IMac freezing after 1-2 hours of usage.

I have an iMac (newest design without the 16:9 screen) when I use it for let's say an hour it starts freezing up easily and doesn't even get past the white screen with the apple logo when I restart it. When I turn it off and let it cool down for let's say 30 min it starts to work normally again for another hour. It usually the worst when I sync my iPhone. iPhoto opens and when I click on iTunes it freezes. If you don't restart and wait 10 minutes it will go to iTunes but once you click on something else it will again start giving the spinning color wheel and freeze for another 10 minutes until it gets the task completed. It is not only for iTunes or iPhoto. It does it on everything from closing safari to watching a YouTube video on Firefox.

When you say "start up disk", what are you refering too? I have a similar problem with the spinning multi color wheel thing.
I purchased my iMac in 2009. It's a 24". I have a 1TB internal harddrive and a 1 TB time capsule. My harddrive was full (970Gb's used) as well as my time capsule. So I bought a 2tb extern harddrive. I moved all my videos to this external harddrive and now have about 330 G's used up on my iMac. I also wanted to free up the time capsule so I decided to reformat it. I used the quick method.
One thing I also did recently was purchase the lion operating system. Plus I also bought the latest iMovie and iPhoto. I think there are glitches with the latest operating system.
I've also started having a problem with my screen when I first sit down to use my iMac. I click the mouse to wake the iMac, then need to chose which login to use. I have 2. Mine and one for my kids. However, what I get is a black screen but when I move my mouse around, it clears the screen where the mouse has passed...very weird. Anyway, once I reveal my login tab and click on it, I can enter my password and login. Then the black screen disappears. But this is where my iMac is slow.
The other thing is, my wifi wasn't working. I got it fixed by following the time capsule set up thing.
Then my iMac couldn't see my printer. It gave the option to download the driver. Not sure why since it was working before but I chose to download it. But then I got a message stating it couldn't be downloaded at this time.
To be honest, I've spoken so proudly about all my apple purchases to my friends and family. My comment has been that the apple product "just works"! My opinion is changing through constant frustration. The biggest problem is that it's difficult to carry my iMac to one of the apple stores. It's not like carrying a laptop.
Also, when I call AppleCare, they tell me they can't log into my iMac. So this makes dealing with apple a challenge.
Sorry for the rant.

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My imac freezes after 5 minutes of use

my imac freezes after 5 minutes of use, that's including after i reboot. is there something that i'm not doning because it's freezing on all my programs.

Please read this whole message before doing anything.
This procedure is a diagnostic test. It’s unlikely to solve your problem. Don’t be disappointed when you find that nothing has changed after you complete it.
The purpose of the test is to determine whether the problem is caused by third-party software that loads automatically at startup or login, or by a peripheral device.
Disconnect all wired peripherals except those needed for the test, and remove all aftermarket expansion cards. Boot in safe mode and log in to the account with the problem. Note: If FileVault is enabled, or if a firmware password is set, or if the boot volume is a software RAID, you can’t do this. Ask for further instructions.
Safe mode is much slower to boot and run than normal, and some things won’t work at all, including Wi-Fi on certain iMacs. The next normal boot may also be somewhat slow.
The login screen appears even if you usually log in automatically. You must know your login password in order to log in. If you’ve forgotten the password, you will need to reset it before you begin. Test while in safe mode. Same problem? After testing, reboot as usual (i.e., not in safe mode) and verify that you still have the problem. Post the results of the test.

HT4889 using migration from mac to mac, freezes after a few hours.

