If your Mac has gone schizophrenic on you, here´s a "highly effective" seven-step tuneup to return you to Macintosh Nirvana, from Dave Reynolds of MacAddict Magazine:

(Guru´s Note: Be sure you back up ALL the data from your hard drive before you format it. You´ll need a copy of MicroMat´s Tech Tool Pro, and it wouldn´t hurt to list and locate all the driver upgrades you will need before you start. For updates to Apple drivers, go to http://asu.info.apple.com/)

1. Do a low-level format using the latest version of Apple´s Hard Disk Setup, to clean out your grungy drive thoroughly. Update the disc driver while you´re at it.
2. Use Tech Tool to zap your PRAM. Using Command-Option-P-R is fine for monthly maintenance but when you´re trying to mend fences you need to be thorough.
3. Perform a clean installation of the most recent system software that will work on your machine.
4. Update all your drivers, whether they´re for your scanner, printer, or Mac-powered pencil sharpener.
5. Install all applications (and fonts) from their original discs, and update them all to the latest versions.
6. To reduce the risk of recontaminating your system, copy over only the important files you need.
7. Use Tech Tool Pro to rebuild your desktop with extensions off.

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