Weird "code" on screen, imac crashes

[dangerfish]

I have a 2006 core duo imac that is having an issue. In general, it is a pretty responsive computer that is running snow leopard. On boot or sometimes after boot (not necessarily right away) this code will appear on the screen and then it will lock up and stop functioning. It's a little blurry but if you zoom in, you can read the text. Talks about kernel, bsd, remote debugger plus a slew of other things. Any thoughts on the issue? Hardware? Would a software reinstall fix the issue?

 

[dangerfish]

Some better images

 

[Animalk]

Does this only occur when you have iOS devices or any other USB-based device connected to the computer?

This is what is known as a Kernel Panic and it is describing an issue with a process that handles USB communication with other devices.

 

[scaredpoet]

If it's consistently and frequently happening, I would suggest backing up (if possible), then installing a fresh copy of the OS and see if the problem persist. If not, there's a software issue going on.

If it DOES continue, then there's a hardware problem, possibly related (as mentioned earlier) to the USB controller.

 

[DeltaMac]

I have a 2006 core duo imac that is having an issue. In general, it is a pretty responsive computer that is running snow leopard. On boot or sometimes after boot (not necessarily right away) this code will appear on the screen and then it will lock up and stop functioning. It's a little blurry but if you zoom in, you can read the text. Talks about kernel, bsd, remote debugger plus a slew of other things. Any thoughts on the issue? Hardware? Would a software reinstall fix the issue?

That code on the screen indicates a kernel panic.
It's often hardware, but can be software.
Your screens show what I call two primary 'triggers'
USBMUXD or a more general coreservices (I think)
The USB controller is possible (what devices are plugged in to your USB ports?)

But, I think a good first step is to download and install your 10.6.8 combined update, here: http://support.apple.com/kb/DL1399

Have you recently added any new USB hardware, or maybe recently installed any new applications?

 

[dangerfish]

The only thing plugged in to this computer is an apple keyboard and mouse. That's it.

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But, I think a good first step is to download and install your 10.6.8 combined update, here: http://support.apple.com/kb/DL1399

The mac is already running 10.6.8. Do I need to just download and install this update or should I reinstall from the disc and then install the update?

Thanks for the help guys.

 

[DeltaMac]

...

The mac is already running 10.6.8. Do I need to just download and install this update or should I reinstall from the disc and then install the update?

Thanks for the help guys.

Yes, download and install the combined updater that I linked.
That install can (often) repair minor issues that start happening for no apparent reason. And - it's a good place to start. You may find out that the issue does disappear, or at least will be much less frequent.