HT3964 My intel-based IMAC will power on and then I just get a circle that shows it is trying to load and it never stops

After turning on my computer all I get is the white startup screen and the circle that goes around continuously trying to load. What should I do? I have done all the obvious things such as as the power source, unplugged speakers, etc.

Assuming you are running 10.4.11 as indicated in your profile information:
How to Perform an Archive and Install
An Archive and Install will NOT erase your hard drive, but you must have sufficient free space for a second OS X installation which could be from 3-9 GBs depending upon the version of OS X and selected installation options. The free space requirement is over and above normal free space requirements which should be at least 6-10 GBs. Read all the linked references carefully before proceeding.
1. Be sure to use Disk Utility first to repair the disk before performing the Archive and Install.
Repairing the Hard Drive and Permissions
Boot from your OS X Installer disc. After the installer loads select your language and click on the Continue button. When the menu bar appears select Disk Utility from the Installer menu (Utilities menu for Tiger, Leopard or Snow Leopard.) After DU loads select your hard drive entry (mfgr.'s ID and drive size) from the the left side list. In the DU status area you will see an entry for the S.M.A.R.T. status of the hard drive. If it does not say "Verified" then the hard drive is failing or failed. (SMART status is not reported on external Firewire or USB drives.) If the drive is "Verified" then select your OS X volume from the list on the left (sub-entry below the drive entry,) click on the First Aid tab, then click on the Repair Disk button. If DU reports any errors that have been fixed, then re-run Repair Disk until no errors are reported. If no errors are reported click on the Repair Permissions button. Wait until the operation completes, then quit DU and return to the installer. Now restart normally.
If DU reports errors it cannot fix, then you will need Disk Warrior and/or Tech Tool Pro to repair the drive. If you don't have either of them or if neither of them can fix the drive, then you will need to reformat the drive and reinstall OS X.
2. Do not proceed with an Archive and Install if DU reports errors it cannot fix. In that case use Disk Warrior and/or TechTool Pro to repair the hard drive. If neither can repair the drive, then you will have to erase the drive and reinstall from scratch.
3. Boot from your OS X Installer disc. After the installer loads select your language and click on the Continue button. When you reach the screen to select a destination drive click once on the destination drive then click on the Option button. Select the Archive and Install option. You have an option to preserve users and network preferences. Only select this option if you are sure you have no corrupted files in your user accounts. Otherwise leave this option unchecked. Click on the OK button and continue with the OS X Installation.
4. Upon completion of the Archive and Install you will have a Previous System Folder in the root directory. You should retain the PSF until you are sure you do not need to manually transfer any items from the PSF to your newly installed system.
5. After moving any items you want to keep from the PSF you should delete it. You can back it up if you prefer, but you must delete it from the hard drive.
6. You can now download a Combo Updater directly from Apple's download site to update your new system to the desired version as well as install any security or other updates. You can also do this using Software Update.

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HT3964 Intel-based iMAC. Power, but no video. Tried to reset the SMC, but no luck.

Intel-based iMAC. Power, but no video. Tried to reset the SMC, but no luck.

If you have AppleCare on it give them a call. If you have not bought AppleCare yet then I'd strongly suggest it to protect your investment. This will extend the warranty to 3 years and also provide 3 years of telephone support. You can buy it from any Apple reseller or Apple for $169 or you can find it discounted at places like Amazon.

HT3964 My intel based IMac wakes itself immediately when put to sleep and the

I have an intel based i-mac which is about 4 years old. Recently when I have pressed the sleep button it has gone to sleep then immediately turned back on. The volume control also turns itself down to 0 at random times. Some months ago I had a drive appear in finder labeled as 0 and all my applications are on this drive.Anybody have any idea what might be going on?Any help would be greatly appreciated.I was running Snow Leopard when this first happened but upgraded to latest Lion operating system yesterday but problem is still exactly the same.

I have an intel based i-mac which is about 4 years old. Recently when I have pressed the sleep button it has gone to sleep then immediately turned back on. The volume control also turns itself down to 0 at random times. Some months ago I had a drive appear in finder labeled as 0 and all my applications are on this drive.Anybody have any idea what might be going on?Any help would be greatly appreciated.I was running Snow Leopard when this first happened but upgraded to latest Lion operating system yesterday but problem is still exactly the same.

