IMac not starting in OS X

I previously posted the question:
I turned my iMac G5 (2.1ghz with 10.5 installed) on this morning, and everything was fine. About 20 min later, the screen froze (but the cursor was still able to move, just not click anything) and a clicking sound was coming from inside the computer, it sounded like the hard drive, but im not sure. I turned it off 5 min into waiting, and now when I turn it on, it stays at the grey screen - right after the "dong" and just before the apple logo appears. Then a min in to that, the fan gets really loud and stays like this without changing. I let it go for about an hour, and nothing happened at all.
I then stated that the computer wouldn't start up from the install disc. However, I didnt realize I was using the 10.3 install disc, and not the 10.5. It starts from the 10.5 disc, and im able to run disc utility, however when I click repair, it gives me the error "the disc macintosh HD could not be unmounted"
Since its able to read and start from the install disc, does that mean the motherboard/HD arent broken?
And what am i suppose to do now since it wont repair the disc? Should I try erasing it and starting from scratch?
Any tips will help. Thanks.

If you can boot, yes, eject the install disc and put a DVD in and try to save what you can, if you have another Mac you can try Target Disk Mode and transfer your data to the other machine. If you can't boot, or get into TDM, then you will have to do the A&I. If I understand you, you say that that's not an option, so if you have to erase completely, you should choose Mac OS extended (journaled).
Let me know how you make out,

Similar Messages

Imac not starting up getting folder icon

imac not starting up getting folder icon

i got the same sithuation ..
apple icon and stop icon and folder icon alternating .. on grey screen.
I tried a NVRAM / PRAM reset using Option + Command + P + R buttons (hence refered to as "combo")
Press and hold the combo when you start the mac .. before the grey screen appears.ystem second time ..
keep holding until the mac restarts again (takes about 5-6 sec).
voila

Intel iMac not starting...please HELP!!!

Hey all,
Well I just arrived to my new dorm room in college with my one week old iMac and I'm encountering some serious problems....
I plugged the computer in while it was on my desk, with other hardware attached into a surge protector and it worked fine for about two days. Today I recieved some new furniture so I had to unplug the computer to move things around....I unplugged it and placed it flat (screen side up) on a pillow.
I plugged it back in with a new surge protector, connected the hardware and pressed the button...didn't start. The printer, the speakers, everything else had power so it wasn't a faulty power strip...just the computer wouldn't start. I then did the following:
1. Tried different connections on the same surge protector
2. Switched back to the old surge protector
3. Plugged the computer w/o external devices into the wall directly
4. Tried it as described above into a different wall outlet
And nothing has worked. I'm going to call Apple in the morning, but as you can imagine with the year starting this is the last thing I need. I'm using my old G3 iBook at the moment to get by, but what has happened to my brand new iMac? Thanks for your help

DIRECTLY from the iMac Help site:
The System Management Controller (SMC) is a chip on the logic board that controls all power functions for your computer. If your computer is experiencing any power issue, resetting the SMC may resolve it. The SMC controls several functions, including:
* Telling the computer when to turn on, turn off, sleep, wake, idle, and so forth.
* Handling system resets from various commands.
* Controlling the fans.
Note that resetting the SMC does not reset the PRAM. Resetting the SMC will not resolve issues in which your computer is unresponsive—in these situations, restarting your computer will generally suffice. If your computer isn't responding, perform these steps one at a time, in this order, until the issue has been resolved:
1. Force Quit (Option-Command-Escape).
2. Restart (Control-Command-Power).
3. Force Shut Down (press the power button for 10 seconds).
Resetting the SMC can resolve some computer issues such as not starting up, not displaying video, sleep issues, fan noise issues, and so forth. If your computer still exhibits these types of issues after you've restarted the computer, try resetting the SMC. To reset the SMC on an iMac (Early 2006), iMac (Mid 2006), or Mac mini (Early 2006):
1. From the Apple menu, choose Shut Down (or if the computer is not responding, hold the power button until it turns off).
2. Unplug all cables from the computer, including the power cord and any display cables.
3. Wait at least 15 seconds.
4. Plug the power cord back in, making sure the power button is not being pressed at the time. Then reconnect your keyboard and mouse to the computer.
5. Press the power button on the back to start up your computer.
The iMac (Early 2006) and later models do not have a button on the main logic board for resetting the SMC, which eliminates the need to remove the computer's cover to reset it (as required for some earlier models).
iMac 20" Intel Dual Core Mac OS X (10.4.7) It's Sweet, It's a MAC

