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TICKET ARCHIVE -> IMAC failing to start up
maryjenc - May 24, 2006 - 1:10 pm
Upon starting my IMAC, I'm getting a screen with a small disk icon in the middle of it with a question mark (?) in it. The computer then proceeds to rev and that's all the further I can get. It just sit there and revs up and down.
I've proceeded to insert my diagnostics CD and I'm able to get a little further with it. After I put it in, I get a computer icon in the middle of the screen and a prompt stating that the "file map is inconsistant" and it gives me an option to restart, which I've done, but as I'm doing this I can't get any further. I re-start and it brings me to the same screen, over and over.
Any advice would be greatly appreciated!
Thanks, Mary
I've proceeded to insert my diagnostics CD and I'm able to get a little further with it. After I put it in, I get a computer icon in the middle of the screen and a prompt stating that the "file map is inconsistant" and it gives me an option to restart, which I've done, but as I'm doing this I can't get any further. I re-start and it brings me to the same screen, over and over.
Any advice would be greatly appreciated!
Thanks, Mary
philippe99 - May 24, 2006 - 2:42 pm
Hi Mary and welcome to macosx.com
The question mark "?" at the startup means that the iMac has not found a valid system to boot on.
Possible reasons:
(1) you system has been damaged. Some diagnostic tools like DisWarrior (www.alsoft.com) or TechToolPro (www.micromat.com) are able to repair it if we boot on these CDs.
(2) the internal drive is dead.
If you have the 9.1 install disc (or a bootable diagnostic CD), could you boot on it (insert the CD, restart the mac while holding the "C" key until you see the boot is loading the extensions) ? When the boot is finished, do you see the icon of your hard drive on the desktop ?
If yes -> (1)
if no -> (2)
When you encounter the "file map is inconsistant" message, were you booting on the diagnostic tool AND analysing the internal drive ? If yes, the (1) is the most closest diagnostic ? If no, which are these diagnostic CDs ?
Regards
Philippe
The question mark "?" at the startup means that the iMac has not found a valid system to boot on.
Possible reasons:
(1) you system has been damaged. Some diagnostic tools like DisWarrior (www.alsoft.com) or TechToolPro (www.micromat.com) are able to repair it if we boot on these CDs.
(2) the internal drive is dead.
If you have the 9.1 install disc (or a bootable diagnostic CD), could you boot on it (insert the CD, restart the mac while holding the "C" key until you see the boot is loading the extensions) ? When the boot is finished, do you see the icon of your hard drive on the desktop ?
If yes -> (1)
if no -> (2)
When you encounter the "file map is inconsistant" message, were you booting on the diagnostic tool AND analysing the internal drive ? If yes, the (1) is the most closest diagnostic ? If no, which are these diagnostic CDs ?
Regards
Philippe
maryjenc - May 24, 2006 - 3:52 pm
Hi Philippe,
I can answer 1 to all of your questions. I don't know if you can answer this...I guess it's more of your opinion. Would I have more luck bringing it in for repair or purchasing one of the above tools?
Thank you!
I can answer 1 to all of your questions. I don't know if you can answer this...I guess it's more of your opinion. Would I have more luck bringing it in for repair or purchasing one of the above tools?
Thank you!
philippe99 - May 25, 2006 - 10:50 am
I would try to buy first DiskWarrior. Be carefull to buy the CD -to be able to boot on- and the release corresponding to a 9.x os..I think it is DW 2...
Now, if DW fails, so if the hard disk is severly damaged, I would think three times before replacing the drive.
A new drive will cost around 80-120 $ + 100-150 $ for a tech to replace it.
A second hand mac Mini G4 is sold around 400 $
A new Intel Mini is around 600 $
If your Mac is an iMac G3 (you know, the flavoured ones), I would not invest a pence
If it is a flat panel one, why not.
Philippe
Now, if DW fails, so if the hard disk is severly damaged, I would think three times before replacing the drive.
A new drive will cost around 80-120 $ + 100-150 $ for a tech to replace it.
A second hand mac Mini G4 is sold around 400 $
A new Intel Mini is around 600 $
If your Mac is an iMac G3 (you know, the flavoured ones), I would not invest a pence
If it is a flat panel one, why not.
Philippe
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