I'm using migration from my old mac to my new one, it's taking forever and freezes after a few hours.
Help

computer_tim wrote:
I have a W7 pc sharing storage on my network.
when connecting when first starting my macbook, it connects fine, but after a few hours it drops out,
That's normal. Connections to non-server Windows machines will drop after a period of non-use.
and i am unable to connect to it unless i restart my macbook.
That's not normal. You should be able to reconnect at will.
I have been using "connect to server" to connect my network shares, and when i try to reconnect them using this, it just keeps trying to connect, and wont ever connect even after leaving it to try for over 4 hours (connecting when first starting is fine, taking less than a minute).
There's a network connectivity problem. That is not how things are supposed to work.
sounds similar to a problem with the 10.6 server, where smb crashes.
Okay, you definitely have a network connectivity problem. OS X Server is not supposed to behave that way. What kind of network infrastructure do you have? What make/model routers, switches, hubs, whatever? WIred/wireless? What class cabling or if wireless, what class wireless?
is there a way to restart smb service on the macbook, or even fix it, so that it doesnt have to always be reconnected?
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computer_tim

Imac freezes after sleep

Just 4 days ago, I noticed that my iMac freezes after sleep, I haven't added or altered any programs nor downloaded any new software.
System was working perfectly prior to this.
Any ideas? My iMac is a 21.5 inches, 3.06 GHz Intel 2Duo, 4GB 1067 MHz DDR3, 500GB HDD
Thanks

Just 4 days ago, I noticed that my iMac freezes after sleep, I haven't added or altered any programs nor downloaded any new software.
System was working perfectly prior to this.
Any ideas? My iMac is a 21.5 inches, 3.06 GHz Intel 2Duo, 4GB 1067 MHz DDR3, 500GB HDD
Thanks

My iMac freezes after installation of Mavericks

My iMac set. with the new Mavericks has started freezing, or going into sleep mode, and will not wake up. I have to hold the power button in for about ten seconds to force it to close down, wait a few seconds, the press power button again and it will boot normally.
It will sometimes just freeze the screen, and other times go to a blank screen. Nothing will wake it up.
<Personal Information Edited by Host>

I have had consistent freezes after my MBP (15 in 2.4/2.2 GHz) goes to sleep since I installed Mavericks. When it's frozen, the fan is going hard, but nothing will wake it up -- not mouse motion, key presses (including "force quit" chord), closing and opening lid, etc. I have to force a shutdown with the power button, and restart it.
The only thing I've found to prevent the freeze is to prevent going to sleep. There's nothing that I recognize as suspicious in the console log. I've reinstalled Mavericks, I've fixed permissions, I've repaired the hard drive, I've removed plugins. I don't know what else to try. So I'm looking for suggestions, please!

My Imac freezes after...

After being in sleep mode, my Imac freezes whenever I try to play internet-based video. It is the newest model and I've had it for about 6 weeks. It is realy frustrating!

You have 90 days Free Telephone Support... (3 Years if you Purchased AppleCare).
Give AppleCare a call and ask for assistance...

Why does it freeze after a few hours? Particularly YT videos won't show.

If I leave my computer on for a couple of hours and then try using it, many functions freeze like the ability to copy/paste and Youtube videos don't show, it's just a blank screen. This has been going on for a long time and it gets very frustrating having to be restarting my computer every time this issue comes up. Another serious issue is when I want to go directly to any site ex. cpl retail, and instead of taking me there it takes me to a search page. I have to be using other internet options b/c this issues are really getting tiresome to deal with.

It seems like your computer may be hanging on a process or perhaps even a long running script on the page you're on. If you will, please let me know how much RAM you have available when you start your computer, then how much you have after a few hours. This may be completely irrelevant, but it's worth a shot. :)

IMac freezes after a few seconds

Hi everyone,
my iMac freezes right after starting up. the clock and the time of internet connection keeps on counting. but the (wired) mighty mouse and keyboard get no power I think. plus the bluetooth symbol is crossed out, although bluetooth is disabled... cannot start repair or system, because it freezes after just a few seconds everytime I start up. anyone any idea.
thanks,
alex
iMac G5 1,8 GHz, 512 RAM

Hi Alex,
Try disconnecting everything from the Mac including power supply, give it a few seconds, while waiting unplug keyboard and plug into different USB PORT, now re-connect power supply and turn on machine... see if you can get your Mac to boot up properly... here's a link explaining the procedure: http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=301733
Rick
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IMac freezing after update to Yosemite

