IMac won't go past apple logo screen and vertical lines on display

I have an old white iMac that won't boot. When booting up the screen has vertical purple lines and I can see the Apple logo. The little "dial" just spins and spins. Does anyone know how to fix this? thank you for any and all help.

The vertical lines are indicative of a hardware problem. It is possible (likely) that this is also related to the inability to start up as well. It's almost impossible to diagnose and explain repairing hardware in these forums, so I think it best if you take the computer to a repair shop that is familiar with Macintoshes.

Similar Messages

  • Help: iMac won't boot past Grey logo screen with spinning lines

    My fiance's iMac (intel based) running snow leopard (upgraded from Leopard a couple months ago) will not boot past the logo and spinning lines. This started after at attempting to restart after installing updates to Safari and iTunes.
    When booting in verbose mode I get these lines:
    Launchctl: Dubious permissions on file (skipping): /Library/LaunchDaemons
    Launchctl: Dubious permissions on file (skipping): /System/Library/LaunchDaemons
    Launchctl: Dubious permissions on file (skipping): /etc/mach_inid.d
    AppleYukon2: Marvel Yukon Gigabit Adapter 88E8055 Singleport Copper SA
    AppleYukon2: RxRingSize <= 1024, TxRingSize 256. RXMAXLE 1024, TXMAXLE 768, STMAXLE 3328
    Then it just stops and does nothing.
    I've unplugged everything except the apple keyboard and mouse. Ethernet is not connected.
    She doesn't seem to have the original disc that came with the computer, but I do have the Snow Leopard upgrade disc.
    What do I do? It won't boot in Safe Mode either, freezes at the same spot.
    I'm not a particularly savvy Mac user as I recently embraced them when we moved in together.
    Any help would be greatly appreciated

    Repairing permission is not the first answer. Should try to run fsck and reset the PRAM
    Start up your computer in single-user mode to reach the command line.
    Note: If necessary, perform a forced restart as described in the Emergency Troubleshooting Handbook that came with your computer. On desktop computers, you can do this by pressing the reset/interrupt button (if there is one) or holding down the power button for several seconds. On portable computers, simultaneously press the Command-Control-power keys. If your portable computer doesn't restart with this method, you may need to reset the Power Manager.
    At the command-line prompt type:
    /sbin/fsck -fy
    Press Return. fsck will go through five "phases" and then return information about your disk's use and fragmentation. Once it finishes, it'll display this message if no issue is found:
    ** The volume (name_of_volume) appears to be OKIf fsck found issues and has altered, repaired, or fixed anything, it will display this message:
    ***** FILE SYSTEM WAS MODIFIED *****
    Important: If this message appears, repeat the fsck command you typed in step 2 until fsck tells you that your volume appears to be OK (first-pass repairs may uncover additional issues, so this is a normal thing to do).
    When fsck reports that your volume is OK, typerebootat the prompt and then press Return.
    Your computer should start up normally and allow you to log in.
    Resetting PRAM and NVRAM
    Shut down the computer.
    Locate the following keys on the keyboard: Command, Option, P, and R. You will need to hold these keys down simultaneously in step 4.
    Turn on the computer.
    Press and hold the Command-Option-P-R keys. You must press this key combination before the gray screen appears.
    Hold the keys down until the computer restarts and you hear the startup sound for the second time.
    Release the keys.
    Your computer's PRAM and the NVRAM are reset to the default values. The clock settings may be reset to a default date on some models.

  • IMac won't boot past grey logo screen

    20" iMac was acting very slow, to the point where I would get the rainbow ball if I opened the HArd Drive icon.
    Revolted but couldn't get past the grey logo screen and spinning wheel. Tried a Disk Repair from the Snow Lep disc but it just froze up.
    I restored from my Time Machine drive and 24 hours later it's still the same. Getting ready to bring it to the genius bar unless anyone has an idea!

    HI Rob,
    Check to see how much space is available on the startup disk. Right or control click the MacintoshHD icon. Click Get Info. In the Get Info window you will see Capacity and Available. Make sure you always have a *minimum of 10% to 15% free disk space at all times.*
    If your iMac freezes before you can view that information, boot from your install disc like you did with disk repair only this time look at the bottom of the Disk Utility window. You'll see Capacity and Available.
    Since you can't boot from the install disc, you could try booting in Safe Mode
    If you can boot into Safe Mode, launch Disk Utility from the Applications/Utilities folder. You can verify the startup disk in Safe Mode, but you can't repair in Safe Mode but at least you'll know if there's a problem with the startup disk.
    Carolyn

  • My Imac won't go past the grey screen and apple logo! How do I fix the start up in my Imac?

