Ask Different (Apple)
Q&A for power users of Apple hardware and software
Latest Questions
0
votes
0
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32
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Need to search Dovecot mail database for keyword
A Subject Access Request has come to my department and because of this I will need search our email database for a keyword, in this case the SAR requestee's name. We (still) use Dovecot/Postfix on Mac OS Server App to handle our mail. I tried doveadm search command but didn't work. Could someone hel...
A Subject Access Request has come to my department and because of this I will need search our email database for a keyword, in this case the SAR requestee's name.
We (still) use Dovecot/Postfix on Mac OS Server App to handle our mail. I tried doveadm search command but didn't work.
Could someone help me with a simple bash script I can point at my mail database which will go through the entire thing and copy all messages containing matching keyword to destination folder?
debaron
(1 rep)
Aug 7, 2025, 05:38 PM
• Last activity: Aug 7, 2025, 07:56 PM
1
votes
1
answers
140
views
MacBook Pro 13 2017: Built-in display flickering, no problem when connecting to an external display
Same problem as [this problem][1] "My MacBook Pro's built-in display started flickering (screen goes black) a few weeks ago. Most of the time the flickering stops by itself randomly after a couple of minutes. The thing is, when I connect to an external display using HDMI, the flickering on the built...
Same problem as this problem
"My MacBook Pro's built-in display started flickering (screen goes black) a few weeks ago. Most of the time the flickering stops by itself randomly after a couple of minutes.
The thing is, when I connect to an external display using HDMI, the flickering on the built-in display stops, and both displays function normally."
I already try with a new screen without change, as i can comment this post i republish a new thread
Samuel Muselet
(11 rep)
Mar 15, 2024, 12:44 PM
• Last activity: Aug 7, 2025, 07:03 PM
1
votes
1
answers
73
views
AppleScript (Music.app) error: Can't get duration of current track
I have a simple AppleScript for starting a random video on a random position in Music.app as Automator application and as a startup login item. In the half of cases I get an error: **The action "Run AppleScript" encountered an error: "Music got an error: Can't get duration of current track."** If I...
I have a simple AppleScript for starting a random video on a random position in Music.app as Automator application and as a startup login item. In the half of cases I get an error:
**The action "Run AppleScript" encountered an error: "Music got an error: Can't get duration of current track."**
If I run it in the Script Editor it executes correctly.
I tried to add "delay 5" before the line "set Y to duration of current track" but it didn't help. Also tried to add "if" condition to quit Music.app if it is running before starting the script, but it also didn't change anything.
tell application "Music"
run
set song repeat to all
set shuffle enabled to true
play playlist "Music Videos"
delay 1
set Y to duration of current track
set X to random number from 0 to Y
set player position to X
activate
end telltell application "Finder" to shut down
Dmitry
(67 rep)
Apr 3, 2024, 07:38 AM
• Last activity: Aug 7, 2025, 06:05 PM
1
votes
2
answers
50
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Can I repair my 45W MagSafe 2 power adapter with a worn cable to avoid scrapping it all?
The insulation on my Apple power adapter cable has gradually worn away, exposing the internal wires. Over time, the adapter stopped working. Also, the part which connects to the charging port on the macbook is separated from the cable. I’d really prefer not to buy a new adapter, especially since I s...
The insulation on my Apple power adapter cable has gradually worn away, exposing the internal wires. Over time, the adapter stopped working. Also, the part which connects to the charging port on the macbook is separated from the cable.
I’d really prefer not to buy a new adapter, especially since I suspect the issue lies primarily with the cable, not the power brick itself. I’m exploring possible repair options—whether fixing the cable or replacing just the cable.
If you’ve attempted a similar repair, especially in regions like Egypt (or anywhere where Apple-certified parts and services are harder to come by), I’d appreciate hearing your experience or recommendations.
