Help please! Imac won't start and running out of ideas

Help! My imac G4 Flat Panel running tiger won't boot or go beyond the grey screen, here's what happened,
I went away on holiday for ten days and unplugged it, on return it worked fine for the first few goes however after leaving it with alot of photos open for a couple of hours I returned and the screen had gone funny, showed the app window on top but not properly and grey on the bottom two thirds, I could just about move the mouse which was ghosting and it sort of worked but not properly, I switched it off on the power switch and rebooted and it was okay for a few more sessions until getting stuck with the mail app open, I tried to force quit but couldn't and eventually turned it off on the switch, after which it won't boot or go beyond the grey screen every time I switch it on, I've tried all the following with no joy:
-unplugged all peripherals
-taken out airport card and extra ram I'd fitted myself about six months ago
- done command, option, p and r on switching on, also command x and command option.
- tried to boot from the original os x cd which came with it - this gives me a broken mac symbol and multicoloured spinning ball
- boot from os9 disk which came with it this gives me a flashing question mark sometimes but most times just the grey screen.
- boot from apple hardware test diagnostic cd which came with it, just says loading and hangs
- boot from tiger dvd - shows the apple logo then a sign similar to no entry sign and spinning thing underneath.
I've tried rebooting about 100 times now, as it once did a similar thing about eight months ago but eventually booted okay and then I ran check permissions etc. and never had a problem until now.
I've put everything I can think of in in case any of it is important, apologies if there's too much extra info here but if anyone has any ideas I'd be very grateful, am a bit stuck without it, luckily I've backed up most of my stuff but there's some things I haven't. please help! thanks

Sorry to hear about your problem and I wish I had happy news. Sounds like what I am going through. Just spent over 200$ getting the Tiger upgrade installed at a Mac repair place because I wanted it done right, and had the RAM upgraded. After two weeks of bliss I get a gray screen with a spinning gear. The CD drawer wont open, nothing. Take it back to the shop and I find my hard drive is done. This is the SECOND hard drive. My G-4 came with a 40 gig HD, the one that they replaced it with 2 years ago was an 80 gig. I hope thats not whats going on with yours but it sure sounds like it. I beginning to wonder if there isn't a design issue going on here. I am a casual computer user but my son is on it for hours at a time and I'm wondering about heat buildup and the hard drive. Gonna ask that question when I pick it up, good luck with yours.
Pat

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My iMac won't start and there's a prohibition symbol showing when starting up

hey there, I'm new here.
I'm having a problem with my iMac. last night I updated to OS X Yosemite but it crashed in the middle of installation and went off by itself and now it won't start up. just displaying grey screen with ø (prohibition symbol). i tried to install OS Snow Leopard but the Macintosh HD cannot be found.
what should i do? any advice will be very helpful.
thanks a lot

http://support.apple.com/en-us/ts2570
27" i7 iMac (Mid 2011) refurb, OS X Yo (10.10), Mavs, ML & SL, G4 450 MP w/10.5 & 9.2.2

Help, 27" iMac won't start

Hi,
Of late I have noticed a lot of slowdowns and the beachball when doing simple things like a new tab in Safari. I ran verify/repair permissions and not much change, so I ran verify disk. It stopped and said the disk was in need of repair, to put the OSX install disk in, restart, and run disk utility from there.
I put the disk in, and tried to restart, and it stops at the white screen and does not advance from there.
Any ideas?
It is new January , 27" iMac, 2TB HD, i7 with 8gb ram.
thanks
Scott

This has been a big pain. I got the machine back, started it at the shop and it "seemed" ok. When I got it home, after 30 minutes or so, the same problems came back. Another call to applecare, and a new case number was issued to replace the hard drive. New HD in, got the machine home, and the mouse wouldn't work! I could move the cursor, but not select anything. Sometimes during the restarts I could select things, the next time I couldn't, sometimes I could on one user account and not on another. New call to applecare, new case number, many things tried, but ended up re-installing the OS. So far it seems to work okay, BUT there is something weird going on with Mail.
As soon as it is started it basically consumes all the system memory. I can watch the available memory disappear in activity monitor where it says Mail is using nearly 100% of the CPU. If I go in to preferences-advanced in Mail and disable the account, it stops eating up resources.
Any clues to what is going on??
thanks
Message was edited by: Scott Fairbairn

