Power Mac Pro 8 core won't start

I have a Power Mac Pro dual, quad core that all of a sudden refuses to boot. I can hear a click and a second or two later a second click but nothing. If I unplug the unit and try in a day or two later it will start. I can reboot and it will start, if I shut down it will not start until I wait a day or so and try again it will start. Once it starts it runs great and passes all test from techtool pro 6.

Troubleshooting: My computer won't turn on

Similar Messages

Power Mac 5260/100 Won't Start

I just noticed recently that my Power Mac 5260/100 won't startup anymore. I just recently replaced the PRAM battery since according to my dad's mulit-meter it was dead. The Power Mac 5260/100 doesn't even get as far as the bonging stage in the startup process. Does this mean I have a dead logic board or bad RAM? I'd be willing to replace the logic board since I have a brand new Apple TV/Video System installed that I payed a lot of money on eBay for (it came unopened when I got it so I know those components didn't fail). I also use it for old games and would like to know if I'll be able to in the future too.

I wouldn't give up yet. The CUDA reset and PRAM battery are "first responders" when it comes to "mostly dead" Macs, so we always start there.
When you attempt a start, can you hear anything? Fans? Hard drive?
Have you tried booting from a CD with a valid system? Utility CDs allow this if they are bootable. My TechTools 3 CD boots into the highest OS the computer will support (up to 9.2.2). It's amusing to see a 6100 or 6200 display the OS9 logo. I had to run utilities every few days on my 6200/75 to keep it limping along.
Checked everything inside for solid connections?
I think that one has the "tray type" logic board with scores of connectors along one edge. Those must be clean and seated.
Some in this series have a plastic bridle arrangement for the rear of the CD-ROM that can flex and lose contact. Check/clean it if present.
I believe this computer uses "soft power." Have you tried a different keyboard, or tried using the backup power button?
There were "known hardware issues" with this and similar Mac models. Review that article and this one (includes a logic board diagram). The second link has links to hardware testers if you get it running. The extended warranty period ended in July 2003(?), however.
AJ

Mac pro (2008) won't start - led flashes

it's been a while since i've had a mac issue.
today my mac pro decided not to boot up. the led light by the power button simply flashes and i have no image on my monitor and it doesn't chime at attempted start up. i've scoured the forums and it appears it may be an issue with the RAM and/or video card.
in this thread - https://discussions.apple.com/message/12852794#12852794 - a poster said:
"If the status light still flashes, determine the number of flashes to identify the problem:
• One short flash followed by a longer off period: No valid memory.
• Three short flashes followed by a longer off period: Failed memory."
does anyone know what continuous led flashing might mean?

The conventional way to proceed when you have no chime is to remove all items that may be dragging down the power supply if they were malfunctioning.
Remove:
Hard drives
optical drives
PCI slot cards including the graphics card
all the memory except the minimum -- be sure to remove and re-insert each module that remains, to clear corrosion. If your Mac has separate riser cards, remove and re-insert them as well.
Try to start up again, looking for the chime.
A) If you get the chime, add the graphics card so you can see what is happening. The minimum needed to do something is to start up while holding down the Option key, to run the [all-in-ROM] Startup Manager. It will show a blue screen and an image for each bootable drive (there won't be any yet).
Then add in the optical drive and attempt to boot from an Installer/Utilities DVD appropriate for your Mac, or try the Apple Hardware Test DVD (and hold down the D key as you start up, as it says on the face of the DVD).
B) If you don't get the chime, it's off to the repair shop.

Mac Pro 2008 won't start

I was doing some mixing earlier on today and my Mac Pro and it was working fine.
I then come home and go to turn it on and there are these green lines in groups of 3 across my screen. No idea whats going on. My computer then crashes and won't go any further and says hold down power button to turn off the computer. I have tried to run in safe mode, it won't let it happen. I have resetting PRAM.
Has anyone had this problem before? Is my graphics card dead? Any info would be much appreciated.
It is a 2008 Mac Pro 8core, if that helps at all.

Hi-
Welcome to Discussions!
Will it boot to the original software disc with the Apple hardware Test on it?
If so, run the test.
there are these green lines in groups of 3 across my screen.
Could be the graphics card.

