I flew with my iMac. I wrapped in blankets really well. I put fragile stickers on it and had to put it under the plane. Now plugging it in it at home I get a file with a question mark And something is rattling inside. Although the Screen is fine.
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Flying with iMac 27”
- Thread starter Newguy187
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Not good....
If your Mac starts up to a question mark - Apple Support
A folder with a flashing question mark means that your computer's startup disk is no longer available or doesn't contain a working Mac operating system.
ScreenSavers
macrumors 68020
BootLoxes
macrumors 6502a
Rip. I hope you backed up your files. Your hard drive got sent to the shadow realm
But another thing depending of the year of the imac and type it might have a ssd. Then that might be a broken controller???
DeltaMac
macrumors G5
" something is rattling inside ... "
Do you mean you can hear something moving when you move it (loose bits banging around), even when not plugged in?
Or, that you hear loud mechanical noises when you try to boot up?
Either way - you need to open it up, and look around inside. You may just have a connection that has come loose inside, which could mean that the hard drive is not connected. That will be a good reason why you see the flashing "?".
But, you do need to discover what is loose, or causing that noise (which could just be some little piece is jammed into the fan blades, causing noise when the fan turns. You have to actually look at the fans to make sure. And, you have to open it up.
Do it yourself. Or, if you are not comfortable with opening up the case, take it to an Apple store, or an Apple-authorized service shop.
and, yes, I also hope that you do have a backup of your drive. This would likely be one of those times that you will need that backup.
Do you mean you can hear something moving when you move it (loose bits banging around), even when not plugged in?
Or, that you hear loud mechanical noises when you try to boot up?
Either way - you need to open it up, and look around inside. You may just have a connection that has come loose inside, which could mean that the hard drive is not connected. That will be a good reason why you see the flashing "?".
But, you do need to discover what is loose, or causing that noise (which could just be some little piece is jammed into the fan blades, causing noise when the fan turns. You have to actually look at the fans to make sure. And, you have to open it up.
Do it yourself. Or, if you are not comfortable with opening up the case, take it to an Apple store, or an Apple-authorized service shop.
and, yes, I also hope that you do have a backup of your drive. This would likely be one of those times that you will need that backup.
CE3
macrumors 68000
One thing to try before opening the iMac up, or sending it off to be serviced, is holding down the option key while powering on to see if you can select the startup disk, or try it in recovery mode by holding the command + r keys after powering on, click the apple logo in the top left > click startup disk > select the drive and restart
I recently had this issue when restoring a new MacBook from a Time Machine backup (a folder icon with a question mark over it) and this solved the problem.
I recently had this issue when restoring a new MacBook from a Time Machine backup (a folder icon with a question mark over it) and this solved the problem.
DeltaMac
macrumors G5
If you bought it new, less than a year ago, then it will still be in warranty.
If you don't want to open the iMac yourself - take to an Apple store, or other Apple-authorized repair shop.
They will help you, and should easily answer your questions. Accidental damage MIGHT be covered, but only if you purchased AppleCare+ for your iMac, and you would only be charged for a repair incident. That would, I believe, be $299 for damage other than the display. The shop may open it up, and find something relatively minor (a disconnected plug, for example). Bottom line, there's not much you can do without getting a look inside.
Just to clarify the point.
Apple Standard US warranty will not cover this:
This Warranty does not apply: ...
(d) to damage caused by accident, abuse, misuse, fire, liquid contact, earthquake or other external cause;
Unsure where the OP is located - other consumer protections may provide for relief.
Also, as you state, AppleCare+ might be an avenue if the OP was sensible enough to purchase it in advance.
Outside of that, it's possible that household insurance may cover it.