My G5 iMac cannot boot up from its hard disk

My G5 iMac cannot boot up from its hard disk - I get the alternating Mac OS folder and the ? Folder which I understand means the system cannot be found.
On recommendation from a friend I tried replacing the battery - no difference.
However, I can boot up from the CD/DVD drive from the OSX installer disk, DiskWarrior, Drive Genius and Techtools Pro. But none of these utilities can see my hard disk to see if it needed repairing.
In fairness at one point DiskWarrior did see the drive and I was able to replace the directory safely. However, on subsequent reboots nothing can see the disk.
Suspecting the hard disk I bought a new one and a USB/SATA casing to mount the old drive in to see if I could get anything off of it. The good news so far is that the old drive (now mounted in the new USB casing) can be seen and read on my daughters iMac. So all my information is safe and also now backed up.
Having installed the new disk I found it also cannot be seen by any of the above utilities. I have since formatted it in the USB casing and put it back in the iMac but it still cannot be seen.
As a test I installed a new system on an old 40Gig Lacie Firewire drive attached to my iMac. This works and boots ok - sometimes.
I am now experiencing the necessity to force shutdown and restart from the startup button several times before the external disk is recognised. And most times it freezes after 30 minutes or so.
I might also add that after some force shutdowns/startup I get little or no chimes. And sometimes when trying to reset the PRAM get no second chime. On other occasions I do.
Now I am totally stuck and wondering if anyone can throw some light on why my iMac can boot up from a variety of CD/DVD utilities and sometimes an external Firewire disk but not from its own hard disk which, as I have already said, can be seen on my daughter's iMac but not by mine, so its not the disk.
Does anyone have any suggestions at all before I bite the bullet and take it in for a diagnosis and repair (depending on cost).
Thanks

Could be the logic board, in which case you would need to take it in. Since the drives are good, and the directory was repaired, the logic board is about all I can think of.

Similar Messages

  • Cannot copy files from external hard disks

    This is happening often enough to be really painful:
    I insert a hard disk. I browse the files on it. I open a new window of Finder and drag some files from the external hard disk into my own machine (OSX Leopard 10.5.5). It croaks, telling me some "permissions" are wrong (Error -36).
    Browsing Google and Macosxhints and all of that, the suggestions indicate that I should "repair permissions", "repair disk", and reboot. All done. Still doesnt work.
    What now? I never had this problem with Windows. What's with this permissions drivel on OSX and how can I fix it once and for all? I only use my machine to browse on Firefox/Safari, talk with Skype, edit with Coda/Transmit, and then Office documents. Which of these tools changes these mysterious permissions so that I have to keep "repairing" again and again???
    Thanks for any pointers or advice!

    I am on shaky ground here because I am totally ignorant about about Windoze and MS-DOS. What I can tell you, though, is that the Unix underpinning of Mac OS X is heavily reliant on the concept of "ownership" which, apart from other factors, has security implications. FAT32 has absolutely no concept of file ownership. (That's why Microsoft encourages everyone to use NTFS instead - mainly for the security implications).
    You need advice - Sorry! - from someone more knowledgeable than me as to how to change both the format (to Mac OS Extended, Journaled) and the Partition Scheme (to GUID) *+while preserving your data+*. I presume that you would need to find a temporary home for that data, after which altering the drive's structures would take only a moment - but as to how to then correctly replace the data onto that drive I would prefer not to say. I would guess that simply transferring the data back onto the drive now with a 'Mac-appropriate' structure would suffice - but PLEASE do not entrust your data to my 'guess'.
    Wait patiently for someone who knows how to advise you to respond in this thread, or post again with a possibly more descriptive/pertinent title.
    Sorry not to have been of any help.
    Andreas

  • WebPartPagesWebService.GetWebPartProperties gives The file is not available. Either the file does not exist or it cannot be edited from its current location.

    Hi,
        I am trying to get all web parts from our sharepoint site by calling web service method GetWebPartProperties of WebPartsPages service. The method works fine for the root page (Home Page) but for pages in sub site i get this in the xml
    node, Outer XML - <WebParts xmlns="http://microsoft.com/sharepoint/webpartpages"><!--The file is not available. Either the file does not exist or it cannot be edited from its current location.--></WebParts>. I am struck here.
    Please help me understand why i am getting this?
    Regards,
    Kalim

    Hi,
    We can do as follows:
    1. Mark sure the page URL is correct.
    2. Check whether current user has permission to access  the page.
    3. Use SPServices to get web part properties.
    http://spservices.codeplex.com/wikipage?title=WebPartPages
    Best Regards
    Dennis Guo
    TechNet Community Support

  • Should I boot from external hard disk and how do I achieve this?