Mac Pro 2008 Won't Start Up without Option Key

Hi.
I cannot start up my Mac Pro 2008 without holding down the Option key.
My Snow Leopard internal hard drive failed, so I replaced my failed internal drive with a brand new one and put the cloned backup onto it. I also have other internal drives and partitions with systems 10.5.6, 10.7.5, and 10.8.4. I briefly added a Mavericks partition, but removed it.
I THINK the problems started after the HD failure, but I'm not sure. I added no peripherals recently, although I did add 4 gigs of RAM which were faulty and I had to replace them. But they test fine with a memory test.
If I Restart, the Mac comes up with a grey screen and won't boot into any system.
If I Shut down, then Start up, I get the gray screen.
In System Preferences, I can see every single possible Startup Drive, but no matter which one I select, the same gray screen happens on boot up.
However, if I hold down the Option key (from startup or restart), then I can choose any startup volume and it starts just fine.
I've run Disk Utility many times for Repair Disk and Repair Disk Permissions on every volume. I've run Disk Warrior. I've zapped the SMC/PRAM, etc. I've tried starting up from external firewire drives and USB drives. No matter which drive I select in StartUp Disk Preferences, it's the same grey screen.
I've tried starting up with ZERO peripherals attached except for USB keyboard and mouse.
I've taken out all startup and login items.
I'm don't know what else to try. I don't mind using the Option key every time, but I'm worried it's a sign of impending problems.
Thanks!

Barry, thanks for your reply. Yes, that's what I mean when I wrote:
"In System Preferences, I can see every single possible Startup Drive, but no matter which one I select, the same gray screen happens on boot up."
I selected a default startup volume in sys preferences, closed it, and restarted. I tried every volume possible in turn.
But thanks for doublechecking

Mac Pro (2009) won't start, no chime, black screen

Hi,
I am having a problem with my 2009 Mac Pro. It fails to boot. There is no chime and the screen wont turn on;stays black. It wont boot off of the system dvd and I even tried installing an HD that has a good version of the the OS on it. I also tried booting from the DVD with no installed drives to rule out one of the internal drives doing someothing funky. Nothing happens at all, the HD or DVD will spin for a moment and then all is dead.
Any suggestions? Thanks in advance.

or this one:
Troubleshooting: My computer won't turn on
If no joy, remove anything and everything that may be dragging down the power, in hopes of getting a chime. This includes graphics card, any other PCI cards, all drives, and some say all but a minimal amount of memory. Look for the chime.
If you get the chime, you can build slowly up from there. Add back graphics card and keep going. Add back memory and keep going. Add back DVD reader and boot from Installer/Utilities DVD or run the Apple Hardware Test. And so on.

My Mac Pro Desktop won't start

I had been using Mac Pro Desktop since 2006, and it had been problemm free until today. Now, everytime I turn on the computer, and it would run for 20 seconds, and then it just stops. I need to hold the start buttom for a few second to turn it off.
I didn't install any new updates for months and also didn't connection new external device. Could you solve the problem for me?
Thanks
Edward

Thanks.... I brought my Mac Pro to Apple Store Genius Bar earlier today, and the tech told me that the graphic card isn't working. He suggests me either to buy a new card by myself (cheaper option) or to have them to fix it for me. Since my Mac Pro is older (bought in 2006 and I believe it is the first generation), I wondered which graphic card I should buy. I am using DVI connection for my Apple Cinema HD Display monitor
Thanks!
Edward

Mac Pro 2GZ won't start up... Has it died? Help! Please!

Hi,
I was backing up my Mac Pro 2GHZ onto two external HDs at once. About 30 mins in, there was an audible click and my Mac died. I've tried a different power cable and resetting the SMC but literally nothing is happening when I press the power key. The plug fuse hasn't blown. Has the power supply died? How can I check? Is it easy to fit a new one myself?
Please help!
Many thanks in advance,
Max

Hi,
Yup - It's the eBay one from March. It's been absolutely great - been dragging it around London for work and no problems. It's actually the first time in the 15 odd years as a Mac user anything has failed! It was fine after I installed the airport card - that all worked fine too.
The two drives I was using were a WD Mybook and a brand new Samsung G2. They were both backing up data at the same time.
Sorry - what is UPS?
Thanks, Max.

