Incorrect colors in Mac OS X 10.3.x: More reader feedback

We continue cover a problem where installing Mac OS X 10.3 results in pink or purple hues or artifacts on the screen. Over the past week we've published a number of suggested solutions to this problem, and have been gathering reader feedback on these suggestions. So far, most of the reports we've received indicate two common causes and their solutions.

Hardware incompatibilities We noted last week that a good number of users experiencing this problem only see it with certain particular combinations of hardware -- especially non-Apple monitors. (Hitachi displays have been noted as being especially problematic.) Many users report that after connecting a different display, or connecting the current display to a different Mac, the problem no longer occurs.

Cache issues We also covered suggestions for using a utility such as Panther Cache Cleaner to remove various cache files. We've since received a good number of reports of success from readers who have used such techniques. However, some readers note that simply running Panther Cache Cleaner may not be adequate, as some display information is still stored in NVRAM. Reader "Dean" posted a detailed description of the steps he took to successfully eliminate the problem:

"I've solved my instance of this problem. (G4 Digital Audio Dual-533, Apple GeForce3 card, OS 10.3.2, Dell-Labeled Hitachi CM715 Monitor. I tried the following (in order)

1. Switch from the CM715 color profile to sRGB and reboot. No change. (All steps from here down include using the sRGB color profile.)
2. Reset NVRAM and reboot. No change.
3. Delete all instances of the CM715 color profile, reboot. No change.
4. Use Panther Cache Cleaner to clean my OS caches. Reboot. No change.
5. Use Panther Cache Cleaner to clean all caches, for all users. Reboot. No change.
6. Reset NVRAM and reboot. No change.
7. Use Panther Cache Cleaner to Deep Clean all caches for all users. Reboot. No change.
8. Reset NVRAM and reboot. No change.
9. Use Panther Cache Cleaner to Deep Clean all caches for all users. Reboot, resetting NVRAM while starting up. VICTORY!!!!"

The short version of Dean's instructions appear to be:

1. Switch to a standard RGB profile in Displays preferences.
2. Use Panther Cache Cleaner to Deep Clean all caches for all users.
3. Reboot.
4. Reset NVRAM during the following startup.

(Apple provides instructions for resetting NVRAM via Knowledge Base article #2238.)

If you've been experiencing this problem, let us know if either of the above (hardware or cache/NVRAM) solutions is successful by emailing us at Late-breakers@macfixit.com.

Resources

Panther Cache Cleaner

Knowledge Base article #22...

Late-breakers@macfixit.com

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