    I'm in a downward spiral and need advice about if booting off of an external hard disc is the right thing to do and how to go about it. How I got into this mess I'll write below. My immediate problem is that I want to be able to install a copy of osx 10.5 from the original disks that came with my computer onto a usb hard drive. Then I want to boot from that drive and install software such as disk warrior on the same external hard drive in order to repair and recover the files on my internal hard disk. Not sure if this is easy to do with the install disk that came boxed with my macbook. So is what I want to do feasible and how do I do it? Thanks.
    How did I get into this mess?
    For those with time to read more. A downward spiral (and my macbook was working fine)::
    I have been backing up my work documents onto a 20 GB pendrive waiting to get the money to buy an nas to work with time machine for the two macbooks we have at home as a place to backup photos and video. I bought a network drive but it wouldn't work with my macbook; my time machine backup freezing at 3 gb, but works fine with wife's macbook pro.
    I tried to do TM backup on a usb hard disk and got the same problem. Support forums indicated that hard disk problems could confuse TM, so although I was experiencing problem free computing I ran disk utility from internal  osx. This indicated an <invalid node structure - file system verify or repair failed> at the checking catalog file stage. So I followed instructions to run disk utility and repair from the installation disk. When I ran disk utility from installation disk I get exactly the same <invalid node structure - file system verify or repair failed>. It gets worse.
    After failing with install disk utility, I could not then boot from my hard disk (I had had trouble free computing up to my attempts to use TM) or eject the disk. At first attempt I had no option but to boot from dvd again as hd not offered as an option. Second attempt hd option available but fails. By reading advice given to others I managed to eject the dvd and have tried:
    safe boot - it won't
    boot in verbose mode and single user (indicates I have disk0s2:I/O error) and won't boot
    try to use disk utility from install disk to create disk image on external hd, it won't (cites i/o error)
    If I can boot from an external I will try to repair with Disk Warrior as forums indicate that this software has been able to solve <invalid node structure> issues (but am open to recommendations of other products). I also hope that I may be able to try again to burn a disk image sucessfully if this repair works. I'm still trying to save my photos and videos that aren't backed up.
    I  plan to try an archive and install installation but first I want to  try a repair with disk warrior as I fear that archive and install won't work and I'll end up having to erase and repair my hard disk.
    I feel like some perverse god is punishing me for trying to do the right thing and back up my hard disk.
    Macbook 5.1 late 2008
    Intel Core 2 Duo
    OSX Leopard 10.5.8
    85 GB of a 150GB hard disk needs backing up (saving)

    I am not sure about this, but my memory is that if you try to partition the drive (in OS 10.5.8) it will erase the data.
    But you can try. Go through the Add a partition steps, but watch for any warnings. If my memory is correct there will be a message to the effect that everything will be erased. If you see that, do not proceed. This page has info about how to do it, if it can be done: http://www.macworld.com/article/1164643/live_partition.html
    With respect to DW on an external, I do that. I have a 80 GB external - I call it Emergency - with an OS, DW and TechTool Pro on it. (Since I have is a recovery partition built in with all new OS, Emergency would be of use only if I need to run DW or TTP.)  I have never yet had to use it, but it's there. It is not usually connected - I just did that for this screen shot.

  • I've just upgraded to Iphoto v9.4.1 and cannot import photos from my hard drive

    I've just upgraded to Iphoto v9.4.1 and cannot import photos from my hard drive. no matter what method I use, either click and drag or through the File menu. All I get is a message 'Preparing to import' - file size is less than 300 kb

    As a Test:
    Hold down the option (or alt) key and launch iPhoto. From the resulting menu select 'Create Library'
    Import a few pics into this new, blank library. Is the Problem repeated there?

  • For some reason I cannot import music from my hard drive to my iTunes library

    For some reason I cannot import music from my hard drive to my iTunes library, could you please help?

    See Repair security permissions for iTunes for Windows.
    Apply to the folder that you're failing to import from.
    tt2

  • How to boot always from a firewire disk?