Power Mac G4 MDD Won't Start Up

Hello all...
I have an MDD which I've had for about a year now...
It booted up this morning no problem...we put it to sleep. Some time later someone went to use the computer and it was off! We tried booting up but got the dreaded fading power button.
We've tried pulling it and plugging it back in...resetting the PMU....turning it on using a keyboard (yeah those old ones) and monitor...nothing seems to be working.
One time when we tried the monitor the light on the monitor (power light) stayed on but nothing happened.
The fans don't start, the drive doesn't spin.
Anyone got any suggestions?

Is the PRAM battery good?
I would check it first. When mine went, I had no response from my Mac at all; just a light on my power button; absolutely no boot at all.
Check out things in Texas Mac Man's Battery, PRAM, PMU tutorial on the subject. His tutorial is a little dated (don't believe it even mentions G5's) but the info in it, except SMU not being included, still applies.Good Luck! DALE

HT201250 When using the installation disc to start a Mac Pro that won't start; will the 'restore from backup' option erase all the data previously stored?

When starting a Macbook Pro that has quit by using the disc that came with it, will the "restore from backup" option erase all previous data stored on the machine?

rsbann wrote:
When starting a Macbook Pro that has quit by using the disc that came with it, will the "restore from backup" option erase all previous data stored on the machine?
As long as the backup on your external drive is fine, it will restore your Mac to exactly how it was on the date of that particular backup, all data included. I have used it before and have retained all data from the date of the backup.
Cheers
Pete

My Macbook pro often won't start up since I installed Lion, and I have to shut it down using power button. My desktop icons don't appear and the dock won't open. I only have the little circle of color spinning endlessly. What's wrong now!

My Macbook pro often won't start up since I installed Lion, and I have to shut it down using power button. My desktop icons don't appear and the dock won't open. I only have the little circle of color spinning endlessly. What's wrong now!

Please read this whole message before doing anything.
This procedure is a diagnostic test. It’s unlikely to solve your problem. Don’t be disappointed when you find that nothing has changed after you complete it.
The purpose of this exercise is to determine whether the problem is caused by third-party system modifications that load automatically at startup or login. Disconnect all wired peripherals except those needed for the test, and remove all aftermarket expansion cards. Boot in safe mode and log in to the account with the problem. The instructions provided by Apple are as follows:
Be sure your Mac is shut down.
Press the power button.
Immediately after you hear the startup tone, hold the Shift key. The Shift key should be held as soon as possible after the startup tone, but not before the tone.
Release the Shift key when you see the gray Apple icon and the progress indicator (looks like a spinning gear).
Note: If FileVault is enabled under Mac OS X 10.7 or later, you can’t boot in safe mode.
Safe mode is much slower to boot 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 your login password in order to log in. If you’ve forgotten the password, you will need to reset it before you begin.
Test while in safe mode. Same problem(s)?
After testing, reboot as usual (i.e., not in safe mode) and verify that you still have the problem. Post the results of the test.

Should I upgrade my Power Mac quad core 2.66 or go for a new(er) machine?

I have a 2009 Power Mac, quad core 2.66 ghz, 6GB RAM, OS 10.6.8 and primarily run graphic apps (Adobe Photoshop, InDesign, Illustrator, etc.) for Graphic Design projects and Photography. I've begun to run into sites that want newer versions of Safari and am thinking I should upgrade for security purposes. Firefox won't load (crashes machine), can't upgrade Flash-- wondering if it's time to upgrade OS but when I look at the latest version it won't run on the machine.
I've read where I can purchase a new graphic card and then "hack" the system to run the latest OSX but am wondering, after all is said and done with costs would I just be better off getting a new(er) machine (maybe a powerbook i7)? Would the performance be about the same? I love my Power Mac (the inside is so perfectly designed) and, aside from the browser issues it generally does everything I need. graphic cards that are recommended don't seem to be in production any longer and those that are listed retail for around $350-$500. A RAM boost (extra 16GB for $200) and even a processor upgrade from OWC (http://eshop.macsales.com/shop/turnkey/MacPro/2010_Xeon_Processor) ($500-$600) and conceivably I could run this machine into the ground.
Thank you for any thoughts or insights.