Is it possible to repair or replace the cable, or is buying a new adapter the only solution?
mark coder
(31 rep)
Aug 6, 2025, 01:21 PM
• Last activity: Aug 7, 2025, 05:14 PM
16
votes
4
answers
25074
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How to delete (tmutil delete) all old backups from TimeMachine - keep only current full backup
How to delete (with CLI `tmutil delete`) all old backups from TimeMachine. I wish to keep only current backup. I wish to put that into `crontab`. Found [How to Delete Old Backups from Time Machine on Mac][1] sudo tmutil delete /Volumes/Time Machine Backups/Backups.backupdb/MacBook\ Pro/2015-07-13-15...
How to delete (with CLI
tmutil delete) all old backups from TimeMachine. I wish to keep only current backup.
I wish to put that into crontab.
Found How to Delete Old Backups from Time Machine on Mac
sudo tmutil delete /Volumes/Time Machine Backups/Backups.backupdb/MacBook\ Pro/2015-07-13-150021/
I don't like to specify Timestamps. I wish to have only one current full backup. This means remove deleted files and versions from backup disk.
Sybil
(4127 rep)
Apr 22, 2017, 08:53 AM
• Last activity: Aug 7, 2025, 03:49 PM
2
votes
1
answers
256
views
How do I get this Mac G5 up and running ? (boot to OS)
A local Goodwill sells Apple hardware at ridiculously low prices, great for a tinkerer like me. I'd missed the Mac mini on sale so I grabbed this Mac Pro looking device thinking it would be an intel running unit. The $25 price tag and wire tie kept me from opening. the cover to confirm and they don'...
A local Goodwill sells Apple hardware at ridiculously low prices, great for a tinkerer like me. I'd missed the Mac mini on sale so I grabbed this Mac Pro looking device thinking it would be an intel running unit. The $25 price tag and wire tie kept me from opening. the cover to confirm and they don''t offer refunds.
When I opened it at home the plastic cover inside had the great big G5 on it and my heart sank. No hard drive or memory. The little sticker started off showing it as a single 1.6. DDR3 or DDR2 or DDr4 memory didn't seem to fit, but I did shoehorn two sticks of 2gb into two slots. There is a 500gb drive attached inside without rails. Both are to test. There is what seems to be t he optical drive still in the front bay.
I haven't figured how to open the 'apparent' optical drive else I'd searched for an old Apple Mac OS dvd to try. Also I'd have. thought I'd get other than a black screen when turning it on.
What do I need to do to just get it booting into an OS ?
James Walker
(69 rep)
Aug 2, 2020, 12:33 AM
• Last activity: Aug 7, 2025, 03:02 PM
27
votes
10
answers
284284
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On Mac, ⌥ S types ß (beta). What about alpha?
I can use ⌥ + S to type the greek letter ß (beta) in any application, which is very useful. However, what about poor α (alpha)? Is there a shortcut for it? Currently, I either copy & paste it from another source or switch the keyboard to greek temporarily. Both methods take a lot of time, and c...
I can use ⌥ + S to type the greek letter ß (beta) in any application, which is very useful.
However, what about poor α (alpha)? Is there a shortcut for it?
Currently, I either copy & paste it from another source or switch the keyboard to greek temporarily. Both methods take a lot of time, and copy & paste often results in formatting problems as well (the source format is preserved).
**Is there a shortcut to quickly type alpha, or a way I can create it** (through an app or messing with hidden system settings for example)?
I am using OS X Yosemite 10.10.5
Andreas Bonini
(831 rep)
Sep 6, 2015, 07:26 AM
• Last activity: Aug 7, 2025, 02:19 PM
6
votes
2
answers
3726
views
Catalina Dynamic Wallpaper doesn't change with the time of the day
Both Apple stock dynamic wallpapers aren't changing accordingly to the time of the day. For example Catalina Dynamic wallpaper is stuck during the day in one picture and it doesn't change and transition. Night time Catalina Dynamic wallpaper isn't completely dark, but looks like sunset one. And Auto...
