iMac Troubleshooting

2 April 1999 - Evan Kleiman

The iMac, like any other computer, has it's occasional problem. I'm not talking about a problem like, "Oh no, I got lime, I wanted grape." or "Where's the serial port?" I'm talking about bigger problems, like the devastating flashing question mark.

But that's where the similarities end. The iMac, unlike any other Mac, needs to be fixed differently. Today I'll show you how to fix these problems.

My CD-ROM drive sounds just like my '82 Ford Escort - it's really noisy!

You probably have this problem if you have a Bondi blue iMac. This is an easy one to fix. Go to <http://asu.info.apple.com/> and get the iMac firmware update. Install it, and you're on your way. But just so you know, after you install the update, the light on the CD drive will stop flashing.

I get kicked offline a lot, what can iDo?

This problem can be fixed the same way. Go to <http://asu.info.apple.com/> and get the iMac firmware update. This is the same update you will need for the CD problem. This will make the modem smoother. But if you use AOL or live in an area with older phone lines, like the country, your results won't be as dramatic.

I need to install something on a multi-floppy installer, but my SuperDisk won't let me!

This is a real easy one. If you are using a multi-floppy installer, when the iMac (or Blue G3, for that matter) asks you for the disk, pop it in. Then reach around, unplug the USB cord, wait a few seconds, then plug it back in. The iMac will recognize the new disk.

I installed the Speech Recognition software, but it won't recognize!

This is because you need another file to make this software work. You need the iMac PlainTalk enabler. You can get it at <http://www.macspeech.com/>. Download it and pop it into your Extensions folder. Oh, by the way, you can get the SR software at <http://www.apple.com/macos/speech/>. Also remember to set your input to mic, and then set it back to CD when you're done with SR - if not, you won't be able to play CDs.

I seem to be losing memory; does my iMac need Ginkgo or something?

Nope, you don't need ginkgo, but you do need an update. You're probably using system software 8.5. You need OS 8.5.1, this is a free update. You can get it at the same site you can get the firmware update, <http://asu.info.apple.com/>. Install the update and you won't be losing memory.

Now you've seen how to fix your iMac's annoying problems, so hopefully it'll work like you want it to.  

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