Intel Based Mac Mini - Power Issues and Resetting SMS

Hello all.
My company has 15 Mac Minis driving LCD displays. The MACs are running MS Vista Basic and operate 24 hours a day except when they reboot (in the early monring). We have a sporadic issue in that we find the Mac powered off even though we have a power backup and the display is still on. Moreover, in order to turn the Mac back on, we need to unplug the power cord from the back of the Mac and then it will turn back on. I recently uncovered that this actually resets the SMS:
http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=303446
My question is do these shave a firmware update for the SMS (the systems were puchased in late 2006; don't know how to get the SMS version number from Vista). If so, is there a way to update the SMS firmware with only Vista installed (Apple firmwares usuaslly use the Mac OS Updater)? Finally, what casues the SMS to malfunctino and need to be reset? Could it be the power backups not regulating the voltage to the Mac?
Thanks fo your help,
Kevin

Welcome to the Apple Discussions!
Just to be clear, you're concerned about the "SMC" (System Management Controller), not "SMS", right? The subject of your topic may confuse some folks.
There was an SMC update for the "early 2006" model Mac minis (see here), but it sounds like you have the later 2006 models. What is the processor speed of the Mac minis? If they could use the update, you'll need to start them up into Mac OS X to install it. This could be done with a FireWire or USB 2.0 hard drive and would not affect the software currently installed on them.
-Doug

Is it possible to run OS 9 CD-ROMs on an Intel-based iMAC?

My children have a bunch of CD-ROMs that run using Mac OS 9.
Is there any way to run these on an Intel-based iMAC?
My kids were so excited to get a new MAC and then so disappointed when they found they couldn't play some of their favourite games on it.

A quick search of the forum comes up with these results. Sheepshaver is an option sometimes.
http://discussions.apple.com/search.jspa?threadID=&q=sheepshaver&objID=f1110&dat eRange=last90days&userID=&numResults=15

What can happen to an intel-based iMac when a power outage occurs while it is on and I unplug it to avoid a surge when power comes back?

The power went out today, while I was using my intel-based iMac (2008) and I rushed to unplug the power from the wall, before the poser could surge back on. Did I do damage?
I have a surge protector that it was plugged into, but I thought just to be safe I should unplug!
Thanks, Group!
artdough

Good point!
Art a surge protector (a good one) is designed to provide contant power to the devices that are plugged into it. This is good in the event of a surge of power up or down however in the event of a complete power outage they're of no value.
A UPS (Uninteruptable Power Supply) is just that, it has surge protection like a surge suppresor however it also has a battery integrated into it. The battery is designed to provide enough power for a user to do an orderly shutdown. In addition most UPS's can also plug into your iMac via a USB cable. Then you can set energy saver preferences that you cannot see now. For example you can set how long the computer should run in the event of power going off. You can also set if you want the computer to reboot or not when the power comes back on etc. For about $100 you can get a fine UPS that will add an additional layer of protection for your computer and give you extra peace of mind.

TS1367 Hi....I have an Intel based iMac.......serial # QP******DAS....I need a new logic board and power supply please ......can anyone help..........thank you

Hi I have an intel based Imac......serial # QP******DAS.....early 2011 I beleive......I have been advised that I need to replace both the logicboard and the power supply as the mac fails to start.
I have been quoted a ridiculous amount of maoney for them and wanted to buy direct in the USA in the near future......does anybody sell thes plaeas........thanx ...Mike
<Edited By Host>

Check the following places:
We Love Macs!
iFixit.com
Also do a Google search.

Upgrading FCP 4.5 HD from Power PC to Intel based iMAC

I have FCR 4.5 HD software license for Power MAC G5.. What is my upgrade option or procedure to load and run the same software on Intel based IMAC. Is there a binary I can buy to move the license software to Intel based IMAC.
Please help.
Kiran

FCP 4.5 is not designed to run on the Intel Macs and is not supported.
Your upgrade path to Final Cut Studio 2 (the current intel version) is spelled out HERE
Short story ... Send apple a check for $699.
Cheers,
x

Do you think the intel based macs will start with the iMac?

do you think the intel based macs will start with the iMac? or the mini? or a tower?
when are they suppoed to be ready theoretically anyways?
just curious...
chaz

Hi iSMH;
According to what Steve said in his keynote address on the Migration to Intel, so I think this is not speculation, they will start with the Mac Mini and iBook with the release being sometime during the summer of 2006. The rest of the line will foloow later with the Powermac being released sometime during the second half of 2007
Allan

Convert an iMac G5 PPC to Intel Based iMac early 2006?

