Common Computer Issues: Browser Redirects

Browser redirects are more than just a nuisance; they can signify deeper security issues or disruptions in your online experience. Whether you’re suddenly faced with a new homepage or a barrage of pop-up ads, understanding the cause and solution to these redirects is crucial for maintaining both your productivity and your device’s security.

This article aims to demystify the causes and corrections of browser redirects, providing you with detailed insights and actionable solutions. By the end of this guide, you’ll have a clear understanding of how to diagnose, address, and prevent these common computer issues, ensuring a safer and more controlled browsing experience.

What are browser redirects?

Definition and Types of Redirects

Browser redirects, often simply called “redirects,” occur when web browsers are automatically taken from one webpage to another without the user’s intent. This can be a legitimate and useful feature or an unwanted, disruptive occurrence. There are generally three types of redirects:

1. Manual Redirects: These are intentional and made by website developers to guide visitors from an old page to a new one, or to direct traffic during website maintenance.
2. Automatic Redirects: These happen without user interaction and can be part of a site’s legitimate design, like redirecting to a mobile version of the site.
3. Malicious Redirects: These are implemented by cybercriminals to redirect users to phishing sites, ads, or malware-laden websites.

Why Redirects Happen

Redirects serve various purposes. Legitimately, they help maintain a good user experience by ensuring visitors do not land on dead, outdated, or irrelevant pages. Maliciously, they are used by attackers to generate ad revenue or steal personal information by leading unsuspecting users to harmful sites.

Understanding these types can help you better diagnose the intent behind the redirect and determine the appropriate action to take, whether it’s a simple fix or requires more in-depth security measures.

Signs You’re Experiencing Unwanted Browser Redirects

Identifying when your browser is being redirected without your consent is the first step towards solving the problem. Here are some common signs that suggest you might be dealing with unwanted browser redirects:

1. Unexpected Homepage Changes: If your browser’s homepage switches from your usual one to something unfamiliar, it’s often a clear sign of an unwanted redirect.
2. Frequent Pop-Ups and New Tab Openings: Excessive pop-ups or new tabs that open automatically are red flags, especially if they occur without any interaction from you.
3. Slow Browser Performance and Frequent Crashes: Malicious scripts running in the background can overload your browser, leading to slow performance and unexpected crashes.
4. Search Engine Switcheroo: If your default search engine changes without your permission, this is typically the work of a browser hijacker.

Table: Common Symptoms and Possible Causes of Browser Redirects

Common Causes of Browser Redirects

Understanding what causes browser redirects can help you prevent them from happening again in the future. Here are some common causes:

1. Legitimate Software Updates or Configurations

• Updates Gone Wrong: Sometimes legitimate software updates can cause redirects if browser settings are reset or altered unexpectedly.
• Unintended Changes: Certain browser settings or configurations could be unintentionally changed to trigger redirections.

2. Browser Hijacking by Malware or Adware

• Adware: Often bundled with free software, adware is designed to redirect users to ad-filled or sponsored pages.
• Malware: Malicious software may hijack the browser to divert traffic to phishing or other dangerous websites.

3. Compromised Browser Extensions

• Malicious Extensions: Some extensions have hidden, malicious codes that redirect users to specific sites.
• Hijacked Extensions: Even trusted extensions can be hijacked by attackers if their security isn’t robust.

4. Misconfigured Network Settings

• DNS Changes: Changes to your computer’s Domain Name System (DNS) settings can lead to unwanted redirects.
• Proxy Settings: An unauthorized change to your network’s proxy settings can reroute your browsing traffic.

5. Phishing Links or Redirect Traps

• Phishing Emails: Clicking on links from untrusted emails can install malware that changes your browser behavior.
• Redirect Chains: Some websites use redirect chains that lead users to unexpected and potentially malicious sites.

Table: Common Redirect Causes and Their Impacts

Diagnosing Browser Redirect Issues

If you’ve noticed signs of browser redirects or suspect that your browser has been compromised, it’s essential to accurately diagnose the source. Here’s a systematic approach to identifying where the problem might lie:

1. Check Installed Programs and Extensions

• Unwanted Programs: Review the list of installed programs on your computer and look for unfamiliar or suspicious software. Often, adware and other malicious programs masquerade as legitimate software.
• Browser Extensions: Some extensions can override your browser’s settings. Disable extensions one by one to identify if any are causing redirects.

2. Review Browser Settings and Preferences

• Homepage and Search Engine: Make sure your default homepage and search engine settings are intact and haven’t been changed to something unfamiliar.
• Proxy Settings: Check the proxy settings in your browser or operating system to ensure that traffic isn’t being routed through an unauthorized server.

3. Run Security Software to Scan for Malware

• Antivirus: Use a trusted antivirus program to perform a comprehensive scan and detect any malicious software on your computer.
• Anti-Malware Tools: Specialized anti-malware tools are often better at identifying adware and browser hijackers that standard antivirus programs might miss.

4. Observe Redirect Patterns

• Specific Sites: Note if redirects occur on specific sites or actions, like search queries.
• Frequency: Track how often redirects happen and whether they always lead to the same destination.

Diagnosing Redirect Patterns: Quick Checklist

• Do redirects occur only on one browser or across all browsers?
• Are redirects triggered by specific websites or search queries?
• Do new browser tabs open on their own?

By answering these questions, you can narrow down the potential source of your browser redirect issue and determine the best solution.