Hi reader!
I'm struggling with my iMac after I've updated to Yosemite.
Problem description:
My iMac keeps crashing when I launch some specific demanding programs.
I tried to launch a game, Heroes of Newerth, it keeps freezing the iMac totally, after 10-15 sec.
When i launch videos on Facebook it does the same.
I can play movies in VLC and i can surf on the internet, but not watch youtube videos.
I’ve tried deleting apps like Adobe and Java, but can’t seem to delete Java to reinstall it.
These apps are being reinstalled as I write this.
The real issue is, it happened suddenly after some weeks after I updated to Yosemite, and i haven't updated anything else the last 2-3 days.
I am really in a pickle, with exam-reading coming up, and I have a lot of stuff backed up on a USB drive, but not it all.
I can't even get diskwarrior before it freezes up.
My specs are
iMac 24-inch, early 2009
Processor 2,93 GHz Intel core 2 duo
Memory 4 gb 1067 MHz DDR3
Graphics ATI Radeon HD 4850 512 MB
If more is needed, I'll be happy to provide it.
Thanks, appreciate the help!

The Etrecheck report:
Problem description:
My iMac keeps crashing when a launch some specific demanding programs.
I tried to launch a game Heroes of Newerth, it keeps freezing the iMac totally, after 10-15 sec.
When i launch videos on Facebook it does the same.
I can play movies in VLC and i can surf on the internet, but not watch youtube videos.
I’ve tried deleting apps like Adobe and Java, but can’t seem to delete Java to reinstall it.
EtreCheck version: 2.0.11 (98)
Report generated 19 Nov 2014 12:35:23 CET
Hardware Information: ℹ️
    iMac (24-inch, Early 2009) (Verified)
    iMac - model: iMac9,1
    1 2.93 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo CPU: 2-core
    4 GB RAM Upgradeable
        BANK 0/DIMM0
            2 GB DDR3 1067 MHz ok
        BANK 1/DIMM0
            2 GB DDR3 1067 MHz ok
    Bluetooth: Old - Handoff/Airdrop2 not supported
    Wireless: en1: 802.11 a/b/g/n
Video Information: ℹ️
    ATI Radeon HD 4850 - VRAM: 512 MB
        iMac 1920 x 1200
System Software: ℹ️
    OS X 10.10 (14A389) - Uptime: 0:13:24
Disk Information: ℹ️
    WDC WD6400AAKS-40H2B0 disk0 : (640,14 GB)
    S.M.A.R.T. Status: Verified
        EFI (disk0s1) <not mounted> : 210 MB
        Macintosh HD (disk0s2) / [Startup]: 639.28 GB (232.15 GB free)
        Recovery HD (disk0s3) <not mounted> [Recovery]: 650 MB
    OPTIARC DVD RW AD-5670S
USB Information: ℹ️
    Apple, Inc. Keyboard Hub
        Apple Inc. Apple Keyboard
    Apple Inc. Built-in iSight
    Apple Inc. BRCM2046 Hub
        Apple Inc. Bluetooth USB Host Controller
    Apple Computer, Inc. IR Receiver
    Razer Razer Abyssus
Gatekeeper: ℹ️
    Mac App Store and identified developers
Problem System Launch Daemons: ℹ️
    [failed]    com.apple.ucupdate.plist
    [failed]    com.apple.watchdogd.plist
Launch Agents: ℹ️
    [not loaded]    com.oracle.java.Java-Updater.plist Support
Launch Daemons: ℹ️
    [not loaded]    com.adobe.fpsaud.plist Support
    [not loaded]    com.macpaw.CleanMyMac2.Agent.plist Support
    [not loaded]    com.microsoft.office.licensing.helper.plist Support
    [not loaded]    com.oracle.java.Helper-Tool.plist Support
    [not loaded]    com.oracle.java.JavaUpdateHelper.plist Support
    [not loaded]    com.zeobit.MacKeeper.plugin.AntiTheft.daemon.plist Support
User Launch Agents: ℹ️
    [invalid?]    com.adobe.ARM.[...].plist Support
    [not loaded]    com.facebook.videochat.[redacted].plist Support
    [not loaded]    com.macpaw.CleanMyMac2Helper.scheduledScan.plist Support
    [not loaded]    com.macpaw.CleanMyMac2Helper.trashWatcher.plist Support
    [not loaded]    com.spotify.webhelper.plist Support
    [not loaded]    com.valvesoftware.steamclean.plist Support
User Login Items: ℹ️
    iTunesHelper    ApplicationHidden (/Applications/iTunes.app/Contents/MacOS/iTunesHelper.app)
Internet Plug-ins: ℹ️
    Flip4Mac WMV Plugin: Version: 3.2.0.16   - SDK 10.8 Support
    FlashPlayer-10.6: Version: 14.0.0.145 - SDK 10.6 Support
    Default Browser: Version: 600 - SDK 10.10
    AdobePDFViewerNPAPI: Version: 11.0.09 - SDK 10.6 Support
    AdobePDFViewer: Version: 11.0.09 - SDK 10.6 Support
    Flash Player: Version: 14.0.0.145 - SDK 10.6 Mismatch! Adobe recommends 15.0.0.223
    QuickTime Plugin: Version: 7.7.3
    SharePointBrowserPlugin: Version: 14.4.5 - SDK 10.6 Support
    Silverlight: Version: 5.1.20913.0 - SDK 10.6 Support
    JavaAppletPlugin: Version: Java 8 Update 25 Check version
3rd Party Preference Panes: ℹ️
    Flash Player Support
    Flip4Mac WMV Support
    Java Support
Time Machine: ℹ️
    Time Machine not configured!
Top Processes by CPU: ℹ️
        87%    plugin-container
        29%    firefox
        24%    System Preferences
        11%    WindowServer
         0%    fontd
Top Processes by Memory: ℹ️
    527 MB    firefox
    125 MB    Finder
    95 MB    WindowServer
    86 MB    plugin-container
    77 MB    CalendarAgent
Virtual Memory Information: ℹ️
    404 MB    Free RAM
    1.95 GB    Active RAM
    1.56 GB    Inactive RAM
    383 MB    Wired RAM
    877 MB    Page-ins
    25 KB    Page-outs

