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TICKET ARCHIVE -> Imac G3 Start-up Problem
macketo - Jul 24, 2005 - 10:43 am
I have a green iMac G3. It boots up to a folder that alternates between a face and a ?. The keyboard was not responding to any keystroke except for the power button. Please help!!!
philippe99 - Jul 24, 2005 - 11:24 am
Marc
Welcome to macosx.com
This "?" face indicates that the Mac does not find a valid system to boot on
(1)
Could you start from an install CD ?
If yes try this:
Start up from a system software CD or DVD, and repair your disk using Disk Utility:
Insert the Mac OS X Install or Restore disc.
Restart the computer, then hold the C key during startup.
From the Apple menu, choose Disk Utility. Do this in the first screen of the Installer. Don't click Continue. If you click Continue in a Mac OS X Installer version earlier than 10.2, you must restart from CD again.
Could you see your drive on the left of the pane ? If yes, Click the First Aid tab. Click Repair Disk.
After repairing the disk, try to start from the Mac OS X hard disk.
(2) if you have performed this operation but the problems still perists,
reboot while holding the option key. A new pane arrives and offers valide booting OS
Do you see your internal drive ?
If yes, select it and click on the right arrow Does it boot ?
If no, we can slowly guess the drive is out
(3) if no, reboot while holding the "x" key ?
Does it boot ?
(4)
If all above failed, we're going to reset the PRAM:
1. Locate the keys Command, Option, P, and R.
2. Make sure the Caps Lock key is not down.
3. Restart your Macintosh (using the Command, Control, and Power keys or the reset button, if necessary). Immediately after hearing the startup sound, press the Command, Option, P, and R keys simultaneously.
4. Let them press until your heard the startup sound for a second time.
5. Release the keys and let the mac boot normally
If all the points above failed, we can think the drive is out
If when booting from the CD you do not see your internal drive, yes, it is out
Plese feel free to post back
Good luck
Philippe
Welcome to macosx.com
This "?" face indicates that the Mac does not find a valid system to boot on
(1)
Could you start from an install CD ?
If yes try this:
Start up from a system software CD or DVD, and repair your disk using Disk Utility:
Insert the Mac OS X Install or Restore disc.
Restart the computer, then hold the C key during startup.
From the Apple menu, choose Disk Utility. Do this in the first screen of the Installer. Don't click Continue. If you click Continue in a Mac OS X Installer version earlier than 10.2, you must restart from CD again.
Could you see your drive on the left of the pane ? If yes, Click the First Aid tab. Click Repair Disk.
After repairing the disk, try to start from the Mac OS X hard disk.
(2) if you have performed this operation but the problems still perists,
reboot while holding the option key. A new pane arrives and offers valide booting OS
Do you see your internal drive ?
If yes, select it and click on the right arrow Does it boot ?
If no, we can slowly guess the drive is out
(3) if no, reboot while holding the "x" key ?
Does it boot ?
(4)
If all above failed, we're going to reset the PRAM:
1. Locate the keys Command, Option, P, and R.
2. Make sure the Caps Lock key is not down.
3. Restart your Macintosh (using the Command, Control, and Power keys or the reset button, if necessary). Immediately after hearing the startup sound, press the Command, Option, P, and R keys simultaneously.
4. Let them press until your heard the startup sound for a second time.
5. Release the keys and let the mac boot normally
If all the points above failed, we can think the drive is out
If when booting from the CD you do not see your internal drive, yes, it is out
Plese feel free to post back
Good luck
Philippe
macketo - Jul 26, 2005 - 7:50 am
sir philippe,
thank you very much for your prompt reply. i don't have an install CD and i think the hard drive may be unusable.
what version of OS 9 installer do i need? i have searched ebay and i'm confused on what CD installer to buy.
should i buy the install restore CD? pls check this link http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...MEWA%3AIT&rd=1
or the Mac OS 9 Full Version Install CD?
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...MEWA%3AIT&rd=1
i have a spare 8GB seagate hard drive but i was format in PC format. Can i use this? my unit was PowerPC G3 233MHz.
thank you very much
thank you very much for your prompt reply. i don't have an install CD and i think the hard drive may be unusable.
what version of OS 9 installer do i need? i have searched ebay and i'm confused on what CD installer to buy.
should i buy the install restore CD? pls check this link http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...MEWA%3AIT&rd=1
or the Mac OS 9 Full Version Install CD?
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...MEWA%3AIT&rd=1
i have a spare 8GB seagate hard drive but i was format in PC format. Can i use this? my unit was PowerPC G3 233MHz.
thank you very much
philippe99 - Jul 26, 2005 - 8:00 am
Marc
a. The retail CD is required
b.But before bying something..perhaps for nothing if the drive is mechanically out... could try my points "(2)" and "(4"). Forget point 3, usefull only when a X system is also installed on the machine
c. I think you can put the Seagate in the place of the internal disk but I do not know this drive; hope iti is an IDE one !
But you need a 9 CD to boot on and format the drive..if your actual drive is out.
Viusal guide for opening the Mac (hopes it is a tray loading one right ?)
http://www.sterpin.net/uk/imactrayloadinguk.htm
Regards
Philippe
a. The retail CD is required
b.But before bying something..perhaps for nothing if the drive is mechanically out... could try my points "(2)" and "(4"). Forget point 3, usefull only when a X system is also installed on the machine
c. I think you can put the Seagate in the place of the internal disk but I do not know this drive; hope iti is an IDE one !
But you need a 9 CD to boot on and format the drive..if your actual drive is out.
Viusal guide for opening the Mac (hopes it is a tray loading one right ?)
http://www.sterpin.net/uk/imactrayloadinguk.htm
Regards
Philippe
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