    Hello,
    I hope someone can help me on this.
    My HD is almost dead and it's making a lot of noise. I have managed to create a boot disk
    on an external disk connected through Firewire.
    What shall I do now to have the HD definetly unmounted and have the boot always from the firewire disk?
    Thanks in advance
    Tom

    I've had a similar problem with an external drive that was USB powered.
    In my case, the system was looking for a boot device before the drive was ready.
    I had a friend that was good with OpenFirmware add a delay before booting to give the drive time to become ready. Added 5 seconds to the boot process, but it works!
    Like cldjr said, hold the Option key (⌘) when powering up, if the drive shows up there, I'd guess it's the problem I described...
    Anyone good with OpenFirmware??

  • How to copy a folder more then 4GB from from my iMac to a pendrive or external hard disk?

    how to copy a folder more then 4GB from from my iMac to a pendrive or external hard disk?
    i have an iMac 27inch with os x 10.8.

    You'll have to reformat the drive.
    Assuming you want to use it with both Mac and Windows, reformat it on the Windows machine as exFAT (this is FAT64 as opposed to the standard formatting for those drives as FAT32)
    exFAT has no file size limitations (for all practical purposes).
    This will require the Windows machine to be on at least XP (with an update) and the Mac on 10.6.5 or higher
    If it's being used only with Mac, reformat as GUID partition map and Mac OS Extended.

  • HT4889 If I transfer iphoto library from a hard disk to a new iMac will all my events and albums stay unchanged?

    If I transfer iphoto library from a hard disk to a new iMac will all my events and albums stay unchanged?

    They should, yes.  You should have a full and complete backup as well, of course.

  • The iMac doesn't recognize my external hard disk

    My iMac doesn't recognize my external hard disk. The iMac also keeps a DVD inside. It doen't throw it out despite "eject".

    Sounds like you might need to make that call. In the meantime here are a few of things you could try that may help:
    To eject the disk try a restart holding down the mouse button - hopefully it'll eject.
    If you are running either Mountain Lion (10.8) or Lion (10.7) try booting into the Recovery HD:
    Restart holding down Command+r. At the screen with 4 choices choose Disk Utility and then select Macintosh HD and click on repair disk. If it fixes anything click on repair disk again until you get a clean pass. Restart as normal from the Apple menu.
    If you are running an earlier OS you would normally carry out this process by putting the grey restore disk that came with your Mac in the Disk drive and restarting holding down the C key. Choose your language and at the next screen from the menu bar select Utilities>Disk Utility and then follow the above instructions (I realise you won't be able to do this if you have a disk stuck in the optical disk drive).
    Try an SMC and PRAM reset: https://discussions.apple.com/docs/DOC-3603
    Try a Safe Boot: Restart holding down the shift key until you see a grey progress bar. Once it's booted restart as normal from the Apple menu.
    If none of this helps, I guess you need to make that call. Good luck.

  • My Book consisting of 100 pages cannot be saved in my hard disk.  I am getting an error message.  Yesterday, I was able to save it but it had only 25 pages.

    Hi Everyone!  I made a Book in iPhoto, consisting of 100 pages.  I cannot save it on my hard disk, and am always getting an error message, that the operation cannot be completed.  Why is this happening?  Yesterday I made a Book with less number of pages, and I was able to save it on my hard disk and in my external drive.  Please share your knowledge on how to address this problem.  Many thanks!

    By saving do you mean creating a PDF file of it?  Have you rebooted since the problem. Also try the following:
    1 - delete the iPhoto preference file, com.apple.iPhoto.plist, that resides in your
         User/Home/Library/ Preferences folder.
    2 - delete iPhoto's cache file, Cache.db, that is located in your
    User/Home/Library/Caches/com.apple.iPhoto folder (Snow Leopard and Earlier).
    or with Lion and Mt. Lion from the User/Library/Containers/com.apple.iPhoto/
    Data/Library/Caches/com.apple.iPhoto folder
    3 - launch iPhoto and try again.
    NOTE 1: If you're moved your library from its default location in your Home/Pictures folder you will have to point iPhoto to its new location when you next open iPhoto by holding down the Option key when launching iPhoto.  You'll also have to reset the iPhoto's various preferences.
    NOTE 2:  In Lion and Mountain Lion the Library folder is now invisible. To make it permanently visible enter the following in the Terminal application window: chflags nohidden ~/Library and hit the Enter button - 10.7: Un-hide the User Library folder.
    If the above fails continue with the following:  
    Fix #1
    Launch iPhoto with the Command+Option keys held down and rebuild the library.
    Since only one option can be run at a time start with Option #3, followed by #4 and then #1 as needed.
    OT