IMac freezes after downloading Macromedia Flash and Shockwave

I just got my iMac less than a month ago. It ran fine until I downloaded the latest versions of Macromedia Flash and Shockwave in order to view certain websites. Since then, my iMac freezes about once a day. How do I uninstall Flash and Shockwave to determine if they are the cause of the freezes?
iMac 20" 2.16GHz Intel Core 2 Duo Mac OS X (10.4.9) 128MB VRAM, 2GB 667 DDR2 SDRAM - 2x1GB

I have a gut feeling it's Shockwave that is causing the freezes. If you aren't familiar with Spotlight yet, it's the icon with a blue circle top right in your Menu. Click the Spotlight icon, in the Search field type in Shockwave. That will give you a list of where the Shockwave folders are and the components. Drag the Shockwave files to the Trash and empty the Trash.
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IMac freezing after startup

My 2010 iMac freezes every time I boot it up. I have completely erased the hard drive and started fresh with Snow Leopard, repaired the disk/disk permissions, booted in safe mode, reset the PRAM...I've tried everything to no avail. Within 30 seconds-2 minutes of startup, the spinning beach ball appears and I can't do anything. I guess it's not actually "frozen," as I can still move the mouse and click on things, but they won't actually open. Example: I can click on the apple menu and click about this mac, but it won't open the window. I have been trying to download the Snow Leopard update so that I can install Mavericks to see if that will help, but either the software check stalls or the download stalls within minutes of starting. Any ideas?!