Tools and Resources for Diagnosing Redirects

When dealing with unwanted browser redirects, the right tools can make the identification process much easier. Here are some useful tools and resources:

1. Antivirus and Anti-Malware Software

• Malwarebytes: is known for detecting adware, browser hijackers, and malware often missed by traditional antivirus software.
• Bitdefender: provides comprehensive protection with a focus on real-time scanning and browser protection.
• Avast: includes browser-specific scans and real-time threat detection.

2. Browser Developer Tools

• Chrome DevTools: Chrome’s built-in developer tools offer a network tab that helps track the redirects and scripts running on a page.
• Firefox Developer Tools: Firefox’s equivalent provides a similar network inspection feature to trace redirects.
• Extensions Inspector: Manually inspect installed extensions or use browser-specific tools to analyze each one.

3. Online Forums and Support Groups

• BleepingComputer: Offers advice and tools for diagnosing and fixing browser issues, including redirects.
• Reddit Communities: Subreddits like r/techsupport or r/computerhelp can provide collective advice from experienced users.

4. System Monitoring Tools

• Process Explorer: A lightweight tool from Microsoft that monitors system processes and identifies suspicious activities.
• Autoruns: Reveals which programs start automatically with Windows and allows you to disable unwanted startup programs.

Step-by-Step Guide to Fixing Browser Redirects

Once you’ve diagnosed the issue, it’s time to fix it. Here is a step-by-step approach to resolve unwanted browser redirects:

1. Uninstall Suspicious Software

• Windows: Go to “Control Panel” > “Programs” > “Uninstall a Program” and carefully review the list. Uninstall software you don’t recognize or that is flagged by your antivirus software.
• macOS: In the “Applications” folder, move any suspicious apps to the Trash and then empty it.

2. Remove Malicious Browser Extensions

• Chrome: Navigate to “Extensions” via the three-dot menu. Disable all extensions and re-enable them one by one to identify problematic ones.
• Firefox: Go to “Add-ons” > “Extensions” to remove unwanted extensions.

3. Reset Browser Settings to Default

• Chrome: Type `chrome://settings/reset` in the address bar and choose “Restore settings to their original defaults.”
• Firefox: Click on “Help” > “Troubleshooting Information” > “Refresh Firefox.”

4. Clear Browsing Data

• Cookies and Cache: Clear all cookies, cached data, and browsing history, which could contain redirect-causing elements.
• Passwords and Auto-fill Data: Consider removing stored passwords and form data if you suspect they’ve been compromised.

5. Check System Proxy Settings

• Windows: Go to “Network & Internet” > “Proxy” and disable any proxy settings not set up intentionally.
• macOS: Under “Network Preferences,” review the “Proxies” tab and disable unfamiliar configurations.

6. Run Antivirus and Anti-Malware Scans

• Full System Scan: Perform a comprehensive scan with updated antivirus and anti-malware software.
• Adware-Specific Tools: Use specialized tools like Malwarebytes to detect browser hijackers.

7. Update and Reinstall Browsers

• Update: Make sure your browser is updated to the latest version, which often includes security patches.
• Reinstall: If redirects persist, uninstall and reinstall your browser after backing up bookmarks and essential data.

Checklist: Fixing Browser Redirects

• Review installed programs and extensions.
• Reset browser settings to default.
• Clear browsing data thoroughly.
• Verify proxy and network settings.
• Run a comprehensive antivirus and anti-malware scan.
• Update or reinstall your browser.

How Safemode Computer Service Can Help Address Browser Redirects

Safemode Computer Service provides comprehensive support to eliminate browser redirects and protect your system from future threats. Here’s how they help:

1. Expert Diagnosis and Analysis

• Comprehensive System Scans: They perform in-depth scans using advanced security tools to identify hidden malware, adware, and other malicious programs.
• Browser Settings Analysis: Their experts examine browser settings, extensions, and network configurations to uncover the root cause of redirects.

2. Professional Removal of Malicious Software

• Malware and Adware Removal: They meticulously remove any detected malware, adware, or browser hijackers that are causing unwanted redirects.
• Browser Settings Restoration: Their team resets browser settings and extensions to eliminate any lingering problems and prevent further hijacking.

3. Customized Security Recommendations

• Tailored Security Solutions: They provide security recommendations specific to your browsing habits and computer setup.
• Updates and Maintenance: The team helps ensure that all software, browsers, and operating systems are updated and configured securely.

4. Proactive Prevention Strategies

• Antivirus Setup and Configuration: They install and configure antivirus software to provide real-time protection against new threats.
• Browser Hardening: They enable security settings and disable unnecessary plugins to minimize vulnerabilities.
• User Education: They offer practical advice and guidelines to help users recognize suspicious links and avoid phishing attacks.

Why Choose Safemode Computer Service?

• Experience and Expertise: Their team is equipped with years of experience dealing with a variety of browser-related security issues.
• Customized Solutions: They understand that every system is unique and offer personalized solutions tailored to specific needs.
• Comprehensive Support: From diagnostics to ongoing protection, Safemode ensures your computer remains secure and functional.

Conclusion

Browser redirects can be frustrating and potentially dangerous, leading you to phishing sites, ad-filled pages, and even malware-laden domains. They often occur due to a variety of reasons like compromised extensions, unwanted software installations, and malicious scripts. By understanding the common causes and diagnosing the issue using reliable tools and resources, you can identify the source of the problem.

