IMac (Early 2008) Randomly Shutting Down

Question

In the last two days my iMac has shut down three times for no apparent reason. Reset SMC per article HT1543 earlier today and it hasn't happened again. Anyone know of any problems with this model iMac?

Answer 1

Hi,
I'm not aware of any issues with your iMac. Have you used the restore disk that came with your iMac to check the drive? If not, you should check the hard disk for errors.
Open Disk Utility, in the Utilities folder in the Applications folder.
Insert your Mac OS X Install disc in your computer’s optical drive or an optical drive connected to your computer, and then restart your computer. When you hear the startup tone, hold down the C key until you see the progress indicator, which looks like a spinning gear.
Follow the onscreen instructions until the menu bar appears with the Utilities menu in it, choose Utilities > Disk Utility, click First Aid, and then click Repair Disk. When it's finished, from the Menu Bar, select Utilities/Startup Disk. In the Startup Disk window select MacintoshHD 10.x.x and click Restart.
Something to keep in mind. A Mac needs about 15% free drive space to boot so keeping an eye on available space is important. Right click or Control + Click your MacintoshHD icon on your Desktop, click; Get Info Where is says: General, click the black arrow so it faces down. You will see Capacity and Available.
Sometimes it's necessary to reset the SMC. Unless this starts happening constantly, I think you're ok. If it the computer keeps shutting down regardless of doing the SMC, then you might want to take it in for service.
Carolyn