About 2-3 weeks ago I had no problems whatsoever with pushing the button and having my iMac turn on after 15sec but as the time passed by my start ups slowed way much - as much as 2-3 min. Even then, I wasn't too worried because I figured a format would probably solve the problem.
Well, I did format and now it has gotten worse. When I turn the computer on there comes clicking sounds from the left side of the computer (I guess where the HDD is) and then there's a spinning stopping sound after 3 clicks. this goes on for about a minute and then the folder with the question mark appears. Sometimes it gets through that part after 1 or 2 click cycles then the computer starts up nicely.
I'm guessing it's probably a hardware failure but had to hear some ideas before deciding on what to do. I'm backing up the drive right now.
What I'm wondering is: Is this a problem that can be fixed at home without a replacement HDD? If not, what kind of HDD will I need for a replacement? And lastly can I replace the new HDD myself or should I take the computer with the new drive (if it comes to that) to the service?
The iMac is a 2.0 Ghz CoreDuo Intel. I've bought it in 2005 so it's one of the first Intel batches, I guess.
PS: Kinda off topic, but my installation DVDs got in a very bad condition (I don't get it, used them 10 times max since I got the computer, they stayed in their cases all the time!) and the DVD drive can't read while installing. Is there anything that I can do to get new installation DVDs?
Thanks a lot in advance for any suggestion/help!
Well, I did format and now it has gotten worse. When I turn the computer on there comes clicking sounds from the left side of the computer (I guess where the HDD is) and then there's a spinning stopping sound after 3 clicks. this goes on for about a minute and then the folder with the question mark appears. Sometimes it gets through that part after 1 or 2 click cycles then the computer starts up nicely.
I'm guessing it's probably a hardware failure but had to hear some ideas before deciding on what to do. I'm backing up the drive right now.
What I'm wondering is: Is this a problem that can be fixed at home without a replacement HDD? If not, what kind of HDD will I need for a replacement? And lastly can I replace the new HDD myself or should I take the computer with the new drive (if it comes to that) to the service?
The iMac is a 2.0 Ghz CoreDuo Intel. I've bought it in 2005 so it's one of the first Intel batches, I guess.
PS: Kinda off topic, but my installation DVDs got in a very bad condition (I don't get it, used them 10 times max since I got the computer, they stayed in their cases all the time!) and the DVD drive can't read while installing. Is there anything that I can do to get new installation DVDs?
Thanks a lot in advance for any suggestion/help!