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3 year old imac dies... do I have any recourse?
- Thread starter DocV
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Off your internal hard drive or an external install? Not all drives problems are identified and/or reported by Disk Utility...
Not sure what you mean? I did a target boot with an external machine and ran the disk utility from the good machine. I suppose my next step to to try and reinstall the OS, and if that fails, get a new drive. But before I wipe the current disk, I wanted to make sure there were no other files I needed to salvage before I do. I've copied the Users folder, what else do I need to get?
Great that you got another Mac to work on it.
If you got a copy of the user folder and inside of it are all your important documents. Now what you have to do is format the HDD, and install OS X.
Use Disk Utility for that, and the host Mac to run the installation process.
Also while in target disk mode, one additional test is to put a disc inside the iMac and try to read from it, to check that your optical drive is working OK.
If you got a copy of the user folder and inside of it are all your important documents. Now what you have to do is format the HDD, and install OS X.
Use Disk Utility for that, and the host Mac to run the installation process.
Also while in target disk mode, one additional test is to put a disc inside the iMac and try to read from it, to check that your optical drive is working OK.
I have a question for you. You state you have a 2008 iMac. Can you be more specific. Is it a 20 in or 24 inch. What was the processor and video card. There was one model that had major problems in 2008. It was the 24 inch 3.06 model with the Nvidia GS 8800 Video Card. This model had a lot of failures.
Yes the Optical drive is working fine.
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Actually, yes, it s an iMac 24 3.60 however, the video card is the NVIDIA GeForce 8800GT.
What are you saying there's a known issue? You mean that it just unreliable or is it something Apple has acknowledged and should repair for free?
Ugh.....
Well this thread kind of hits home since my 17 month old iMac (2009 model Corei7 machine, 16 gigs of ram, yada yada) is now not booting.
Just a single chime and gray screen at power-up and none of the options for diagnostics or zapping the pram seem to be doing anything.
I have Applecare but not too happy as this tends to be a bit disruptive in a busy season when a $2000+ heavily relied on machine goes down.
Ouch.
Well this thread kind of hits home since my 17 month old iMac (2009 model Corei7 machine, 16 gigs of ram, yada yada) is now not booting.
Just a single chime and gray screen at power-up and none of the options for diagnostics or zapping the pram seem to be doing anything.
I have Applecare but not too happy as this tends to be a bit disruptive in a busy season when a $2000+ heavily relied on machine goes down.
Ouch.
Absolutely a known issue, but I'm not sure if Apple is still repair those or not. I know they offered an extended time period past the original warranty (regardless of AppleCare) to get those repaired.
In all actuality, seeing that this is an 8800 totally changes everything. Yeah, I forgot to ask that, too - thanks dfine1966 for being the one to remember to ask that, lol. The 8000 series nVidia mobile cards were terribly problematic, often separating from the mother/logicboard. This was not an Apple issue - it was with the graphics chip.
Here's a similar thread involving a similar iMac:
https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/1085213/
Point of the matter is this: that graphics card is a ticking time bomb and a known issue. Nearly every one is all-but guaranteed to fail at some point. I don't know if Apple will repair it now or if the window to get it repaired has passed (I think it has). If it has, sorry to be blunt, but you're basically screwed. A logic board replacement isn't worth it and the card itself can't be repaired.
Applecare? I hope so... if not, try the same suggestions as above.
If everything is backed up, THIS ^^ is where you are, OP. Won't hurt to try, but I'm afraid that GPU is the culprit...
More updates:
I found a site that suggested using the "sick" machine in target mode, as the boot disk for a known working machine; that if it *did* boot OK, it would rule out the OS and the drive, and confirm a logic board, or other hardware issue.
As it turns out I got the kernel panic right away. The site that suggested it, did say there might be compatibility issues depending on the machines, and I was trying to boot 10.5 on a machine designed for Lion. So it's quite possible that was the problem. However, for those of you who know how to make heads or tails of this stuff, here's what popped up on the screen of the healthy [host] machine when I tried it, followed by the usual, multi-lingual message to restart your computer.
....there are 7 more lines of similar code that repeats after that last one. Typing it is a pain, so I left it out since I figured it's unlikely it would matter to anyone reading this. If it turns out it *does* matter, let me know and I'll type it up....
I found a site that suggested using the "sick" machine in target mode, as the boot disk for a known working machine; that if it *did* boot OK, it would rule out the OS and the drive, and confirm a logic board, or other hardware issue.
