If Address Book "hangs" (spinning "beach ball") when trying to create a new smart list, etc the address book database might be corrupted. Try exporting the entries, then quitting Address Book, deleting the Address Book folder in the user library, in the Application Support folder. Run Address Book again and import the entries.
If the entries won't export they are probably lost because the database will need to be deleted anyway!
Tip 2: Admin Crashing when Printing
If Admin crashes when printing check that the "Don't show progress dialog-I have a fast machine" option has not been turned on. This is accessed through Preferences, then clicking More.
I probably won't fix this bug because Admin is being discontinued anyway.
Tip 3: App Store Problems
When accessing App store, you might get this error: "The data couldn't be read because it isn't in the correct format", and other odd behaviour downloading, etc.
Removed these files from: ~/Library/Preferences/ ... com.apple.appstore.commerce.plist com.apple.appstore.plist com.apple.appstore.plist.lockfile com.apple.appstored.plist Then reboot
Tip 4: Apple Diagnostics Codes
These codes are generated by the Apple diagnostics system. To find out how to start this system, search for "Start Apple Diagnostics" in this tips database.
ADP000 - No issues found.
ALS001 Possible issue with the ambient light sensor.
BMT001, BMT003, BMT004, BMT005 - Possible issue with the Touch ID sensor.
CEH001, CEH002 - Possible issue with the case handle. The housing latch may be unlocked. Verify the latch is in the fully locked position, then run the test again.
CNT001, CNT002, CNT003, CNT004, CNT005, CNT006, CNT007- Possible issue with the Ethernet hardware.
CNW001, CNW003, CNW004, CNW005, CNW006 - Possible issue with the Wi-Fi hardware.
CNW007, CNW008 - No Wi-Fi networks are detected. Possible issue with the Wi- Fi hardware. Run the test again in range of a Wi-Fi network.
DFR001 - Possible issue with the Touch Bar.
IMU001 - Possible issue with the accelerometer or gyroscope.
LAS001, LAS002, LAS003, LAS004 - Possible issue with the open/close sensor.
NDC001, NDC003, NDC004, NDC005, NDC006 - Possible issue with the camera.
NDD001 - Possible issue with the USB hardware. Disconnect all external devices except keyboard, mouse and ethernet adapter and run the test again.
NDK001, NDK003, NDK004 - Possible issue with the keyboard.
NDL001 - Possible issue with the Bluetooth hardware.
NDR001, NDR003, NDR004, NDR005, NDR006 - Possible issue with the trackpad.
NDT001, NDT002, NDT003, NDT004, NDT005, NDT006 - Possible issue with the Thunderbolt hardware. Disconnect Thunderbolt devices and run the test again.
NNN001 - A serial number was not detected.
PFM001, PFM002, PFM003, PFM004, PFM005, PFM006, PFM007 - Possible issue with the System Management Controller (SMC).
PFR001 - Possible issue with the firmware.
PPF001, PPF003, PPF004 - Possible issue with the fans.
PPM001 - Possible issue a memory module.
PPM002, PPM003, PPM004, PPM005, PPM006, PPM007, PPM008, PPM009, PPM010, PPM011, PPM012, PPM013, PPM014, PPM015, PPM016 - Possible issue with the built-in memory.
PPN001, PPN002 - Possible issue with the power-management system.
PPP001, PPP002, PPP003, PPP004, PPP005, PPP006, PPP007, PPP008 - Possible issue with the power adapter. Check that you are using the correct adapter, disconnect it from the computer and wall, then reconnect it and run the test again.
PPR001 - Possible issue with the processor.
PPT002, PPT003 - The battery will need to be replaced soon. It is functioning normally, but has reduced capacity.
VDC001, VDC003, VDC004, VDC005, VDC006, VDC007 - Possible issue with the SD card reader.
VDH001, VDH002, VDH003, VDH004 - Possible issue with a storage device (hard disk or SSD).
VDH005 - Unable to start macOS Recovery.
VFD001, VFD002, VFD003, VFD004, VFD005, VFD006, VFD007 -Possible issue with the display or graphics processor.
VFD008, VFD009 - Possible issue with the HDMI controller.
VFF001, VFF002, VFF003 - Possible issue with the audio hardware.
Tip 5: Apple Mail Message Errors
If messages won;t transfer, or Mail shows other inconsistent behaviour, try rebuilding Apple Mail’s database by deleting envelope index files...
Quit from Mail, and return to Finder.
Open the Library folder (either make it visible, or hold down option key while using the "Go" menu, or use the "Go to Folder" command).
Open the "Mail" folder. Open the latest "V" folder (it is "V9" for Monterey, "V10" for Sonoma)
Open the "Mail Data" folder.
Delete all files that begin with "Envelope Index"
Optionally remove saved application state as well. Go to "Saved Application State" in "Library" folder. Find "com.apple.mail.savedState". If it's an alias, find the original and delete it, otherwise just delete it.
Launch Mail again. it will show a window "Message Import". Wait for this to complete.