To fix browser redirects, follow a structured approach that involves removing suspicious software, resetting browser settings, and conducting comprehensive security scans. Moreover, Safemode Computer Service offers expert support, from identifying root causes to removing malware and securing your browsing environment with tailored recommendations. Their experienced team provides a comprehensive and proactive approach to securing your system.

Remember, prevention is key. Stay vigilant by updating your browsers and software, avoiding unknown links and downloads, and keeping your security tools up to date. By doing so, you can enjoy a seamless, secure browsing experience free from unwanted redirects.

If you require further assistance or professional support in dealing with browser redirects, Safemode Computer Service is here to help with personalized, effective solutions.

10 tips and tricks for a better Apple macOS experience

Did you know that your Mac has built-in tools for better productivity and performance? Apple Macs are popular for their smooth user experience and high quality hardware. In this guide, we’ll be looking at the various tips and tricks for every Mac user to take on.

1. How to clean up storage space

Perhaps you’re looking for more space to fit more files on your Mac, or you’ve got an alert that says “Startup disk full” or “You disk is almost full”. Either way, clearing your hard drive of unused files not only gives you more room to work with, it could also improve the performance of software and apps.

To do this, we’ll have to check out how much storage you have on your Mac’s hard disk. Go to About this Mac from the Apple menu, then click on “Storage”. There you’ll see a brief overview of how much storage you have, and what kind of files take up the most space. To look at how you can optimise your Mac’s storage, click “Manage”.

From the Recommendations tab, you should be able to find four options to manage and optimise your storage. These include, Store in iCloud, Optimize Storage, Empty Trash Automatically, and Reduce Clutter. All four of these methods could help with cleaning up some files and documents that hog up your hard disk.

Along with getting rid of files on your hard drive, you could also look into uninstalling apps that you don’t use anymore. Under the Applications window, go through the apps that you don’t need anymore and uninstall them. These apps take up space, and will rarely be of use anyway. Another thing is, because applications are installed on your OS, uninstalling them could make things easier for your Mac.

2. How to use Time Machine to back up your data

For personal data backups, most people are used to just dragging and dropping to their USB drives or external hard drives. Apple’s Time Machine is a more convenient and quick solution to creating regular backups to an external storage space. All you need is an external storage device, something like a USB or Thunderbolt drive should work. You could also use dedicated devices like AirPort Time Capsules.

To set up a Time Machine, connect the external storage and then you can choose whether you want to encrypt the backups. After you’ve selected a backup disk, Time Machine will begin to make regular backups automatically from time to time. You should be able to continue using your Mac as usual while these backups are underway. If you want to start a backup manually, you can click “Back Up Now” from the Time Machine menu. From this menu. You can also check on the status of a backup or skip an automatic backup.

3. How to check your Mac’s battery health

Unlike Windows devices, Apple Macs provide information on its battery health. This gives the user a better idea of when they should be replacing their MacBook laptop’s battery.

Laptop batteries are consumable parts that have an approximate lifespan of 2-4 years. Battery failures can also go awry pretty quickly, as the lithium-ion parts are quite volatile when malfunctioning. They can catch on fire, or explode. So with that said, it’s a good idea to catch these problems before they get dangerous.

To check your MacBook’s battery health, click on the battery icon on the menu bar. The status should read either: Normal, Service battery, Replace soon, or Replace now. You can also find a more detailed report from your MacBook’s System Report, under the Power tab. Information about the battery’s power capacity and charging cycles.

4. How to reinstall macOS

Sometimes you Mac might need a little refresher, or you want to reset it back to factory settings before selling it. You can do this by reinstalling macOS. Be sure to back up your data before doing this though, as reinstalling macOS will wipe out everything on the Mac.

To reinstall macOS, restart your Mac and hold Command + R at startup. You’ll reach macOS Utilities. Select “reinstall macOS”, then choose a language. The process will begin and your Mac will download and install the right version of macOS for you.

5. How to screenshot individual elements

The traditional way of screenshotting screen images on an Apple Mac is by holding these three keys: command, shift, 3. What if you want to screenshot individual elements without having to go through image editing and cropping what you need?

There is a way to do this, so you can screenshot elements like the menu bar, dock, or any open windows. Hold down command + shift + 4, then press and release the spacebar. Then you can click on the thing that you want.

6. How to use Apple Diagnostics

Apple Diagnostics is a handy tool that can help you find possible faults with your hardware. It’s helpful to run this maybe every few months, even if your Mac seems to be running normally. This way you might be able to catch problems earlier, before it starts to create bigger problems for you. Apple Diagnostics can test hardware like the hard drive, RAM, or battery.

Simply restart your Mac and press the D key when it turns on. Apple Diagnostics should run immediately after. If it finds any issues, it will report them along with an error reference code and support solutions.

Help with Apple Mac repair solutions

If you require any help with your Mac, you’d generally make an appointment at the Apple genius bar. But there are certain situations where you might not be able to get help. Your warranty might be expired, or that the problem is out of their reach.

That would bring you to a repair shop like us. At Safemode Computer Service, we are dedicated to providing the best Mac repair service in Sydney. Our experienced repair technicians can help you with any Mac issue, from logic board repairs to iMac screen replacements. Call us today to make an appointment at our Enmore store.

How to troubleshoot an iMac computer

Have you run into some trouble with your Apple iMac computer? All-in-one computers like the iMac can seem tricky to deal with, as everything is enclosed inside the device. Still, there are a few ways you can troubleshoot your Mac. Here are a few ways to test your iMac for problems, and solve a few software problems as well.

I hope this post will help you. If your Mac is still struggling, learn more about our Sydney computer repair services.

