mac pro freezing - hard shut down required

[swingline]

i've been getting an error screen where my desktop is greyed out and a warning appears telling me to either hit the restart button or hold the power button for a few seconds. i've been troubled by this a few times; twice when i was trying to install parrallels, once when i unplugged my cellphone without ejecting the port, and once when i was trying to play an avi file on vlc player. has anyone else got this problem? does anyone know what's the matter? should i take my mac pro back to apple? i'm just worried that this might turn into a frequent issue. thanks in advance.

 

[zwida]

If you're getting repeated kernel panics, you should probably bring it into the genius bar. If you're ONLY getting them when you try to install Parallels or other apps, it could be application related. Even still, repeated kernel panics are a bad sign. I'd suggest bringing it in.

 

[apfhex]

There was a bug with Parallels that caused Mac Pro's to KP, and having one when you unplug your cell phone's memory without ejecting isn't TOO weird, but just using VLC or something, never. I would get it checked out.

 

[eva01]

have you installed any new hardware recently in it?

Also installing of parallels may be the entire cause for it. Slim chance but possible.

 

[swingline]

i have not installed any new hardware and parallels never finished installing on my mac pro. i don't know if this tidbit helps but when the KP occured with the vlc player, i was playing avi files from a dvd disc that i burnt. and also, what's the genius bar? i'm guessing that's just the repair area at the apple store? not sure because ive never had any issues with my g4 powerbook.

 

[zwida]

Yeah, genius bar is repair counter at an Apple store.

 

[bradc]

Odd, I'm having the same problems. Lots of Kernel Panics from various Programs or unplugging ext drives. On the Apple Support forums apparently there is a problem with a number of Mac Pro's with build number 8K1079.

To get your build number go About This Mac -> Click 'Version 10.4.7' then your build number will be displayed.

 

[swingline]

i have build 8k1124 hrmmm. one more kp and then i'll take it to apple.

 

[dokebi]

Hey swingline. i know exactly what you are going through.
I also had kernel panics on my mac pro.
this is the thread i made few days ago about my mac pro.

https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/235968/

if you dont have time to read the whole thing, look at page 2, post 45.

good luck.