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SMC, NVRAM RESET, SAFE MODE AND DFU MODE

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When do you reset NVRAM, SMC, either or none of them?

Reset SMC (System Management Controller) When:

The computer doesn't start up, doesn't display video, has sleep or fan noise issues, or other power issues.

Reset NVRAM (Nonvolatile ram) When:

  • There are issues related to volume, display resolution, startup-disk selection, time zone, and recent kernel panic information.
  • The computer starts up from a disk other than the one selected in Startup Disk preferences.
  • A question mark icon briefly appears before the computer starts up.

The settings stored in the computer's NVRAM vary depending on the type of computer, connected devices, and drives.

Start Up in Safe Mode in Order to:

  • Perform certain checks and prevent software from automatically loading or opening.
  • Resolve or isolate certain issues on the startup disk.

DFU Mode (Device Firmware Update Mode)

Please only attempt this step with a hardware team member involved.

If the computer is unresponsive, put it in DFU Mode. Then you can attempt to revive or restore the computer's firmware with Apple Configurator 2.

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