    I really need help with this one!
    My Imac is stuck on the grey screen with the apple Logo, and it wont go past that.
    It does listen to certain keyboard commands to start it up (ive tried fixing it by reading other's posts.) But it will only listen to some commands,
    It doesn't start on Shift (safe mode) but it does start on command+shift+(other button) which is safemode viewed so you can see whats going on.
    As the letters on the screen type on, it says it's loading something but stays stuck there.
    I've heard about a way where you can use terminal from another computer and boot it that way, or using firewire cables.
    Please help! and take in mind I'm not really tech-savy with computers, so guides would be helpful!
    If there is any way to save the files in the computer that would be great. If it can't be done, it's fine, I just want it working again .
    Thanks,
    Gian Varela

    I really need help with this one!
    My Imac is stuck on the grey screen with the apple Logo, and it wont go past that.
    It does listen to certain keyboard commands to start it up (ive tried fixing it by reading other's posts.) But it will only listen to some commands,
    It doesn't start on Shift (safe mode) but it does start on command+shift+(other button) which is safemode viewed so you can see whats going on.
    As the letters on the screen type on, it says it's loading something but stays stuck there.
    I've heard about a way where you can use terminal from another computer and boot it that way, or using firewire cables.
    Please help! and take in mind I'm not really tech-savy with computers, so guides would be helpful!
    If there is any way to save the files in the computer that would be great. If it can't be done, it's fine, I just want it working again .
    Thanks,
    Gian Varela

  • Powermac G5 won't boot past apple logo screen

    I'm trying to repair a Powermac G5 (dual 2.0, the first model I believe, with a new Radeon 9800 graphics card) that won't boot and I'm having some problems that I can't seem to diagnose.
    The machine will boot to the openfirmware prompt or target disc mode and will show the 'OS not found' icon if left to boot from the HD (which has been wiped). If I try to boot from either the included restore disc or a retail 10.4 DVD I've tried it will show the boot screen with the Apple logo on it but no spinning status indicator underneath. It just freezes on that screen. Once it showed the status indicator but it just continued to spin for about 30 mins, at which point I gave up. Same issue if I try to boot the hardware test (except it freezes on the hardware test loading icon rather than the Apple icon). The superdrive appears to work as it is accessible in target disc mode.
    I've reset the SMU and reset the PRAM via the keyboard shortcut. The one thing that leads me to think it's a firmware fault is that when I run the 'reset-nvram' command it gives an OK, but when I then run 'reset-all' it freezes rather than rebooting. Any ideas anyone?

    I am having the same problem with my Power Mac G5. I have had a problem with the machine for the last few months, I just turned it off waiting for Leopard (started using a laptop for projects).
    I got Leopard, tried to boot off the DVD, I only get to the grey Apple logo and then after a few minutes the fans kick on high and I just have to shut the machine down.
    I didn't want to lose any thing off my hard drive so I went and bought a new one and installed it, when that failed to install to, I bought a new optical drive. It still won't boot off the optical drive. I can go into the firmware and choose which drive to boot from (I choose the optical).
    My configuration at this point is a new DVD drive, new unformatted hard drive, I have used a laptop to try to install from using the G5 in target mode, using the laptop in target mode to use as an optical drive. All of these steps have failed.
    I have 4 gig of RAM, Pioneer 112D DVD, Maxtor 250 Gig HD, I have reset the SMU, I have the NVidia card (can't remember which model).
    Any ideas where else to look for a solution?

  • My Imac G4 is stuck on apple logo screen with a spinning wheel

    My imac won't boot past the logo screen and the spinning wheel.

    Hello, 
    Notwithstanding Barry's point; try working through this article.
    mrtotes

  • Won't start past apple logo, won't boot from install disc

    mbp penryn 2.4 core 2 duo won't boot past apple logo. Running mtn lion 10.8... inserted Snow Leopard install disc, held down C key, only get a grey screen.Recently installed new HD, (seagate 750 Hybrid), upped ram from 2x2 to 2x4. All has been running very smoothly (and much cooler) for the past 3 weeks. Then this, prompted apparently by the mac going to sleep w/o being plugged in. Ran battery down, I suppose? Happens frequently.
    Any suggestions?

    ds,
    "You might have ruined the RAM by handling it and touching the contacts.
    Once you put new good RAM into the machine, reset SMC and PRAM then boot it up."
    On the odd chance that I did ruin my ram I replaced w/ 4gb brand new ram, reset SMC and PRAM, then attempted to boot. Still a grey screen. Also re-attempted to put mbp into target mode, but no luck there either, nor with ejecting the Snow Leopard install disc via option/trackpad method, both on startup and while running, and no luck there either. I have a second Penryn mbp that I could salvage for a spare part if I knew what the problem might be. So far I get the idea from your responses that my machine SHOULD be rebooting, but for some reason isn't.
    If this helps:
    I hear, consistently on attempting startup, fans powering up, then two short whirrs as if a drive head is moving,  then when the fans quiet down after 30-45 seconds, another short but different whirr, then only quiet fans and a grey screen.
    Thanks in advance for any reply.

  • IPhone won't reboot past Apple logo.

    iPhone 4 won't reboot past Apple logo. It will not show up in iTunes to perform a restore. I can't even get it to turn off. Help?

    Reset phone - press both home and sleep/wake buttons until the Apple logo reappears.
    If that doesn't work, try recovery:
    1. Update to latest iTunes (10.3.1)
    2. Connect phone to a USB port directly on the computer
    3. Press both home and sleep/wake buttons until the Apple logo appears, then continue pressing the home button alone until iTunes detects the phone in Recovery mode.
    4. Follow the prompts to restore.

