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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
(marked with the I icon) on the back of your Macintosh PowerBook
to restart the computer.
3. Reset the PRAM (see “The Computer Makes Unusual Sounds 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.
The computer exhibits odd behavior, such as many unexplained system failures.
m Check for multiple System Folders on your startup disk, using the Find File
command. Throw away extra System Folders (but do not throw away any
System Folders from your RAM Disk Backup folder). The System Folder
that your computer is using has a small computer icon on it.
m Check for viruses on all your disks, using a virus-detection program.
Eliminate any viruses the program finds.
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Tips and Troubleshooting