iMac crashing every time - diagnostic tips needed pls

[carl201167]

My standard config 24" iMac (c. 18months old) has always run like a dream

But for the past two days it crashes (descending screen of death) within 60 minutes of booting up.

The only software I have installed recently is iTunes 10, the latest Flash Player and iOS4.1.

I have tried all the things I know
- removing all peripherals
- deleting start-up items
- re-installing Flash
- Verify/repair disk permissions

Problem persists and is crippling. Would appreciate ideas please?

 

[LPZ]

(descending screen of death)

What is this "descending screen of death"?

What exactly is happening? Is some application crashing? If so, please post a Crash Report. Is the machine shutting down? Is there any warning message or dialog provided?

If you use Console (in Utilities) to look at your system.log, are there any clues there?

 

[carl201167]

Sorry - I know I didn't provide enough information. My errant Mac is at home and I'm at work

The descending screen of death is this one and is the type that requires holding down the power button / hard reboot

I will post a crash report later - I was just worried and looking for things that I might try when I get home

 

[DLary]

That descending screen of death is a kernel panic. Try this web site for more info and trouble shooting ideas.

http://support.apple.com/kb/TS1388

 

[carl201167]

Thanks @DLary

 

[keithymart40]

Did you resovle your problem

@carl201167

I think I may have the same problem on my iMac. It only crashes on the administrator site but if I log on as a guest or my girlfriends account the computer works perfectly!? I'm not sure how to ammend the problem?

Did you get any joy?