OSX Has let me down, but still did not lose hope

[blvdeast]

I really wanted a smooth transition from Windows to OSX, but I inherited the same kind of problems from Windows. For the last two weeks, my preferences for everything, and i mean everything, the things on my desktop, the files I added to the Library, my entire iTunes library, all my info for iMovie.... was deleted from my Home Folder. This has happened 5 times. Everytime it happens, the screen turns black, i have to press down the power button (iBook w/Panther) and restart. But the weird part is that under Users, there are 5 folders with a number after it (ex:blvdeast1, blvdeast2, blvdeast3...), and although I never noticed this before, I assume that after every one of these "crashes" a new folder is created. Since my last crash, 10 minutes ago, I now have a file with a server icon, and my old home folders complete, all the preferences, and libraries. If I can turn this folder into my home, then my problem will be resolved, if not, my frustration will lead to reinstalling OSX, which I hope I never have to do (reinstalled ME 4 times within 3 years). Can I do what I want?
Second question: I have 333mb of webspace that I only use as an email server, can I back up my prefrences files automatically and uploading the files there? AppleScript maybe?
Third, I heard of the "Genius Bar" in Apple Stores, can they help me out on how to solve this issue, or will I just be told to reinstall? Also what are their fees?
I do not want to leave Apple, I love to programs, and ease of use, but losing all my info 5 times in three months makes even ME look somewhat good.

 

[varmit]

Ummm....There is something wrong with your Mac

And it probably isn't OS X. Do you have FileVault on, the encryption thing, that might be the reason for the extra user stuff, or it just might be the crashes. But the black screen and need to reboot is because the logic board is lifting off the motherboard, thus cutting out video to the display, and locking up the system. Take it in and have them take a look at it. "Genius Bar" is the spot where you will talk it over with someone before giving it to Apple to repair.

The 333mb of space, is that an iDisk or someplace else. If it is an iDisk, they have a backup tool that you can use to backup anything manually or on a schedule. You could write and apple script, but I think there might be something to do that already. www.versiontracker.com is where you can find any software you might want to look for.

Take it in, have them look at it, I really do think its the logic board coming up off the motherboard. Let us know.

 

[blvdeast]

I did have FileVault on, it is off now, and I'll see if anything changes. I hope to go to an Apple Store tomorrow or sunday (one hour away). The webspace is a server that I pay for (icdsoft.com) i just wanted a place to store some files for ease of transportation and for email, I don't even use 10mb. the ibook is never used with motion, I always have it settled on a safe surface, so I don't think the board is being seperated. but I'll see what the Geniuses say, BTW, if there a fee or charge for this service, and how far can they help me (just advice, or do the actual repair with me?)

And it probably isn't OS X. Do you have FileVault on, the encryption thing, that might be the reason for the extra user stuff, or it just might be the crashes. But the black screen and need to reboot is because the logic board is lifting off the motherboard, thus cutting out video to the display, and locking up the system. Take it in and have them take a look at it. "Genius Bar" is the spot where you will talk it over with someone before giving it to Apple to repair.

The 333mb of space, is that an iDisk or someplace else. If it is an iDisk, they have a backup tool that you can use to backup anything manually or on a schedule. You could write and apple script, but I think there might be something to do that already. www.versiontracker.com is where you can find any software you might want to look for.

Take it in, have them look at it, I really do think its the logic board coming up off the motherboard. Let us know.

 

[OutThere]

Take it in, have them look at it, I really do think its the logic board coming up off the motherboard. Let us know.

The logic board is Apple's name for the motherboard.

--

It sounds like you have a rather serious hardware issue that needs to be addressed by Apple, please take in your computer so that they can work out the problems that you are having.

 

[jane doe]

Repeated home folders

Your not changing the name of your users home folder after its been created are you?

Also this would not be a problem with the logic board. You make just need to wipe the disk and start over.

 

[603]

ahh, the black screen of death

does this happen when you update to 10.3.3? if so, it is, in fact, the fault of OS X. i read about the same thing happening to others... i looked for the thread, but i can't find it anymore. sorry i can't remember where i read about it, but the threads were just bug reports and offered no real solution. it seemed to be hapenning at random on machines of different types. i doubt there's a specific problem with your computer.

if you're in warranty, there shouldn't be a charge at the Genius Bar (nor should there be a charge for calling Apple Care).

i would suspect that it's got something to do with FileVault too, if you've turned it off and you're not experiencing any similar issues, please post back to let us know.

OS X has a lot of problems, but it's definitely a step above Windows ME... don't give up hope.

 

[blvdeast]

Thanks for all the suggestions, I figured that a one hour drive is not worth it to reinstall Panther, so I found out that OSX (I like it now because of this0 made an image, journaling I think, of my home folder before the last disaster so I was able to find the image and I copied everything to the "new home folder" so I got all the music/movies/mailboxes/prefernces.... back, so thats good. I will have File Vault off and see what happens. If the problem was FileVault, it should be okay now. So if I have more problems I will take it in, but for now i seem to be ok. This happened first 2 weeks after I bought it (end of Janurary) so i doubt it was the update. I'll just hope everything is okay now.