Basic Mac Troubleshooting  

These are some basic tasks you should try to use to fix your mac. If at any time the problem seems worse or you do not feel comfortable performing a task, please put in a service request with the Help Desk.
 

ONE - RESTART

You should always try this first. Restarting your computer will clear out all processes and give it a fresh start.

• Go to Apple menu > Restart
• Last RESORT: Press and hold the power button down until it shuts down. You will probably lose any unsaved documents.
  

TWO - VERIFY AND REPAIR DISK PERMISSIONS

You should also do this any time you plan to upgrade or install software. 

• Directions to run Disk Utility can be found here.

THREE - TRY ANOTHER USER ACCOUNT

This will let you know if the problem is specifically with your account or with the computer. 

• Directions to set up another account can be found here.
  

FOUR - DISCONNECT PERIPHERALS

Basically, shut down your machine, disconnect everything but the keyboard, the mouse, and the power cord. 

Then start it up and see if the problem continues.

FIVE - START UP IN SAFE MODE

Restart the Mac.

After you hear the chime, press and hold down the SHIFT key until you see the spinning gear on the bottom of the screen. This forces the system to runs some checks and disable certain extensions and fonts. The details of what it does are explained by Apple:   http://www.info.apple.com/kbnum/n107392

See if the problem still exists.

SIX - SEARCH

Start searching for answers. Use Apple's support site or a search engine like Google.