This Read Me document contains information about the MacCheck program.
The Microsoft Word and MacWrite II documents, "MacCheck User
Guide.msWrd" and "MacCheck User Guide.mwII" are a superset of this
document and provide easier to read (better formatted and highlighted)
text, along with more technical details about the inner workings of
MacCheck.
I. INTRODUCTION TO MACCHECK
---------------------------
MacCheck is an Apple support utility tool with which you can learn more
about your Macintosh computer, as well as diagnose software problems
that result from corrupted directories and files. By using MacCheck in
conjunction with Disk First Aid, you can resolve common disk corruption
problems.
MacCheck creates a profile of your Macintosh computer, including:
* The processor, memory, expansion cards, SCSI drives, keyboard,
monitor, and so on
* The installed applications and system software on your startup drive
MacCheck also provides:
* A general logic board test
* A checker for the file system and System files
* A checker for duplicate System Folders
The MacCheck product consists of the application file "MacCheck," and
the data file "MacCheck dataFile." For MacCheck to work correctly,
both the application file and the data file must be located in the same
folder. MacCheck is compatible with System 7.0 or later.
Under most circumstances, MacCheck can be run with extensions on.
However, if you are having trouble running MacCheck, you should turn
extensions off (by restarting your computer while holding down the
Shift key). MacCheck does conflict with some non-Apple extensions:
* Thunder 7
Don't run MacCheck while Thunder 7 is active. MacCheck and Thunder 7
have serious conflicts.
* Virus protection programs
You'll need to "teach" some virus protection programs about MacCheck.
* Electronic mail programs
Sometimes when electronic mail programs, such as Microsoft Mail or
QuickMail, are active, they disrupt the file system checking by
making your startup volume "busy".
II. MACCHECK OVERVIEW
---------------------
Launching MacCheck
------------------
When you launch MacCheck, you'll see a splash screen detailing the
initialization processes that MacCheck performs while it starts up.
During most of this time, MacCheck gathers profile information and
checks for multiple System Folders. On a new Macintosh LC III,
MacCheck takes about 1 minute to launch; on a 400MB, 8,000-plus-file
Macintosh Quadra 950, it takes about 4-5 minutes to launch.
Note: If you want to speed up the launch process by about 20 seconds,
press the Space bar when the splash screen first appears. This tells
MacCheck not to profile modems or check SCSI devices that are typically
slow, such as DAT tape drives. MacCheck will display a "*QuickBoot*"
message. If you wish to quit the launch process at any time, press
command-period.
Accessing Profile Information
-----------------------------
MacCheck stores the collected profile information in three log files,
the "System Info," "Additional System Info," and "Application and Font
Info" logs. To view the profile information placed into these logs,
select the log you want from the Windows menu.
Starting Logic Board and File System Tests
------------------------------------------
To start the logic board and file system tests, click the Test button
or select the Test option (command-G) in the Diagnostics menu. When
these tests are completed, MacCheck stores the results in a results
file. The default name of this file is "Test Results-1". You may
rename this file by selecting the Save Results As option in the File
menu.