OS X Mountain Lion: Solve problems
The tips below help with the most common problems. For help with other issues, type a phrase or question into Help Viewer’s search field at the top of this window.
Problems sharing another computer’s DVD or CD drive
If your Mac doesn’t have a DVD or CD drive, you can share the drive of another Mac or Windows computer. For instructions, see these help topics:
Problems connecting to the Internet
If you can’t connect to the Internet, there may be a problem with your cables, your devices, your network settings, or your Internet service.
- First, try using Network Diagnostics, which can diagnose and resolve most problems.
- If you have a wireless network, make sure your computer is communicating with the router and that the router is connected to the Internet.
- If your router is an AirPort Base Station, open AirPort Utility and choose Help > AirPort Utility Help.
- If your router is from a manufacturer other than Apple, refer to the router’s documentation.
- Make sure all cables are firmly connected.
- Make sure all external devices such as modems, hubs, and routers are plugged in, turned on, and have started up completely. Try resetting these devices by unplugging them for a couple of minutes and then plugging them back in.
- Check indicator lights to make sure your modem or router is registering a connection to the network and to your computer. If an indicator light does not come on, see the documentation that came with the device or contact your ISP.
- Make sure you have the correct settings for your type of connection. Open the Network pane of System Preferences and check the status of each network service, such as Ethernet, Bluetooth, and AirPort. The network service you are using should have a green indicator and the word “Connected.”
To view more information about your network service, click to highlight it. For additional help, click the “Assist me” button.
If all of the above are set up correctly and you still can’t connect to the Internet, call your ISP. There may be a temporary problem with the service.
Problems sending and receiving email
OS X includes the Mail app and supports other apps such as Entourage. If you’re experiencing problems with any type of email application, try the following:
- If you can’t send or receive email messages, first make sure you’re connected to the Internet.
- If you are using a Mail app from a manufacturer other than Apple, consult the help for that application, or go to the manufacturer’s website.
If you are using the Mail app included in OS X, see this help topic:
Solve Mail problems
Problems with passwords
- If you forgot the password you use to log in to your computer, or you encrypted your home folder and forgot that password, see this help topic:
- If you forgot a password for a website, server, or application, use Keychain Access, which remembers many passwords for you.
About Keychain Access
- The best way to keep your information secure is to choose a good password for your user account, and add a password hint to help you remember it. For more information, see these help topics:
Problems with printers
- Update your printer software. Many problems are caused by missing or out-of-date printer software. For help, see:
- If you’ve recently connected a new printer to your computer, you may need to set it up before you can print. For help, see:
- If you’ve set up your printer but have trouble printing to it, or if your printed documents don’t look right, these topics may help:
If you don’t see your printer in the Print dialog
Get more information about your Mac
- Find more help topics by typing a phrase or question into the search field at the top of this window.
- See the user guide that came with your Mac. If you can’t find it, download a copy from the Apple website.
- To see a list of the hardware built into or connected to your Mac, as well as information about your version of OS X, open System Information.
- For technical specifications for Apple products, visit the Apple Specifications website.
- For help with an app, open its Help menu, or click a Help button (question mark) if you see one.
- For support for Apple products, visit the Apple Support website, or try the Apple discussion forums where users share information and tips.
- For support for products from another manufacturer, check the product’s documentation, contact the manufacturer, or visit the manufacturer’s website.