Spinning wait cursor

For the past month or so I have been experiencing the wait cursor more and more to the point where it now shows up every 10-15 seconds. This mostly results in my chrome browser to crash and sometimes even completely locking up and forcing me to hold the power button to restart. I have searched for solutions and nothing has shown to work. My hard drive still has 170 GB available so that isn't the issue. I have updated norton antivirus that shows no viruses. I have cleared all my caches and repaired all disk permissions. I have also updated my OS to lion. I'm not the most computer savvy person but obviously something is conflicting to cause the massive slow down.
These episodes occur one to two times a day where my MacBook pro is almost unusable. I brought it in to my college tech service and all they did was open up 10 or so applications and called it okay.
Anything else that's worth trying? Is there any free diagnostic software that will at least show me what the problem is?

25 ways to speed up your mac: http://www.maclife.com/awordfromoursponsors?destination=article%2Ffeature%2F25_w ays_speed_your_mac
troubleshoot the spinning beachball: http://www.macworld.com/article/151583/2010/05/spinningbeachballofdeath.html
you can also download OmniDiscSweeper to se the largest files on your mac: http://download.cnet.com/OmniDiskSweeper/3000-18512_4-6226.html

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Constant "spinning wait cursor" when using firefox 3.6.13 on a MacPro 1,1 2006 with 11GB of memory

After about 1 hour of use I am getting the "spinning wait cursor" in firefox when I do pretty much anything. Scrolling, link hovers, switching tabs, inspecting DOM tags in firebug, typing in textboxes, you name it. This only recently started happening on my MacPro, and has yet to rear its ugly head on my MacbookPro laptop. Not sure if its my RAM or something....regardless, basically makes firefox useless. In fact, im posting this question in Chrome.
Usually when firefox gets slow I run SQLite VACCUUM on the profile databases and it helps. This time, no dice. Basically just unusable.
Machine Specs:
OS X Version: 10.6.6
Model Name: Mac Pro
Model Identifier: MacPro1,1
Processor Name: Dual-Core Intel Xeon
Processor Speed: 2.66 GHz
Number Of Processors: 2
Total Number Of Cores: 4
L2 Cache (per processor): 4 MB
Memory: 11 GB
Bus Speed: 1.33 GHz
Memory Speed: 667 MHz DDR2 FB-DIMM

After about 1 hour of use I am getting the "spinning wait cursor" in firefox when I do pretty much anything. Scrolling, link hovers, switching tabs, inspecting DOM tags in firebug, typing in textboxes, you name it. This only recently started happening on my MacPro, and has yet to rear its ugly head on my MacbookPro laptop. Not sure if its my RAM or something....regardless, basically makes firefox useless. In fact, im posting this question in Chrome.
Usually when firefox gets slow I run SQLite VACCUUM on the profile databases and it helps. This time, no dice. Basically just unusable.
Machine Specs:
OS X Version: 10.6.6
Model Name: Mac Pro
Model Identifier: MacPro1,1
Processor Name: Dual-Core Intel Xeon
Processor Speed: 2.66 GHz
Number Of Processors: 2
Total Number Of Cores: 4
L2 Cache (per processor): 4 MB
Memory: 11 GB
Bus Speed: 1.33 GHz
Memory Speed: 667 MHz DDR2 FB-DIMM

How do I reset the clock on a G4 that has a spinning wait cursor?

How do I reset the clock on a G4 that has a spinning wait cursor? Not sure of the OS, other than 10 something. This computer was initially set up to boot in either system 9 or 10, with 10 being the default. I just need it to run enough to get some old graphics files off if it. With the spinning cursor, I can't go into preferences to reset the clock. Suggestions?

If the machine can boot to either OS 9 or OS X, and each of those is installed on a separate volume (partition), then restart or boot the machine and immediately press the Option key, keep it held down. After a few moments (maybe up to a minute), Startup Manager will open - a bright blue screen with some icons on it. Click the icon representing the OS 9 install, then click the straight arrow on the right.
The machine should then boot into OS 9, and you may then be able to grab the files you need.
Note - if OS 9 and OS X are on the same volume, this won't work.

Spinning wait cursor and HDD failing

I got spinning wait cursor sometimes since a month ago. When the first time I check disk utility SMART status was ok. Yesterday SMART status was failing and it said I have hardware problem can't be repaired. Apple charged me 177 plus tax for replace HDD.
My question is what is the cause? Failing HDD causes of spinning ball or spinning ball causes of hdd failing( because I had to hold power button to shutdown when its freezing).
Do I need to ask Genius bar about spinning ball or replace HDD gonna fix that problem?
Any idea to avoid of HDD failing?
Sorry for my bad English. Thank you!!!

