TITLE
    Mac OS X Server: "System Panic" Message
Article ID:
Created:
Modified:
31049
7/15/99
10/31/00

TOPIC

    I have Mac OS X Server installed on my machine and have received a message on the screen reporting a "System Panic." The server is not responding. What has happened?


DISCUSSION

    A System Panic, sometimes called a kernel panic, happens when the kernel cannot continue handling requests.

    Below are several possible causes:

    • In all likelihood, this is a very rare software crash that can happen despite the extremely strong nature of Unix-style operating systems like OS X Server. Heed the warning, restart into single-user mode, and run a file system check.
    • If this warning message appears again, it is possible there is a hardware compatibility issue. Even if the original hardware is a supported factory configuration for Mac OS X Server, there could be a hardware component that has been added to the factory configuration and causing issues. Try removing any third party hardware that has been added.
    • After confirming there is no hardware compatibility concerns, the server is still frequently reporting System Panics, there could be an issue with the operating system. Reinstalling Mac OS X Server from your installer CD should fix this issue.
      Caution: Remember that the Mac OS X Server installation erases the contents of the partition it is installed onto.
    • If the system is a Mac OS X Server supported factory configuration, and the server frequently reports a System Panic even after a reinstall of the Mac OS X Server software, there could be a failure of a hardware component that shipped with the computer. The Macintosh should be taken to an Apple-authorized service provider.
      To locate the nearest Apple-authorized service provider visit the following Apple Web site:
      http://buy.apple.com/


Document Information
Product Area: Mac OS System Software
Category: Mac OS X Server
Sub Category: Troubleshooting
Keywords: kmosXserver

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