Reset-all and zap PRam

What is the difference between zapping PRam and giving the following commands in open firmware?
reset-nvram
set-defaults
reset-all

I'm certainly not aware of that being the case for PowerMacs. Zapping PRAM has been long a recommended procedure by Apple for clearing out data corruption in the permanent RAM. I have read claims that allowing three consecutive chimes would clear out parts of PRAM that one cycle would not. But I've not seen anything from Apple to that effect (not that there may not be.)
A guaranteed way to completely clear the permanent RAM area is to simply remove all power to the computer or remove the PRAM battery if the computer has one.
Zapping PRAM is not a cure all. It only does specific things. It removes the data that the OS stores in the permanent RAM.
This document: http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=2238 details what is stored in PRAM on Macs using OS 9.
This document: http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=86194 details what's stored on Macs using OS X.

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Have an old mac mini 2008 running OS x 10.6 whenever I shut down or restart it wont find the dell screen again. have tried with different screen same result. have revived it before by unplugging all cables zapping PRAM and starting in safe mode

Have an old mac mini 2008 running OS x 10.6 Whenever I shut down or restart it won't find the dell screen again. Have tried with different screen same result. Have revived it before by unplugging all cables zapping PRAM and starting in safe mode but no luck now. It has all my daughters exam work on it which she, of course, has not backed up so any suggestions gratefully received.

Make an appointment at the Genius Bar of an Apple store.
Apple Retail Store - Genius Bar
You do have a backup, right?

I can not attach any files to email or Facebook. When I go to "browse" the window comes up and disappears immediately. I updated browser and Adobe Flash. Restarted computer and zapped pram. any ideas? Please help!

I can not attach any files to email or Facebook. When I go to "browse" the window comes up and disappears immediately. I updated browser and Adobe Flash. Restarted computer and zapped pram. any ideas? Please help!

Please read this whole message before doing anything.
This procedure is a test, not a solution. Don’t be disappointed when you find that nothing has changed after you complete it.
Step 1
The purpose of this step is to determine whether the problem is localized to your user account.
Enable guest logins* and log in as Guest. For instructions, launch the System Preferences application, select Help from the menu bar, and enter “Set up a guest account” (without the quotes) in the search box. Don't use the Safari-only Guest login created by Find My Mac.
While logged in as Guest, you won’t have access to any of your personal files or settings. Applications will behave as if you were running them for the first time. Don’t be alarmed by this; it’s normal. If you need any passwords or other personal data in order to complete the test, memorize, print, or write them down before you begin.
Test while logged in as Guest. Same problem(s)?
After testing, log out of the guest account and, in your own account, disable it if you wish. Any files you created in the guest account will be deleted automatically when you log out of it.
*Note: If you’ve activated “Find My Mac” or FileVault in Mac OS X 10.7 or later, then you can’t enable the Guest account. The Guest login created by “Find My Mac” is not the same. Create a new account in which to test, and delete it, including its home folder, after testing.
Step 2
The purpose of this step is to determine whether the problem is caused by third-party system modifications that load automatically at startup or login.
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. The instructions provided by Apple are as follows:
Be sure your Mac is shut down.
Press the power button.
Immediately after you hear the startup tone, hold the Shift key. The Shift key should be held as soon as possible after the startup tone, but not before the tone.
Release the Shift key when you see the gray Apple icon and the progress indicator (looks like a spinning gear).
Safe mode is much slower to boot and run than normal, and some things won’t work at all, including wireless networking on certain Macs.
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.
*Note: If FileVault is enabled under Mac OS X 10.7 or later, or if a firmware password is set, you can’t boot in safe mode.
Test while in safe mode. Same problem(s)?
After testing, reboot as usual (i.e., not in safe mode) and verify that you still have the problem. Post the results of steps 1 and 2.

Monitor on MacBook Pro 17" stays black after it sleeps. Computer does come back on. I've reset the SMC and zapped PRAM but this has happened 2 days in row.

I always turn on my computer first thing in morning to see if any important e-mail comes through and since it's at least another hour before I get to work, the computer goes to sleep. Well, yesterday, the display wouldn't wake up and stayed black. I called Apple Tech support and the nice guy on the phone walked me through resetting the internal power and zapping the PRAM. I had no problems for the rest of the day. THis morning, the same thing happened after it went to sleep for the first time during the day after having been started up. THis time I knew what to do, but I'm dreading the same thing happening. Any reason why this is and is there anything else I should do? It's a 2011 MacBook Pro and runs Snow Leopard (10.6.7).

I am having the similar issue. I will open my powered up machine, and I will the display will turn on for a few seconds then it seems to go right back to sleep. I need to close the lid and reopen it again and the display comes back. Today after it came back on 2 minutes later it happened again.

HT1430 Activation Error..My iPad 2 wasn't working, so I reset all, and now it won't activate.