The failing hard drive caused the 'spinning cursor' (beachballing).
You should have no problems with a new HD.
Clinton

Spinning wait cursor won't stop

Can anyone help me clear the spinning wait cursor?
After starting up it remains on preventing me from doing anything even accessing the help function.
I have shut down most programmes (on the odd occasion it responds) and tried to access Safari through help and the spinning cursor starts again.
I'm a novice with Mac computers and struggling to find a solution - have had 12 months trouble free computing since switching to a Mac.

Spinning wait cursor (rainbow wheel) when opening files

For the last couple months, I've been experiencing performance issues when I open files from applications...more precisely, when I select the open-files option, NOT opening the files themselves. I select "open-file" and it gives me the spinning wheel and hangs for about 15 seconds, after which I get the open files dialog box.
It's not related to any particular program as it seems to occur with most. It's not every time but happens mostly for the first file opened after I start a software application but not always. I haven't installed any new software I can think of. I updated to OSX 10.8 when it came out but I don't believe I had any issues afterwards...only in the last couple months.
Anybody have any thoughts?
Jeff

Clear your Caches.
In finder:
Go menu (while holding option) > Library > you should see a caches file, drag it to your trash
Next
Go menu > Computer > Mac HD > Library > You should see another Caches file here, delete all of it's contents but not the folder itself
now empty your trash. You will get some message boxes that may say 'this operation cannot be completed.....just hit continue whenever these pop up
Now boot your computer in safe mode by holding shift when starting it up until you see a progress bar, then release. This will delete some useless internet temporary files.
(just as a disclaimer, these are commen steps and they sound volatile but will not hurt your system and are a great ting to do every couple of months or so) I almost gaurantee you this will speed up your machine
if the problem presists you may want to try a PRAM reset
hold down command + option + P + R when powering on your computer until you hear the startup chime 2 times and then release.
Cheers!

Mail is crashing after spinning wait cursor - new iPhone just connected?

I no longer can use the Mail application on my mac because it is crashing..
I have recently connected the iPhone 3g and am using mail on there as well as mobileme.com for now...
I do however, require the use of Mail
someone help! what do i do

Hi andrewplushair, and a warm welcome to the forums!
First off .mac/,me has been having weird problems today... so might be temporary.
Unplug the iPhone.
Quit Mail.First I'd backup your whole Mail folder. Right click on it, choose Archive. Move the Mail.zip to a safe place.
Try dragging this file to the Desktop, (in case we need to put it back), first, then logout/in, reconfigure your account required on this one...
/Users/YourUserName/Library/Preferences/com.apple.mail.plist
Move Envelope Index to the Desktop in...
/Users/YourUserNameLibrary/Mail
Move this folder to the Desktop...
/Users/YourUserName/Library/Caches/Mail

When opening iphoto, grey screen with the wait cursor is as far as i can get!

hey there. i am running snow leopard 10.6.8 and have currently got ilife 11 installed on my imac. however, after accidently deleting a photo from my library (and possibly an important file which helps iphoto to run, im not too sure) i now cannot open my iphoto.
the only thing i get is the grey screen with the infinite spinning wait cursor.
i have deleted iphoto from the system by putting it in the trash and uninstalling and then reloading it from the dvd and updating the software to the latest version, but everytime i do that, it still only shows the loading screen.
any suggestions? please?

Option 1
Back Up and try rebuild the library: hold down the command and option (or alt) keys while launching iPhoto. Use the resulting dialogue to rebuild. Choose to Rebuild iPhoto Library Database from automatic backup.
If that fails:
Option 2
Download iPhoto Library Manager and use its rebuild function. This will create a new library based on data in the albumdata.xml file. Not everything will be brought over - no slideshows, books or calendars, for instance - but it should get all your albums and keywords back.
Because this process creates an entirely new library and leaves your old one untouched, it is non-destructive, and if you're not happy with the results you can simply return to your old one. .
Regards
TD

Airport Utility 5.3.2 spins busy/waiting cursor labeled _notLocalized_

I'v just bought a new Time-Capsule 1TB. After successfully setting up my TC I found out that I couldn't connect at the required distance. I then bought an additional Airport Extreme. When trying to configure the AE I was prompted to update my TC and and AE and a newer version of Airport Utility. Since then I've been unable to update either my TC nor my AE. Both are seen by the AU 5.3.2 but when clicking to the next page (continue button) Airport Utility spins busy/waiting cursor labeled notLocalized. When opening to the manual setup AU is able to read the configuration but when I try to update I get the same busy/waiting cursor labeled notLocalized.
I've tried re-updating the software, connect through ethernet cable, reset to factory default (AE), so practically all but reseting my TC, since this at least working as it should. I think it's the Airport Utility thats not working correctly, but I'm no real expert. Any suggestions?

