Problems with Your Mac Pro
If your Mac Pro doesn’t respond or turn on, if you have trouble ejecting a disk, or if the
status light is flashing, try the steps in this section.
If the computer doesn’t respond or the pointer doesn’t move
First, make sure the keyboard is connected by unplugging and then plugging in the
connector, and make sure it is firmly seated. Make sure your Apple Magic Mouse is
turned on and the batteries are charged. (See “Replacing the Apple Magic Mouse
Batteries” on page 98.) Then try to cancel what the computer is doing.
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Press the Command key (x) and Q key at the same time to try to quit the
current application.
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Press the Command key (x) and period key at the same time. If a dialog appears,
click Cancel.
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Choose Apple () > Force Quit and select the application you want to quit. You can
also force quit by pressing the Esc, Option, and Command (x) keys at the same time.
Restart your Mac Pro by choosing Apple () > Restart to be sure the problem is
entirely cleared up. You can also restart by pressing the power button (®) for about
5 or 6 seconds until your Mac Pro shuts down. Press the power button (®) again to
start up your Mac Pro.
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If the problem occurs only when you use a particular program, check with the program’s
manufacturer to see if it is compatible with your computer.
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If the problem occurs frequently, you may need to reinstall your system software
(see “Repairing, Restoring, or Reinstalling Mac OS X Software” on page 86).
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If the computer doesn’t turn on or start up
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Make sure the power cord is connected to a working power source. The plug on
the power cord must be completely inserted into the computer’s power socket and
firmly seated.
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Restart your computer while holding down the Command key (x) and R key, until
the computer restarts. When the Mac OS X Utilities application appears, select an
option to repair your disk, restore your software, or reinstall Mac OS X and Apple
applications from the Mac OS X Utilities pane. For more information, see “Repairing,
Restoring, or Reinstalling Mac OS X Software” on page 86.
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If your computer still does not start up, try resetting the parameter random access
memory (PRAM). Turn on the computer and immediately hold down the Command (x),
Option, P, and R keys until you hear the startup sound a second time. Release the keys.
The PRAM is reset to the default values and your clock settings may need to be reset.
•
If your computer does not start up after resetting the PRAM, restart your computer
while holding down the Option key to select your startup disk.
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If this doesn’t work, restart your computer while holding down the Shift key.
If you’re unable to eject a disc
A file on the disc may be in use. Quit applications that are open, and then try again.
If that doesn’t work, choose Apple () > Restart and hold down either the mouse
button or the Media Eject key (C) on your Apple Keyboard.
If that doesn’t work:
1
Shut down the computer and remove the side panel (see the instructions on page 39).
2
Pull the optical drive carrier out of the optical drive bay (see “Replacing an Optical
Drive” on page 68).
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Problem, Meet Solution
3
Carefully insert the end of a straightened paper clip into the small hole on the front of
the optical drive.
4
Push firmly until the tray opens, remove the disc, and push the tray to close it.
5
Put the optical drive carrier and the side panel back in place (see “Replacing an Optical
Drive” on page 68).
If the status light flashes and the computer doesn’t start up
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If you recently installed memory, a PCI expansion card, or another internal
component, make sure that it is correctly installed and that it is compatible with your
computer. See if removing it allows the computer to start up.
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If the status light still flashes, determine the number of flashes to identify the problem:
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One short flash followed by a longer off period: No valid memory.
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Three short flashes followed by a longer off period: Failed memory.