My iPad and my iPhone haven't been working properly since updating to iso 6. I touch the screen for google and it goes there, and then goes out again. None of my applications will stay open. So, I tried to reset to factory settings. It didn't work. So I deleted and reset to manufacturer settings. It worked. However.... now I am trying to restart my iPad and it won't allow it to activate. I have the latest version of iTunes updated. I have broadband internet. I've followed all the suggestions posted. Is there anything else I can do? Thanks. Melissa Henkel

I have the same problem now. Did u ever find out how to fix it?

HT4528 After upgrading to iOS 7, my iPhone and iPad can no longer connect to App Store. I did reset all settings, still the same. Please help

I just upgraded my iPhone 4 and iPad Mini to iOS 7, suddenly they both can no longer access to iTunes nor App Store. The message says "Cannot connect to App Store". After some research, I did reset all, and still the same. Can anyone have a clue? Thanks,

As I mentioned earlier, when I clicked on the App Store or iTunes Store, the message reads "Cannot connect to iTunes Store" or "Cannot connect to App Store" depending on which I clicked.
I did check iTunes & App Store, it used to show my Apple ID there, but somehow it shows empty there. I then manually typed in my Apple ID, it just won't work. I know for sure that my Apple ID works as I tried logging online using that ID fine, but my iPhone and iPA
Thanks,

Reset all Vs Reset Data

Is there any advantage of performing 'reset all' of database?
Does it improve performance better that 'reset' command?

Hello John,
Thank you for your prompt reply.
Developer wants to write a script that will copy the outline to a temp location, reset all, and then copy the outline back.
But I want to know how it improves performance better than 'reset'?
We are not trying to build it from scrath.
We are loading the data and we want to reset the database everytime before we do that to improve the performance.
So in this scenario do we need to perform reset all?
Thanks
Hemanth

To BALTWO:I really appreciate the fast sent solution about my failure to burn DVDs with Lion, but I am 89 years old and think I know something about computers, but don't have a clue about ZAPPing PRAM nor RESET SMC. I also can't find any evidence of a p

I really appreciate the fast sent solution about my failure to burn DVDs with Lion, but I am 89 years old and think I know something about computers, but don't have a clue about ZAPPing PRAM nor RESET SMC. I also can't find any evidence of a preserved earlier OS (Snow Leopard). I also don't know how to partition further my drive after all this time…(I used to have Parallels partitioned) but as I said I cannot find any where on the HD SN. Is it possible that it doesn't exist anymore? Not too technical, please, unless that is the only possible answer to this whole delemna..

Blue colored text in these forums usually indicates a clickable link. The two I posted in https://discussions.apple.com/message/18789716#18789716 bring up Apple's articles on those subjects. For partitioning information, peruse Disk Utilities help files, especially
Changing a disk’s formatting and partitions
BTW, the proper way to respond to a post is to use the Reply button and not start another. Good luck and hope you make it to your tenth decade—I'm in my eighth.

After a one week logout and shutdown my macpro 1,1 laptop shows a black screen at startup attempts. The battery is fully charged and both resetting the power manager and zapping the PRAM have failed to permit startup. What else can I try?

After a one week logout and shutdown my macpro 1,1 laptop running OSx 10.6.8 shows a black screen at startup attempts. The battery is fully charged and both resetting the power manager and zapping the PRAM have failed to permit startup. What else can I try?

Startup – Black screen with cursor
Startup Issues - Resolve
Startup Issues - Resolve (2)

My 27" Imac (A1312/EMC2390) keeps shutting down unexpectedly with no warning or "screen of death". I replaced the power supply, reset the SMC, and zapped the PRAM, but the problem continues. Can anyone help me?

My 27" Imac (A1312/EMC2390) keeps shutting down unexpectedly with no warning or "screen of death". So far I reset the SMC, and zapped the PRAM. I even replaced the power supply but the problem continues. My error and system logs seem unhelpful too. Can anyone help me out?

You can get a shutdown like that if the computer gets too hot. Make sure the air intakes on the bottom and the exhaust vent on the top are clean and are not blocked by something in your workspace like papers or the back of the computer being too close to part of the furniture. You need a good six inches (15cm) of clearance between the exhaust slot and other objects or surfaces.
Anti-virus/internet security software, especially the "pay for" kinds, can increase operating temps. So can third-party backup software furnished with many "name-brand" external hard drives.
Fan motors and/or temperature sensors can fail. If you have the original grey disks that shipped with your iMac, find the on that has Apple Hardware Test (AHT) and run it. If you have a failed heat sensor or fan motor, it will detect it with an error code containing "SNS" if it's a bad sensor or "MOT" if its a bad fan motor.
AHT instructions here:
http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1509
Also see if your iMac 27 falls under theis Apple Repair Extension Program:
iMac 1TB Seagate Hard Drive Replacement Program