Restart the Mac

Some computer issues can be easily solved by a quick restart. It is the simplest form of a refreshment for any laptop or desktop computer. You might not expect how much you can achieve by restarting your Mac, but trust us, it can. It resets and removes the cached RAM data and can resolve a number of software bugs. Some might roll their eyes when they hear “have you tried turning it on and off again?”, but there is definitely truth in that advice.

To restart your iMac, just click the “Restart” button after you’ve closed everything. Or you can turn the Mac off as you normally do, then wait a few seconds before disconnecting the power adaptor plug. Wait another few seconds, then plug it back in and turn the iMac on again.

Run Apple Diagnostics

Apple Diagnostics is a great basic diagnostic tool that exists on every Mac computer, from MacBooks to iMac all-in-ones. This gives the user the ability to run checks on their hardware and see what’s wrong with the Mac. So if you’re trying to figure out why your iMac just crashed, or is running slower than usual, you might want to pull up Apple Diagnostics.

The procedure is simple: Restart your iMac, and then press the “D” key at start up. This brings you to a language selection screen, and Apple Diagnostics will start running after you choose a language. It will run tests on hardware like the hard drive, RAM, or fans. After the test, the interface will report hardware issues that it finds, along with support solutions to each problem.

Reinstall macOS

A software reset could also be helpful when your iMac isn’t running normally. Reinstalling macOS could help to get rid of various software bugs by giving the Mac a clean slate. Make sure you back up any important data before you do so, because this process wipes everything out. An easy drag and drop onto an external drive or a Time Machine backup should be enough.

You can reinstall macOS from the macOS recovery screen. To start your iMac in recovery mode, restart the Mac and hold Command + R until you see the Apple logo or a spinning ball. Then you’ll see a few options in front of you. Choose “Reinstall macOS”, and your Mac will download and install a clean version of macOS for you.

Getting support for your iMac

Because of how bulky the iMac is, there aren’t that many ways to test or troubleshoot it at home. Most parts are taped together and these all-in-one Macs require specific tools to open up. There isn’t much you can do if you don’t have the tools or technical know-how to do it yourself.

If you already know what’s wrong with your Mac after using Apple Diagnostics, great! Checking ahead with the geniuses at Apple should be the first thing to do. That way you know for sure that they can help you repair your iMac. You won’t have to waste a trip clumsily carrying around the computer.

There are situations where the Apple genius bar can’t help you. This might be because the iMac’s warranty has run out, or the problem is out of the genius’ reach. Then you might turn to a different computer technician to help you out.

Why not consider getting your iMac repaired at a trusted computer repair service like us? Located in Inner West Sydney, our friendly technicians at Safemode Computer Service can help you with any computer issue. From Windows PCs and laptops to Apple Macs, let us share our expertise to help with your computing needs. As a highly-rated computer repair service in Sydney, we are happy to advise with laptop and desktop repairs catered to your needs. Call us today or drop by at our Enmore store today!

3 steps to test, troubleshoot common Apple Mac computer problems yourself

With Macbook laptops and desktop Macs, there are a few common problems that users may come across. While they can be quite frustrating to face, there are a few tricks and tools that you can use to figure it all out. Here are some common Mac issues and how you can fix them yourself.

Common Mac issues

Start up issues

When you’ve had your Mac for a while, parts may start to fail. These hardware failures can cause some pretty bad issues, where you may experience some trouble while starting up your Mac. These start up issues may include: the question mark folder error, infinite loading bar, or in some situations, your Mac may not turn on at all.

These issues usually can be traced back to hardware issues related to the parts that are essential to the macOS start up process. The hard drive, logic board, RAM, and video card should be thoroughly checked out to solve this problem. You can also try resolving possible software issues as well.

Spinning beach ball

The spinning beach ball as a “loading” indicator is considered an iconic Apple symbol. But it can also be pretty frustrating to get it all the time while you’re working.

This could be a sign that your Mac’s processor is overworked and cannot manage all the processes that you’re working on. Or you might not have enough RAM space to handle the many tasks you have open.

It shouldn’t be a problem if it goes away after you close some programs from the Activity Monitor. By closing background apps that you’re not using, you can smooth things out and reduce your system’s workload. But if the problem persists, you might have to figure out what’s really wrong with your Mac by running diagnostics.

Slow performance

Similar to the constant spinning beach ball problem, slow macOS performance is also a common issue that Mac users come across. Most of the time, this can be identified as a hard drive issue. Hard drives can start to lose functionality over its 3-5 year lifespan, and cause all sorts of issues. Some of these issues may be apparent from when you start your Mac, or you’ll notice that some files are lost or you’re unable to open them. A slow Mac could also be a sign of hard drive failure. It might not be completely failed, but could be getting there. It’s a good idea to catch these issues early before you’re met with the tragedy of complete hard drive failure. Backing up your data regularly is also something you should be doing.

Known hardware issues across different Mac models

Certain models of Mac computers have some widely-known hardware issues that Apple offers recall programs for. Some publicly acknowledged hardware issues include the butterfly keyboard, video cards, and screens on Macbook laptops. Apple offered free replacements for these parts in various limited recall programs.

However, some Mac users may not experience problems with the part until after the program has ended, or just simply missed it. This just means they can’t get a free fix from Apple. It’s helpful to be aware of these issues, so when something comes up, you will definitely know what it is.