Please Help! iMac won't start :(

Hi, I installed Snow Leopard on my iMac (about 1yr old). It has 4GB of memory and a 1TB hard drive, plenty of free disk space. I have an external drive that I use for Time Machine, so I have backups.
After I installed SL on my iMac, everything was working perfectly fine. Then, it would start to lock up. I ran disk utility and repaired all permissions. Was still getting random lockups, but nothing catastrophic.
Then, today, it was working fine, was using iTunes, checking mail, etc. Wife and I left for several hours, came back, and the iMac was what I thought in sleep mode. Wouldn't come out of sleep mode, so i turned if off, waited a minute and turned it back on.
When the power comes on, I get the sound, then the spinning (?) loading graphic for about 10 seconds at which point it freezes up and all i can do is turn it off.
I tried disconnecting everything from the iMac, and when I started up the iMac, i noticed vertical orange(?) bars across the screen very light and they were moving before it all froze up.
So, anyone have any ideas what happened to my iMac?
Could it be the video card? Thought I would check here before calling support directly....thank goodness for multiple computers :->
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Hello a:
Welcome to Apple discussions.
It sounds very much like a hardware problem. Take it in (or call) for diagnosis and repair.
Barry

Help! imac won't start up properly

I recently purchased a new macbook and yesterday I transfered all my data from my old imac g5 to my new macbook using the migration manager program. I have been using my macbook sucesfully ever since, but now whenever i try to turn on the g5 I get an error message along with a power symbol that says "you need to restart your computer. Hold down the power button for several seconds or press the restart button" I'm very concerned and really can't loose data from this old computer. I've tried restarting the computer many times, and unplugging it as well as unplugging all the attached cords. Nothing works. Please help.
I'm worried that if i restart it using the startup disk i will loose information and i really can't have this happen.
Thanks so much for your help!
Message was edited by: allyp

To Apple Discussions!
"I get an error message along with a power symbol that says "you need to restart your computer."
Is this what you are seeing?
If so, you are having what is known as a kernel panic - What is a kernel panic? (Mac OS X)
Other info to review:
http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=106805 Mac OS X: "Broken folder" icon, prohibitory sign, or *kernel panic* when computer starts
User Tips: Kernel Panics
You won't lose any info from starting from your System Install DVD. However, most people here recommend that you always have a backup.

HELP! iMac won't start up - launch_msg(): Socket is not connected

I've got an older 1.8GHz Intel iMac that I run as a server. The hard drive is partitioned into two volumes - one with 10.6.8 on it, and the other with Server 10.6.8. It was running fine until I restarted yesterday - I got the apple logo and the spinning progress wheel as though it was starting fine, but it just stayed like that forever. No problem, I'll just start up from the other partition, right? Wrong - same exact problem, no matter which partition I try to start from. When booting in safe mode verbose, the last message I see is "launch_msg(): Socket is not connected". I run disc utility and it finds no problems. Repair permissions finds some files in apple's help documentation that need fixing, which is done, but the problem persists.
I try to install a fresh system, but the system installer I have is OS 10.6.3, and it won't let me install over the "newer" 10.6.8 system. Argh!
I have an external USB hard drive, so I install a fresh system on that and am able to boot from it just fine. I rename the system and library folders on the internal drive so it won't recognize there's a system installed there. Then I'm able to do a fresh install of Server 10.6.3 on the internal drive. Installation goes fine, but guess what - when it reboots, the same problem still exists! Grey screen, apple logo, spinning progress wheel forever.
I'm about at wit's end here and would love some help!
The signs seem to be pointing to the hard drive being a problem, but disk utility finds no issues, and I'm able to copy files from it just fine. This is a 3TB hard drive that's less than a year old and was functioning just fine. I'm hoping to find a solution that doesn't involve reformatting this beast.
Any ideas appreciated! TIA.

