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nato · Nov 5, 2005, 01:36 PM

Hey, I have late 2004 14" iBook 1.33ghz w/ 768ram. A 200gig ext. seagate firewire Hd and a Presonus firebox firewire preamp. I'm using my computer for editing audio files. I'm using a program called Cubase LE. Well shortly after opening a session (of 16 prerecorded audio tracks) my activity monitor shows that I'm using all my memory, but almost 2/3's of it is considered to be "inactive". Well this program quickly starts crackling out the audio when I edit it (i.e. add effects, etc.). here's the even stickier part. After I close the program completely, it still shows my ram as being mostly used and still about 2/3's inactive. It makes everything runs sloooow until I reboot. I'm also noticing similar memory problems when I am editing pics on iPhoto. Any ideas about what's up with my RAM and how to fix it?
I ran the hardware test Cd already and it show's everything normal.

iMacfan · Nov 5, 2005, 02:16 PM

Well, unless your OS or hardware is at fault (which doesn't seem to be the case), it looks like poorly written software. Look on the net for updates (or even if there is an upgrade if you don't mind paying) for both your main audio editing software and any drivers for the kit that you are using.

David.

chabig · Nov 5, 2005, 03:01 PM

Everything is most likely working normally. Inactive memory does NOT slow the machine down. It's simply not being used, thus "inactive". When it's needed, it is available to any running program.

See http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=107918

Chris

iMacfan · Nov 6, 2005, 05:48 AM

Check to see if anything is hogging processor time once you have closed you apps - then try and find an update or at least you will be able to foce quit it from activity monitor.

David

nato · Nov 7, 2005, 04:26 PM

yeah, I've tried that. I did notice a big memory bump when I dismounted my external HD and unplugged the firewire preamp. I've repaired disc permissions several time and even indexed the HD again. Everything is still running slow. and now of all random things, my yahoo messenger won't open! If I didn't know better, and I was using a pc, I'd think I had a virus! I've checked through the process and something doesn't add up. I con't have much open, but then memory is still tied up, and running slooooow. The only thing I notice as odd on the processes is this: ARD AGENT (hung). What does that mean?? Ever sinse I've started having problems, I've seen that. Any Ideas?
I really appreciate all your help. I'm a missionary in Ukraine and do not have access to a Apple service center of any kind (most people haven't even heard of Macs here!).

nato · Nov 7, 2005, 04:26 PM

yeah, I've tried that. I did notice a big memory bump when I dismounted my external HD and unplugged the firewire preamp. I've repaired disc permissions several time and even indexed the HD again. Everything is still running slow. and now of all random things, my yahoo messenger won't open! If I didn't know better, and I was using a pc, I'd think I had a virus! I've checked through the process and something doesn't add up. I con't have much open, but then memory is still tied up, and running slooooow. The only thing I notice as odd on the processes is this: ARD AGENT (hung). What does that mean?? Ever sinse I've started having problems, I've seen that. Any Ideas?
I really appreciate all your help. I'm a missionary in Ukraine and do not have access to a Apple service center of any kind (most people haven't even heard of Macs here!).

nato · Nov 7, 2005, 04:28 PM

Sorry for the double post... My internet locked up.

nato · Nov 8, 2005, 12:16 PM

Ok... an update to my problem. Now when I open Cubase, some of the included effects processors won't work. I first erased the prgram and reloaded it of of my back up HD (it was backed up before all these problems started). No change. I then pulled out the software cd and attempted to reload the software, and My computer won't upen the install file!!! I'm starting to wonder if I really do have a virus. Any thoughts?

siMac · Nov 8, 2005, 12:45 PM

What version of Cubase is it?

nato · Nov 8, 2005, 03:32 PM

cubase LE

nato · Nov 9, 2005, 03:27 AM

*update*
I opened up the console and tried running Yahoo again and also tried to install Cubase Le again from the cd. Both failed... again. They both list error code -2855 . I've nat been able to find out what that means. I've been searching google for a while. Any ideas?

Will C · Nov 9, 2005, 03:40 AM

How full is your system HD? - you will need at least 1/2 gig (prefereably more) spare on it for swap files etc - just an idea...

nato · Nov 9, 2005, 03:49 AM

I have 18gig free on my system HD plus a pretty open EXT. Firewire drive.

Will C · Nov 9, 2005, 07:55 AM

Oh well - unlikely to be that then.

nato · Nov 22, 2005, 03:11 AM

Ok thanks for your ideas. I ended up having to take an overnight train to Kiev (the Capital city of Ukraine) where there is a Mac service center. from what I could understand with my limited russian comprehension and their limited english, The HD was set up screwy. I guess most of the information on the Hd was set up in a vry unstable way and eventually things stopped being able to work. So they reformatted the HD and reloaded everything. While they were at it they upgraded me to Tiger OS and I had to upgrade to the next level of Cubase (SE) because My old version (LE) wouldn't work w/ Tiger OS. It's running fine now. Though I notice that Tiger does tie up more memory resources than Panther ever did. I'm gonna bump the memory up, hopefully that'll help.