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When the computer starts up, no icons appear in the windows, and the pointer alternates
between an arrow and a wristwatch, or an empty flashing box appears.
m There is a problem with the display of windows. Restart the computer,
holding down the Option key until the desktop icons appear. (When the
desktop appears, all windows will be closed.)
When I start up the computer, the display lights up for a moment, then shuts down.
m Make sure you are using the correct power adapter for your computer
model and that the adapter is plugged into a working outlet.
Problems working with programs
The computer freezes or displays a system error message.
m There may be a temporary software problem. To reset the computer, try the
following suggestions in order until the computer starts up normally:
1. If the computer freezes, you can try to quit the program you’re using by
pressing the keys Command (x), Option, and Esc on your keyboard.
Click Force Quit in the dialog box that appears. (You’ll lose unsaved
changes in that program’s documents.)
Immediately save all open documents and quit all open programs, then
restart the computer.
2. If you see a message about a system error, press the reset button (on the
back of your Macintosh PowerBook) to restart the computer.
3. Reset the PRAM (see “The Computer Makes an Unusual Sound at
Startup” in the section “Problems Starting Up the Computer” earlier in
this chapter for instructions).
m If the problem recurs, it may involve one or more of your application
programs. See “The Computer Exhibits Odd Behavior, Such as Many
Unexplained System Failures,” next.
About the codes in error messages: The number codes in error messages are
used in software development. Sometimes they can help a technician narrow
down the source of a problem. However, the codes are usually too general or
technical in nature to help you diagnose a problem yourself.
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Tips and Troubleshooting