  • IPhone 5 won't reboot past Apple logo. It will not show up in iTunes to perform a restore.

    iPhone 5 won't reboot past Apple logo. It will not show up in iTunes to perform a restore.After the logo appears the phone will get switched of by its own. I updated my phone 2 days before.

    The iPhone can only be serviced in the country where it has been bought, and it can't be shipped internationally to Apple Support, you'll or somebody else have to bring it personally. If you registered the phone with your Apple ID, you might not need the receipt, Apple Support should have your data.
    Did you try to set it back to factory settings without using any backup afterwards?
    Use iTunes to restore your iOS device to factory settings - Apple Support

  • My imac won't startup past the spinning gear and my apple keyboard is wireless but it won't connect, how do I fix the problem so I can get into safe mode?

    My imac won't startup past the spinning gear and my apple keyboard is wireless but it won't connect, how do I fix the problem so I can get into safe mode?
    Can anybody help me on this issue? I have already tried to replace the batteries but since the computer won't get past the spinning wheel of death then the keyboard won't connect.

    Please follow Apple's advice in http://support.apple.com/kb/TS2570. If you need to get your hands on a wired USB keyboard, even a PC one will work fine.
    Do not follow the previous poster's advice, that option is a "last chance" option. OS X is stable and in most cases a reinstall is never needed. Follow the directions in Apple's letter.

  • I replaced my 2010-2011 iMac internal HD i dont have an install disk i created one with my external HD but when i go to install lion onto my imac it stays at the apple logo screen.HELP ME PLEASE!

    I replaced my 2010-2011 iMac internal HD i dont have an install disk i created one with my external HD but when i go to install lion onto my imac it stays at the apple logo screen.HELP ME PLEASE!

    Boot from the original Install disc that came with the computer and then format the drive Mac OS Extended (Journaled) using the GUID partition. Then  you can re-install OS X. If you no longer have the original media call AppleCare with the serial number of the machine (look on the bottom of the stand) and for a nominal fee they will ship you replacement media.
    The chances are very good you will have fan problems if you used an off-the-shelf HD, beginning in 2009 Apple began using HD's from vendors that incorporated heat sensors into the HD. If you did not buy the same type of HD your computer will think the HD is overheating causing the fans to run at full speed.

  • My ipad is not going past the logo screen and it shuts down when I have battery, then it says I need to charge it. I am charging it but it isn't charging. Then my ipad isn't charging (doesn't say not charging) I've tried everything!

    First, my ipad wasn't charging. Then it shuts down when I have 7% battery, now when I turn it on, it says to charge it. And when I do charge it, it doesn't work. Now, I did it once it worked. Now I can't get past the logo screen and when I do it shuts right off again. Please help!

    Hi InternetHogger,
    Welcome to the Apple Support Communities!
    I know that situations where you cannot boot your iPad and cannot charge your iPad can be very frustrating. In this situation, I would recommend using the attached article as a reference for troubleshooting. 
    iOS: Not responding or does not turn on - Apple Support
    Cheers,
    Joe 

  • When i plug in my ipod touch to charge it starts with the battery with the little bolt under it then it goes to the apple logo screen and after a while it flashes white and just shuts off and restarts the process. Whats wrong and how do i fix it?

    when i plug in my ipod touch it goes to the battery witht he bolt under it the goes to the apple logo screen and after a while it will flash white like its trying to go to the lock screen but just restarts and restarts the process and keeps doing it. What should i do? Is there any way to fix it?

    See if you missed anything here:
    - iOS: Not responding or does not turn on
    - Also try DFU mode after try recovery mode
    How to put iPod touch / iPhone into DFU mode « Karthik's scribblings
    - If not successful and you can't fully turn the iOS device fully off, let the battery fully drain. After charging for an least an hour try the above again.
    - Try on another computer
    - If still not successful that usually indicates a hardware problem and an appointment at the Genius Bar of an Apple store is in order.
    Apple Retail Store - Genius Bar       

  • My iphone 4 regularly gets stuck on the apple logo screen and stays there until it runs out of battery, and even during charging. what can i do? I have restored it, still it gets stuck on apple logo, anyone pls help.

    my iphone 4 regularly gets stuck on the apple logo screen and stays there until it runs out of battery, and even during charging. what can i do? I have restored it, still it gets stuck on apple logo, anyone pls help.

    Jai141 wrote:
    ... and im not sure as i brought the phone of someone else..  i will have to ask them
    Good Luck.
    Jai141 wrote:
    Thanks
    You're Welcome.

  • Problem: Ipod is flashing apple logo screen and beeping at me help

    Hi hows it going? My 80 gig Ipod is flashing the apple logo screen and refuses to reset, and is not read by a computer. If you have any ideas that would be lovely. If it helps I got it to tell me to plug it into power once. I have since plugged it in but it still does not work.

    See if these help.
    iPod shows only an Apple logo and doesn't start up.
    Only the Apple logo appears when turned on.

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