System Diagnostic software tips?

[kickFlip]

Hi, all,

I'm very happy with my 2010 MBP 15" i7 -- very slick little piece of kit!

However, there have been a few cases recently where I had to force a hard-shutdown of the laptop (holding the power button for 3 seconds). This is not because of the actual MBP per se, but because of some software that froze and wouldn't let me force-quit them.

Anyways, I'm wondering, since I had to hard-shutdown several times recently, if I should check my OS for any weird happenings? I always, always do Apple > Shutdown, but I've been forced to use the power button recently.

If I am due for an OS diagnostic, what (free) software could you recommend?

Thanks for your help!

 

[Hellhammer]

Repair permissions with Disk Utility

 

[davidlv]

You probably should boot up from the Install DVD or an external disk and run Disk Utility to repair the drive, even better run Disk Warrior on the drive.
Macs are actually quite tough and will just keep chugging along even after such rough treatment, but your data will be safer if you take a few precautions.

 

[DewGuy1999]

However, there have been a few cases recently where I had to force a hard-shutdown of the laptop (holding the power button for 3 seconds). This is not because of the actual MBP per se, but because of some software that froze and wouldn't let me force-quit them.

How were you trying to force quit? There are a few ways and some are more effective than others. I find that Activity Monitor is the most effective.

 

[mulo]

cmd+opt+esc works great
even in frozen full screen apps