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Mac Error Codes and Tips
Positive Error Codes
Type XX errors are general in nature and
don't point to a specific software or hardware
component level error. Common Type XX
errors are:
Error 01: Bus Error
The computer attempted to access memory that
simply doesn't exist.
Error 02: Address Error
Memory can be accessed in certain sizes and at
certain locations. If the wrong size is accessed
at an improper location, this error results.
Error 03: Illegal Instruction
Computers have a "vocabulary" of instructions
that they understand. If a computer tries to
execute a command that isn't in its vocabulary,
this error results.
Error 11: Miscellaneous Hardware Exception
Usually associated with the 68k emulator on
Power Macintoshes. If the emulator is
corrupted when loaded to RAM, this error
results. Note that this error can be caused by
both software and hardware.
Error 25: Memory Full Error
Buy some more RAM!
Error 26: Bad Program Launch
The opened application couldn't launch or execute a command as expected.
Negative Error Codes
Negative error codes include:
Error -35
Volume not found.
Error -36
Input/Output Error
Error -38
File not open.
Error -108
Memory Full Error; heap zone full.
Error -189
An attempt was made to write past the end of a
file.
Error -1305
The desktop database has become corrupted. This is by no means an exhaustive
list. The
above represents some of the common errors
I've come across in troubleshooting the Mac
OS over the years.
Tips
Mac OS troubleshooting and maintenance:
1. Use a disk utility.
Disk First Aid, which is included with the Mac OS, alleviates common disk
problems, but for heavy duty analysis pick up a copy of Norton Utilities
or
TechTool Pro. Norton tests for disk related errors while TechTool Pro
tests
hardware components as well. A recently released utility, Disk Warrior,
has
been receiving rave reviews. It rebuilds and optimizes the disk directory.
2. Delete the Finder Preferences File.
The finder preferences file often becomes corrupt after a series of crashes.
Delete the finder preferences file in the Preferences folder in the System
folder to force the Finder to create a new file.
3. Clear the Chooser cache.
If you are experiencing AppleTalk related crashes, try clearing the Chooser
cache by holding down the Command and Option keys while launching the
Chooser.
4. Zap the PRAM.
If you are encountering miscellaneous errors, try zapping the PRAM. Hold
down the Command-Option-P-R keys while restarting your machine. For
good measure, repeat the procedure at least twice. Remember that several
settings such as the AppleTalk connection and the disk cache will need
to be
reset from their default values.
5. Increase the memory allocation.
Applications often produce errors when they have an inadequate memory
allocation. If an application frequently crashes, try increasing its memory
allocation above the suggested preferred size.
6. Rebuild the desktop.
Periodically rebuild your desktop database. To do so, hold down the
Command and Option keys when the Finder starts up. For best results, start
up with extensions off to rebuild.
7. Use a virus checker.
Autostart worms and the numerous macro viruses can be particularly
insidious and can cause various random errors.
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