I have been working with Macs for some time and I know how annoying their hardware will only work for one series of computers and that's it. I was given an iMac G5 2004 for free and when looking to replace the motherboard I realized that it only uses DDR memory, terrible. I know they have 17" Intel based iMac G4 computers and figured with an iMac there are few parts you need to worry about. I would need to change out the LCD screen or connector and rewire it, I have hard drives that will work, I will need an Intel Core Duo processor (can pick a working one up real cheap), Motherboard will cost me $100, and I assume the DVD/CD drive is universal and will work with the Intel board. Now my concern is the power supply and the LCD inverter. That is pretty much all there is to these machines.
Now why don't I just buy a 2006 iMac? Because where is the challenge in that? Has anyone ever attempted this conversion? Money is not a problem, I enjoy moding and having little projects like this. I have a flat screen eMac with an LED LCD screen, I have a G4 with Mac Mini guts, I have a Gen 1 Apple TV running 10.5... you get the idea. I am tearing the machine apart now I just need to find the proper information, Google has failed me. I assume the 2006 MOBO should be a direct fit because the form factor is almost identical. USB and other slots look to be the same, if not I can bust out the plastic fill and Dremel. Anyone have any thoughts besides that this is a dumb idea?
If I go ahead with this I plan on doing a write-up. In theory, these seems like a very simple conversion just because everything is based around the MOBO and the parts that would need to be replaced I have or are inexpensive. I figure the project would cost me around $300. I run a tech shop and get parts dirt cheap. Any ideas or information would be great as I typically don't work on 2004 models, thanks!
Please no flaming, if you intend to flame just go bother someone else thanks!

You also have to consider to port locations, and if the ventilation is enough for the logicboard.
Furthermore a Mac mini uses a SATA bus that is more geared towards powering 2.5" drives, not 3.5" drives. Though I've seen some who hacked an eSATA on a Mac Mini on the net. Don't forget a CoreSolo or CoreDuo Mac Mini won't give you much of an advantage over the G5. Core2Duo 2.2 Ghz or higher is better unless you still depend on numerous non-Universal applications.

Connecting External Speakers to My Intel-based iMac

Hello everyone,
I have a 24-inch, white, Intel-based iMac. I also have a pair of wonderful sounding old Mission speakers that are not self-powered, and I was wondering if anyone knew whether the iMac's internal amp can drive them. Would I connect via the headphone port? And if so, is there a connector that I can buy to patch the speaker wires to a one-eighth inch pin to do the trick?
Regards,
Gregory

I also have a pair of wonderful sounding old Mission speakers that are not self-powered,
and I was wondering if anyone knew whether the iMac's internal amp can drive them.
*No way!* The iMac's 24 watt internal amp is NOT connected to the headphone output;
that's only for the internal speakers. The headphone output is spec'd at 1.6 Vrms max
with an output impedance of up to 24 ohms -- so, Apple only guarantees that it can
deliver 0.1 watt to an external load. In reality, the output impredance is probably less
than 24 ohms, so it will probably deliver a little more than that -- but the maximum
power output is still gonna be well under 1 watt. Headphones, yes ...speakers, NO!
[Apple Audio Developer Note|http://developer.apple.com/documentation/Hardware/Conceptual/HWTechAudio/Articles/Audio_implementation.html#//apple_ref/doc/uid/TP40003978-SW281200331167]
...have you hugged an engineer, today?
Looby

Intel-based iMac stuck in grey screen with spinning wheel. SMC::smcReadKeyAction ERROR THOP kSMBadArgumentError(0x89)

