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Mac mini (Late 2009) Symptom Charts — Startup and Power 24
2009-11-03
Kernel Panic, System Crashes
Quick Check
Symptoms Quick Check
Kernel Panic, System Crashes
Kernel Panic on startup or •
desktop use.
System freeze during use.•
System freeze upon wake from •
sleep.
Isolate OS by starting up system from original 1.
Install media for the computer, the same make
and model computer in Target Disk Mode, or
compatible known-good OS on an external drive.
Both AirPort and Bluetooth services are available
when booted from the Install disk.
Ensure that all software and rmware updates 2.
for the computer have been installed to take
advantage of any available bug xes.
Reset SMC and PRAM to clear any stored, 3.
corrupted information.
Start up in Safe Mode by holding the shift key 4.
down during startup to load only required kernel
extensions and disable all startup and login
items. See KBase article
http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1564
Check the panic.log, located /Library/Logs/5.
Panicreporter, for information in the backtrace
that may give clues about the kernel panic.
For more information on kernel panics refer to 6.
KBase article
http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1392
Deep Dive
Check Result Action Code
Boot the machine to Apple 1.
Hardware Test on the Install
DVD, OR, boot Apple Server
diagnostics by holding down
the “D” key. Does the computer
boot up to this volume?
Yes Run the extended tests and
proceed with results. If AHT
passes or boots with a kernel
panic, go to step 2.
No Go to step 2.
Remove all peripheral devices 2.
including the keyboard and
mouse. Does computer start
without kernel panic?
Yes Add peripheral devices one at
a time until the kernel panic
repeats. Replace the device
causing the issue.
No Go to step 3.