How to fix Mac issues

When you find that your Mac isn’t working properly, you can try out some software fixes first. Even if you solve the problem with these fixes, it’s still a good idea to run checks on your hardware. That way you can make sure that everything is in tip top shape.

1. Restart and reset

A small but mighty fix for a lot of computer issues is a quick restart. Don’t underestimate the power of the simple computer restart, it can actually solve a lot of software and driver issues. We recommend restarting your Mac as a first step to fix your Mac issues.

If your Mac has frozen up and you can’t restart it from the power options, you can turn it off manually. Press down the power button for about 6 seconds until it powers down. Just remember, only do this when you absolutely have to.

Some more soft fixes include resetting the SMC and PRAM / NVRAM. These two resets are specific to Mac laptops and desktop computers. They can solve a range of issues related to startup, power and the battery.

SMC resets

The System Management Controller (SMC) is where your Mac stores information related to things like startup, fan and temperature control, the keyboard, and more. If the SMC is not working properly, you might notice problems with power, performance, or battery.

By resetting the SMC back to default settings, you might be able to resolve software related issues. To do so, you’ll have to refer to the kind of Mac you have:

Desktop Mac: Disconnect the power adaptor and reconnect it after 15 seconds. Then wait another 5 seconds before turning the Mac on again.

Macbook laptop with T2 security chip: Shutdown the Mac and hold down Control + Option + Shift. This process may turn on the Mac. Hold these three keys for 7 seconds, then press and hold the power button as well. Your Mac will turn off after these 7 seconds. Wait for a few seconds before turning on the Mac again.

Macbook laptop without T2 security chip: Shutdown and unplug the Mac, then hold down Control + Shift + Option + Power button for 10 seconds. Then you can plug the power cord back and turn on the Macbook again.

NVRAM / PRAM resets

While they seem to be different things by name, the parameter RAM (PRAM) and non-volatile RAM are essentially the same thing. It’s only that newer Macs use NVRAM rather than PRAM.

The main difference is that the NVRAM stores less information. It is a slimmed down version with just the essentials like the time zone, screen resolution, and the selected startup disk.

When your Mac is taking forever to boot, you could try resetting the NVRAM. This resolves startup disk issues by reverting the NVRAM back to default settings.

To reset the NVRAM or PRAM, restart your Mac and hold down Command + Option + P + R for 20 seconds (your Mac may restart). Release the keys and start the Mac up normally. For older Macs that chime at boot, hold the four keys until you hear a second chime.

2. Reinstall macOS

Sometimes you just need a clean slate to get things going again. You can do this by reinstalling macOS from macOS Utilities. This is another way to resolve software issues by refreshing your OS. Just make sure you have a Time Machine backup, or a backup on an external hard drive before you do so. This is because the process can wipe your drive.

To reinstall macOS, restart your Mac and hold down Command + R when you boot it up again. This gets you to macOS Utilities where you can pick “Reinstall macOS”. Then, as long as you have an internet connection, you Mac should download and install the right version of macOS for you.

3. Run diagnostics

Testing your hardware is always useful when you want to thoroughly find out what’s wrong with your Mac. Even if your problem does seem to go away after fixing software issues, underlying hardware issues might cause more problems down the line. So you might want to take some time to run checks on your Mac’s hardware.

Apple diagnostics

One easy way to check on almost everything on your Mac is by running Apple Diagnostics. Apple Diagnostics, or Apple Hardware Test, can help you test hardware on your Mac, including the hard drive, battery, fan, and more.

To run Apple Diagnostics, restart your Mac and hold down the “D” key until you reach a language selection page. After picking the language, a loading bar should appear to indicate that the test has started. If Apple Diagnostics finds any problems, it will report them with reference codes and suggest solutions as well.

Other specific apps and software

Apple diagnostics is only a base-level type of hardware test that can only do so much. Say you’ve narrowed the problem down to the hard drive. You can run First Aid from Disk Utility to check and possibly repair your hard drive.

You may also try some other branded hardware analysis software to test your hard drive, RAM, or video card. These apps can help you run extensive tests with thorough results.

Expert Mac repairs at Safemode Computer Service

Maybe you end up with a problem with solutions that are out of your reach. That’s where we can help. At Safemode Computer Service, we deliver the most trusted and reliable computer repair services in Sydney. Our experienced technicians can help you test and offer the right advice for any computer issue you have, from desktop Macs to Macbook laptops. Come on down to our Inner West store today, or call to make an appointment.

Mac not turning on: How to troubleshoot a dead desktop Mac

There are many reasons why your Mac isn’t turning on. Apple Mac computers are powerful and advanced machines, but they will fall to hardware issues. In this guide we’ll be looking at how to fix a desktop Mac that isn’t turning on, this includes the iMac, Mac Mini, or Mac Pro. Running a few checks on your system can help you find out what’s causing the problem and get the right solution.

Though, fixing an Apple iMac that is not turning on is difficult. If all of your attempts bear no fuit, seek professional repairs instead.

Why isn’t my Mac turning on?

When your Mac doesn’t turn on at all, you most likely have a hardware issue. For the computer to boot up properly, essential parts work together to deliver a smooth computing experience. Once one part starts acting up or dies completely, the entire process may be disrupted. The computer won’t be able to turn on at all, or may take a long time to power up.

These essential parts include the hard drive, logic board, video card, RAM, and power supply unit. Without even a single part, the computer may start having trouble turning on, or even stop working properly.

