Mac OS X v10.6: About Sync Diagnostics assistant
Summary
This article explains when and how to use the Sync Diagnostics assistant, included with Mac OS X v10.6 Snow Leopard.
The Sync Diagnostics assistant lets you collect information about a sync as it occurs, and email diagnostic information about that sync to Apple. This can be useful in diagnosing and troubleshooting issues when synchronizing data with MobileMe, your iPhone, or a third-party mobile device via iSync.
Products Affected
Mac OS X 10.6, iPhone, iSync, MobileMe Sync
How to open Sync Diagnostics
Option-click the Sync status menu (hold the Option key while you click the Sync status menu bar); Sync Diagnotics will appear in the menu while Option is held. Choose Sync Diagnostics from the menu to open it.
If you don't see the Sync menu (it looks like two arrows forming a circle), choose System Preferences from the Apple menu. Click MobileMe, then select the Sync tab. Make sure that the "Show status in menu bar" checkbox is selected.
How to use Sync Diagnostics
The Sync Diagnostics assistant will walk you through the process of synchronizing and sending diagnostic information to Apple. To learn more about Sync Diagnostics, click the "Learn More..." button.
After Sync Diagnostics assistant has collected information about your synchronization session, it will ask you if you'd like to see the resulting files in the Finder, or if you'd like to send them as an attachment in Mail. If you choose "Send an Email", Mail will open and create a new message (using the default account in Mail) with the diagnostic information attached as a compressed file named "SyncDiagnostics.tar".
Note: If the SyncDiagnostics.tar file is larger than 20 MB, you should not email it. You can check the size of the SyncDiagnostics.tar file by either dragging it into the Compose window of a new message in Mail and checking the file size listed below the file icon, or select it in in the Finder and choose Get Info from the File menu.
To learn more, see this article.
Additional Information
About "Reset Sync Services"
Resetting sync services may help when troubleshooting issues related to syncing contacts, calendars, or other data. The "Reset SyncServices" feature performs the same function as Reseting Sync History via iSync.
In Snow Leopard, the Reset Sync Services command appears in the Sync menu bar extra when the Option key is held (just like Sync Diagnostics appears when Option is held). In Mac OS X v10.5 or earlier, the iSync application had to be opened to access the reset sync services.
Opening iSync
You can also open iSync from the Sync menu bar extra. If you have a third-party mobile device that you wish to synchronize contacts, calendars or other data with, use iSync.
Important: Information about products not manufactured by Apple is provided for information purposes only and does not constitute Apple’s recommendation or endorsement. Please contact the vendor for additional information.