Today's Tech Tip is courtesy of the Sweetwater Technical Support team.

One of the first functions performed when installing MAC systems is to set extensions. It is the top recommendation from both Digidesign and MOTU because it prevents common problems related to Extensions conflicts. If you experience random freezes while using your music apps, or Apple error messages like error 2 or 3, loss of USB communication or other "unusual" messages, then you are possibly experiencing an extension conflict. Follow the steps below to trim down your extensions. Once you get them trimmed down you must ADD to this "Base Set" whatever is needed for your gear, such as Midi Drivers, Audio Drivers, etc. The names of these drivers and extensions can be found in the literature accompanying the software/hardware.

Follow these steps to Trim down extensions.

1. From Control Panels, Launch Extension Manager
2. Next to "Selected Set " you will see your current Set. Click and hold on this Sets name and choose "MAC OS 9.x Base" or whatever version you are running followed by "BASE"
3. Then click DUPLICATE SET at the bottom right of the window. Rename the set as you like.
4. Turn ON the Drivers needed for your gear (A check in the box means they are on) *
5. Restart your computer

If you get any messages reporting that a driver or extension is needed when launching the Mac or an application, chances are you missed checking one in the Extensions Manager. Just go back and turn it on, then restart to make it active.

*For a more complete list of Needed Extensions for a particular piece of gear and general help with Extension Set Management, visit "SweetCare" at http://www.sweetwater.com/support/. Use the Keyword: "Trimming Extensions" for your search.