Support > FAQ > Apple FAQ 2

Frequently Asked Questions

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Apple FAQ 2:

**** I have just lost the document I have spent "x" hours working on!

Save frequently when working for a long time on a single file otherwise if your machine crashes you will loose the data. When you save a new document be methodical about what you call it and where you file it.
If you cant find a file that you are sure you have saved try using find file but using "created on" or "modified on" rather than the name as the search method.

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My computer is displaying a sad Mac during start-up !
Usually during the start-up sequence your computer will display a happy Mac symbol. If it persistently displays a flashing "?"or it shows a sad Mac icon then your Mac is telling you that it cant find or correctly load the system file. Your next step is to attempt to start-up using the original system install CD or disk tools floppy. If this works it will give you the opportunity to open up the finder application and begin remedial action.
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My Mac only displays a blank screen !
A blank screen during start-up could be caused by several factors. Firstly check all cables and the power supply. If this is OK check if there is a monitor adapter linking the cable to the computer. Some of theses adapters have small dip switches which can be disturbed when plugging in new cables etc. Check the dip switch setting against the manufacturer's guidance. The other problem could be that the PRAM battery is dead which is preventing your Mac from starting properly. This diagnosis is most likely if you have recently experienced problems with the clock date being wrong every time you start the machine.
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I think my Mac may have a virus.
If your machine has been behaving erratically, has suffered periodic system freezes or unexplained hard disk activity you may be right to suspect a virus. In practice most computer problems are not viruses however you are likely to encounter word macro viruses which are primarily transmitted in word email attachment. You will need an up to date antivirus software such as Norton anti virus to check your computer for viruses.!
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I have received an email warning me of a virus and encouraging me to inform everybody I know. What should I do?

Emails warning of viruses are very common! They are not always true ! They are sometimes just chain letters originated with the mischievous intent of creating email meltdown!.
Most of these emails take the form of warning a user not to open the attachment to an unsolicited email from an unrecognized address.
IT SHOULD BE STANDARD PRACTICE NOT TO OPEN ANY ATTACHMENT CONTAINED WITHIN AN UNSOLICITED EMAIL FROM AN UNKNOWN ADDRESS
If you receive such an email please contact IT SUPPORT and we will make inquiries to determine if it is genuine.

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My software doesn’t work properly!
Software is not perfect! Refer to the user manuals or help files if this does not solve the problem contact IT SUPPORT.
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My mac is reporting an error code what does it mean?.
Keep a note of the error code and the application that was being used at the time it occurred and contact IT SUPPORT. Restarting the computer may offer a temporary fix.
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I have deleted a file on my hard disk by mistake. help!
If you have not emptied the wastebasket Double click on the wastebasket icon and drag the file back onto the desktop.
If you have emptied the wastebasket STOP NOW! Do not save any open documents or create any new files on your hard disk. This will increase the chances of success when using a disk utilities software such as Norton Utilities
Do not attempt to Install Norton Utilities if it is not already installed! If you have Norton Utilities installed already and are familiar with it use the unerase tool and cross your fingers. Otherwise refer to recent backups or contact IT SUPPORT

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I have got a zip disk,( floppy disk CD) stuck in my Mac how do I get it out ?
Macs do not have disc eject buttons . The correct way to eject the disk is to drag it on to the trash icon. If it will not allow you to do this check that you have no applications and files open which use the disk ( simpletext is a common one which can be overlooked)
If the disk is not appearing on the desktop you bill have to manually eject the disk. This is done with a straightened paperclip introduced into the small hole adjacent to the disk slot. Push the paperclip in straight and firmly . If you encounter resistance the computers casing may be fouling the mechanism do not force it. Contact IT SUPPORT

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