HELP! iMac not starting up ... blue screen with folder and blinking ?

my imac is not starting up. when i turn on the computer, i get a blue screen with a blinking folder icon of the finder and a black question mark. i can't move anything or type anything.
i have tried powering down and powering back up with holding down the option key, but all i get is a screen with two buttons with a curved arrow and a straight arrow. however, i can't click any of them!
i don't know what to do and i need major help! can anyone help me? i don't want to spend the $49 again for a simple fix.

For starters, follow the steps in this Apple KB Article Post back if you have any questions or things still don't work out.
Clint

IMac not starting up (no chime and no USB power)

Hello,
My neighbor's computer is experiencing some problems: it does not start (the screen stays black, no startup chime, but the fans run, as does the hard disk. Also, neither the mouse or the keyboard seem to be powered (no light), so the computer doesn't even come to loading the EFI). The model is an iSight iMac G5 20'' (EMC=2082).
I have tried usual commands (reset PRAM and reset the SMC). Also tried with no device connected. (well, if something so trivial than all these tips did the trick, I wouldn't had to ask here ).
So, without keyboard, I couldn't even try special modes (safe, target disk, start from CD, etc), should the Mac be able to start in some mode. I have then decided to open the iMac (well, the warranty is way out, so nothing is lost). I have never seen a so-hard-to-open Mac, by the way (something was likely blocked).
I'm thinking of 4 possible causes for the problem:
-the hard disk could be damaged. It was malfunctioning some days ago. I assume it could come to a point where the logical board of the disk is failing;
-the RAM is an obvious possible cause;
-the CPU is also obvious;
-another component on the main board/logic board.
-I have forgotten a 5th point?
Well, I tried with unplugging the hard disk, and it had no effect, so it's not the HDD. I'm puzzled for the remaining ones (not knowing the iMac enough is a cause).
First, about the RAM, it seems the RAM slot is empty, so the actual RAM is somehow built-in (I haven't seen something seeming like usual RAM bars), so, if I can't remove the RAM, how can I test whether it's damaged or not?
Then, the CPU. There are 2 of them. So I thought I may take one out (and then the other one) and see whether the Mac starts. Well, I can't figure out how to remove the CPU cooling piece (there are just 4 "buttons" that can be pressed but nothing happen). I prefer asking here first, not removing the entire main board without advices.
Lastly, if it's the main board, I know I won't be able to do much. I have read there are LEDs to possibly diagnose power issues, but I don't see them (no LED is showing light, it seems). I'd like to test my other assumptions before thinking the main board is the cause.
Else, is there something I could try I have forgotten?
P.S: sorry for my (possibly) bad english, and the troubles of explanation; it's not as easy when english isn't the native language. I just wanted to mention that I have already repaired computers, so don't hesitate to tell me complicated answers.
Thanks in advance for your help.

