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I don't think the size would matter but maybe it's just the card. I've got 8GB and 32GB cards that work fine. Get a different card and try that.

I don't think the size would matter but maybe it's just the card. I've got 8GB and 32GB cards that work fine. Get a different card and try that.
ordered a usb start up drive. about $15 shipped. the machine was free, so now i can do my other more important work and wait for it to arrive. i'll check back in later.
 
Fingers crossed, starting install.
 

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Looks like you have HS up and running.

BUT
WHERE did you install to?

IMPORTANT:
Did you ERASE the ENTIRE internal drive first?

In reply 54 above, I see a graphic that says "MacOS High Sierra will be installed on the disk "OS X Base System'".

But that ISN'T where the main OS is supposed to go.

The proper way to do a fresh install like this is to:
1. Boot from the USB installer
2. Open disk utility
3. IMPORTANT - go to the "View" menu and choose "show all devices"
4. In the list on the left, choose the topmost entry which should be the physical drive itself.
5. Now, erase it to APFS.
6. Then, quit disk utility and open the OS installer
7. It will install "from scratch" where it's supposed to go. Typically, this is "Macintosh HD".

It looks like the install flash drive is good.
So...
I suggest you "do it over again", but this time exactly as I've suggested above.
 
Current
 

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Well... if it's finally up-and-running...might as well just keep going.
What works... works.
 
Very similar to how my laptop appears.
 

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built in superdrive works intermittently. plays cds, won't read dvds. i would like it be useable, or i will have to get an external player.
 
The 2010 iMac is easy to open as the front glass is held on with magnets. If you don't have issues with DIY, it is fairly straightforward.

yes, thx. i was wondering if these super drives suffer from any particular failures. i don't have cd/dvd cleaner disk. probably can't get a new OE replacement. Not sure there are any internal replacements, esp. with blue ray ability. used apple external super drives are only about $20.
 
yes, thx. i was wondering if these super drives suffer from any particular failures. i don't have cd/dvd cleaner disk. probably can't get a new OE replacement. Not sure there are any internal replacements, esp. with blue ray ability. used apple external super drives are only about $20.
I've never seen one fail. Your drive still works. It probably just needs a cleaning. Use a vacuum cleaner with a narrow nozzle and/or compressed air. It may also be a good idea to open the machine up and clean out the dust.

They do make internal Blu-ray drives that fits.
 
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I'd try cleaning it first, as Macinto suggests.

If, after cleaning, it STILL won't play DVD's, I'd suggest a low-cost USB EXTERNAL CD/DVD drive.
A lot less trouble than opening it up. Probably less money, too.

And if the iMac ever fails completely, you just disconnect the DVD/CD and hook it up to your next Mac.
 
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yes, thx. i was wondering if these super drives suffer from any particular failures. i don't have cd/dvd cleaner disk. probably can't get a new OE replacement. Not sure there are any internal replacements, esp. with blue ray ability. used apple external super drives are only about $20.

WHen the lense of the drive gets dirty, it's pretty hard to do anything about it unless you have the DVD cleaner.
The 20$-external drive seems a better option.
 
Nguyen makes a good point in 66 above.

Spend the $20 on a new drive, not a cleaning kit (that might not work) for the old one...
 
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