Abrupt Shutdown

Question

For the second time today (and never before) my computer suddenly shut down. It starts up again just fine but I cannot understand why this happens. I am appending my console log, perhaps someone can decipher it and let me know what's causing this. I had Safari with several tabs open, Entourage, Hardware Monitor, and I was playing a game of Solitaire when I went down.
Mac OS X Version 10.4.2 (Build 8C46)
2005-11-24 14:22:32 -0500
2005-11-24 14:22:33.563 HP Director (All-in-One)[99] CFLog (0):
CFPropertyListCreateFromXMLData(): plist parse failed; the data is not proper UTF-8. The file name for this data could be:
(UNKNOWN)
The parser will retry as in 10.2, but the problem should be corrected in the plist.
2005-11-24 14:22:34.458 HP Director (All-in-One)[99] CFLog (0):
CFPropertyListCreateFromXMLData(): plist parse failed; the data is not proper UTF-8. The file name for this data could be:
(UNKNOWN)
The parser will retry as in 10.2, but the problem should be corrected in the plist.
2005-11-24 14:22:34.468 HP Director (All-in-One)[99] CFLog (0):
CFPropertyListCreateFromXMLData(): plist parse failed; the data is not proper UTF-8. The file name for this data could be:
(UNKNOWN)
The parser will retry as in 10.2, but the problem should be corrected in the plist.
2005-11-24 14:22:34.490 HP Director (All-in-One)[99] CFLog (0):
CFPropertyListCreateFromXMLData(): plist parse failed; the data is not proper UTF-8. The file name for this data could be:
(UNKNOWN)
The parser will retry as in 10.2, but the problem should be corrected in the plist.
2005-11-24 14:22:36.326 SystemUIServer[93] Permitting load for class iClockMenu
2005-11-24 14:22:36.333 SystemUIServer[93] starting iClock 2 Menu Extra (1) 2.5.2
Nov 24 14:22:37 localhost 722534400: cupsd's bootstrap server port not found
2005-11-24 14:22:37.372 HimmelBar[100] HimmelBar is starting...
Nov 24 14:22:37 localhost mDNSResponder: Attempt to register record with invalid rdata: 262 WD-WMAES3955911.ttp4daemon.tcp.470312426444644. SRV <<INVALID LABEL LEN
2005-11-24 14:22:38.120 SystemUIServer[93] Permitting load for class iASMMenu
2005-11-24 14:22:38.122 SystemUIServer[93] starting iClock ASM Menu Extra...2.5.2
2005-11-24 14:22:38.376 Microsoft Database Daemon[108] CFLog (0): CFMessagePort: bootstrap_register(): failed 1103 (0x44f), port = 0x3f03, name = 'EntourageDD11'
See /usr/include/servers/bootstrap_defs.h for the error codes.
2005-11-24 14:22:38.379 Microsoft Database Daemon[108] CFLog (99): CFMessagePortCreateLocal(): failed to name Mach port (EntourageDD11)
2005-11-24 14:22:38.404 HimmelBar[100] Filesystem notification will be fired after 3 second(s).
Nov 24 14:22:42 localhost 722534400: cupsd's bootstrap server port not found
2005-11-24 14:22:45.847 Safari[107] * Illegal NSTableView data source (<PHAttachmentController: 0x111b840>[object class: NSString, number of selected objects: 0]). Must implement numberOfRowsInTableView: and tableView:objectValueForTableColumn:row:
Nov 24 14:22:47 Miriam-Gillitts-Computer 722534400: cupsd's bootstrap server port not found
Nov 24 14:22:52 Miriam-Gillitts-Computer 722534400: cupsd's bootstrap server port not found
Nov 24 14:22:55 Miriam-Gillitts-Computer diskarbitrationd[38]: HimmelBar [100]:20483 not responding.
Nov 24 14:22:55 Miriam-Gillitts-Computer diskarbitrationd[38]: SystemUIServer [93]:15875 not responding.
Nov 24 14:22:55 Miriam-Gillitts-Computer diskarbitrationd[38]: SystemUIServer [93]:13347 not responding.
Nov 24 14:22:57 Miriam-Gillitts-Computer 722534400: cupsd's bootstrap server port not found
2005-11-24 14:23:02.160 SystemUIServer[93] internal ip address 0: fe80::211:24ff:fe1e:d1e4
2005-11-24 14:23:02.171 SystemUIServer[93] internal ip address 0: 192.168.2.27
2005-11-24 14:23:04.350 SystemUIServer[93] external ip address: 69.21.249.160
2005-11-24 14:23:04.351 SystemUIServer[93] external ip address: 69.21.249.160
2005-11-24 14:23:04.351 SystemUIServer[93] external ip address: 69.21.249.160
Nov 24 14:23:05 Miriam-Gillitts-Computer 722534400: cupsd's bootstrap server port not found
2005-11-24 14:23:05.610 SystemUIServer[93] internal ip address 0: 192.168.2.27
Nov 24 14:23:10 Miriam-Gillitts-Computer 722534400: cupsd's bootstrap server port not found
Nov 24 14:23:15 Miriam-Gillitts-Computer 722534400: cupsd's bootstrap server port not found
Nov 24 14:23:20 Miriam-Gillitts-Computer 722534400: cupsd's bootstrap server port not found
Nov 24 14:23:25 Miriam-Gillitts-Computer 722534400: cupsd's bootstrap server port not found
All help gratefully received!
Miriam

