Hard Drive problem -- on a new iMac??

Well I finally had a problem with my Rev B iMac G5 (20-inch). Last weekend I got a spinning beachball thingie which disabled my entire system -- by that I mean Force-Quit had no effect, so I had no alternative but to restart. The machine certainly restarted alright, but instead of my familiar desktop, I encountered a folder icon with a flashing question mark inside.
Yuk! I've been around Macs long enough to conclude that the computer was searching (to no avail) for startup disk. When I restarted with the Install disc in the drive (and the C key held down), the System OSX installer was confused: when asked for a destination to install OSX, no hard drives were shown! I tried all manner of troubleshooting quick-fixes, and even called Apple Tech Support. The techie guy walked me through several more potential solutions, and I even took the back off the computer in order to press down a button inside (I believe it was an SMU button, not sure).
Anyway, no solution could be found, so the techie suggested I take my computer to an Apple-authorized repair center. As a result, my 5-month-old iMac G5 is now languishing in an Apple hospital in Richmond BC, where it's been for the last couple of days.
I'm typing this at the local library, by the way!

Yeah i have to empathise with you, i bought a Rev B 17" imac in August and within a month i was having problems. i tried quite a lot, including an hour on the phone to the service support guys who eventually directed me to my local Apple Authorised dealer who have been realy good. they found out i had a faulty hard drive, so it has since been ordered from Apple who dont have it in stock which is a bit annoying but i dont actually need it at the moment which is lucky. When the imac does work though, it is amazing. i have just recently moved from windows. this is my first mac and it is lovely but i do stuggle with a few compatibility issues. but love it so i hope everything goes well for u.
Phil

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