Mac OS X: Interruption of Server Connection Can Cause Computer to Stop Responding

If connectivity to a Windows (SMB), NFS, or WebDAV shared volume is interrupted, the computer may stop responding ("hang" or "freeze") under certain circumstances.
Symptom

Following the interruption of the connection:

For example, this occurs when connected to a shared volume and the:

Note: Changing the Network Location may refer to two different actions. First, it may refer to using the Location menu to switch between locations in the Network preference pane. Second, it may refer to putting a portable computer to sleep while still connected to the server, carrying it to a different physical location, and then waking the computer where the server cannot be reached. An example of the latter would be connecting an iBook to a server at work, putting the iBook to sleep without first disconnecting it from the server, then waking the iBook at home.

Solution

To resolve the issue, you may have to force restart your computer using the power or interrupt button.

Avoid the issue in the future by ejecting any shared volumes before taking the actions described above.

If you accidentally trigger this issue, restoring connectivity to the server might eliminate the need for a forced restart.
Published Date: Feb 20, 2012