Both Apple stock dynamic wallpapers aren't changing accordingly to the time of the day. For example Catalina Dynamic wallpaper is stuck during the day in one picture and it doesn't change and transition. Night time Catalina Dynamic wallpaper isn't completely dark, but looks like sunset one. And Auto Appearance doesn't work either, sometimes it does, sometimes it doesn't.
What can I do, as I tried resetting, doing PRAM, changing wallpapers, trying 3rd party apps like Night Owl, sacrificing virgins to the volcano, idk. Help!
Demian
(59 rep)
Jun 7, 2020, 09:16 AM
• Last activity: Aug 7, 2025, 01:04 PM
22
votes
1
answers
3995
views
Can I disable pinch to show all open tabs in Safari?
Too often, when I try to move my cursor and click, or try to drag something or select text, and my two fingers end up on the trackpad at the same time, all my open tabs shrink into this view: [![enter image description here][1]][1] This is extremely disruptive as it makes me lose my focus and then I...
Too often, when I try to move my cursor and click, or try to drag something or select text, and my two fingers end up on the trackpad at the same time, all my open tabs shrink into this view:
This is extremely disruptive as it makes me lose my focus and then I have to locate the page I was currently on, click it and then resume working.
I can't tell what this specific feature in **Safari** is called (I want to still be able to pinch to zoom in and out of a page), and couldn't find info anywhere on how to completely disable it.
***Can I disable this? (or I can use another browser, obviously...)***
----
This is extremely disruptive as it makes me lose my focus and then I have to locate the page I was currently on, click it and then resume working.
I can't tell what this specific feature in **Safari** is called (I want to still be able to pinch to zoom in and out of a page), and couldn't find info anywhere on how to completely disable it.
***Can I disable this? (or I can use another browser, obviously...)***
----
MicroMachine
(4051 rep)
Feb 28, 2019, 08:22 PM
• Last activity: Aug 7, 2025, 01:02 PM
0
votes
1
answers
42
views
For one PDF file, command-F opens an unusual "Find" window
I haven't seen anything like this before. I downloaded [this paywalled article](https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0079642520300013) from a university library WiFi (that I don't often use). Later, opened the article in Preview, and when I tried to search for a word by typing command-...
I haven't seen anything like this before. I downloaded [this paywalled article](https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0079642520300013) from a university library WiFi (that I don't often use).
Later, opened the article in Preview, and when I tried to search for a word by typing command-F a new window opened up for finding text. I have never seen this happen before!
[](https://i.sstatic.net/bZHs2BEU.png)
Until today, this is what always happened; the usual magnifying glass box expands and the cursor moves to there ready for me to type the search term.
It is still available if I click there manually, it's just that command-F has unexpected behavior (for me) for this document.
[](https://i.sstatic.net/f5I5kom6.png)
I'm concerned - has something in the PDF "hijacked" Preview? Might it be trying to sending my search terms back to the publisher for statistical analysis?
MacBook Air 2020 Core i5
macOS: Sonoma 14.7.2
Preview: Version 11.0 (1056.5.1)
uhoh
(1877 rep)
Aug 7, 2025, 10:33 AM
• Last activity: Aug 7, 2025, 12:55 PM
2
votes
2
answers
1924
views
Trying to install Mac OS X Snow Leopard, stuck on the Apple logo
This is a weird goofy story or something. I'm trying to install Snow Leopard so I can upgrade it to Mavericks, to anyone asking; it's for nostalgia as I used to use it all the time. But this crappy problem is not letting me install it. As you see in the title, it's stuck on the Apple logo. I've trie...
This is a weird goofy story or something. I'm trying to install Snow Leopard so I can upgrade it to Mavericks, to anyone asking; it's for nostalgia as I used to use it all the time. But this crappy problem is not letting me install it. As you see in the title, it's stuck on the Apple logo. I've tried changing the date (as I read it would install because of certificate stuff) I'm a newbie at this type of stuff and I just want to install it for nostalgia purposes.