Ah, this is why one should not post late at night with little sleep. Thank you all for the answers and kind responses of help.
Very good suggestion to reinstall the system and I shall do so. I believe this is the MacPro forum, is it not? Should I still repost? I used everymac.com to determine my system BUT posted the results incorrectly (corrected below and yes, it is a 2006). My apologies. I ran the software that THE HATTER suggested and have the results below. I'm not opposed to spending money to either upgrade or purchase a new(er) machine-- simply looking to spend the money necessary wisely for the best possible return. Thank you again for the help.
ETRECHECK:
(I'm only posting part of this-- I don't know if there's a posting limit or protocol on posting). I am running CS5
Hardware Information: ℹ️
Mac Pro (Verified)
Mac Pro - model: MacPro1,1
2 2.66 GHz Dual-Core Intel Xeon CPU: 4-core
6 GB RAM
DIMM Riser A/DIMM 1
2 GB DDR2 FB-DIMM 667 MHz ok
DIMM Riser A/DIMM 2
2 GB DDR2 FB-DIMM 667 MHz ok
DIMM Riser B/DIMM 1
512 MB DDR2 FB-DIMM 667 MHz ok
DIMM Riser B/DIMM 2
512 MB DDR2 FB-DIMM 667 MHz ok
DIMM Riser A/DIMM 3
512 MB DDR2 FB-DIMM 667 MHz ok
DIMM Riser A/DIMM 4
512 MB DDR2 FB-DIMM 667 MHz ok
DIMM Riser B/DIMM 3
empty empty empty empty
DIMM Riser B/DIMM 4
empty empty empty empty
Bluetooth: Old - Handoff/Airdrop2 not supported
Video Information: ℹ️
ATY,RadeonX1900 - VRAM: 512 MB
VX2336 SERIES 1920 x 1080 @ 60 Hz
hp f1703 1280 x 960 @ 75 Hz
System Software: ℹ️
Mac OS X 10.6.8 (10K549) - Uptime: 89 days 2:15:37
Disk Information: ℹ️
WDC WD2500AAJS-41RYA0 disk0 : (232.89 GB)
- (disk0s1) <not mounted> : 210 MB
Macintosh HD (disk0s2) / : 249.72 GB (18.35 GB free)
Hitachi HDT725050VLA360 disk2 : (465.76 GB)
- (disk2s1) <not mounted> : 210 MB
500GB (disk2s2) /Volumes/500GB : 499.76 GB (92.11 GB free)
WDC WD1002FAEX-00Z3A0 disk1 : (931.51 GB)
- (disk1s1) <not mounted> : 210 MB
1TB Drive (disk1s2) /Volumes/1TB Drive : 999.86 GB (760.73 GB free)

My mac desktop computer won't start and just beebs

My mac desktop computer won't start it just beens loudly. I don't have any lights showing on the keyboard but can hear the drive switching on. I have unplugged the computer, waited and replugged and waited and then turned it on again without and results. Please help.

Use this tip to identify your Mac:
https://discussions.apple.com/docs/DOC-6413
If indeed it has a PowerPC processor (the PowerMacs use that, and have been around since early 2006 simultaneously with some of the Intels), see this tip on beeps:
Power On Self-Test Beep Definition - Part 2
If it is Intel, see this tip:
Mac computers: About startup tones

Power Mac G4 Gigabit won't turn on

My power mac g4 gigabit won't turn on. When you press the power button on the front it lights up for a seccond and then it turns off and the computer doesn't turn on. If you hold the power button down the light stays on but when you release it it turns off again. only the light on the zip drive comes on sometimes. I have tried to reset the PMU but that didn't do anything I took out the battery and replaced it but it didn't help.
PLEASE ANYBODY HELP ME!
Thanks,
rcrickarby

