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TICKET ARCHIVE -> imac G3 flashing folder ? icon

dublinski - Feb 8, 2007 - 12:17 pm

Hello,

When I turn on my orange imac G3 I get a flashing folder with a question mark. I know that this mean it can't find a drive to boot from, correct? I have the original OS8 cd which I've inserted, I hold down C, I can hear it spinning in there, but still, no dice. I would be interested in fixing this, even if it means getting new parts, what does it sound like I need? A new hardrive or motherboard?

Thanks,

Dubs

Cheryl - Feb 10, 2007 - 4:43 pm

Dubs,

You are correct in thinking that the iMac can not find a system folder to start up with.
How long do you allow the machine to 'see' the OS CD? Sometimes it does take a while for the machine to start up with the CD. Make sure it is the OS 8 install CD (not restore).
Keeping the CD in the drive, restart the computer, and immediately hold down the C key. Make sure you are using the original keyboard for the iMac and disconnect any other devices you may have connected such as the printer.

If the iMac still does not start up, even with the CD, there maybe more than just the hard drive that has failed.

If the CD starts the iMac, use Disk First Aid to check the hard drive. Does the hard drive mount? If not or if Disk First Aid can not repair the drive, you will need to replace the hard drive.
Opening your iMac is tricky. Do you need help with that?

Cheryl

dublinski - Feb 10, 2007 - 4:55 pm

Thanks for your response Cheryl.

I had to purchase a keyboard on ebay for the imac (I was only given the imac, no peripherals). How can I make sure the keyboard is the right one? It looks to be of the same era although the keyboard is blue and the imac I have is orange, does that matter?

It is definitely the install disc. It does not seem to do anything other than spin around and the icon keeps flashing for minutes at least. So, if I have the right keyboard and the right disc, but it still has the flashing icon, what's the next step?

Thanks!

Cheryl - Feb 10, 2007 - 5:16 pm

Dubs,

Try allowing the CD some more time. Do you know what OS version is on the iMac?
That keyboard should be the correct one for that family of iMacs.

It could be the internal battery needs to be replaced. When that battery is dead, the computer will not start up correctly.
I found directions to take apart the iMac here:
http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=50032
You have a choice of Quicktime or written.

Do you have a third party utility on CD like TechTool or Disk Warrior? If so, try starting the iMac with that.

Keep me posted.

Cheryl

dublinski - Feb 10, 2007 - 10:41 pm

Cheryl,

I just noticed that what looks to be the small optical component of the CD tray (the part that actually reads the CD) makes a period clicking sound, almost as if it's trying to reat the CD but can't due to some mechanical malfuntion. First off, is it normal for the CD tray and the mechanisms in it to be making these strange sounds?

Is it possible to replace the CD tray on this imac?

Thanks again,

Matt

Cheryl - Feb 11, 2007 - 7:22 am

Matt,

A clicking sound is not good. The optical reader is actually above the tray and that is rather hard to replace let alone find that part.

I would recommend replacing the entire CD drive. Do you want to spend money on a replacement CD drive part before you know if the machine is in working order? Let me give you the specs on this machine.

It is one of the 'Life Savers' - Tangerine
It could be the 266 MHz or the 333 MHz
System bus is 66 MHz
The hard drive is either a 4 or 6 GB ATA-3
It originally came with 8.5 (or 8.6) installed
It can run OS 10.3.9 (with more RAM installed)
It originally came with 128 MB of RAM - using PC66 144 pin SO-DIMM
It has an ATI Rage Pro graphics card with 6 MB of memory

There is a Firmware update that needs to be installed. (if it is already the installer will say so)
http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=60384

Do you have an external USB CD drive? You can use that to start up the iMac.
Just insert the CD in the external drive, restart the iMac and immediately hold down the Option-Command (Apple key)-Shift-Delete keys.
This will force the machine to find the alternative startup drive.

If you want to go ahead and get the replacement, you can check these places for the part:
http://www.otherworldcomputing.com/

http://www.shrevesystems.com/

You may need to call them (they both have an 800 number) to check availability.

Keep me posted on what you decide.

Cheryl

dublinski - Feb 13, 2007 - 10:00 pm

Cheryl,

Thanks so much for all your help!

I don't have a USB CD drive, but I have a feeling replacing the CD tray might save this thing, just hope it's not too involved (no soldering involved, etc)

Thanks again.

Cheryl - Feb 13, 2007 - 10:40 pm

Matt,

No there is no soldering involved. Just getting to the drive, unplugging it, then placing the new one in. The only precaution you need to take is to make sure you ground yourself when you are working inside the case. All you have to do is touch the power case that is inside the unit.

Let me know if you need the instructions on how to open the iMac.

Cheryl

dublinski - Feb 14, 2007 - 9:20 am

OK, thanks. If you know of any links with instructions that would be great. Also, I'll probably go on ebay to get another CD drive, but want to make sure I get the right one, is there a certain brand or model number I should be looking out for?

Should I just order it from otherworldcomputing?

Cheryl - Feb 14, 2007 - 10:23 pm

Matt,

I found a site that give instructions to dismantle the iMac, with pictures.
http://www.macopz.com/columns/imacrepair/

As for finding a replacement drive, Other World Computing has the best price for a working part. I have used them in the past. You will get the correct part for your iMac and not worry about when it will ship.

Cheryl