Tip 6: Apple Silicon Macs Safe Mode
You might need to start an Apple Silicon Macs in safe mode
Safe mode is a simplified option at startup which loads only the basic essentials. It can be useful for diagnosing faults, especially when the machine won't boot normally.
Apple Silicon Macs are the models, starting about 2020, which use the new "M" series processors, such as the M1, M1 Pro, and M2.
To start in safe mode... Turn the Mac off, let it sit powered off for 10 seconds Press and hold the POWER button until you see the Options screen Press and hold SHIFT key and choose "Continue in Safe Mode".
Tip 7: Asked for Keychain Password at Login
If you are asked for a keychain password after you log in to a Mac.
The keychain password is the same as the login password by default, and is supplied when you log in. If you change the login password through the password reset method they don't match any more, which is what causes the request for the keychain password.
You can delete the old keychain and you will be asked to create a new one which you can set the password for. If you make it the same as the login password, the prompt for the password should go away.
Important Note: You will lose all the passwords stored in the keychain, but if you don't know the keychain password they are inaccessible anyway.
From the desktop/Finder, click the Go menu. If you see "Library", choose it. If you don't, hold down option key and it should appear. In the folder that appears, delete the Keychains folder. If you can't delete the folder, delete its contents. Logout and login again, or restart. You should be asked to create a new keychain. Set the password for this to the same as the login password.
Tip 8: Bad Block Scan from Terminal
How to do a bad block scan of a volume.
This reads the whole disk and reports any (hardware) errors found.
List available disks: diskutil list Find the ID of volume to be scanned in the list, eg /dev/disk2
Meaning of options... d = output debugging info y = assume a yes response to all questions l = live fsck (lock down and test-only) S = Scan disk for bad blocks
Tip 9: Bogus Notifications from Web Site
Sometimes fraudulent web sites might send you messages to try to make you do something that you shouldn't. For example, you might get errors like "System Mac OS is infected. Choose an action to restore the system".
In most cases, there is nothing genuinely wrong, and the messages are just a nuisance (unless you do what they tell you to do, which you generally shouldn't). To stop a web site sending you unwanted messages, follow these steps:
In Safari, go to Preferences. Then click Websites. Then click Notifications in the list on left. Then look through the list and remove anything that looks suspicious.
Tip 10: Boot Into Safe Mode
Boot Into Safe Mode on Intel CPU Macs
Restart the Mac while holding dow the shift key.
When the login window appears, release the shift key.
Log in normally. There should be a "safe boot notification" visible in the upper-right corner.
Steps to Boot Into Safe Mode on Apple Silicon Macs
Shut down the computer.
Hold down the power button for 10 seconds, and wait while the machine restarts.
Continue to hold the button until you see startup options screen.
Choose the startup disk, hold shift, and select "Continue in Safe Mode".
Log in normally.
Tip 11: Cached Credentials Expired
How to Fix "Sign in Required: Cached Credentials Expired" in Office on Mac
Make sure your Office apps were closed (inc OneDrive). Open Keychain Access. Look for Microsoft Office Credentials, in the "login" keychain. Delete them. Note: Make a note of your user name and password first. Open the apps again you should see something like this: "To sync changes with OneDrive, Microsoft Excel needs access to your OneDrive folder" Or you might be asked to sign in again. Sign in if required. Re-launch the required apps.
Tip 12: Can iSight Indicator Light be Bypassed?
Can the iSight webcam be used without activating the indicator light?
It seems to depend on the model of the computer. It can be done in machines prior to 2008, but probably not after that. A discussion at Stack Exchange reached this conclusion: All Apple laptops have cameras that cannot be disabled (unless the LED is burnt out). Due to the way the iSight is set up electrically, the green light will always be on when in use.
Tip 13: Cannot add Ricoh SP3510 printer
If System Prefernces on 10.11 freezes after clicking "Add" for a Ricoh SP 3510 DN printer, try entering a queue name or upgrading the firmware on the printer (this can be done from Mac). Alternatively, wait about an hour for the add function to work!
The firmware URL is http://support.ricoh.com/bb/html/dr_ut_e/apc/model/sp35/sp35.htm?lang=en
Tip 14: Cannot Change Printer Settings
If changing printer settings no longer works because the system starts requesting the lpadmin password try this command in Terminal:
dseditgroup -o edit -p -a admin -t group _lpadmin
This adds the admin user back to the lpadmin group and changes should then be possible.
Tip 15: Cannot Connect to Public Wifi
This started with Mac OS Mojave, and still happens occasionally. A message something like "A problem occurred: The web page couldn’t be loaded" is displayed.
This is a quick workaround for that malfunction. Once you connect to the public wifi instead of a captive window an error shows up: "A Problem Occurred. The web page couldn’t be loaded"
There seems to be an issue with displaying the captive screen within the integrated browser. Open up another browser, like Safari and bookmark/open the following page:
http://captive.apple.com
It might be necessary to refresh this page multiple times until the correct captive screen will be shown. But after a few retries you should be able to authenticate.
Tip 16: Cannot Launch Mail
If you get this message: "Mail cannot save information about your mailboxes because there isn’t enough space in your home folder"...