It would be useful to know if you have a good backup of the important stuff on your HD. If not, its time to make one first. You should be able to do this using FW Target disk mode as suggested in my earlier post.
Deleting the iDvd plist file won't have been the cause of the problem, Rhthym.
Rather it sounds as if the computer is starting up in "single user" mode for some reason. (see http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=106388 )
First try typing "exit" and hitting return, instead of "reboot".
If this doesn't fix it, I'd reset the PRAM (hold down the command option p r keys while starting up - not just restarting - the computer and wait for the chimes to sound three times ) - see http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=2238
The fact that the computer gets stuck at this point, and the password message, also hints at the possibility that a corrupted "Netinfo database" may be the problem. Netinfo is essentially the system that OSX uses to take you beyond the single user "unix" system that you are currently booting into. Replacing this involves playing around with some significant unix commands though, so its not recommended unless you feel confident with such things. You can find instructions on how to replace it at http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=107210
If you still can't start up normally you should consider doing an "archive and install" from the OS CD. It may be that another OS system file related to the boot process has become corrupted. Doing an archive and install will leave your data correct , but replace the OS. You will need to re-install any OS updates again though - see http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=301270
If you contact Apple technical support tell them that the problem is that your computer is continually booting into "Single User mode".
Cheers
Rod

Help - Macbook Pro won't start after running update

I just checked the FAQs here and ran several searches and have not found an answer to my problem. I sure hope someone here can help.
Today I installed the big batch of updates Apple released recently (I think it was on July 31) on my 2.4 GHz Macbook Pro. When I turned it on, I was told there was one last update that required me to turn off the machine and then hold down the power button.
I did, and the machine started to come on, but I guess I held the button down a little too long. Now the machine won't turn on. Everytime I press the button, I hear the same sound I always get when I turn on my machine, except that now the sound just goes on and on and on, and the MBP never actually boots up.
I wish I could remember the exact name of the update. I think it might be the EFI Firmware Update 1.2 that's described at http://www.apple.com/support/downloads/macbookproefifirmwareupdate12.html. That scares me because the words "Important: Do not interrupt the update" suggest things can go badly if the update doesn't go right the first time.
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That sounds like an interrupted firmware update. And Macs with interrupted firmware updates are very unhappy Macs!
You will need to restore your firmware to it's original state, then reapply the update. For this, you'll need to create a Firmware Restoration CD.
See this page:
http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=303469
Here's one of the more important sections of the page: +"If your computer is already in this state, you'll need to download the software and create the CD on another Macintosh computer, or you can take your computer to an Apple Store or Apple Authorized Service Provider to restore your firmware. This CD can be created on both PowerPC- and Intel-based Macintosh computers."+
You might be better off just taking it in to an Apple Store.
Ps. When you get a chance, you might want to update OS information in your forum settings - I'm pretty sure you're not running 10.3.8 Panther on your MBP!

Help. iMac won't start with Bluetooth keyboard

Hi, iMac has decided to quit on me. It kept going to the grey screen of death at startup and triedd resetting everything. Nothing worked until I unplugged everything and noticed when I shut the Bluetooth keyboard off, only did it start up but much slower than normal. Any ideas or suggestions on whats going on? Basically, everytime I restart my computer, I need to make sure the keyboard is shut off and it still loads very very slow. Thank you.

Hi, Warren
try to reset PRAM.
try to repair disk permissions.
slow loading/running is sometimes connected with too little memory? how much do you have, and is it sufficient? (have a look at the Activity Monitor).
please, post back with more details.
thomas

Help! iMac won't start up.

I don't know what has happened to my iMac. I switched it on last night, and a black screen came up with a lot of white text (that didn't mean much to me), and the fans were really loud. I switched off the computer and waiting a couple of minutes and switched it back on. It makes the Mac start-up noise, but then nothing happens apart from the fans blowing really loud constantly. Nothing comes up on the screen at all.
Can anyone help me?

