HT202731 my imac goes to homescreen but no icon or start menu

Question

my iMac boots to blank homescreen.could someone please help..running osx10.6 8

Answer 1

Hello,
At this point I think your best bet is to take it in for servicing at the local service center.
As for your data, I think odds are that it is still in-tact. The type of failure you describe sounds more like a failed logic-board or possibly the power supply (improper voltage / low-voltage).
Most likely it's a failed logic-board. But, the power supply can cause these symptoms as well.
Neither would mean that your hard drive is bad. It's possible that it is, but it's not an automatic definite.
If it were only the hard drive that failed, then you'd get the grey Apple screen with a flashing question-mark.
So, what I would do, is request them to fix the computer. But, I would put a stipulation on it that requires them to call you if they are going to re-format or replace the hard drive.
This way you'll know in advance if they are going to erase your data. You could then decide whether to pay them to archive it onto another media or back it up for you, or just let it go.
Explain to them that you have information you are concerned about saving. And, request them to at least let you know if their repair process is going to require them to do anything that might erase the hard drive.
I think that's about the best you can do at this point.
I hope this helps.