As it turns out I got the kernel panic right away. The site that suggested it, did say there might be compatibility issues depending on the machines, and I was trying to boot 10.5 on a machine designed for Lion. So it's quite possible that was the problem. However, for those of you who know how to make heads or tails of this stuff, here's what popped up on the screen of the healthy [host] machine when I tried it, followed by the usual, multi-lingual message to restart your computer.
panic(cpu 0 caller0x55A6CCF2): "Unsupported CPU: family = 0x6, model = 0x2a"@/SourceCache/AppleIntelCPUPowerManagement/AppleIntelCPUPowerManagement-76.2/pmProcessor.c:199
Debugger called: <panic>
Backtrace (CPU 0), Frame : Return Address (4 potential args on stack)
0x55893d68 : 0x12b4c6 (0x45f91c 0x55893d9c 0x13355c 0x0)
Debugger called: <panic>
Backtrace (CPU 0), Frame : Return Address (4 potential args on stack)
0x55893d68 : 0x12b4c6 (0x45f91c 0x55893d9c 0x13355c 0x0)
....there are 7 more lines of similar code that repeats after that last one. Typing it is a pain, so I left it out since I figured it's unlikely it would matter to anyone reading this. If it turns out it *does* matter, let me know and I'll type it up....
Backtrace terminated-invalid frame pointer 0
Kernel loadable modules in backtrace (with dependencies):
com.apple.driver.AppleIntelCPUPowerManagement (76.2.0)@0x55a661000->0x55a7ffff
BSD process name corresponding to current thread: Unknown
Mac OS version:
Darwin Kernel Version 9.8.0: Wed Jul 15 16:55:01 PDT 2099; root:xnu-1228.15.4~1RELEASE_1386
System model name: iMac12,2 (Mac-
System uptime in nanseconds: 522365889
Kernel loadable modules in backtrace (with dependencies):
com.apple.driver.AppleIntelCPUPowerManagement (76.2.0)@0x55a661000->0x55a7ffff
BSD process name corresponding to current thread: Unknown
Mac OS version:
Darwin Kernel Version 9.8.0: Wed Jul 15 16:55:01 PDT 2099; root:xnu-1228.15.4~1RELEASE_1386
System model name: iMac12,2 (Mac-
System uptime in nanseconds: 522365889
Last edited:
I still think you should go ahead and stick a fresh HD in there, Doc.
Then try to partition and install OS X from the DVD drive.
The graphics possibility is bad news, but I'd argue that you still haven't excluded the possibility that the disk and its OS are at fault.
Then try to partition and install OS X from the DVD drive.
The graphics possibility is bad news, but I'd argue that you still haven't excluded the possibility that the disk and its OS are at fault.
The last test you reported (booting with Leopard a Lion Mac) it is obviously failing due to the incompatibility between the Lion Mac hardware and the old OS.
This triggers a couple of thoughts:
1- Have you applied any firmware update to your iMac?
2- What OS X version were you running when the problem started?
If the Mac has a newer firmware it might have issues to run from the old OS X disc.
Once again, the next right step is to format the HDD, and perform a clean install of OS X, doing this with the host Mac.
Anyway it is ahold idea to get a new HDD, their prices are significantly low nowadays in comparison to 3 or 4 years ago.
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The last test you reported (booting with Leopard a Lion Mac) it is obviously failing due to the incompatibility between the Lion Mac hardware and the old OS.
This triggers a couple of thoughts:
1- Have you applied any firmware update to your iMac?
2- What OS X version were you running when the problem started?
If the Mac has a newer firmware it might have issues to run from the old OS X disc.
Once again, the next right step is to format the HDD, and perform a clean install of OS X, doing this with the host Mac.
Anyway it is good idea to get a new HDD, their prices are significantly low nowadays in comparison to 3 or 4 years ago.
----------
Cross check that these apply for the OS X version that you want to run:
http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1237
This triggers a couple of thoughts:
1- Have you applied any firmware update to your iMac?
2- What OS X version were you running when the problem started?
If the Mac has a newer firmware it might have issues to run from the old OS X disc.
Once again, the next right step is to format the HDD, and perform a clean install of OS X, doing this with the host Mac.
Anyway it is ahold idea to get a new HDD, their prices are significantly low nowadays in comparison to 3 or 4 years ago.