(Also I'm using a Macbook Pro Mid-2010 15-inch.)
bumerang
(21 rep)
Jul 22, 2022, 10:38 PM
• Last activity: Aug 7, 2025, 10:05 AM
0
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0
answers
29
views
Select/copy Finder dialog text
In Catalina (10.15) it was possible to select and copy the prompt of an open dialog. (see photo) Is there a defaults command to make it available after Catalina? (Monterey) [![Screenshot Catalina open dialog][1]][1] [1]: https://i.sstatic.net/65JLf9SB.png
In Catalina (10.15) it was possible to select and copy the prompt of an open dialog. (see photo) Is there a defaults command to make it available after Catalina? (Monterey)
Atalantia
(76 rep)
Aug 7, 2025, 08:19 AM
0
votes
1
answers
91
views
Auto sync iPhone video with MacBook
I take videos with my iPhone and I would like them to be automatically transferred to my MacBook without using iCloud. The use case is that I take large videos, filming for 15 min to hours and I want the files to get to my computer as soon as the camera is stopped. Because those files are larges the...
I take videos with my iPhone and I would like them to be automatically transferred to my MacBook without using iCloud.
The use case is that I take large videos, filming for 15 min to hours and I want the files to get to my computer as soon as the camera is stopped. Because those files are larges they fill the phone fast and it’s annoying to always have to stop, plug the phone, select the files, delete the files, etc.
I would like to set it up once and have the file transferred via WiFi and deleted on the iPhone as soon as the video is taken and the WiFi is on.
With all the people vlogging, there should be a better way.
I tried Airdrop and I had a look at software to sync (like Syncthing) but it seems that iOS forbids automatic actions on files so it’s not possible for a third-party application.
Any ideas?
alfor
(1 rep)
Mar 24, 2022, 01:21 PM
• Last activity: Aug 7, 2025, 08:06 AM
2
votes
2
answers
686
views
Why are CPU fans running on my MacBook Pro 15" full blast while my laptop has just booted up and waiting at the login screen?
I know a lot of people have problems with the MacBook Pro's CPU fan running super loud and IMO the Activity Monitor is less than unreliable in telling what's really causing it… but let's check what happens when no applications are running. What I find absolutely unbelievable that my Mac's CPU fans w...
I know a lot of people have problems with the MacBook Pro's CPU fan running super loud and IMO the Activity Monitor is less than unreliable in telling what's really causing it… but let's check what happens when no applications are running.
What I find absolutely unbelievable that my Mac's CPU fans were running at maximum speed after just booting up, from a switched off state, with the charger cable disconnected. I can't see any reason for that, no applications should be running at this stage.
Is it possible to debug this somehow or is this simply an indication of a possible rootkit and a complete reinstall of my Mac?
adamsfamily
(318 rep)
Aug 27, 2020, 02:40 PM
• Last activity: Aug 7, 2025, 06:09 AM
1
votes
0
answers
39
views
Why does my MacBook Pro only boot to macOS utilities?
My MacBook Pro only boots to macOS utilities and no matter what key codes I hang tried… nothing works.
My MacBook Pro only boots to macOS utilities and no matter what key codes I hang tried… nothing works.
Dazz Newtz
(11 rep)
Aug 5, 2025, 09:07 PM
• Last activity: Aug 7, 2025, 03:19 AM
0
votes
1
answers
280
views
MacOS Shortcuts - Restore previous Focus mode after switching to Do Not Disturb
I'm trying to build a Shortcut for switching to Do Not Disturb for a given number of minutes. Afterwards, the previous Focus mode should be restored. For example, I have a mode called "Work". When starting the Shortcut and providing 1 minute as input, I want it to switch to Do Not Disturb for 1 minu...
I'm trying to build a Shortcut for switching to Do Not Disturb for a given number of minutes. Afterwards, the previous Focus mode should be restored.
For example, I have a mode called "Work". When starting the Shortcut and providing 1 minute as input, I want it to switch to Do Not Disturb for 1 minute, and switch back to Work afterwards.
My problem is that restoring the previous Focus mode does not work. Instead, DND turns off as expected, but then it turns on DND again, and not the previous Focus mode.