Just to rule out hardware issues, run the AHT.
See: Using Apple Hardware Test on computers with OS X 10.5.5 to 10.6.8 > Apple Hardware Test

My iMac freezes after 3 hours of no activity

My iMac (3 years old) and running Mavericks since it was released, just started locking up/freezing 4 days ago. The screen will be frozen at the point the issue happens. At this point you can not do anything, the mouse cursor will not move and using any keys on keyboard does not work. I earlier checked my engery savings setting and set both Monitor and HDD activity to never and ensure the HDD Sleep is off. I also change batteries for keyboard and track pad. None of this help. I had a clock running last night on the screen and at the point of the screen locking/freezing, it was about 3 hours after my last activity of use. The only way to get past this is to do the "cold-reboot" of the Mac over the past 4 days. Which is not very good workaround. I do have plenty of available HDD space remaining 1TB and my ram is 16GB. It does not lock or freeze while using the Mac only when there is no activity. Not sure if this helps, but the first night this happen, upon the cold-reboot of the Mac, Timemachine reported error on one of my external HDD indicating it was corrupted and in Read-Only mode and you must Repair it. I verified the external HDD was working properly, but when I ran the repair job, it reported it was unable to repair the drive and needed to be reformatted. I reformatted the drive and it is again being used by Timemachine without any reported issues.

Thanks Drexus - after writing this topic, the freezing/locking started happening sooner than 3 hours like within one hour of no activity (and nothing running on the desktop). I did look at the logs as you suggested but did not see anything that stood out, but did notice the entries continued to be logged even when the machine was frozen. I was going to try the safe mode step and some else recommended to try applejack or monitor warrior, but before I tried either of those, I went back to my last comment about the external HDD where the locking first took place. Even though the reformatted Seagate HDD was working with Timemachine again, I ejected the HDD to see if this made a difference, and so far, my Mac has not locked up again. Still not sure how this would cause the locking/freezing of the iMac, where you need to do a cold-boot to get out of it.

IMac freeze after startup, works fine in safe mode

Hello, my Mid 2010 iMac is freezing about 3 minutes after startup. Ive tried booting from the instal disk and repairing it but it didnt work. In safe mode it works completely fine. It similar to some other peoples problem but i was hoping someone could help me, my applecare literally just ran out like 3 weeks ago.

Hi baltwo,
Im sorry but Im new to the community and I don't know how to address users directly. Hence intruding.
It would be kind of you to shed some light on the matter.
I'm running lion 10.7.5 and followed similar procedures but mail downloads every mail again after cataloging and indexing my earlier(snow leopard 10.6.5) mail. More details at https://discussions.apple.com/thread/5373643
It would be great to find a solution as I'm struggling since two weeks.
Thanks,
Abu Suda

IMac freezes after turning on. Nothing happens. What should I do?

My iMac is able to start up, but it suddenly freezes on the apple logo with a white background. It stays like this for hours and nothing still happens. It's able to be turned off however but other than that, nothing.

Please carefully read Apple's Mac OS X: Gray screen appears during startup article. You can find it at:
http://support.apple.com/kb/ts2570
I suspect your machine may have suffered a hardware failure.
BTW when posting without a basic profile of your computer troubleshooting is difficult at best. If you don't know how to do a profile please click https://discussions.apple.com/docs/DOC-3602

IMac freezing after Mountain Lion Upgrade

After upgrading my iMac to Mountain Lion it is freezing at least one a day. Sometimes the screen get messed up right before getting frozen, something like this video (from another guy), but they move from top to bottom to me.
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Anyone with the same problem? Any ideas?

Permissions Repair:
Go to applications then to the "other" folder then go to disk utility, on the left hand side you will see a white box. Select the second option, usually called "mac HD" with that selected click on "repair permissions" in the center towards the bottom of the screen. Wait for it to complete, then see if this fixes the issue.
PRAM Reset:
1- Ensure the machine is powered off.
2- Locate the following keys on your keyboard in preparation for Step 4:
‘command’ – ‘option’ – ‘P’ – ‘R’
3- Press the ‘power on’ button.
4- Immediately – and before the grey screen appears – hold down ‘command-option-P-R’ all together.
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IMac freezing after 1-2 hours of usage.

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