Answer 1

Hi again, Miriam —
Thanks for your response. Glad you enjoyed Thanksgiving (me, too).
Given this repeated behavior — with no glaring software-related cause — I think at this point it would be worthwhile checking hardware.
If I owned an iMac G5 and were facing these circumstances, I think I'd try the iMac Troubleshooting Assistant (it's 24-7); and if necessary, call AppleCare as soon as feasible. (I'm presuming that your iMac G5 is within warranty or that you have an AppleCare Protection Plan in force, so this call is free.) My experience is that these folks are generally very helpful — and, if nothing else, it's worhtwhile opening a case number about the situation, in case you need it later. In the meantime, being prepared by trying everything reasonable is a good idea. So here are my suggestions — please note that some may depend on which iMac G5 model you have:
  (1) Confirm that your iMac G5's power cord hasn't inadvertently become unseated (see Article 86817 for details on this problem).
  (2) Reset the System Management Unit (SMU) according to the instructions in Article 301733. Quoting from the article:
"The SMU... is a microcontroller chip on the logic board that controls all power functions for your computer. If your computer is experiencing any power issue, resetting the SMU may resolve it. The SMU controls several functions, including:
    • Telling the computer when to turn on, turn off, sleep, wake, idle, and so on.
    • Handling system resets from various commands.
    • Controlling the fans.
Note that resetting the SMU does not reset the PRAM." (But your symptoms don't indicate PRAM problems.)
  (3) Run Apple Hardware Test (AHT) to test several hardware components — including logic board, memory, modem, sound circuitry, video, and AirPort card. If you're not familiar with this, here's how: option-boot to your Install Disc (the one with "Apple Hardware Test" in very small print on the label). When you see icons representing viable startup volumes, select AHT and continue. (You may need to have a USB mouse handy if you normally use Bluetooth and it doesn't work properly — but it should.) Follow instructions to run the "Extended Tests." Note that this may take 15-30 minutes (or more, in some cases) — and that the final (video) tests look funny (sequencing screen color and plaid displays). Note all results carefully.
That should be adequate before calling — but, if you're comfortable proceeding, you may  want to —
  (4) Check your iMac G5's diagnostic LEDs.
  (5) Something that seems unlikely — but I'll mention, just in case: If your iMac G5 is a first-generation model, does its serial number fall within one of the following ranges? (Given in  menu »» About this Mac by clicking twice where you see "Version 10.4.2.") Serial Number ranges:
    • W8435xxxxxx - W8522xxxxxx
    • QP435xxxxxx - QP522xxxxxx
    • CK435xxxxxx - CK522xxxxxx
    • YD435xxxxxx - YD522xxxxxx
If so, please consult this document.
  (6) Please also read Article 302212 — although it may not apply to your iMac G5 model. (Note that OS X 10.4.3 is required.)
Again, Miriam — I wish you the best of good luck. I'd be interested to hear back how things work out for you.
Sincerely,
Dean
Edit: Gee, Miriam, I just read in another thread that you've had to have your iMac G5's logic board replaced previously. Everything I've suggested is probably "old hat" to you...