----------
The last test you reported (booting with Leopard a Lion Mac) it is obviously failing due to the incompatibility between the Lion Mac hardware and the old OS.
This triggers a couple of thoughts:
1- Have you applied any firmware update to your iMac?
2- What OS X version were you running when the problem started?
If the Mac has a newer firmware it might have issues to run from the old OS X disc.
Once again, the next right step is to format the HDD, and perform a clean install of OS X, doing this with the host Mac.
Anyway it is good idea to get a new HDD, their prices are significantly low nowadays in comparison to 3 or 4 years ago.
----------
Cross check that these apply for the OS X version that you want to run:
http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1237
I'm not sure if the others above me are suggesting actually INSTALLING a new drive in your iMac or using it externally. Believe me, if you haven't done that before, it is a BEAR! I stand by my original suggestion - get an EXTERNAL drive and install OS X to it using your iMac. That'll be the same as using the internal, save for being a little slow over USB/Firewire. installing new drives inside the aluminum iMacs is one of the most tedious things I've done in my years of tech repair (right up there with replacing the same Mac logic board ).
Here's my suggestion:
1) Get an external drive of whatever size (if you're 100% certain you have your data backed up, you could even use your current Time Machine drive, but I wouldn't do that unless you were 100% certain).
2) Connect that drive to YOUR iMac.
3) Boot off your OS X DVD. Install to the external.
If that works, then you've narrowed it down to a hard drive problem. Proceed to replace the internal drive (or have it done if its too much for you). If that doesn't work, you're probably hosed - bad logic board/graphics card.
Couple other things:
- Hard drive prices are ASTRONOMICAL right now, due to flooding in Thailand. For example, last fall I paid $59.99 for a 1TB WD Blue drive - that same drive is now $169.99 at Newegg. I would NOT buy a drive until you've BORROWED one to test it with first.
- Here's a link to how to do the hard drive replacement. Its actually for the 20" iMac, but it was the quickest I could find and should be nearly identical. If nothing else, it'll let you see what you're up against should it come to an HD replacement.
).Here's my suggestion:
1) Get an external drive of whatever size (if you're 100% certain you have your data backed up, you could even use your current Time Machine drive, but I wouldn't do that unless you were 100% certain).
2) Connect that drive to YOUR iMac.
3) Boot off your OS X DVD. Install to the external.
If that works, then you've narrowed it down to a hard drive problem. Proceed to replace the internal drive (or have it done if its too much for you). If that doesn't work, you're probably hosed - bad logic board/graphics card.
Couple other things:
- Hard drive prices are ASTRONOMICAL right now, due to flooding in Thailand. For example, last fall I paid $59.99 for a 1TB WD Blue drive - that same drive is now $169.99 at Newegg. I would NOT buy a drive until you've BORROWED one to test it with first.
- Here's a link to how to do the hard drive replacement. Its actually for the 20" iMac, but it was the quickest I could find and should be nearly identical. If nothing else, it'll let you see what you're up against should it come to an HD replacement.
JS81 -- Yeah, I was suggesting he install a new one (or somebody's spare drive) because early on in the thread he said that he'd already changed the drive out. So he has experience.
And I did remind him of the current price issues, which is why I suggested he ask around and try to find somebody with an unused drive.
I keep pushing the drive experiment because of my own experience (described way earlier in the thread) when all external solutions were either too flaky or wouldn't work at all, etc., but the fresh blank HD installation plus a fresh Lion install got the iMac working properly (except for the DVD drive, which was broken).
I did the Lion install from a thumb drive that I'd prepared when Lion came out.
I think he ought to find a retail SL disk, because that would remove the possibility that his iMac's in some kind of firmware hell.
Known-to-be-good HD, retail SL, then he does the HD replacement that he already knows how to do. Then when he attempts the retail SL installation he'll have some answers.
And I did remind him of the current price issues, which is why I suggested he ask around and try to find somebody with an unused drive.
I keep pushing the drive experiment because of my own experience (described way earlier in the thread) when all external solutions were either too flaky or wouldn't work at all, etc., but the fresh blank HD installation plus a fresh Lion install got the iMac working properly (except for the DVD drive, which was broken).
I did the Lion install from a thumb drive that I'd prepared when Lion came out.
I think he ought to find a retail SL disk, because that would remove the possibility that his iMac's in some kind of firmware hell.
Known-to-be-good HD, retail SL, then he does the HD replacement that he already knows how to do. Then when he attempts the retail SL installation he'll have some answers.