But is it really not turning on? Sometimes you simply can’t get your Mac to boot to MacOS, and assume that it’s not turning on. This means that it could also be a software issue. You might be able to get your Mac to turn on but it seems to be taking forever or gets stuck on a blank screen. If this is the case, you can try doing some software resets first. This would be either an SMC reset or PRAM reset. This can help fix software issues and reset certain boot up settings.

Our technical understanding of a “desktop Mac not turning on” is when the Mac appears to be completely dead and doesn’t respond to anything. It could be a sign of a serious hardware failure. This is only one of the few MacOS start up issues that you can run into. We’re talking about start up issues like the question mark folder or infinite loading bar. These would bring you to other diagnostic and repair solutions, so it’s important to know how to tell them apart.

How to test and repair a desktop Mac that won’t turn on

Once you’ve identified the problem, you can start with a few tests to find out what’s causing the problem. This involves testing the parts essential for starting up your Mac: the hard drive, logic board, video card, RAM, and PSU.

It seems like a lot of work, but when a Mac appears to be completely dead and doesn’t show any signs to which part is failing, it’s the only way to thoroughly diagnose the problem this way. As we’ve learnt from above, a single component failure can cause a total computer shutdown. So to bring your Mac back to life, we have to do a little digging to find the right repair solution.

Again, considering the scope of the Mac’s failure, there aren’t a lot of ways to test the system for errors. When you can’t power up your Mac, you’ll have to take out the specific parts to test on a different desktop Mac.

Of course, it would be easier to just use Apple Diagnostics or run diagnostic software on the Mac itself. If you can get your Mac to even fire up to a black screen, you can enter Apple Diagnostics by holding down the “D” key. This is a simple built-in diagnostic tool to help you find errors in components like the hard drive, RAM, or video card.

When we’re left with less options, all we can do is testing out the part on a different Mac, preferably a desktop as well. Let’s look at how to test different parts to diagnose the problem. If you’re keen on DIY, you might be able to fix them yourself.

Hard drive failure

A hard drive failure is a very common cause of various start up issues. As the boot drive, it contains boot files and the MacOS that is used to boot up your Mac and runs the whole show. So when a hard drive malfunctions, the necessary files cannot be accessed and could halt the entire boot up process.

It can be a surprise to some to learn that hard drive failure can happen to most computer users. Hard drives have a limited lifespan and are prone to damage from bad sectors. This can happen to all sorts of hard drives, including traditional hard disk drives, flash storage, or fusion drives.

Bad sectors caused by physical damage or software errors can cause permanent damage on small parts of the drive. This is an unavoidable thing that will happen to all storage drives, every new drive ships with a tiny amount of bad sectors. As you use the drive it will eventually accumulate more and more bad sectors. The drive will work as long as they are limited to a small area of the drive.

When they do spread out and get to an intolerable amount, the drive will start to show signs of failure. You may notice that your computer is running slower than usual, or find that some files have been corrupted or completely lost. That is when you should look into replacing the drive.

How to repair a faulty hard drive

The only reliable and true fix for a hard drive failure is by replacing the drive itself. While some disk repair utilities can repair certain soft bad sectors, this solution may only buy you a little more time before the drive does ultimately fail. But first, we have to do a little testing to confirm the issue.

To test a hard drive for issues, take out the drive from the Mac and connect it to a different desktop Mac via a SATA to USB enclosure box. Then, test the drive with hard drive analysis software like WD Data Lifeguard. The drive is powered by the enclosure box instead of the computer, so it ensures isolation to thoroughly test the hard drive. Now for all-in-one desktop Macs like the iMac, it would take a little more disassembly to get to the hard drive, compared to Mac Pro or Mac Mini. You’ll need to start from the screen to get to the hard drive.

When your hard drive does in fact need replacing, you can replace it with an exact same drive, or upgrade to a better hard drive or flash storage. Just make sure that the drive is compatible with your Mac. Learn more about Apple hard drive repairs here.

Logic board, GPU, and RAM failures

Another thing that can kill your Mac is a logic board failure. The logic board is the circuit board that spans across your Mac. It is the communication channel where components receive signals from the CPU to work accordingly. Even a small failure on a part of the logic board can break up the communication channel between components. When this happens, components won’t know what to do even if they are fully intact and can work properly.

Overheating and liquid damage are one of the few causes of logic board failure. So it’s important to keep your system dust-free and can cool itself effectively. Similarly, the video card and RAM can also fall to overheating and liquid spills.

The GPU and RAM are also essential for the MacOS start up process. The video card generates the visual feed that puts images on the screen. Start up settings and boot information are also stored on the RAM for easy access to fire up the Mac. Without either, it could cause the Mac to be unresponsive when you turn it on.

How to repair a faulty logic board

The logic board is an intricate and complicated piece of computer hardware to navigate around. On top of this, there is no direct way to test and diagnose a logic board failure. This makes a logic board repair one of the most difficult computer repair jobs to perform.

To test a logic board for errors, we’ll have to diagnose it by eliminating other hardware errors to reach a conclusive result. This involves testing the hard drive, GPU, and RAM. Like a hard drive, we can test the video card and RAM by taking it out.

For the video card, plug it in a different desktop Mac and test it with GPU analysis software (we use Furmark). Then for the RAM, swap it out with a spare stick of RAM to see whether the issue persists. If both work fine, then you can conclude that you have a logic board issue.

To repair a logic board, the whole board will have to be replaced. The board is usually under everything else, so it will need some careful navigation to take everything out to reach it. This is why logic board repairs require quite experienced hands to make sure you don’t break other parts while you’re fixing the logic board. Learn more about repairing an Apple logic board here.