Another option, go to "system preferences/international/languages" choose english and restart airport utility.

Music app: why icon spinning (wait/think) on playing music.

Music app, top bar next to wifi logo is spinning (wait/think) icon- while playing music. This has only started since I upgraded to IOS 7: what is it looking for?

local music or music frrom a shared lib?
or music from some other source?

Spinning ball cursor with FCP 6.0.1, OS 10.5, and Focusrite Saffire LE...

Hi,
I've had a problem now ever since I purchased and connected a Focusrite Saffire LE FW400 audio interface to my Intel MBP. I've had the same problem under both 10.4 and 10.5 with both iMovie '08 and FCP 6.0.1.
In essence, whenever my FW400 audio interface is connected, I continually get the 'spinning ball' cursor as I scrub over my video timelines. With the Focusrite disconnected, everything is fine. This happens regardless of whether or not the material being edited is on the internal MBP drive, or my external FW800 drive.
Any ideas? I'm running the latest Focusrite drivers, and even tried the apple firewire audio driver updated issued for 10.4 all to no avail.
Is this a systemic problem of Firewire audio interfaces? Or did I choose poorly on brand? Anyone else running a similar configuration?
Thanks!
Ty

Welcome to the forum.
Could be a brand/driver issue. Lots of people around here running the Tascam firewire mixers with no issues to report.
One suggestion is to pick up a Expresscard 34 firewire card for the laptop. It will create a second bus that will allow you to isolate the external firewire hard drive from the mixer.
Otherwise, no real suggestions. sorry.
x

Constant wait cursor when editing with LVOOP

I've searched around several times for any mention of this problem but have never found anything. It continues to drive me crazy so I figure I'd ask about it.
I have a decently sized project utilizing about 25 LVOOP classes in the hierarchy. Whenever I edit a VI within a class, every change I make causes a wait cursor for about a second or 2. This is not a long time, but when I'm in the middle of making something and trying to edit a VI rapidly, it gets extremely annoying to be blocked every couple seconds as I place, move, and wire objects.
I assume this has to do with compiling the VI, any callers, and doing something with the class, but is it common to block input while this takes place? Is there any remedy for this?
I'm developing on a 1 yr old Xeon system with a 10k rpm drive and 12GB of ram, it's definitely not an issue with my computer being slow.
Thanks

I am working on a large LVOOP project with 30 lvclasses. The only time I get the wait cursor is when I edit the type defs and select Apply Changes. I do not notice any delays when editing the VI's whether they are methods or plain old utilities.
In my hierarchy, I created inheritance by having lvlibs which also contain lvclasses. Most methods now access the superclass (well, that's what I call it.. the cluster that contains all classes).
Do you have access to another PC which has LV installed? If so, do you get the same behavior?

Messages will open nothing appears(with wait cursor)

Since I upgraded to Mavericks, everytime i open Messages, it opens, and the top bar becomes Message settings but nothing appears and the wait cursor keeps turning forever so I have to force quit.
I have tried opening it from the applications folder and resetting keychain as i read in other threads but it still doesnt work.
I still get message notifications and the badge appears when i have a message. And the app and accounts are all working on my iphone.
I keep sending error report to apple every time i force quit but it seems not enough people have this issue...
Please help, it's bugging me so much.
Thank you.

Hi,
Sending the reports is a silent thing and it may in fact be several Updates before anything makes it way to an update.
I would check two things first.
1) Open the Font Book from the Applications folder.
Top left set it to All Fonts if it is not already
Then use the Edit Menu > Look for Enabled Duplicates.
Follow this by checking the Helvetica and Lucida Grande are active (Some App will not launch if Helvetica is Off and Lucida Grande is used to display Buddy lists when they have groups active - you need the font before you open the app).
2) Open the Contacts App.
Use the Card Menu > Go to My Card
This should be your Card and show your details.
It should be marked with the Head and Shoulders icon.
If it is neither of these can you post the Log you are sending to Apple ?
If it is a Crash Log it may pay too be selective about how much you post.
We need to see the OS version number info at the top and the app info under that.
The info about the fault and the thread that crashed and those threads will help.
The Binary Images bit can be very long.
Limit this to the first 10 lines or so.
Messages and the Address Book should be listed near the top as involved items that have just been used by the app's processes.
8:52 pm Saturday; March 29, 2014
 iMac 2.5Ghz i5 2011 (Mavericks 10.9)
 G4/1GhzDual MDD (Leopard 10.5.8)
 MacBookPro 2Gb (Snow Leopard 10.6.8)
 Mac OS X (10.6.8),
 Couple of iPhones and an iPad