So apparently I have no life because I just chose to read through this entire thread and I don't even have an iMac with this problem!
Anyway, I just don't understand why the OP won't heed the advice of many qualified posters here that a new drive should be put in. I appreciate the need/desire to not spend money unnecessarily, but I would bet odds this is the problem. The last 4 posts prior to this one lay it out exactly.
OP: PLEASE do what the last 4 posts suggest and don't report back here until you have! If your concerned about buying a drive you may not need, I'll raise my hand first as someone potentially interested in buying off you if we're wrong.... Anyone else?!
I do hope that you get this solved as I know how frustrating it is, but I wish you would take these steps before you waste any additional time and get even more frustrated!
Anyway, I just don't understand why the OP won't heed the advice of many qualified posters here that a new drive should be put in. I appreciate the need/desire to not spend money unnecessarily, but I would bet odds this is the problem. The last 4 posts prior to this one lay it out exactly.
OP: PLEASE do what the last 4 posts suggest and don't report back here until you have! If your concerned about buying a drive you may not need, I'll raise my hand first as someone potentially interested in buying off you if we're wrong.... Anyone else?!
I do hope that you get this solved as I know how frustrating it is, but I wish you would take these steps before you waste any additional time and get even more frustrated!
Maybe I mis-read it... I was under the assumption that the OP had the drive replaced (i.e., by Apple), not that the OP had done it himself. Sorry...
I've not had any real issues (other than speed) installing to a USB 2.0 drive - I still think that should be the first line of attack, as it doesn't involve major surgery. But if the OP is up to that surgery, by all means do it!
Update: So I finally went out and bought and installed a new HD and while I was able to format and install the OS, using Target Mode, I still got the same kernel panic at start up. So at this point, I'm not sure what else there is I can do, short of replacing the video or logic board.
Seems like such a waste considering *everything* else is still working on this machine.
For the record, while it was a pain, it wasn't actually all that difficult to install a new drive. there are just a lot of screws you have to remove first. The trick is to not bother removing the screen, just prop it open like the hood of a car, and you can reach inside and lift out the old drive. After removing the HD connectors of corse.
[Note: for anyone who plans to try replacing the drive, there's a plastic handle mounted to the drive. (at least on the 24 3.06 Ghz) ...With the machine on it's back and tilting the screen from the top, leaving the bottom plugged in, just push in on the handle, toward the bottom of the iMac, and lift up. Then pull the whole drive back out toward you.]
As for prices on new drives, yes, it's ridiculous right now. I paid about $160 for a 1TB Seagate, ... And that was at Fry's which is usually one of the cheapest places around. Thank God they have a good return policy.
Someone mentioned buying it; I haven't fully decided just yet, what I'm going to do, I may post it on eBay or craigslist, but if you're interested, I'm willing to entertain any decent offers. Just shoot me a PM and I'll let you know. FYI- Considering the price of new drives right now, since the internal drive I removed still works, I plan to keep it as a back up for my Time Machine, which means the iMac would come without an internal HD.
Thanks everyone for all the assistance.
Regards,
DocV
Seems like such a waste considering *everything* else is still working on this machine.
For the record, while it was a pain, it wasn't actually all that difficult to install a new drive. there are just a lot of screws you have to remove first. The trick is to not bother removing the screen, just prop it open like the hood of a car, and you can reach inside and lift out the old drive. After removing the HD connectors of corse.
[Note: for anyone who plans to try replacing the drive, there's a plastic handle mounted to the drive. (at least on the 24 3.06 Ghz) ...With the machine on it's back and tilting the screen from the top, leaving the bottom plugged in, just push in on the handle, toward the bottom of the iMac, and lift up. Then pull the whole drive back out toward you.]
As for prices on new drives, yes, it's ridiculous right now. I paid about $160 for a 1TB Seagate, ... And that was at Fry's which is usually one of the cheapest places around. Thank God they have a good return policy.
Someone mentioned buying it; I haven't fully decided just yet, what I'm going to do, I may post it on eBay or craigslist, but if you're interested, I'm willing to entertain any decent offers. Just shoot me a PM and I'll let you know. FYI- Considering the price of new drives right now, since the internal drive I removed still works, I plan to keep it as a back up for my Time Machine, which means the iMac would come without an internal HD.
Thanks everyone for all the assistance.
Regards,
DocV