spudnuty wrote:
Hello,
Anic,
You can't remove the CPU nor remove/replace the RAM… Really a bad model!
Yes you have to think of it more like a laptop. The only models w/ removable CPUs were the Towers.
Which explains why I thought CPU were usually removable (I have mostly used towers except the original iMac, before).
Thanks. I indeed never touch a board when the computer is plugged.
Hee hee I did since I was used to working on the ALS model where the power supply is enclosed.
Even on an enclosed power supply, I'd not want to touch some kind of board. Well, perhaps it's just me.
Actually, it's the info about which info I need that I'm looking for
After having tried what I could, the remaining bits seem locked (unlike other models).
Not sure what you mean here?
Well, after re-reading myself, I agree I don't really understand either
I meant that I have already tried as much as I could, but the remaining bits (so to mention, the RAM and CPU, mainly) can't be tested. So, I'm looking for testing other parts of the iMac (perhaps there's other things that can be tested, like flashing the EFI).
I'd like to hear from you that the built-in RAM can't be tested, please (to clear my assumption).
the external screen adaptor..(if it wasn't optional, then she does not know where it is).
Well it looks like this. It's pretty standard. Every iBook had one for instance.
http://www.synaptech.com/catalog/images/922-4554.gif
In fact, all the laptops I have seen have that kind of adaptor (although they may slightly vary from models to models), but I thought it was only for laptops (which, as they are easy to move, may have different available screens). Now, does it also apply to iMacs?
I have a question regarding this: I guess the LED3 is concerning the whole graphic card, not just the built-in output, right (in other words, not just about the "main" display)? So I doubt an external screen would make any difference since the LED3 is off (tell me if I'm wrong).
Well what the manual says is:
"LED 3: Indicates that the main logic board has established communication with the LCD display."
So if that's not light then the graphics chip is not communicating with LCD panel.
Fine, but can the graphics chip still communicate with the external port, even if the LED3 is off?
(sorry for having been unclear)
So you did a SMU reset like this:
"Resetting the SMU (System Management Unit)
1. Unplug all cables from the computer, including the power cord.
Wait 10 seconds.
2. Plug in the power cord while simultaneously pressing and holding the power button on the back of the computer.
3. Let go of the power button.
4. Press the power button once more to start up your iMac G5 (17-inch iSight).
Hmm… Not sure about step 2. The "simultaneously" part may not be what I did (I actually tried two things:
1: plugged back the power cord, then (after that) pressed the power button
2: while still unplugged, I pressed the power button (held down for about 5 seconds), then released it and plugged the power cord back.
Do you think I should press the power button while the iMac is still unplugged and keep the button pressed while I plug the iMac (then release the button after I have plugged it)?
If that doesn't help you really need that Mini VGA to VGA adapter so you can plug in a standard VGA monitor and check out the output of the graphics chip (GPU).
I'm glad you mentioned every iBook has one, since my sister has an iBook
I'll ask her.
Since it's not communicating with the LCD it could be a cable problem.
I'm doubting of that, because I'm sure the Mac does not boot at all (not just a blank screen, but also no power on USB ports).
Also you should read through this site:
http://jimwarholic.com/2008/07/how-to-repair-apple-imac-g5.php
Which concerns the "capacitor plague". I'm sure you're aware of this. We had 30 Dell P-IVs that had this problem and those logic boards had a ton of lytics on them.
Hmm… What a charming surprise
Well, I'm indeed aware of this (it hasn't happened to me yet, fortunately).
Thanks for the link.
As to the rest of your questions, answer this set first.
Fine, I follow the guide
Thank you.