Here's how my Shortcut currently looks:
I added Speak as debug output, and it correctly outputs "Work" for the example described above, both before prompting for input, as well as after waiting till DND is over.
I also added additional 10 seconds of waiting, to make sure I'm not running into race conditions, but that doesn't change anything.
Does anyone know how to restore the previous Focus mode correctly?
I added Speak as debug output, and it correctly outputs "Work" for the example described above, both before prompting for input, as well as after waiting till DND is over.
I also added additional 10 seconds of waiting, to make sure I'm not running into race conditions, but that doesn't change anything.
Does anyone know how to restore the previous Focus mode correctly?
Dennis H
(101 rep)
Feb 20, 2024, 09:55 AM
• Last activity: Aug 7, 2025, 02:02 AM
2
votes
2
answers
1981
views
iCloud storage showing data for Pages but no documents are saved - what is it?
In my iCloud storage it says that just over 100kb are being used by Pages. I used to use Pages a while back but never saved anything to iCloud drive. On checking iCloud drive there were no documents in there. I'm confused about what data Pages is saving to my iCloud - I know it is a very small amoun...
In my iCloud storage it says that just over 100kb are being used by Pages. I used to use Pages a while back but never saved anything to iCloud drive. On checking iCloud drive there were no documents in there. I'm confused about what data Pages is saving to my iCloud - I know it is a very small amount of memory taken up but just wanted to know if anyone knows what might be saved in there and if it safe to delete it.
There is also around 20kb taken up by iCloud drive - other documents, no idea what this is either.
As seen in the screenshots below there are no documents in either section - just 'data' - whatever that is.
user234027
(69 rep)
May 31, 2020, 02:55 PM
• Last activity: Aug 7, 2025, 01:05 AM
0
votes
1
answers
432
views
Apple Music "share song" not showing up when I have the same song on my local library on macOS Big Sur
How can I share the link of a song to a friend when I have the exact same music (matched) in my library? The "share to" button simple does not show up. As an example: [![Apple Music share missing][1]][1] [1]: https://i.sstatic.net/vpcTA.jpg
How can I share the link of a song to a friend when I have the exact same music (matched) in my library?
The "share to" button simple does not show up.
As an example:
Vinícius Ferrão
(253 rep)
Jul 26, 2021, 07:38 PM
• Last activity: Aug 7, 2025, 12:02 AM
9
votes
3
answers
914
views
Trying to find adapters for old mac hard drives
I am having trouble finding the correct adapters to go from the original drives to usb A or C for these drives. Can anyone point me in the right direction? [![Drive connections][1]][1] [![Drives][2]][2] [1]: https://i.sstatic.net/65RKPSDB.jpg [2]: https://i.sstatic.net/bzZdd6Ur.jpg
I am having trouble finding the correct adapters to go from the original drives to usb A or C for these drives. Can anyone point me in the right direction?
Mark Levinson
(91 rep)
Aug 4, 2025, 10:53 PM
• Last activity: Aug 6, 2025, 11:54 PM
103
votes
12
answers
54135
views
Set default mail client in macOS without adding an email account?
I'm on OS X el Capitan (10.11.6). I use Outlook to access my email and would like outlook to be the default mail application. All the instructions I find online suggest that I should open mail and choose "Mail -> Preferences" to set the default mail app. Unfortunately, Preferences is greyed out unti...
I'm on OS X el Capitan (10.11.6).
I use Outlook to access my email and would like outlook to be the default mail application. All the instructions I find online suggest that I should open mail and choose "Mail -> Preferences" to set the default mail app.
Unfortunately, Preferences is greyed out until an account is added. I don't have another account that I want to add to my Mac.
How can I set the default mail client to Outlook without adding an account to the mail client?
How can I set the default mail client to Outlook without adding an account to the mail client?
Daniel Watrous
(1133 rep)
Nov 21, 2016, 09:12 PM
• Last activity: Aug 6, 2025, 11:35 PM
Showing page 4 of 20 total questions