Wait cursors not set till end of AbstractAction.actionPerformed()

Hi.
Is there a problem setting the wait cursor in the actionPerformed method of Actions? I?m running Java 1.4.1_02.
I am finding that if I try and set a wait cursor in AbstractAction.actionPerformed() it never gets displayed until the very end of the method, which is a bit useless because this is usually when I want to set it back to the default cursor. The result is that I never see the wait cursor when I execute the action.
I don?t have the same problem with setting cursors in JComponent.actionPerformed().
Does anyone have a solution?
The following code fragment demonstrates the problem. It is from a class that extends the abstractAction class. It calls a method of my own to set the wait cursor ( on the root container and its child components ), then sleeps for a bit. The wait cursor is only shown after the sleep.
public void actionPerformed( java.awt.event.ActionEvent oActionEvent )
ESTrace.printMsg( ESTrace.LEVEL_3, "Start of ESAction_NEW.actionPerformed.");
ESValues.m_oUtils.setGlobalCursor( new Cursor( Cursor.WAIT_CURSOR ) );
ESTrace.printMsg( ESTrace.LEVEL_3, "ESAction_NEW.actionPerformed. Start Wait");
try
Thread oThread = Thread.currentThread();
oThread.sleep(15000);
catch(Exception e)
System.out.println("Wait exception");
e.printStackTrace();
ESTrace.printMsg( ESTrace.LEVEL_3, "End of ESAction_NEW.actionPerformed");

If you set the Field 'Comb' value to show a specific number of characters, then you can use this in the Custom Format script:
if (event.target.comb) {
var l = event.value.length
var m = event.target.charLimit
var x = m - l
var s = ""
if (event.value != "") {
for (var i = 1; i < x; i++) { s = s + "." }
event.value = event.value + s
Note that this will space the characters out to fit the width of the field, and may not line up with other fields properly. Otherwise, without using a monospaced font, I don't know if there is a way for you to know how many periods are needed to fill out the field.

CS6 spinning "busy" cursor while saving in background.

On Mountain Lion and Mavericks GM, Photoshop CS6 displays (flickers) the spinning "busy" cursor while either auto-saving or saving in the background. The cursor is the Adobe black dot variety, not the OSX beach ball. It flickers rapidly between the spinning balls and the currently used Photoshop cursor, for the duration of a save or auto-save. For a multi gigabyte file, this can mean a several minutes of flickering.
I can work while saving, but obviously with a flickering cursor, it's difficult. Interestingly, the flickering only starts after the second save after restarting Photoshop; i.e. I start Photoshop, open a file, save, and it's fine. Then I continue working and save again, or auto-save, and the spinning/flickering starts while saving. It won't go away unles I restart Photoshop again, and comes back on the second save of the next session.
Machine is a Mac Pro 2 x 2.93 6-Core with 32GB RAM and running an Nvidia Quadro 4000. Scratch disk is a dedicated internal 120gb SSD.
Performance settings for CS6 were tweaked multiple times to no avail. Fonts caches removed. Permissions repaired. PRAM reset. Basically all the standard troubleshooting methods were attempted.
On Snow Leopard, I have zero issues with this. On upgrading to Mountain Lion last year, the cursor began flickering, so I reverted to Snow Leopard. This year, I installed Mavericks GM in the hopes it would be remedied, but the flickering returned. I have reverted again to Snow Leopard and everything is back to normal.
The only thing I can try at this point is a clean install of ML or Mavericks, instead of the upgrade I've been doing. This would be a considerable hassle, so I am asking here first if there's anything I can do before trying that.
Thanks.
Rob

Hi Rob,
I just discovered your message after many research on the internet. I'm actually experiencing the same issue, this "busy"cursor while autosaving.
Like you, I used to have no problem at all on Snow Leopard.
My machine is a Macpro 2,8Ghz Quad core with 16GB Ram.
Could you find a solution to your problem?
Thank you
Stéphane

Spinning wait cursor

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