Sounds like the same thing that happened to me, twice. It doesn't start up and the fans get real loud. The first thing I did is run the hardware diagnostics to determine if the disk had totally crapped out. This test passed on both occurrences. I then tried to repair the disk by booting from the install disk (hold down the 'c' key while booting) and using the disk utility. The first time I had the problem this fixed it. Last night it happened for the second time, this time repairing the disk failed. I had to erase the disk, reinstall the OS and upgrades and load user files from backup (it took over 4 hours). AppleCare categorizes this problem as a software issue, not hardware, so it is not covered, even though it's Apple's software that failed ! You either have to fix it yourself or pay someone to do it for you.
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IMac won't start and making loud noises

When I start my iMac, the fan makes a really loud noise, it goes onto a grey screen showing a folder and a flashing question mark and face. My mac is a few years old and has lines going down the screen. Wondered if there was anything I could do to save it?

Before hauling a heavy computer to an Apple store, make sure you know how old it is, or the exact model. Apple only works on computers made in roughly the last five years, and the iMacs in this forum--G3, G4, and G5 models-- were all made prior to 2006. The description of the vertical lines sounds like a G5.
This article explains what Apple does and does not fix:
http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1752
Here are two articles to help you ID your model:
http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1758
http://support.apple.com/kb/HT2643

Help! iMac won't start

Yesterday I got a software update notification so I proceeded to do it (it was mainly to do with iTunes). Before completing, it stopped. I didn't think much of it until I wanted to listen to music but iTunes wouldn't open and gave me an error (really sorry can't remember the error message). I re-tried the update but the same kept happening.. In the end I went off, but today as I start up my iMac, it loads up to the apple logo then underneath is a bar which slowly goes up but then stops 1/10 of the way then shuts the computer down. The software update MIT not be to do with it, it's just something that was unusual the last time I used it.
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Depending on which OS you have. You still have not confirmed.
OS X Mountain Lion: Alternatives for backing up your Mac
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Emergency backups you didn't know you had!

Blank screen and running out of ideas

my ipad will not come on and only flashes briefly to the blue screen. I have restored once and then had to erase it from the cloud to restore it because the Find my IPAD feature had to be cutoff before a restore but still nothing? What next?

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http://appletoolbox.com/2012/07/ipad-frozen-not-responding-how-to-fix/
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Black or Blank Screen on iPad or iPhone
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iOS: Not responding or does not turn on
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 Cheers, Tom

My iMac won't start normally it will start on safe boot unless I start in verbus mode single user mode or reset the pram but if I start this way it won't sleep

