Kernel Panics on Aluminum iMac

[timswim78]

I have a 20" Aluminum iMac, 2Ghz / 250GB "base" configuration. Last week, I started getting kernel panics at least once a day.

I tested the RAM overnight, and it came back with no problems. I'm guessing that I should reinstall OS X and start from scratch. Is there anything else that I should do before calling Apple?

I should mention that my wife and I use this as our main home computer, and I do not want to get stuck in a cycle of taking it to the store, having them tell me that there is not a problem, bringing it home, experiencing the problem again, taking it back to the store, etc.

 

[NakaNaka]

Yes, unfortunately Apple has a habit of doing that. I had a nightmare scenario w. Mac geniuses where I got repeated kernel panics with my Powerbook and tried everything I could myself. Took it to them, they fixed something, said they tested it, the first thing that happened after I booted it up when I got home was a kernel panic. We went through this cycle 3 or 4 times before I finally demanded a supervisor handle the situation and not give it back to me until he had tested it under real world conditions. It was fixed 3 days later and is working great.

I tell you this because I would definitely try to fix the problem yourself first. The first thing is RAM. And then reinstallation of the OS. Try both of those, maybe in different orders. If that doesn't fix the problem you might need to take it to them.

 

[timswim78]

Two days ago, I:
- Tested the RAM with Rember
- Run Apple Hardware Test
- Reinstalled Leopard
* Still having problems

Yesterday, I typed "kernel panic" into Apple's built-in help and found two more recommendations, which I tried:
- Removed all peripherals except Apple Keyboard and Mouse
- Reset the PRAM
* Waiting to see if I have any more kernel panics.

 

[timswim78]

I reset the PRAM a week ago, and I have not had any more kernel panics.

Just an FYI, for anyone else who experiences this problem.