PSU failure

Sometimes a faulty power supply unit can be keeping your Mac from powering up. The PSU is the only power source to power up your Mac, so when it fails, the Mac may become unresponsive. This kind of failure can appear similarly as a logic board failure, but the problem is quite different.

Unlike laptops that can use a battery and don’t need to be plugged in to turn on, a desktop Mac solely depends on the PSU for power. The PSU converts power to a steady current that powers up components.

Like most computer hardware, the PSU can fail due to natural wear and tear, overheating, and accumulated dust. Power surges can also overload the unit and kill it. In some rare cases, bugs (yes, actual insects) get inside the unit and block the fans or damage the parts.

How to repair a faulty PSU

A sign of a faulty PSU might be the fans not firing up when you press the power button. Detecting a PSU does take some special tools. You can try using a multimeter or power supply tester to check on the PSU’s performance. Then replace the PSU entirely if you do find that it is malfunctioning.

Professional repair

Sometimes you might not have all the tools to repair your desktop Mac. After all, desktop Macs may need more tools to open up. Moreover, Apple computers may also contain proprietary screws that you might not have the right tools for. With that said, that’s where a professional repair can help you.

That’s where we can help you! At Safemode Computer Service, we can help you diagnose your dead desktop Mac. Save yourself the hassle of taking apart your Mac by bringing your desktop Mac to our store. We are conveniently located in the heart of Inner West Sydney. Our experienced technicians can help you find the right repair solution to bring your Mac back to life. Give us a call to make an appointment at our Enmore store today.

A Complete Guide to Upgrading Your Hard Drive to an SSD

So you’ve had your computer for a while and it seems to be running slower than you’d like. Or you’re looking for something to boost its performance. Want a quick and practical way to upgrading your computer? Then upgrading your hard drive (HDD) to a solid-state drive (SSD) might be something to consider. As a quick and cost-effective upgrade, an SSD upgrade can be a way to boost your computer’s performance and practically make it fly!

Boosting your computer’s speed with an SSD upgrade may sound like a big change, and you may not know where to start. There are certainly a few things to consider before you decide to upgrade. Not to worry, here’s a guide to computer storage basics and what you should consider before upgrading to an SSD.

What is computer storage?

We all need a place to store our files, somewhere the data can stay on your computer and even while you’re not using those files or when your computer is turned off. This form of storage is called non-volatile storage. With this, you won’t lose data and have to recreate your work every time you turn on your computer. The main device for computer storage is generally a hard drive or a solid-state drive.

While we mainly store data on hard drives or solid-state drives, these drives work together with your computer’s memory (RAM) to get work done. RAM, random access memory, is a form of volatile storage, stores data that you are working on at the ready, so you can access it faster. Both forms of volatile and non-volatile storage work together to give you a smooth multitasking experience.

What is an HDD?

A hard disk drive, or hard drive is the storage device on your computer. HDDs have been the standard for permanent data storage on computers for many years. Traditionally, hard drives come in two physical sizes, 2.5-inch for laptops, and 3.5-inch for desktop computers

So how does a hard drive work?

Right round like a record, to borrow a phrase. The actuator arm floats on the rotating disk to read and write data to its surface, using magnetic heads, working like a record player. The disk rotates on a spindle at a high rate of speed to read and write data.

Like most things, hard drives will eventually age and wear out. While they can last long, they can cause unwanted issues such as overheating and performance loss. On top of that, because they contain delicate moving parts, dropping your computer while it is operating can also cause significant damage to the disk.

Related: Top 8 hard drive issues and how to fix them yourself

If you’ve owned your laptop or desktop for a few years and want to keep its performance up to your standard, you may want to start thinking about upgrading to an SSD. Let’s look at the benefits of that.

What is an SSD?

Solid-state drives are becoming more and more popular in comparison to hard drives, due to its higher speed and reliability. Most new computers use SSDs over the old standard of HDDs. SSDs typically come in 2.5-inch sizes, the size of a standard laptop HDD. A newer type of SSD, the M.2 standard, is much smaller and thinner and can fit in ultra-thin laptops and mini PCs.

The main difference between HDD and SSD is that SSD does not have any moving parts that need to be powered. While HDD works by motorized write and read heads on a disk, an SSD makes use of flash memory, a form of non-volatile computer memory. Simply put, data is electronically written and stays on memory chips, unlike regular RAM, where data is only stored while the computer is powered. This process does not require any moving machinery for data storage.

What are the pros and cons of upgrading to an SSD?

Pros of upgrading to SSD

Without any moving parts, its solid state can withstand physical impact more than a hard drive can. Its shock resistance promises better durability while it is in use and not.

The moving parts of a hard drive draws power to work, and also produces noise and heat. All these issues can be solved by replacing the HDD with an SSD. You can use an SSD as a data drive together with your HDD, but using the SSD as a boot drive allows you to make full use of its benefits.

The biggest benefit of upgrading to an SSD is the higher performance, which greatly improves your computing experience. It can read and write much faster than standard hard drives. Booting up your computer will also be much faster than before. You’ll be able to refresh your computer and even make things run faster than it ever has!

Cons of upgrading to SSD

While it seems like an easy decision to upgrade to an SSD, one significant downside is its high cost. The cost of SSDs are gradually decreasing, but still remain a lot more expensive than hard drives. A hard drive of the same price of an average SSD can get you a lot more storage.

