An essential OS X Mavericks problem-solving guide

Mac emergencies don't happen often, but when they do it helps to know what to do -- that's the knowledge this short guide helps provide.

An essential OS X Mavericks problem-solving guide

Don't Panic

Don't overreact if things seem to be going wrong, but do ensure your Mac software is up to date and keep regular backups -- just in case of problems.

To identify whether your Mac has a hardware problem, disconnect your peripherals and update software drivers and run Apple Hardware tests (below).

Specific fixes

My printer's stopped printing

If you think it's your Mac that's causing the problem, try using different cables. If things remain awry, launch System Preferences>Printers & Scanners and Right-click on the printer(s) in the Printers list and choose 'Reset Printing System'. You'll need to add your printer(s) again once this completes.

I forgot my OS X password

Launch Disk Recovery mode and choose Utilities>Reset Password to create a new (and memorable) password for your Mac.

My CD/DVD is stuck in the drive

If the Eject button isn't working: 

  • Press Command-E to eject
  • Restart your Mac and hold down the left mouse button until the disk ejects.
  • Launch Terminal (it's in your Utilities folder) and enter the following exactly as shown:  /usr/bin/drutil eject

USB devices aren't recognized

First, check to make sure OS X supports the device. You may need to find specific drivers. For scanners, try Vuescan; for USB cameras, iUSBcam may help.

Otherwise:

  • Switch off your Mac, unplug the power cable, disconnect your peripherals and leave your system for five to 10 minutes.
  • Reconnect your Mac, reconnect the keyboard and mouse, Restart.
  • Reconnect your devices one at a time.
  • If they remain unrecognized, reset the PRAM (as explained below).

General procedure

Restart

This is sometimes all it takes to solve a problem. 

Rebuild/Restore

Still having problems? Restart your Mac holding down the Command-R keys to enter Disk Recovery mode. Launch Disk Utility in this mode and Fix Permissions on your drive. You can also run Disk Utility in normal mode -- you'll find it in the Utilities folder.

Reinstall

With Mavericks, reinstalling your System Software is a breeze: just enter Disk Recovery mode, from which you can do just that -- just make sure you keep a backup.

Apple Hardware Test

Apple offers a suite of hardware tests you can run on Macs to find out if you truly have a hardware problem.  To access these, Restart your Mac holding down the D key; if this fails, Restart again holding Option-D.

The Mac will launch Hardware Tests -- these take a few minutes to complete but will identify any hardware problems you might have.

Reset PRAM

I rarely do this, as it means system and device settings need to be put back in place. It's the closest thing to a nuclear option for Mac problems.

  • Shut down your Mac
  • Launch your Mac while depressing the Command-Option-P-R keys on your keyboard. You need to depress these after launching your Mac but before you see the grey screen.
  • Your Mac will restart again -- you'll hear the startup chime twice.
  • PRAM is now reset.

Software tool kit

Three apps I use frequently when my Mac has problems:

Onyx (free)

Great software to keep your system happy.

SuperDuper ($28)

Always maintain a current clone copy of your Mac.

Disk Warrior ($100)

The ultimate emergency tool.

Hardware you need

You may also find these reports useful:

Mavericks Tips and Tricks

Google+? If you use social media and happen to be a Google+ user, why not join AppleHolic's Kool Aid Corner community and join the conversation as we pursue the spirit of the New Model Apple?

Got a story? Drop me a line via Twitter or in comments below and let me know. I'd like it if you chose to follow me on Twitter so I can let you know when fresh items are published here first on Computerworld.

Copyright © 2014 IDG Communications, Inc.

It’s time to break the ChatGPT habit
Shop Tech Products at Amazon