System Crashes & "Bugs"

CRASH WHEN OPENING APPLICATION
If you launch your Claris application and experience a system error just after the Claris screen comes up, it's very likely that you have a corrupt font in your System. Open the System folder, then the Claris folder, and look for the Claris fonts file. Click it once to select it, choose Get Info from the File menu and lock the file. This will prevent all Claris applications that use the Claris Fonts document from scanning installed fonts during launch. If you can't find the Claris Fonts file or want more details on how to find corrupt fonts, read the Claris Fonts article in this folder. Claris Organizer does not use a Claris Font document, see below for troubleshooting.

OTHER CRASHES & ISSUES
Many software issues are caused by conflicts between applications and system extensions. These conflicts can cause crashes and unexplainable behavior. Extensions (known as INITs in System 6) are files that you place in your system folder which enhance the way your system works. If you have extensions, their icons will usually appear on screen as the computer is starting up.

The first step in troubleshooting system crashes or what appear to be bugs or incompatibilities is to disable extensions. The methods for doing this differ for System 6 and System 7, so if you don't know which version you're running, choose About this Macintosh or About the Finder from the Apple menu.

METHOD FOR COMPUTERS RUNNING SYSTEM 7
System 7 has a very handy method built right in for checking extension conflicts. If you restart the computer and hold down the shift key, files that affect the system on startup will be disabled. You should hold down the shift key until you see the message, 'Welcome to Macintosh. Extensions off.'

After that, check to see if the issue has been resolved.

METHOD FOR COMPUTERS RUNNING SYSTEM 6 OR EARLIER
In order to separate the System from the INITs, you have to place them in separate folders and restart the computer. Here are the steps:

1) Open the System Folder. Choose New Folder from the File menu. Drag the resultant new folder to the Desktop. You will not need to rename the folder. A handy place to put it is right above the Trash.

2) Drag the System file and Finder file from the System folder to the new folder.
3) Restart the computer.
4) Check to see if the issue has been resolved.

IF THE ISSUE IS RESOLVED
You've found an extension conflict. The key now is to find out which extension is incompatible. For instructions, refer to the article, Finding Incompatible Extensions, in this folder.

IF THE ISSUE STILL OCCURS
Only a few possibilities remain:

- Holding down the shift key on startup with System 7 doesn't always disable every extension. To be sure they are all disabled, follow the directions for System 6. If there is a system enabler in the Extensions folder, be sure to include that in the new folder you create.

- The Claris application is corrupt and needs to be reinstalled from the original diskettes.

- The System is corrupt. Restart your computer and insert the Disk Tools diskette to start up from the floppy. Open the System folder and throw the System and Finder files into the Trash. Rename the System folder "Old System." Then, Restart and insert the first System installer disk.

If the issue remains even after trying these things, post a message in the message board detailing your situation. The message boards are located in the product folders in the Technical Support area.