When something goes wrong with your OS X operating system or your Applications you can try several things before getting upset about it:
- Quit all unused apps – If you have a memory issue this will solve it.
- Restart – Most of the times this is a quick solution.
- Repair permissions – Open Applications/Utilities/Disk Utility, select your HD and Verify then Repair your Permissions.
- Verify your HD – You should do this if you’re suspecting a failing HD, if confirmed backup and replace!
- Update your System – Run Software Update from the Apple menu.
- Update your misbehaving App – Check if the app you’re having trouble with has an update and apply it.
- Reinstall your App – this may fix problems with corrupt application files.
- Do a safe boot – Restart while holding down the Shift key – this operation will do many different operations that may heal a sick Mac.
- Create a new user – Logging into a new account will show you whether the problem lies in your system or just your account.
- Trash Preferences or Cache – Trash your application and/or system preferences that are located under user/Library/Preferences and user/Library/Cache. You will of course your lose the application or system settings, but it may fix the issue.
- Disable or delete plug-ins – If you have more than one plug-in installed with your App they may have a conflict. These plugins are to be found under user/Library/Application_name/Plug-ins. Some apps, like Firefox has a built in plug-in manager that you can use.
- Rebuild the database – Many applications with large databases may benefit from restarting them with the Apple key pressed.
- Check your Preferences/Accounts/Login items and delete as many items as you can.
- Fix your keychain – You can rebuild your keychain if you have password problems by going to Applications/Utilities/Keychain Access then select File/Keychain First Aid
- Google the problem – Try different keywords to search for the particular problem. Chances are the fix is already documented somewhere.
- Ask on support forums – There are plenty of helpful people on Apple Support and many other sites (including here on cb).
- Ask the Genius bar – If there is an Apple Store nearby try to ask the stuff for help.
A couple of things to remember when doing troubleshooting:
- Do not panic! Eventually your issue will be solved.
- Before deleting anything back up the file or better your whole Mac.
- If you change a setting take a note to remember how to change it back.
- Always change one thing at a time and test if the problem went away. This way you will know what exactly fixed it.
- Help your fellow Mac users if you see they face the same problem you managed to solve already. One day your favor will be returned.
