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philsvoice · Posted: Tue Jul 12, 2011 6:34 pm Post subject: Kernel panics on an iMac

Everyone: I've been having this issue with Kernel panics within my iMac, where the computer suddenly crashes, I see a screen that says "You need to restart your computer. Hold the power button down for several seconds."

It never happens in the middle of using my computer. It always happens after I've left it on, and I come back after a while. I've already called Apple tech support and they had me reinstall some applications and tweak some settings. They told me that at this point, I should bring it into an Apple retail location, but that's an absolute last resort for me.

Has anyone else had this problem, and how did you fix it?

Thanks.

captain54 · Lucky 700 Joined: 30 Jan 2006 Posts: 744 Location: chicago

you didn't specify your OS, whether you added RAM, hardware, what other kinds of A Hobo Tounge

's you have running, so it's hard to say really.

the most common reason for a kernel panic is bad RAM. Your hard disk could be writing bad sectors, in other words, your hard disk is going. Apple Tech can perform all the hardware tests.

the easiest fix is to re-install your OS.

georgethetech · Posted: Wed Jul 13, 2011 1:12 am Post subject:

My friend was suffering from Kernel panics until she stopped using Google Chrome on her Mac Mini... totally bizarre, I know. It was a similar thing where it wouldn't KP while she was actively using it, but when she'd leave it alone a while, it would KP. If that isn't the case for you, then read on.

It's often caused by bad memory modules or a bad USB device.
Unplug devices one at a time until it stops the symptoms.
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Mike Sommer · Posted: Wed Jul 13, 2011 4:01 am Post subject:

There are lots of reasons for this the list is too give, but mostly they are- hardware damage or failure, core OS corruption, deleted folders, even improperly installed fonts will shut down a Mac.

If you have OS X 10.5:
http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?path=Mac/10.5/en/8965.html

For OS X 10.4 :
http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?path=Mac/10.4/en/mh2238.html

Then there is The X Lab:
http://www.thexlab.com/faqs/kernelpanics.html#Anchor-Troubleshooting-49575

Your Hard Drive could be failing- that's an easy fix. Right!!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8Xs_1QCyPAg

So if the simple stuff will not fix it, and it's a hardware issue, there is not much you can do but take it to apple or a really good Mac tech.
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danbrantley · Posted: Tue Jul 19, 2011 3:35 pm Post subject:

As captain54 said, you did not give any specifics on your iMac. If it is the older PowerPC unit, they had a logic board problem that would result in kernel panics, and worse.
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