Check for a home directory access/permissions issue, then try deleting the file "Envelope Index-journal" in ~/Library/Mail or ~/Library/Mail/V6/MailData
Or from the terminal: either for older versions: cd ~/Library/Mail or for newer versions: cd ~/Library/Mail/V6/MailData Then: rm Envelope\ Index-journal
That will force the sqllite database to reindex which will help if a corrupt index has caused this error.
Tip 17: Change App Layout on Apple Watch
When you press the digital crown on an Apple Watch it displays the apps installed on the watch. By default they are a group of small icons which are sort of fun to look at, but are very difficult to navigate, because they aren't in any particular order, and don't have the app name displayed.
You can re-order these using the Watch app on your iPhone, but I suggest viewing them as a list instead. There are two ways to do this, one on the phone, and the other on the watch:
On the watch
Open the app list by pressing the digital crown. Long press on this screen (press for about a second). Tap "List View" in the menu that appears. You can also tap "Edit Apps" to make certain apps not appear in the list.
On the phone
Start the Watch app. Tap "App View". Choose "List View" The changes should appear on the watch.
Using the List
After changing to List View, open an app like this: Open the app list by pressing the digital crown. The apps should appear in alphabetical order. Scroll up and down by turning the digital crown. Tap the app you want to launch.
Tip 18: Change Columns Shown in Open Dialog
When the open dialog (the one that gives you a list of possible files to open after using the Open command) is displayed you can choose which fields are displayed in list view, just like you can in the Finder. tips Note: You can choose how the icons are being displayed (icon, list, columns) in the menu near top-left of the Open window. This tip applies to list view.
Just right-click on one of the column headings (Name, Size, etc) and select from the list in the pop-up menu.
It should remember what you have selected, at least for that app.
Tip 19: Change Computer Name in Ventura
Renaming a Mac is different in Ventura (and other modern versions of the system, like Sonoma) from previous systems. Just follow these steps...
Choose System Settings from the Apple menu. Choose General settings, then About. Look for "Name" and click on the text to the right of it. Type a new computer name, then hit return when finished.
Tip 20: Change Prefs using Terminal
Mac OS X has a flexible settings and preferences management system which makes it easy to configure the computer the way you want. Most of the important settings for applications can be set in the application's preferences, and many system level settings can be set in the System Preferences, but there are many more than this that can only be changes using more obscure methods!
Because Mac OS X is built on top of Unix, many features can be accessed through the Unix terminal. The terminal is a program which allows the user to type commands instead of using the graphical interface most Mac users are used to. The Terminal program is in the Utilities folder, inside the Applications folder. Note that the terminal gives you access to hundreds of incredibly powerful utilities, but with great power comes great danger! With a few keystrokes terminal can erase every file on your disk, so be careful!
There is a Unix utility called "defaults" which allows setting preferences from the command line which aren't usually available from the graphical interface. The commands below show some of the things it can do. Remember to type things exactly as shown, or better copy them from this page and paste them into terminal. if you are unsure about a command don't use it! I am not responsible for any problems that result!
Drag and Drop Delay
Many people have problems dragging and dropping text in Cocoa applications (many modern Mac OS X programs are written using Cocoa, for example Mail and Safari). The reason this happens is that the dragger (ie the user) must highlight the text, then click on it and hold the button down with the mouse still for 1 second (an eternity), and then drag the text. Older Carbon programs (eg Eudora) have a shorter delay so the problem doesn't seem to happen.
The answer, of course, is to reduce the delay, with: defaults write -g NSDragAndDropTextDelay -int 100
The number on the end is the required delay in milliseconds (so the command above sets the delay to 1/10th second). Type (or copy and paste, or drag and drop!) this command in the terminal. Programs only change after they are restarted. You don't need to restart the computer.
Change Location of Screen Capture Files
By default, when you take a snapshot of the screen, using command-shift-3 or command-shift-4, a file is created on your desktop. This tends to clutter it a bit and it is often useful to save them somewhere else.By using the defaults command you can specify a path to the location you want the files saved into.
Here's the command: defaults write com.apple.screencapture location /Users/owen/Documents
Of course, you will need to change the path (unless you happen to have a user called "owen"). Create the folder (if it doesn't already exist) before making the change. The path must also be complete, so you cannot specify a path based on the user's home folder (using ~) or a relative path. To activate the change log out and log back in again. if you have spaces in the name of a folder in the path you will need to use "\" to prefix it, For exmaple, if you have a folder called "Screen Shots" in your home folder use: /Users/username/Screen\ Shots.
You can also change the type of graphics files that the screen capture program generates. if you don't find the default, PDF, very useful try this command.
Use this to change to JPEG: defaults write com.apple.screencapture type jpg
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I usually write a blog post about once a week. The latest post can be viewed here: Confidence vs Competence: Forget confidence, give me competence instead! (posted 2024-09-10 at 21:26:31). I do podcasts too!. You can listen to my latest podcast, here: OJB's Podcast 2024-08-22 Stirring Up Trouble: Let's just get every view out there and fairly debate them..
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