Symptoms that indicate your might need to reset the SMC include: This component stores important settings dealing with power and temperature management, fan control, status and keyboard lights, and other peripheral settings. SYSTEM MANAGEMENT CONTROLLER (SMC)Īnother quick-fix is to reset the SMC, or System Management Controller (Intel-based machines only). settings after this process, but that hopefully will fix the issues that have been plaguing your day and workflow. You might need to reconfigure the speaker/monitor/mouse, etc. It’s really that simple! You just reset the PRAM / NVRAM! Hold down these keys until your Mac starts up a second time or you hear the startup sound again.Press the power button and immediately press COMMAND + OPTION + P + R all at once, before the gray screen appears or immediately after you hear the startup sound.It’s also beneficial to disconnect all peripherals before resetting the PRAM / NVRAM, including the mouse (but not the keyboard). PowerMax has some great deals on external HDs for this very purpose. It takes all the guesswork and reminders out of backups, as it backs up everything automatically. In fact, if you haven’t yet set up Time Machine, I can’t recommend it highly enough. Sometimes a reboot fixes these, at least temporarily, but it’s likely time to reset the PRAM / NVRAM.īefore doing anything to your Mac, always ensure you have a recent backup. Your mouse is jumpy or slow, or the Mac just feels bogged down. Maybe your fan won’t stop running or your battery isn’t charging properly. Your Mac seems to be suffering from short-term memory loss.

You’re frustrated because whenever your Mac wakes up from sleep, the screen resolution is all wonky, or perhaps the sound is muted or speakers blaring.

Lately, your Mac just hasn’t been it’s good, reliable self.

NVRAM is a little different, but it controls pretty much the same thing as the PRAM did. Upon further reading, you’ll see that the PRAM in previous models is now called the NVRAM (non-volatile random-access memory) on Intel-based Macs. The settings include your designated startup disk, display resolution, speaker volume, and other information.” The particular settings that are stored depend on your type of Mac and the types of devices connected to it. In all my infinite wisdom after three weeks on the job, I’ve discovered that two of the main go-to fixes for Mac computer issues are to reset either the PRAM (aka NVRAM) or the SMC, sometimes both.įirst, let’s learn a little about the what the PRAM/NVRAM and SMC are and what they do.įrom Apple’s website: “A small amount of your computer’s memory, called ‘parameter random-access memory’ or PRAM, stores certain settings in a location that OS X can access quickly. Pram, nvram, smc, slow, battery issues, fix, quick fix, mac help, reset, diy ARTICLES: TWO GREAT GO-TO FIXES FOR A TEMPERAMENTAL MAC

Reset pram on macbook