IMac not starting up and no chime

Hello,
My neighbor's computer is experiencing some problems: it does not start (the screen stays black, no startup chime, but the fans run, as does the hard disk. Also, neither the mouse or the keyboard seem to be powered (no light)).
I have tried usual commands (reset PRAM and reset the SMC). Also tried with no device connected. (well, if something so trivial than all these tips did the trick, I wouldn't had to ask here ).
So, without keyboard, I couldn't even try special modes (safe, target disk, start from CD, etc), should the Mac be able to start in some mode. I have then decided to open the iMac (well, the warranty is way out, so nothing is lost). I have never seen a so-hard-to-open Mac, by the way (something was likely blocked).
I'm thinking of 4 possible causes for the problem:
-the hard disk could be damaged. It was malfunctioning some days ago. I assume it could come to a point where the logical board of the disk is failing;
-the RAM is an obvious possible cause;
-the CPU is also obvious;
-another component on the main board/logic board.
-I have forgotten a 5th point?
Well, I tried with unplugging the hard disk, and it had no effect, so it's not the HDD. I'm puzzled for the remaining ones (not knowing the iMac enough is a cause).
First, about the RAM, it seems the RAM slot is empty, so the actual RAM is somehow built-in (I haven't seen something seeming like usual RAM bars), so, if I can't remove the RAM, how can I test whether it's damaged or not?
Then, the CPU. There are 2 of them. So I thought I may take one out (and then the other one) and see whether the Mac starts. Well, I can't figure out how to remove the CPU cooling piece (there are just 4 "buttons" that can be pressed but nothing happen). I prefer asking here first, not removing the entire main board without advices.
Lastly, if it's the main board, I know I won't be able to do much. I have read there are LEDs to possibly diagnose power issues, but I don't see them (no LED is showing light, it seems). I'd like to test my other assumptions before thinking the main board is the cause.
Else, is there something I could try I have forgotten?
P.S: sorry for my (possibly) bad english, and the troubles of explanation; it's not as easy when english isn't the native language. I just wanted to mention that I have already repaired computers, so don't hesitate to tell me complicated answers.
Thanks in advance for your help.

David.Austin.Allen wrote:
If the RAM slots are empty, someone has removed the RAM. There is no RAM on the logicboard.
This page does say some RAM is built-in: http://support.apple.com/kb/HT2266
It explains why the RAM slot (which there is just one) is empty as there is not further RAM installed.
No startup chime means no usable RAM was encountered during Power On Self Test.
It may also mean some other problems, if I recall correctly (for instance, a dead CPU will prevent the chime, because the chime indicates all has passed).
I have the feeling that we aren't talking about the same model, because, according to:
http://support.apple.com/kb/HT2341
the LED should blink when there's no RAM. In my case, the LED stays on.
Exactly what model of iMac is this?
It's an iMac third generation 20'' isight (put the terms in the order you want ). EMC is 2082.
Thank you for this answer. Does not solve my problem but is useful in progressing.

Imac not starting up properly

When I restart my iMac it starts with a black screen and the word 'root' at the top left corner of the screen. What do I type in so that it takes me to the login page?
If anyone can help, greatly appreciate it...

Yeah it worked before...I forgot the admin password and the only way to change it was to reset it using the installation disk. I cancelled it before it completed and when I restarted the computer the black screen appeared.

2011 iMac not starting, then starting, and then not starting again?

Hi,
I've asked this question at another forum, but I haven't gotten any feedback, so I thought I'd try here.
I have a 2011 iMac which I'm not really happy with at all, to be honest.
The most severe problem is that it refuses to turn on sometimes. It has actually only happened two times so far, with a few weeks in between.
I talked to Apple for over two hours yesterday. After a lot of troubleshooting, PRAM resets, (obviously error-free) diagnostics, etc, they still had absolutely no clue what the problem could be.
The first time it happened, the iMac had been disconnected from the power outlet for a week. Imagine trying to power on an iMac with the power chord unplugged. That's how it was.
After a lot of fiddling around, inserting and reinserting the power cable, and pressing the power button 40-50 times, it finally booted up. I then turned it off again, and it wouldn't power on once again. Then, it suddenly started working as normal, turning on every time.
I happened again yesterday. The exact same issue, despite the fact that it has been plugged into the power all the time. After my long support call with Apple, it was working as usual again, powering on as normal every time. There was this one time when I held in the power button for like 5 seconds, until I heard the fans running. I then released the button, and the fans stopped. Then it powered on when I tried again.
Rebooting always works, going to sleep and waking up always works, and it never powers off by itself once it's on. Trying a different power outlet makes no difference.
I really just want another iMac, or my money back, but I understand that this is the absolute last thing Apple will do.
All I kept hearing from the support reps were "call a service place". But what good is that going to do?
What if it dies again and I really can't get it to work no matter how many times I press the button? It seems to be ALL about pressing the button btw, doing anything else has any impact whatsoever.
If a technician tries to start it, it may start on the first attempt. Or the third. Or the twentieth. I have no idea, since there's no pattern, and nothing to go by.
The only real clue is that it's imposible to NOT get it to start after it's been running for around 15 minutes.
So, what should I do? Should I try to get it fixed/replaced/sold? Should I reinstall Lion (the guys at Apple actually told me to try that)? Should I just accept it and never shut it off (only sleeping/waking and rebooting)?
I would love to hear your thoughts.

