other than from the restore on that system would be asking for trouble.
Yes I was wrong it comes with 10.2.4 I just ran the hardware test and everything is hunky dory. When I reformatted before I used OSX Extended (i think that was the name) but I'm just about to do another one so I'll make sure I get the right one. I do need to upgrade to run some of my software, I've been using the combined bundle that automatically pops up, so I think I'll try and locate each OSX upgrade and do them gradually fixing my permissions inbetween.
Btw I havent a clue what you mean by system restore (as you might have guessed mac maintainance isn't my strongest point), but seeing as I'm working with a freshly formatted computer, if it means reinstalling osx over what I've got, I figured I may as well just wipe everything off.
Keep your fingers crossed for me! 7th time lucky....
I just ran the hardware test and everything is hunky dory. When I reformatted before I used OSX Extended (i think that was the name) but I'm just about to do another one so I'll make sure I get the right one. I do need to upgrade to run some of my software, I've been using the combined bundle that automatically pops up, so I think I'll try and locate each OSX upgrade and do them gradually fixing my permissions inbetween. Btw I havent a clue what you mean by system restore (as you might have guessed mac maintainance isn't my strongest point
), but seeing as I'm working with a freshly formatted computer, if it means reinstalling osx over what I've got, I figured I may as well just wipe everything off.Keep your fingers crossed for me! 7th time lucky....
RacerX
Old Rhapsody User
Cheryl said:
Wow, that is news to me. The Restore CD/DVD is designed to bring a system back to factory software specifications (both OS and bundled software packages).
The only time I've ever heard of anyone having problems with Restore media was when it was being used on a modified system (like processor upgrade and the like), and even then the problems were usually not that major (that I've ever come across in the field at least).
Oh People
I reformatted again, it took me such a long time, as I upgraded the OS from 10.2 in steps (10.2.3, 10.2.4,10.2.5,10.2.6,10.2.8) repairing permissions inbetween (and you're right they mess up the system an awful lot!)
I haven't added any Norton products, just an Intego firewall. It was doing really well, until I coppied over my music (a sizeable chunk) my address book contacts, and macpardelux all in one big go. Now it's started doing it again. I'll have a look for techtool, but I'm a student and can't really afford so much repair software, although I know if it's the only way I'm going to have to get it.
I'd still appreciate any other suggestions. Just to add my OS CD is 10.2 Install and Restore so I'm not too sure whether that's good or not. I think my mac came with some vouchers for free upgrades, so I think I may dig them out and reformat using 10.3, what do you think?
I reformatted again, it took me such a long time, as I upgraded the OS from 10.2 in steps (10.2.3, 10.2.4,10.2.5,10.2.6,10.2.8) repairing permissions inbetween (and you're right they mess up the system an awful lot!)
I haven't added any Norton products, just an Intego firewall. It was doing really well, until I coppied over my music (a sizeable chunk) my address book contacts, and macpardelux all in one big go. Now it's started doing it again.
I'll have a look for techtool, but I'm a student and can't really afford so much repair software, although I know if it's the only way I'm going to have to get it.I'd still appreciate any other suggestions. Just to add my OS CD is 10.2 Install and Restore so I'm not too sure whether that's good or not. I think my mac came with some vouchers for free upgrades, so I think I may dig them out and reformat using 10.3, what do you think?
RacerX
Old Rhapsody User
MissyC said:
When restoring a system, it is best to use the single combo update to get a system to the most current version. Updating it in steps you are adding and removing system software components (in this case up to five times). Apple's Software Update should install everything you need in the order best for your system without having to go through the individual updates. But if you can't use Software Update, then start with the combo update for 10.2.8.
At this point, I honestly have to suggest that you find someone who does this professionally. There is a limit as to what can be done via posts in a forum (or even e-mails for that matter). Without seeing the problem first hand, it is hard to tell what is actually happening.
I would suggest contacting people you know who use Macs or a local Mac user group and asking for recommendation. I know that I don't charge students and home users what I charge businesses for service. You might be able to find someone you can afford.
Best of luck.
bobw
The Late: SuperMacMod
Why did you install Intego. You have a Firewall built into the system
Seems like your problem is because of one of these;
music
addressbook contacts
macpardelux
Refromat and see if it runs ok after that. Then put your contacts in and restart and see how it runs. Then music, see how it is after that, then macpardelux.
My guess is that one of those three items is causing your problems.
If you can uninstall macpardelux, I would try that first.
Woooooah it got so much worse, now the fans making unbelievable revving noises, and the light behind the power button flashed like disco lights at me after one crash.
I only just realised that you could use the mac's own firewall independently btw, I thought that you needed a seperate application that sort of provided an interface for you or something (not exactly sure what lol)
Anyway I reformatted again, this time using the combo update, no intego, and it started crashing before i'd transferred anything over. I'm trying to get disk warrior but am thinking of trying to take it to a professional....problem is I'm in the UK and there doesn't seem to be a Mac specialist in the Midlands?
I only just realised that you could use the mac's own firewall independently btw, I thought that you needed a seperate application that sort of provided an interface for you or something (not exactly sure what lol)
Anyway I reformatted again, this time using the combo update, no intego, and it started crashing before i'd transferred anything over. I'm trying to get disk warrior but am thinking of trying to take it to a professional....problem is I'm in the UK and there doesn't seem to be a Mac specialist in the Midlands?
Exactly what is on your screen when it crashes? Does it just freeze or are you getting a kernel panic?
When you formatted, did you use Mac Extended? What do you have attached to the computer? Unplug all devices. Did you install a memory stick recently?
You should have the Hardware Test CD - use that to determine what is causing the trouble.
When you formatted, did you use Mac Extended? What do you have attached to the computer? Unplug all devices. Did you install a memory stick recently?
You should have the Hardware Test CD - use that to determine what is causing the trouble.