iMac failing apps (bouncing icons)

grumpycrab

This is continued from what I originally thought was a network connectivity issue (naivety on my behalf).
Mail has been running fine for 24hours without problems. I try to run Safari and it just bounces up and down on the bottom of the screen.
Safari (when it is running after a reboot) plays iPlayer 24/7 no problem (but Safari itself becomes unresponsive).
It almost looks as if it can either run Safari OR Mail but not both. The only other app that works is Network Activity (the one with netsat and ping etc).

I've done basic checking (disk verification, permission cleaning, clearing dyld cache) but I'm an Apple novice. And ideas? Cheers.

WilliamO

Did you download/install something?....that could of triggered this problem......check your LOGIN Items under your user account.

Also, try booting into Safe Mode (hold down the SHIFT key after the initial start-up sound…..release when you see the spinning cog-wheel). That sometimes clears problems away upon reboot of safe mode.

Also try resetting the PRAM (Hold down CMD + OPTION + P + R before the initial start-up sound…..release after third start-up sound); so you get two restarts in other words.

Otherwise you may need to go through repair options (after any initial data backup of course).

grumpycrab

Thanks. The only recent install is something called "Plugin by 3rd Party". Its a neighbours computer. No idea what this is. I'll ensure a backup is done before I have another play. Cheers.

Fosterdog

Are there any updates waiting? I've found some of mine become unresponsive if they are linked to an update I haven't installed, as soon as it's updated all apps work fine again.

You do need to find out what that plugin was though if the problems coincided with it being installed

Mr_Toad

While this is happening do you still have control of the iMac?

If so start the Activity monitor, the easiest way is to use Spotlight. Press cmd and the space bar which will bring up spotlight, usually in the top right corner. type activity and then click on activity monitor to open it.

This will show you the running processes along with memory usage, CPU usage etc.

Anything not responding will be in red.

Have a look at what's going on and let us know.

Mr_Toad

I forgot to add.

Try and find out what the plugin was.

I hope he's running Time Machine. If so restore to before the plugin was installed and see if that helps.

Something else occurs to me. I'm wondering if the bouncing app has popped up a box somewhere and is waiting for a response? I have known them to pop up behind something before or occasionally minimised.

Press F3 to show you all the desktops and screens so you can what's going on and if there's anything lurking.

grumpycrab

Thanks guys. I've stressed to my neighbour that, as much as I don't mind "playing" with her imac she should get some expert help. We've booked a 1-1 at Apple store for lunch time today. I've got a list of what I'd do. How good is the tech support at apple stores? I presume its a little better than PCWorld ?

Mr_Toad

It's a lot better than PC World, all the people I've met know their product inside out.

Be aware that you won't have the 1-1 for as long as you might need it.

They tend to be very popular and they stick to the time limits so if you've got 15 mins that's all you'll get so it pays to let them do the talking and resist the urge to ramble off topic. Be concise and to the point and let them do the talking.

grumpycrab

The neighbour has booked a 1hour slot. We'll see what that gets us.