The storage capacities of SSDs also can’t compare to the largest capacity of a hard drive. Hard drives are still the mainstay if you need to store huge amounts of data. You could consider replacing your hard drive with a newer one, or put your data on external hard drives.

On the bright side, SSD manufacturers are still working to refine their technology and quality of their drives. With this, we can expect price drops and capacity improvements for the near future.

Things to consider before upgrading to an SSD

This may be obvious, but if your computer already comes with an SSD, you do not need to upgrade from an HDD to an SSD. Most newer models make use of SSDs, such as Apple Macbook laptops from 2013 onwards. If you are looking for more upgrades, you may want to look into other hardware upgrades that can boost performance.

When it comes to deciding which SSD is right for you, you may want to think about your main computing needs. The capacity and performance of the drive should be your priority when you are shopping for one. In terms of cost, getting an SSD with larger capacity could provide more value for money.

Interface: SATA vs. PCIe SSDs?

PCIe SSDs a newer option compared to the more widely-used SATA interface for SSDs. It connects directly onto the motherboard. Compared to one another, both connection types have their relative benefits and disadvantages:

Form factor

You’ll also need to think about whether the drive’s form factor can fit in your computer. The 2.5-inch size can fit a laptop, but the thickness of the drive is also something to consider. Checking your computer’s manual can help you make this decision.

The smaller and thinner M.2 SSD is also gaining popularity for storage solutions in thinner laptops. For desktop computers that usually require a 3.5-inch size for drives, you may use an adaptor to mount the 2.5-inch SSD.

For Apple computer users

Users of Apple laptops from 2012 and Mac desktops and can only upgrade to the 2.5-inch SSD with SATA connection, as the laptops do not come with the PCIe connection option.

If you own an Apple laptop from 2013 to 2015 and onwards and want to upgrade your existing SSD’s capacity, make sure you only choose from genuine Apple SSD’s. This is due to the specific interface that Apple makes use of for their laptops from 2013 to 2015. Apple desktop users can choose from any brand, just as long as they are 2.5-inch ones.

From 2016 onwards, most Apple laptop SSDs (flash storage) are built into the computer motherboard which makes it impossible to upgrade.

How do I upgrade to an SSD?

If you’d like to install your new SSD on your own, you can do so with some simple tools and by migrating your data from your HDD to your new SSD. This is a process where you’ll need to clone your drive, which carries over your files, installed programs, and operating system over to your new drive. You’ll be able to boot up exactly as you did before, only with a significant performance boost for your computing experience.

In-store upgrade

If you find yourself not-so-adept to DIY tasks or would just like to save yourself the hassle, you may want to get your SSD upgrade done by a professional. Our friendly technicians at Safemode Computer Service, one of the best computer services in Inner West Sydney, can definitely provide you with the best advice and service.

If you own an Apple Mac, you might be thinking about taking it to the nearest Apple store. But, an upgrade with Apple may not be possible. Apple does not offer upgrades to every model of their computers, so you may want to check with them before booking an appointment to avoid wasting your valuable time.

For Windows computer manufacturers such as Dell, HP, or Lenovo, you may want to check if there is an authorized service centre near your place. Same with Apple stores, it could be a good idea to make sure they offer such services for your computer.

Otherwise, a third-party computer repair service might be your only option. If you live in Inner West Sydney, surely us – Safemode Computer Service is an option! We are rated among the top three laptop repair centres for the third year in a row by ThreeBestRate :) Or you can look up other computer repair services online to find one near you.

Remove Firmware Lock (Padlock icon) on old Apple iMac Computer

This is a great tip that we are sharing with owners of old Apple Mac computer who has forgotten firmware password on older Apple iMac (2009 models or older).

If your Apple iMac powers on and shows a padlock icon asking for password, it has firmware password lock on it. You can remove this firmware password by following this simple instructions:

1. Access the RAM slots at the bottom of the iMac
2. Remove one RAM stick to make the hardware configuration different
3. Power on your iMac, and do a PRAM reset by immediately press and hold Option-Command-P-R
4. You should hear a boot Apple chime within a few seconds
5. Keep holding those same 4 keys, until you hear the boot chime 3 more times
6. Release those keys and turn off your iMac
7. Reinstall the RAM stick that you removed earlier
8. Boot the computer normally and the firmware password should have been removed!

Enjoy your old much loved Apple iMac!

Apple iMac fan noise running constantly at full speed after hard drive replacement or upgrade

In this article, we will address issue of Apple iMac fan noise running constantly at full speed after hard drive replacement or hard drive upgrade.

If your Apple iMac computer has hard drive replaced or upgraded recently and you notice that the computer fan is noisy at all time, the fan appears to be running constantly at full speed even though there is little activity in the computer, this indicates that the computer fails to read temperature from the new hard drive. This is common for older Apple iMac computers (prior to 2012 models). This is not a major concern. To put this simple, the new hard drive might be “too new” and thus not compatible with temperature sensor of your Apple iMac computer. The computer then assumes that the new drive is over-heated and instructs its hard drive fan to run at full speed causing the loud noise.

Resolutions

Fixing this problem is easy by installing a small app called SSD Fan Control.

This app can be downloaded from our website by clicking on this link, or from the developer website at http://exirion.net/ssdfanctrl/

How to use it

1. Download the package
2. Run the installer (reboots your iMac after finishing). Allow it to open in System Preferences – Security if required.
3. Run the SSD Fan Control application
4. Find the noisy fan and click on ‘SMART’ mode
5. You should notice the quietness of the fan instantly