Sorry, I forgot to mention - I was instructed to do that. Don't know if it helped or not, only time will tell.
I'm 100% certain that the problem will occur again. It could be in a few weeks, or months, or even years.

IMac not starting

My iMac screen does not come on. Yesterday the screen froze and a message told me to turn off the computer. The off button would not work so to shut down I unplugged the unit. After a few minutes I plugged it back in again. I can hear the drive start up but the screen remains dead. The off button shuts it down. Is there a reset button somewhere that is preventing the screen from opening?
Any advice would be appreciated. I am new to the world of Mac.

It would be helpful to know which model iMac that you have, as well as which OS version is installed on it. Additionally, have you been using it without problems for some time, before receiving the shutdown message? Did you (or a previous owner) install OS X, without updating the firmware?

IMac not starting fully... going to full fans + HD not mounting

Hi. I'm using (or was using) a Rev. A iMac G5 17" 1.8Ghz with 1GB memory (of which 512 is third-party), running OSX 10.4.8
Recently I've been getting a fair few kernel panics, and I think (though I'm not entirely sure on this - it might just be me being forgetful) that the computer may have shut itself down when I wasn't in the room.
Very recently, I've noticed it having trouble playing certain DVDs either in DVD player or VLC - though it can do normal video files fine - and it's been taking at least 1 minute to shut down, when it only takes 30 secs to start up.
Additionally, I've been unplugging my Voyager 105 USB modem every time I shut down or restart, because this would cause it to get tothe point of shutting down the screen, then hanging for about 30 seconds before going to full fan speed.
A couple of days ago, when my brother switched on his computer next door (which is connected via ethernet), my computer froze completely (no force-quitting or anything worked), so I had to shut down with the power button. When I tried to restart it, it got to the grey apple logo stage, then hung for about 1 min before going to full fan speed and staying there.
I've run Disk utility from the DVD, and it has told me that the HD will not mount, and Apple Hardware check told me '2STF/8/3: S-ATA Bus 0-Master'.
I've reset the PRAM, and whilt trying to remember the key combo, I managed to bring up a console which showed a load of code and stuff about Kernel panics and ended ominously: "We are hanging here..."
I've heard about the recall programme for Rev. As with power and video problems, but this seems to be a problem with the HD bus.. might it be related?
I'd really appreciate any help as there are one or two irreplacable files on my HD that are not backed up and are of great value to me. That being said, I also don't have the applecare protection plan and I'm a student, so I really can't afford to get it seen to (along with the fact that I live about 4 hours away from the nearest Apple store)
Thank you!
iMac G5 17" - Rev. A Mac OS X (10.4.8) 1GB Ram

You would be considered lucky if your Mac fell in the repair program here: http://www.apple.com/support/imac/repairextensionprogram/ - you can find your Mac's serial number by using System Profiler...
If you machine does appear on the list, I suggest you call Apple, say your having power issues and take it from there. If your Mac does not fall within the serial numbers, I would still call apple and explain that you're just a poor student in need of help...
Good luck, Rick
iMac G5 iSight 20" - 30G iPOD in Slimming Black - Mac OS X (10.4.7) - HP Pav 15" WS and Toshiba Sat 17" WS LP's - Canon 20D & A620

My iMac not starting/logging after yosemite upgrade

After my yosemite upgrade, got a problem starting up and logging up my iMac. Applecare advisers seems not able to help after all checks have been done. Now i have a 8month old iMac idle. Please help