  • My Imac won't read an external hard disk. No icon in the finder. It's visible in the disk uitility. NTSF format

    Hi!
    Every time I connect my hard disk, I get this message:
    The hard disk is in NTFS format.
    So far I've connected  3 different hard disks, and I always get the same message. I also have a mac laptop and I can see all of them in the finder and read and save stuf in them, too.
    I've contacted Apple support and they've told me it's a problem from the hard disk and I should format it into the Exfat Format, and see if it works and the imac can read it.
    I don't really want to delete all the stuff I have in the hard disk.
    How can I find out if there's a problem with the computer or if it is a problem with the hard disk? Is there an app I can use that might help? Shall I format it into Exfat?
    I'd be grateful if anybody can help,
    Thanks!!!

    Then you haven't removed it.
    Any third-party software that doesn't install by drag-and-drop into the Applications folder, and uninstall by drag-and-drop to the Trash, is a system modification.
    Whenever you remove system modifications, they must be removed completely, and the only way to do that is to use the uninstallation tool, if any, provided by the developers, or to follow their instructions. If the software has been incompletely removed, you may have to re-download or even reinstall it in order to finish the job.
    I never install system modifications myself, and I don't know how to uninstall them. You'll have to do your own research to find that information.
    Here are some general guidelines to get you started. Suppose you want to remove something called “BrickMyMac” (a hypothetical example.) First, consult the product's Help menu, if there is one, for instructions. Finding none there, look on the developer's website, say www.brickmymac.com. (That may not be the actual name of the site; if necessary, search the Web for the product name.) If you don’t find anything on the website or in your search, contact the developer. While you're waiting for a response, download BrickMyMac.dmg and open it. There may be an application in there such as “Uninstall BrickMyMac.” If not, open “BrickMyMac.pkg” and look for an Uninstall button.
    Back up all data before making any changes.
    You will generally have to reboot in order to complete an uninstallation. Until you do that, the uninstallation may have no effect, or unpredictable effects.
    If you can’t remove software in any other way, you’ll have to erase and install OS X. Never install any third-party software unless you're sure you know how to uninstall it; otherwise you may create problems that are very hard to solve.
    WARNING: Trying to remove complex system modifications by hunting for files by name often will not work and may make the problem worse. The same goes for "utilities" such as "AppCleaner" and the like that purport to remove software.

  • Copy address book from old hard disk drive to new

    I'm trying to transfer the address book from a hard disk drive (HDD) that crashed to the new HDD that has a fresh install of Leopard 10.5.8. I was able to transfer the contents of the old HDD to the new HDD, so all the files (old and new) are on the same, new HDD. I've tried was several people have suggested, which is to copy the folder "Address Book" from the location /Users/YOU/Library/Application Support/ on the old HDD to the same location on the new HDD, but only the 2 default users appear in the address book when I open it. Surely this cannot be that difficult. Any help is appreciated.
    Thnaks!
    UM

    Hi, see if this helps...
    For Address Book, quit AB...
    Files...
    /Users/YourUserName/Library/Preferences/com.apple.AddressBook.plist
    /Users/YourUserName/Library/Preferences/com.apple.AddressBook.abd.plist
    Folders...
    /Users/YourUserName/Library/Application Support/AddressBook/
    /Users/YourUserName/Library/Caches/com.apple.AddressBook/

  • How can i transfer all my data 250 GB from external hard disk to MAC pro

    How can i transfer all my data 250 GB from external hard disk to MAC pro

    The simple answer is just connect the external hard drive and drag the files from there to wherever you want them to go. If you need to do something more specific, you'll have to provide more details.

  • Data Recovery from crashed Hard Disk

    Hi,
    My HP Pavilion Laptop's internal Hard Disk (Seagate) has crashed Suddenly and it is not getting detected by system.
    This hard disk contains some of my important documents which I want to recover. When I contacted a service center, I was told that it can be recovered by some expert professionals but that is a bit costly affair.
    Can anyone suggest, how the data can be recovered from the hard disk.?
    Thanks in advance for help.
    Regards,
    Rajeev

    If your hard drive is spinning then using an effective data recovery software you can do recover your data yourself. I would advice you to try Kernel for Windows Data Recovery Software to recover your data from Windows file system.

Maybe you are looking for