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Appendix C Optimizing Your Computer Audio System 85
Does the problem persist?
Hard Disk Checking and File Structure Repair
Logical file structure errors can be diagnosed and repaired with suitable software. Hard
disk hardware defects can also be diagnosed. The boot drive (Start Volume) cannot
generally be repaired if a critical error occurs. If you usually start your computer from
the internal hard drive, you will need to choose another Start Volume, which will boot
the computer from another drive. This is best accomplished with the emergency CD-
ROM that came with your Macintosh, but you may also need a second hard (or
removable) disk drive with a system folder on it.
Choose the CD-ROM, or other drive containing the operating system, in the Start
Volume control panel. Restart the computer. Many Macintosh computers also allow you
to force a start from the CD-ROM by holding down the C key during a new start.
Launch the Hard Disk Utility program, and use it to repair your volumes.
Does the problem still persist?
PCI Errors
PCI technology relies on highly-accurate timing synchronization in your computer’s
data stream. Unfortunately, there are certain PCI (or PCI-X) card combinations that will
cause conflicts with each other, despite the fact that each works perfectly in isolation,
and all meet the PCI specifications. Problems of this type can cause seemingly random
system crashes.
 Check if the problem persists after removing the PCI card. Try to work on the
machine, using the built-in audio hardware, for several hours without the PCI card—
if the problems disappear, you’ve found the culprit. If the problems persist, however,
you can safely rule out PCI issues as the cause.
 Try to use the PCI card in another slot, if available. It is often possible to resolve
conflicts by simply swapping slots.
Faulty Cables
Cable faults are a common problem, which can cause all manner of problems.
If the computer does not respond to certain commands, the reason may be an
intermittent USB cable fault between the keyboard and the computer. Try connecting
the mouse directly to a free USB port. If the computer behaves normally, you will need
to purchase a new USB cable. In some situations, you may need to replace your
Macintosh keyboard.
Use of the correct monitor cable is important—simply having an appropriate
connector at either end is not always sufficient. Before assuming that this is an
unrelated hardware fault, please test the cable by swapping it with a new one.