Macintosh Frequently Asked Questions

Sue Lewis's Support page with links

Try our new Mac Discussion Board

General

  1. How do I update my virus protection software?
  2. How do I change my network password

 

Troubleshooting

  1. I can't print to the network printer, and it was fine on Friday. What should I do?
  2. If my Mac crashes on bootup and I am getting system errors, what should I do?
  3. My date and time have to be reset each time I reboot?
  4. When do I need to ZAP the PRAM?
  5. How do I ZAP the PRAM?
  6. What does it mean when I see "Application busy or missing." or Application cannot be found"?

E-mail

Also see General Outlook FAQs

  1. Why can't I open a file attachment sent to me?
  2. Calendar questions (under construction)

 

General

How do I update my virus protection software?

  1. Under the Apple Menu, go to Control Panels.
  2. Open the Norton Antivirus Control Panel.
  3. Click Live Update, and wait while the new virus definitions are downloaded.
  4. When the update is finished, click the Restart button and restart the machine.
Back to Top

How do I change my network password?

  1. Using Internet Explorer, go to http://www.mdc.edu/exchange 
  2. Open the link near bottom right of screen, The Exchange.
  3. Click on Change My Password and follow the prompts to change password.

*Recommended conventions: Use 8 characters, upper and lower case, add numbers or symbols. On the Mac 8 is the maximum length for the password.

Back to Top

System Problems

I can't print to the network printer, and it was fine on Friday. What should I do?

  1. Try reselecting the printer by going to the Chooser (under Apple menu).
  2. Click on LaserWriter 8.
  3. Double click on appropriate network printer from list on right.
  4. Desktop printer will be added.
  5. Delete the old printer. The newly created one will have a number 2 or higher next to it.
  6. If you prefer, delete the number at the end of the newly created printer.
Back to Top

If my Mac crashes on bootup and I am getting system errors, what should I do?"?

  1. Boot up with extensions off (hold down SHIFT key on startup).
  2. Go to Extensions manager control panel and make a basic set for startup.
  3. Add back extensions in small groups to isolate the one causing problem.
  4. Boot up with CD or disk tools disk and run Disk First Aid (located in Utilities on the System Disk).
  5. If problems still persist, try reinstalling system with a clean install (must be booted up from a disk or CD).
Back to Top

 

My date and time have to be reset each time I reboot?

  1. Your battery is dead and you need to replace it.
  2. Locate the battery and buy one like it from Radio Shack.
Back to Top

When do I need to ZAP the PRAM?

  1. Getting strange settings on Date/Time or color scheme
  2. A port will not work, such as SCSI, modem, etc.
  3. Startup errors such as sad Mac or Blinking Disk icon.
Back to Top

How do I ZAP the PRAM?

  1. Restart the Mac.
  2. Listen for the startup chime.
  3. Hold down COMMAND+OPTION+P+R keys and continue holding down until Mac restarts successively 5 times.
  4. Release the keys.
  5. Reset any settings such as Date/Time, TCP/IP control panel, etc.

*If you are unable to get the above to work correctly, you may also remove the battery for about 15 minutes and achieve the same results.

Back to Top

What does it mean when I see "Application busy or missing." or Application cannot be found"?

Possible solutions

  1. Install the needed program.
  2. If you have the program but still get error, try rebuilding the desktop file. (Startup while pressing COMMAND+OPTION+SHIFT and say "Yes" to rebuild, then restart the Mac.
  3. Update your version of the software.
  4. You may have two copies of the program. If so, delete the duplicate.
Back to Top

Why does my Mac keep showing where I logged into another Mac and every time it boots up the login screen comes up and I can't get rid of it?

This is because the Mac "remembers" and gives you the opportunity to log in there again or click Cancel. To get rid of this "convenience," go to the system folder, preferences folder, find and trash the appleshare prep file.

Back to Top

Email

Why can't I open a file attachment sent to me?

1. Check for the type of attachment. Is it a PDF file? If so, you need to have a recent version of Acrobat Reader to open it. If it is an animated file, it may be in a format not compatible with the Mac. Macs can open most formats, but not one that has an .exe as the extension name.

2. The file my be corrupted, or it have been removed by your virus protection software.
Revised: September 14, 2000 .