first of all, i'm an AMIGA guy. i did my share of apple ][ programming in the late 70's, but this is the first mac i've touched (literally) since 1985 when i played with the original mac. in 2000, i finally went from the amiga (i still have lots of 'em) to the Dark Side and got a PC (QUAKE II, DUDE!) running Windows NT, then Windows 2000, now XP. i finally retired that machine this year - i gave it to a neighbor for his kids.
now back to the topic...
i'm working on a friend's G4 gigabit machine which had a bad power supply (no 28V output). as a replacement supply is obscenely expensive and they apparently die early and often, i've got an ATX supply in there (let go my ears - i are an engineer and i know what i'm doing).
i'm currently feeding +5V standby from the ATX supply (+5 always hot, even when supply is "off") to the +28V trickle pin of the motherboard power connector. i'm not worried about firewire or ADC monitors at this point.
besides the power supply hack, i'm using a PC mouse & keyboard (USB) through a belkin flip KVM.
the machine works fine now, except:
1) if i let it put itself to sleep (power saver setting), it wakes up brain damaged. the screen is corrupt, the mouse pointer is present and moves, but it's for all intents and purposes dead and must be reset. if i put it to sleep with a quick push of the power switch (throbbing power light mode) and then wake it back up (after waiting seconds or hours), it's fine.
2) if i disconnect the AC (even briefly), it won't power back up until i reset the PMU. i bought a new battery at radio shack today (didn't realize they wanted ****$19.00**9.00** for the thing until i saw the numbers on the register!), and i'm giving it an overnight charge with everything powered up before seeing if that fixes things. interestingly, i came home with the new battery, and of course the machine wouldn't start as i had left it unplugged. popped the old battery out, put the new one in, and it started! of course, i excitedly shut it down and unplugged the AC for 5 minutes, but it wouldn't start until i did the PMU reset
i realize that either of these problems could be related to using only +5V standby for trickle power, but keep in mind that previous G4 machines (yikes/sawtooth) also used "standard" +5V trickle power, so i'm not breaking any new ground.
what else might be going on to prevent it from starting up when freshly plugged in?
i'm looking at two solutions for the 28V thing - one is an off-the-shelf DC to DC upconverter which turns 5V to 24V (and can even provide 2A if i diode-OR +5V standby with +12V), and the other is something i'll whip up myself using an LM3478 and a big FET which can provide 1A @ 28V from 5V. either of these should be enough to run powered firewire things, but again no ADC monitor.
system stats:
G4 gigabit, 400MHz, 1G RAM (512M PC133, 256M PC133, 256M PC100), 4.2.8f1 firmware, OS X 10.4.11
i saw a message in one of the system startup logs about the video card firmware being "too old". is there a way to update the firmware? here's what system profiler says about it:
ATY,Rage128Pro:
Chipset Model: ATY,Rage128Pro
Type: Display
Bus: AGP
Slot: SLOT-A
VRAM (Total): 16 MB
Vendor: ATI (0x1002)
Device ID: 0x5046
Revision ID: 0x0000
ROM Revision: 113-72701-125
one last thing - when the machine is asleep (throbbing power light), i assume the DRAM is on and being refreshed. how much current does that require at 28V?
i'm pleasantly surprised by how quickly it boots and shuts down. the "identify your keyboard" thing was weird, but effective. the UI is a little better than 1985, but still seems a little cryptic - and that's from a guy who still uses VI to edit software.
my only other apple experience since 1985 is an iPod Shuffle, which is cool once you get hold of a certain perl script to rebuild its database. until you do that, you're saddled with iTunes. i've only used (or tried to) the Windows version. i don't think i've ever used any software on any platform that was so LARGE, so SLOW, so INTRUSIVE to the rest of the system, and so COMPLETELY OPAQUE before (well, maybe ClearCase). dear apple - don't do THAT again.

Data transfer from 08 macbook pro that won't start up to new macbook pro?

i have a 2008 macbook pro which won't start up properly, although, it will will start up with the Ctrl+T command which to my knowledge allows it to become like an external hard drive.
my question is, which cable will i need to transfer data to my newer macbook pro that only has thunderbolt connections, and what are the limitations to the files i can move over? basically i need all my document files, iTunes files, and garage band files...

1. You need a FireWire 800 to Thunderbolt adapter.
2. All of your personal files can be moved over.
(109991)

Power Mac Pro 8 core won't start

Similar Messages

Maybe you are looking for