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What is a Kernel Panic?

UNIX-style operating systems, such as Mac OS X, may experience a type of error called a "kernel panic."

A kernel panic may occur when the operating system is not able to recover from an error. A kernel panic is a type of error that occurs when the core (kernel) of an operating system receives an instruction in an unexpected format, or that it fails to handle properly. It is most generally incompatible or defective RAM but can also be damaged or incompatible software or very rarely, damaged or incompatible hardware.

Appearance of a kernel panic

The appearance of a kernel panic varies, depending on which version of Mac OS X you are using.

 

In all systems below 10.7 Lion, it looks like this:

In Mt. Lion 10.8, it looks like this:

 

 

Resolving Kernel Panics
Before you try this on your own, please do your homework. The very first thing to check is your RAM. Apple has a return policy and third party RAM providers generally have a lifetime warranty. Below are some good reference links, but if you have the Apple Protection Plan, call AppleCare 1-800-275-2273 or if not, call Miss Mac. I am here to help.


http://support.apple.com/kb/TS3742

http://macs.about.com/od/usingyourmac/qt/Troubleshooting-Os-X-Kernel-Panics.htm

http://www.thexlab.com/faqs/kernelpanics.html

 

If these tips do not solve your problem, contact Miss Mac 454-7253.

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