Hi,
In addition to Linc's suggestion can you check the Apple Icon Menu top left and the "About this Mac" pane ?
In the Overview tab the last thing in the list of items is the Mac's Serial number.
Does this show up for you ?
You do not have to post the Number and if you use a Pic alter it to be unreadable in a Graphics app first.
8:26 pm Monday; November 17, 2014
 iMac 2.5Ghz i5 2011 (Mavericks 10.9)
 G4/1GhzDual MDD (Leopard 10.5.8)
 MacBookPro 2Gb (Snow Leopard 10.6.8)
 Mac OS X (10.6.8),
 Couple of iPhones and an iPad

IMac not starting up/stuck on apple logo

My iMac wasn't seeing one of my external hard drives so I thought I'd restart to try and fix
It's now stuck on the apple logo with a spinning wheel underneath.. It won't boot to cd so I can't get into disc utility, I've tried an smc and pram reset but still got nothing..
Got a feeling it's a HDD issue but am hoping not..
Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated!
Martin

I tried all the usual options - safe mode, resetting PRAM, etc, plus a few others I'd not known prior - recovery mode, etc. Nada.
I couldn't even get mine to start from a CD.
I went the Genius Bar at the Apple Store - they were able to run Disk Utilities, then Disk Warrior and fixed some minor issues, plus "blessed the hard drive" - in the end, however, I ended up needing the operating system reinstalled.
The folks at the Genius Bar earned their rep for being extremely helpful.

IMAC NOT STARTING! I NEED HELP BADLY!

so one day i had left with my imac G5 on, maybe some programs open, and while i was away our power went out, so the imac was turned off without correctly powering down obviously, when i turned it back on it took forever and never even reached the screen where you sign into an account...
it stays on this blue screen forever and never starts up all the way. i tried putting the install disk in and it ignores it, it runs or atleast i can hear it trying to, but nothing happens. ive correctly turned it off, pushing the button until it shuts down, but ntohing works. i cant get on my mac! this *****! i need help and asap.
HELP ME PLEASE!
-Hayley
Message title was edited by: Host

So i have the back off now, and i see how that button works, i pressed it once with the power cord out, just messing around, so now i dont know what im suppose to do...
i put the power cord in and this green light shows up inside, but then i dont know how to power it up with the back off, while pressing that button, i dont even know, i need help!
please help!
lol
-Hayley

IMac not starting from internal drive

Strange one this, iMac won't start from its own hard drive. It starts happily from an external drive, and other Macs are happy to start using this Mac (in target disc mode) as startup disc. So there doesn't seem to be anything wrong with the hard drive or the computer! In Verbose safe boot, it stops quickly after about 10 lines of text, the last line being "Loading System\Library\Caches\com.apple.kext.caches\Startup\Extensions.mkext........... ....", and just hangs there.
Any help / suggestions appreciated!

Must be a bad SATA cable undetected by Apple Techs. A result of the drop but they are also quite fragile.
Disturbing the cable can cause it to work for a while. Cheap repair at iFixIt.

Intel imac not starting

Hey kids, was installing Adobe CS2 Premium suite when she locked up midway through the installation. I had to manually shut'r down... When I restarted it, it locked up at the 'Starting OS X' screen..... I tried the disk repair utility and it found some errors, it repaired them, I restarted, but still the same problem. I tried disk warrior, but the system would not recognize it as a bootable disk (***?).... I zapped the PRAM.... I verified permissions and repaired through the disk utility..... still isn't starting up.
Any ideas out there??? Please.... Thanks.

Not all of CS2 is Intel compatible.
You need to boot into Safe Mode (press the "Shift" key during startup) and completely remove Version Cue, it is incompatible with Intel Macs. Safe Mode is a longer startup (3-5 minutes) but it disables any 3rd party startup items in the process. Acrobat has also had issues with Intel Macs but Adobe has an update that is supposed to fix that.
Do a search here in the Intel Forum for the many other threads for CS2 issues. There are a few.

IMac not starting in OS X

Similar Messages

Maybe you are looking for