Ticket Options

Question Details

TICKET ARCHIVE -> replacing hard drive imac 333

mddublin - Jun 18, 2006 - 2:38 am

Does anyone have any good links with instructions on how to replace the hard drive in my imac 333. It won
t boot up, even from an install cd, so I think it needs new drive.

Thanks

Cheryl - Jun 18, 2006 - 6:25 am

You may just need an internal battery. There are some models that will not start up with a dead internal battery.

But changing the battery is just as hard as replacing the hard drive on that model.

I found a step by step instruction on how to dismantle your iMac here:

http://www.macworld.com/2001/10/bc/howtoimac/

Cheryl

mddublin - Jun 18, 2006 - 10:52 am

Thanks so much.

Some one gave me this imac 333 but all that happens when you turn it on is a flashing folder with ?. I tired re-booting with OS 8 cd in the drive (that's what was in it when I got it) and holding down "C" but nothing happens. I can hear the drive and the cd spining, but still just flashing folder. The only thing I can think of is that the keyboard I got (some generic kind although it says it's mac compatabile) wasn't working with the imac (I noticed that as soon as I plugged the keyboard into the imac, the CAPS lOCk light on the keyboard lit up and I could not turn it off).

But if I get a proper imac 333 era-keyboard and try the re-boot install cd and it still does the flashing folder, I'm assuming I need to replace the hard drive.

Aside from my diagnosis thus far, what else could be wrong? I want to know before I put more the $50 into this thing.

THanks,
Matthew

Cheryl - Jun 18, 2006 - 12:54 pm

Matt,

It could just need a battery replacement, but you should try starting it up using OS 8.6 or OS 9 CD. It will not run with OS 8.0. Also you need to use an Apple keyboard for the keyboard commands to work (holding down the C key).

You can install OS X on it, but you need OS 9 installed first in order to install a firmware update.

Let me know how you do with the OS 9 CD as the start up.

Cheryl

Cheryl - Jun 30, 2006 - 4:38 am

Matt,

Has your problem been resolved? Do you need further help?

Just to let you know, I am moving this weekend and will not be able to get back to you until hopefully Monday.

Cheryl

mddublin - Jul 15, 2006 - 9:09 pm

heryl,

Hi, so I finally got an old mackeyboard; tried the "c" boot with OS8 disk in the drive: all I got was the flashing folder with UQestion mark. Assuming that there's nothing wrong with the OS8 disk, do you tihnk I shoudl just replace the hardive, mother board, logic board, everything? Des that require soldering anything?

Cheryl - Jul 16, 2006 - 5:18 am

Matt,

That iMac needs OS 8.5 or higher. It will not boot with 8.0 ! If you can locate a 8.5 or 9.0 CD to start up the computer, you may get a different result and be able to install the OS.

Do you have a copy of Norton Utilities? That iMac needs version 4 to start it up and have the Disk Doctor go through its thing. Let me know if you need help in locating one. I know I have an extra copy at work.

If those CDs can't find the hard drive, then you will need to replace the drive. Because it does start up and look for the system folder everything else internally is working. The flashing folder is an indication of no OS installed - or it can't find the system folder to start up with.

Cheryl

mddublin - Jul 19, 2006 - 12:55 am

Thanks again Cheryl!

If I can obtain an OS 8.5 or later, do I definitely still need to run Norton too?

Thanks for all your help,

Matt

Cheryl - Jul 19, 2006 - 6:31 am

Matt,

Norton is a disk utility that can be very helpful when you have a problem. I suggest you have it on hand just in case. On the old machines at work I use it to do a hard drive check at least once every six months or so.

Norton is good for all the OS systems before OS X. If you have a machine with OS X or will get one in the future, I recommend Disk Warrior for a third party disk utility.

Cheryl