Hello people! Alright, so my uncle just gave me this old iMac, and whenever I start it up, it gives me this error logo of a flashing question mark and finder logo, inside a folder. The question mark and finder logo alternate. Yes, I have checked out the inside, and everything that is supposed to be there is there. I even switched out the hard drive with a working one, so that is not the problem. Yes, I have tried booting from the disc; it never lets me get past this error message. I have included a picture of the iMac, since I'm not exactly sure which model it is. I also don't know whether it's a version of Mac OS X, or 9, or 8, or whatever. Let me know if I missed anything, and thanks for any help you can offer!
Got a tip for us?
Let us know
Become a MacRumors Supporter for $50/year with no ads, ability to filter front page stories, and private forums.
Flashing question mark and finder logo on startup
- Thread starter kingsapo
- Start date
- Sort by reaction score
It means there is no Mac OS installed (9 or Mac OS X 10.0 to 10.3/4).
You need to get a working retail version of Mac OS 9 or Mac OS X 10 or replacement installation CDs from Apple to re-install Mac OS.
It's an iMac G3 btw, here is more info: http://www.everymac.com/systems/apple/imac/index-imac.html
Maybe this can also help:
Mac Identification (Identify Different Macs)
You need to get a working retail version of Mac OS 9 or Mac OS X 10 or replacement installation CDs from Apple to re-install Mac OS.
It's an iMac G3 btw, here is more info: http://www.everymac.com/systems/apple/imac/index-imac.html
Maybe this can also help:
Mac Identification (Identify Different Macs)