Tip 184Reset Hardware Settings

Sometimes your Mac’s hardware might start doing odd things. If you’re having hardware problems, you might try one of two methods to reset various hardware settings.

Resetting the System Management Controller

The System Management Controller (SMC) controls power management hardware and lights on your Mac. If your Mac has problems such as constantly blowing its fans at full speed, refusing to turn off when you close the lid (if it’s a portable Mac, of course), or LED lights doing odd things (particularly those that show battery charge), then you might try resetting the SMC.

To do so on a portable Mac that has a battery that can’t be removed, shut down the computer and ensure the power cable is attached. Then hold ...

Get Mac Kung Fu, 2nd Edition now with the O’Reilly learning platform.

O’Reilly members experience books, live events, courses curated by job role, and more from O’Reilly and nearly 200 top publishers.