PPC G5 quad will not start up after resetting SMU AND PRAM

Hi folks
I been having issues with my G5, where it would freeze up unexpectedly and then the fans would come on full tilt.
I received some advice about resetting the SMU and the PRAM.
Now my mac dose not get past the grey screen. I have to hard drives attaches one has OS 10.4.11 the other has Leopard.
Odd thing about the Pram is I never got the mac to re-chime.
Also I was advised at the apple store to disconnect power for 30 sec and then hold the power button on for 20 sec after the restarting. I heard an odd tone and then the fans came on.
Btw this model does have the SMU button which I pressed when the power was off.
As the unit will not run with the fans removed.
Any suggestions?
Much appreciated
12 gig of ram in the 8 slots. All FireWire , Ethernet and USB disconnected

There is a battery that makes the PRAM work. You may need to replace the battery.
You may also need to limit your RAM to two 1 GB modules, making sure they are made for the PowerMac G5 of your machine's age. Not all 533 MHz PC2-4200 DDR2 SDRAM. will work with the machine, it has to be specifically made by the age of the Mac model, and Mac model name according to the vendor. Thus if you have a Quad Core Mac from 2005, that's what you need to buy RAM for. Do not buy 533 Mhz PC2-4200 RAM just because it says it is that.
http://www.crucial.com/ and http://www.macsales.com/ specify the model and age of Mac in their store.
Others may too, but do not have ValueRAM or non-lifetime warranty RAM.
Lastly, your model may have liquid coolent that has run out or gotten old, making it not boot. If unsure where it is, ask an authorized service center. Some have leaks and won't boot at all.

I just created a new profile/user on my MacBook Pro. My pointer/mouse. It works fine in my older user profile, but when I go to the new profile my mac will not respond to clicks. Mouse moves but will not click. Already tried restarting and the pram zap.

I just created a new profile/user on my MacBook Pro. My pointer/mouse on my trackpad. It works fine in my older user profile, but when I go to the new profile my mac will not respond to clicks. The Mouse moves but will not click. Already tried restarting and the pram zap. The problem starts when I log out of my main profile. I get to the login screen and my laptop stops responding to clicks. When I manage to make my way back to my main profile the mouse works perfectly. Should I just delete the new profile and try again?

If the modem is also a router, either use the modem in bridge and run pppoe client on the TC.. that is assuming ADSL or similar eg vdsl. If it is cable service.. and the modem is a router, then bridge the TC.. go to internet page and select connect by ethernet and below that set connection sharing to bridge.
Please tell us more about the modem if the above gives you issues.

I have problem with my wifi in 4 S, i cant connect to any wifi itried resetting network setting and reset all setting but the result was the same, its only keeps searching for wifi and cant find any, itried to use OTHER but also didnt work.please help me

i have problem with my wifi in 4 S, i cant connect to any wifi itried resetting network setting and reset all setting but the result was the same, its only keeps searching for wifi and cant find any, itried to use OTHER but also didnt work.please help me???

If Join was on then your home wi-fi must be set to Non-Broadcast. If you did not set this up (maybe your provider did) then you will need to find the Network Name they used, and any password they used. The SSID is Security Set ID and to see more try http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SSID . Basically it is the name used to identify your router/network. A lot of times the installer will leave it set as LinkSys, or Broadcom or whatever the manufacturer set it as for default. Your best bet is to get whoever installed it to walk you through how they set it up, giving you id's and passwords so you can get in. HOWEVER, if you are not comfortable with this (if you set security wrong, etc.) you would be well ahead of the game to hire a local computer tech (networking) to get this working for you. You can also contact the vendor of your router and get help (if it is still in warranty), or at least get copies of the manuals as pdf files. Sorry I can't give you more help, I hope this gives you an idea where to go from here to find more.

My wifi is greyed out my bluetooth n hotspot is not working and its showing problem in resetting all setting plez help.. :(

my wifi is greyed out ..my bluetooth n hotspot is not working and its showing problem in resetting all setting plez help..

Hello Prakharfromindia,
Thank you for using Apple Support Communities.
For more information, take a look at:
iOS: Wi-Fi settings grayed out or dim
http://support.apple.com/kb/ts1559
iOS: Troubleshooting Bluetooth connections
http://support.apple.com/kb/TS4562
Use iTunes to restore your iOS device to factory settings
http://support.apple.com/kb/ht1414
Have a nice day,
Mario

How can i connect iphone to itunes.. i want to restore because my finger mistakes that click Reset all content and setting.. so iphone are empty.. all foto and data lost, right.. how can i use my iphone again..

how can i connect iphone to itunes.. i want to restore because my finger mistakes that click Reset all content and setting.. so iphone are empty.. all foto and data lost, right.. how can i use my iphone again.

Yes, try to restore your iPhone from iTunes or iCloud backup.
iOS: How to back up and restore your content
http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1766
Tell us the result if you will try.
<Link Edited By Host>

Reset-all and zap PRam

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