help mi imac won't start normally

Hello!
Can you tell us what happens?
I’ve offered the steps below to similar posts in the past and they helped out getting to the solution (or at least find the cause). I suggest them to you too in this case. It will take you about 30 minutes or less to do these, depending on how bad the problem on your Mac is.
The goal here is to boot your Mac to the so-called Recovery partition where you’ll have a chance to repair the disk and the disk permissions using the Disk Utility and Password Utility. This might solve your issue and even if it doesn’t- it’s still a decent maintenance step to perform. These steps won’t erase your data or reinstall your Mac in any way if you follow instructions carefully.
Here’s how:
1/ Make sure your computer is completely shut down.
2/ You’ll have to be quick next: Press the Mac’s power button. As soon as you either hear the loud chime, or see the display light up - usually after a second or 2 - on your keyboard press [cmd] + [r] Keep these keys on your keyboard pressed until you either see an Apple Logo with a loading bar or a spinning gear.
After a few minutes, you’ll be presented with a Utilities screen. This is the Recovery partition. If this step is already giving you problems, try using a USB-keyboard. It doesn’t have to be an Apple-keyboard. If you have a Windows-tailored keyboard laying around, use the “Windows-flag” key in stead of the [cmd]-key and it should also work.
3/ Choose Disk Utility and click [continue]
Disk Utility will display your computer’s harddrive in the left column. The default name for it is “Macintosh HD” and is usually the second one from the top. Click on it and click on the [verify disk] button. This will check your “Macintosh HD” harddrive partition for errors. If found, click [repair disk] unless you have a Fusion drive in your Mac and it says [fix] instead of [repair disk] please tell us before you continue! For a screenshot of what I mean, check this article from Apple: http://support.apple.com/en-us/HT202574
4/ Once done with the verifying or repairing of your “Macintosh HD” click [repair disk permissions]
This will check your partition for permissions errors. A common myth about this feature is that it will fix all permissions issues on your Mac, which is not true, but it will fix most systemwide issues. Also, here is a list of error messages that you can safely ignore if they pop up:
http://support.apple.com/en-us/HT203172
5/ Lastly we shall do a permissions/Access Control List repair on specifically your user’s home folder with a somewhat hidden tool in the Recovery partition. Close Disk Utility and find the menu called “utilities” in the top left corner of your computer’s display. It’s in between the menus “edit” and “window” Don’t be confused with the menu called “os x utilities”
Choose Terminal. A somewhat old-fashioned looking window will pop up, waiting for a text command from you. This is the Terminal.
After the # type: resetpassword and press return. Note that there is no space between ‘reset’ and ‘password’
What you’ll see next is an rectangular window that gives you the option to reset passwords. We are not going to that, however. Instead, click on “Macintosh HD” at the top. In the pull-down menu below that, choose your user's accountname. Skip all the rest and at the very bottom click the [reset]-button.
A spinning gear will appear and may stay on for a second or several minutes. It’s hard to predict exactly how long.
If you have multiple users on your Mac, I advise you to repeat this step for all your users.
We’re ready to reboot your Mac now. Click on the Apple Menu and choose “startup disk” Choose to boot from “Macintosh HD” Please let us know if this solved your issue, or if the steps above did not work, or could not be performed for some reason.

Please help--iMac won't start up

My daughter has an iMac G4 flat panel (OS X 10.4.8), and a serious problem. I've been trying to help her but have run out of ideas. She recently downloaded and installed some updates. After installation, she clicked the restart button, but only got a blue screen with the beach ball appearing (apparently not steadily, but kind of intermittently). She turned it off and tried to restart several times and got the same thing. Then, she tried to start up from the disk. I'm not too clear what happened at this point. But she did manage to repair permissions. But this didn't help. Then, she tried to repair disk, but the computer told her she couldn't do that (I'm not sure why). Finally, she reinstalled OS X. Upon doing that, all she gets is a blue screed with a box containing her name and two buttons--quit and restart. She has tried to restart many times, but just comes back to the box with the the two buttons. I have been trying to help her over the phone (she's in MD and I'm in WI). So, having not witnessed any of this first-hand, I can't be much clearer about the situation. Obviously, one possibility is going to the Apple Store. But she really can't afford that. Does anyone have a suggestion?
Thank you,
Carl Kalwaitis

Hi Supreme D,
first check your internal battery.
With your computer you have to keep a certain order of installations.
1. Backup!
2. Boot up from the 9.2.2 install CD and reformat the hard disk (this is important because you need a bootable OS 9 for the firmware upgrade)
3. Install OS 9.
4. Make sure you can boot into OS 9!
5. Upgrade your firmware: Mac OS X: Chart of Available Firmware Updates
6. Insert the 10.4 install DVD and reboot while holding down the c-key
7. Once the installer has started and you selected your language select "Disk Utility" from the MENU
8. Repair the disk and select "repair OS 9 privilegies" from the MENU
9. Quit disk utility and proceed with the installation of MacOS X
10. After the restart Repair permissions!
11. Download and apply the standalone Mac OS X 10.4.8 Combo Update (PPC)
12. Repair permissions again.
13. Run software update from the Apple menu and apply all available updates.
Good luck!
If this answered your question please consider granting some stars: Why reward points?

Please help my iMac will not start. The apple logo comes up and the wheel goes round and then I am left with an empty white sceen can anyone help

Please help, my iMac will not start up, the apple comes up and the wheel goes round but then I am left with a blank white screen. Has anyone any ideas.

Locate your original install disk (it's grey) and use it to restart your iMac by holding the "C" key during startup. Use the disk utility to repair your harddrive.

Help please! Imac won't start and running out of ideas

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