CF card + card reader + iMac + OSX Lion = Dead mouse + keyboard

Question

When I insert a CF card to my card reader which connects to iMac 2011 running OSX Lion, both my magic mouse and wireless keyboard stop working. I have to do a force shut down to resolve. What would be the root cause and any permanent fix?

Answer 1

Try doing a both SMC and PRAM resets, you should try each 2-3 times if they don't work the first time. If that doesn't work then restart in Safe Mode which will clear some caches, it's possible one has become corrupt.
SMC RESET
Shut down the computer.
Unplug the computer's power cord and all peripherals.
Press and hold the power button for 5 seconds.
Release the power button.
Attach the computers power cable.
Press the power button to turn on the computer.
PRAM RESET
Shut down the computer.
Locate the following keys on the keyboard: Command, Option, P, and R. You will need to hold these keys down simultaneously in step 4.
Turn on the computer.
Press and hold the Command-Option-P-R keys. You must press this key combination before the gray screen appears.
Hold the keys down until the computer restarts and you hear the startup sound for the second time.
Release the keys.