The error: FileVault encryption shows as started (or shows a percentage) but doesn't progress further, sometimes for hours, on a Mac that otherwise appears to be working normally.
Environment: Any current macOS version.
Cybersecurity
SSH Connection Refused or Hangs, But the Server Is Definitely Up
The error: SSH connection attempts either get refused outright or hang indefinitely with no response, even though the server is confirmed running and reachable via ping.
Environment: Any Linux server running sshd.
Print Spooler Keeps Crashing on the Print Server
The error: The Print Spooler service crashes repeatedly, sometimes several times a day, taking all shared printers offline until it's manually restarted.
Environment: Windows Server acting as a print server, any supported version.
A Mac Won't Enroll in MDM — "Profile Failed to Install"
The error: During Automated Device Enrollment (via Apple Business Manager) or manual enrollment, a Mac gets partway through Setup Assistant or System Settings and throws a generic "Profile Installation Failed" error, with no useful detail on why.
Environment: Any current macOS version, any MDM (Jamf, Kandji, Mosyle, Intune, etc.) integrated with Apple Business Manager or Apple School Manager.
SELinux Is Blocking My Service and the Permissions Look Fine
The error: A service fails to start, or a process gets "Permission denied" trying to read/write a file — despite ls -l showing exactly the ownership and permissions you'd expect. chmod, chown, double- and triple-checking the obvious — nothing changes.
Environment: Any RHEL/CentOS/Rocky/Alma system with SELinux in Enforcing mode (the default).
A Mac Won't Enroll in MDM — "Profile Failed to Install"
The error: During Automated Device Enrollment (via Apple Business Manager) or manual enrollment, a Mac gets partway through Setup Assistant or System Settings and throws a generic "Profile Installation Failed" error, with no useful detail on why.
Environment: Any current macOS version, any MDM (Jamf, Kandji, Mosyle, Intune, etc.) integrated with Apple Business Manager or Apple School Manager.
SELinux Is Blocking My Service and the Permissions Look Fine
The error: A service fails to start, or a process gets "Permission denied" trying to read/write a file — despite ls -l showing exactly the ownership and permissions you'd expect. chmod, chown, double- and triple-checking the obvious — nothing changes.
Environment: Any RHEL/CentOS/Rocky/Alma system with SELinux in Enforcing mode (the default).