Hi guys,
since yesterday my Intel-Based iMac doesn't boot normally, its stuck in grey screen with a spinning wheel.
Its an Intel-based iMac 21.5'' purchased in 2011, and i recently (2 months ago) upgraded it to Mavericks.
-2 weeks ago, i installed smcFanControl app
-Tried start up in Safe Mode by holding Shift but its not working. i think i hear fans are working more than they were before the problem occurs.
-entered Single User Mode and i get an error
SMC ::smcReadKeyAction ERROR THOP kSMCBadArgumentError(0x89) fKeyHashTable=0x0xffffff8029fa1000
-followed some instructions found online, but can execute the correct commands in SingleUserMode
tried to remove FanControl as explained here: http://apple.stackexchange.com/questions/110667/errorr-kernel-smcsmcreadkeyactio n-in-console
any ideas what may caused this and how can i fix this?
Thanks in advance

Take each of these steps that you haven't already tried. Stop when the problem is resolved.
Step 1
The first step in dealing with a startup failure is to secure the data. If you want to preserve the contents of the startup drive, and you don't already have at least one current backup, you must try to back up now, before you do anything else. It may or may not be possible. If you don't care about the data that has changed since the last backup, you can skip this step.
There are several ways to back up a Mac that is unable to start. You need an external hard drive to hold the backup data.
a. Start up from the Recovery partition, or from a local Time Machine backup volume (option key at startup.) When the OS X Utilities screen appears, launch Disk Utility and follow the instructions in this support article, under “Instructions for backing up to an external hard disk via Disk Utility.” The article refers to starting up from a DVD, but the procedure in Recovery mode is the same. You don't need a DVD if you're running OS X 10.7 or later.
b. If Step 1a fails because of disk errors, and no other Mac is available, then you may be able to salvage some of your files by copying them in the Finder. If you already have an external drive with OS X installed, boot from it. Otherwise, if you have Internet access, follow the instructions on this page to prepare the external drive and install OS X on it. You'll use the Recovery installer, rather than downloading it from the App Store.
c. If you have access to a working Mac, and both it and the non-working Mac have FireWire or Thunderbolt ports, start the non-working Mac in target disk mode. Use the working Mac to copy the data to another drive. This technique won't work with USB, Ethernet, Wi-Fi, or Bluetooth.
d. If the internal drive of the non-working Mac is user-replaceable, remove it and mount it in an external enclosure or drive dock. Use another Mac to copy the data.
Step 2
If the startup process stops at a blank gray screen with no Apple logo or spinning "daisy wheel," then the startup volume may be full. If you had previously seen warnings of low disk space, this is almost certainly the case. You might be able to start up in safe mode even though you can't start up normally. Otherwise, start up from an external drive, or else use the technique in Step 1b, 1c, or 1d to mount the internal drive and delete some files. According to Apple documentation, you need at least 9 GB of available space on the startup volume (as shown in the Finder Info window) for normal operation.
Step 3
Sometimes a startup failure can be resolved by resetting the NVRAM.
Step 4
If you use a wireless keyboard, trackpad, or mouse, replace or recharge the batteries. The battery level shown in the Bluetooth menu item may not be accurate.
Step 5
If there's a built-in optical drive, a disc may be stuck in it. Follow these instructions to eject it.
Step 6
Press and hold the power button until the power shuts off. Disconnect all wired peripherals except those needed to start up, and remove all aftermarket expansion cards. Use a different keyboard and/or mouse, if those devices are wired. If you can start up now, one of the devices you disconnected, or a combination of them, is causing the problem. Finding out which one is a process of elimination.
Step 7
If you've started from an external storage device, make sure that the internal startup volume is selected in the Startup Disk pane of System Preferences.
Start up in safe mode. Note: If FileVault is enabled, or if a firmware password is set, or if the startup volume is a Fusion Drive or a software RAID, you can’t do this. Post for further instructions.
Safe mode is much slower to start and run than normal, and some things won’t work at all, including wireless networking on certain Macs.
The login screen appears even if you usually log in automatically. You must know the login password in order to log in. If you’ve forgotten the password, you will need to reset it before you begin.
When you start up in safe mode, it's normal to see a dark gray progress bar on a light gray background. If the progress bar gets stuck for more than a few minutes, or if the system shuts down automatically while the progress bar is displayed, the startup volume is corrupt and the drive is probably malfunctioning. In that case, go to Step 10. If you ever have another problem with the drive, replace it immediately.
If you can start and log in in safe mode, empty the Trash, and then open the Finder Info window on the startup volume ("Macintosh HD," unless you gave it a different name.) Check that you have at least 9 GB of available space, as shown in the window. If you don't, copy as many files as necessary to another volume (not another folder on the same volume) and delete the originals. Deletion isn't complete until you empty the Trash again. Do this until the available space is more than 9 GB. Then restart as usual (i.e., not in safe mode.)
If the startup process hangs again, the problem is likely caused by a third-party system modification that you installed. Post for further instructions.
Step 8
Launch Disk Utility in Recovery mode (see Step 1.) Select the startup volume, then run Repair Disk. If any problems are found, repeat until clear. If Disk Utility reports that the volume can't be repaired, the drive has malfunctioned and should be replaced. You might choose to tolerate one such malfunction in the life of the drive. In that case, erase the volume and restore from a backup. If the same thing ever happens again, replace the drive immediately.
This is one of the rare situations in which you should also run Repair Permissions, ignoring the false warnings it may produce. Look for the line "Permissions repair complete" at the end of the output. Then restart as usual.
Step 9
Reinstall the OS. If the Mac was upgraded from an older version of OS X, you’ll need the Apple ID and password you used to upgrade.
Step 10
Do as in Step 9, but this time erase the startup volume in Disk Utility before installing. The system should automatically restart into the Setup Assistant. Follow the prompts to transfer the data from a Time Machine or other backup.
Step 11
This step applies only to models that have a logic-board ("PRAM") battery: all Mac Pro's and some others (not current models.) Both desktop and portable Macs used to have such a battery. The logic-board battery, if there is one, is separate from the main battery of a portable. A dead logic-board battery can cause a startup failure. Typically the failure will be preceded by loss of the settings for the startup disk and system clock. See the user manual for replacement instructions. You may have to take the machine to a service provider to have the battery replaced.
Step 12
If you get this far, you're probably dealing with a hardware fault. Make a "Genius" appointment at an Apple Store, or go to another authorized service provider.

