How to Troubleshoot Your Macintosh Computer

January 20, 2023
By. Chris Ridzon

PLEASE NOTE: WE STRONGLY SUGGEST TO ALWAYS MAKE SURE YOUR COMPUTER IS BACKED UP WITH TIME MACHINE BEFORE TRYING ANY OF THESE STEPS.

As a Mac user, you may encounter technical issues from time to time. These issues can range from simple glitches to more complex problems that can impede your productivity. But don’t worry, most common Mac problems can be easily resolved with a few simple troubleshooting steps.

1. Restart your Mac: The first step in troubleshooting any issue with your Mac is to restart it. A simple restart can often resolve problems caused by software bugs or conflicts.
2. Check for updates: Make sure your Mac’s operating system and any installed applications are up to date. Many issues can be resolved by installing the latest updates.
3. Check your storage: Make sure you have enough free space on your hard drive. A full hard drive can cause performance issues and prevent your Mac from running smoothly.
4. Check your network connection: Make sure your Mac is connected to the internet. If your Mac is not connected, try resetting your router or modem.
5. Check your peripherals: If you’re experiencing issues with a specific peripheral, such as a printer or external hard drive, disconnect it and see if the problem persists.
6. Try Safe Mode: If your Mac is not starting up properly, try starting it in Safe Mode. This will help you determine if a specific app or setting is causing the problem.
   (For directions on starting in Safe Mode follow the link);
   https://support.apple.com/guide/mac-help/start-up-your-mac-in-safe-mode-mh21245/mac
7. Use Activity Monitor: If your Mac is running slowly, use the Activity Monitor to identify which apps or processes are consuming the most resources.
8. Run Disk Utility: If you’re experiencing issues with your Mac’s hard drive, use Disk Utility to check and repair any errors. ALWAYS
   MAKE SURE COMPUTER IS BACKED UP BEFORE RUNNING DISK UTILITY or you could lose your data.
9. Use Time Machine Backup: If your Mac is unable to start up properly, use Time Machine to restore your system to a previous state.
10. Keeping your Mac updated and maintaining regular backups can also help prevent issues from arising.
11. Reach out for help: If none of the above step’s work, contact Basics-n-Beyond for all your Apple support, repair, and training needs.

It’s important to note that these steps may not resolve all issues, and it’s best to consult an Apple Authorized Service Provider such as Basics-n-Beyond for further assistance if needed. Our shop is located Upstairs at The Forum Shopping Center in Carlsbad, California in Suite 200C. Feel free to walk or schedule an appointment anytime during business hours, 9AM to 6PM Monday through Friday.