A System Panic, sometimes called a kernel panic, happens when the kernel cannot continue handling requests.
Below are several possible causes:
- In all likelihood, this is a very rare software crash that can happen despite the extremely strong nature of Unix-style operating systems like OS X Server. Heed the warning, restart into single-user mode, and run a file system check.
- If this warning message appears again, it is possible there is a hardware compatibility issue. Even if the original hardware is a supported factory configuration for Mac OS X Server, there could be a hardware component that has been added to the factory configuration and causing issues. Try removing any third party hardware that has been added.
- After confirming there is no hardware compatibility concerns, the server is still frequently reporting System Panics, there could be an issue with the operating system. Reinstalling Mac OS X Server from your installer CD should fix this issue.
Caution: Remember that the Mac OS X Server installation erases the contents of the partition it is installed onto.
- If the system is a Mac OS X Server supported factory configuration, and the server frequently reports a System Panic even after a reinstall of the Mac OS X Server software, there could be a failure of a hardware component that shipped with the computer. The Macintosh should be taken to an Apple-authorized service provider.
To locate the nearest Apple-authorized service provider visit the following Apple Web site:
http://buy.apple.com/