My old Intel-Based iMac is no longer recognizing USB wired input devices; it only recognizes Bluetooth. What happened?

My friend's old Intel-Based iMac is no longer recognizing USB-wired input devices (Kensington TrackBall, Logitech Mouse) plugged into any USB slot at the back of the computer.
They were working before and for many years.
All of a sudden, A pop up window came up. IT said no Bluetooth mice could be found. We don't know what set off that window to pop up and look for a WL mouse. It never has before in the 5 or more years my friend has been using this computer.
I supplied a wireless Apple mouse and his is back running again.
But want to know why his USB-input devices (Except his keyboard) are not being recognized. He would prefer to use his Trackpad (Wired), but can't find anything in SYstem PReferences to allow that. The computer only seems to want a Bluetooth input device.
Anyone have an idea what happened and if this can be reversed?
I think he is still running Mac OS X 10.5.8.

Hi Carol, lets try this...
reset FW bus, same goes for USB reset...
Reset the Firewire bus
If your Firewire or USB isn't recognizing any device. A solution which has worked for some whose hard drive became invisible in 10.4 was simply to follow these four steps to reset the Firewire/USB bus:
1. Shut the machine down.
2. UNPLUG the power lead to the computer and any firewire/USB drive/devices.
3. leave it for 10 minutes.
4. Connect back up and reboot.
http://www.macmaps.com/firewirebug2.html

"Which Firewire cable should I purchase to connect a late 2006 Intel-based iMac with a 400 port to a Mid 2010 IMac with an 800 port?"

“Which Firewire cable should I purchase to connect a late 2006 Intel-based iMac with a 400 port to a Mid 2010 IMac with an 800 port?”

To connect both iMacs, you need a FireWire 400 to 800 adapter, and a FireWire 400 cable, so you will be able to connect both Macs

Removing stand of 2007 Intel-based iMac

Is it possible to remove/replace the stand of the mid-2007 20" Intel-based iMac?
Thanks in advance!

It would be great if someone could answer this before I have to tear open my 20" iMac...My stand is 1.5 inches too tall. I want to take the stand off, cut off 2 inches from the middle and weld it back together. If the entire bottom of the display wasn't vented I could just cut the stand and prop it like an easle, but that unfortunately will not work.

HT3964 My intel-based IMAC will power on and then I just get a circle that shows it is trying to load and it never stops

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