iMac (2008 Model) Hardware/ Software Issue

[Chris511]

I apologize for my ignorance but I do not do well with computers and especially Macs. I just got a 24 inch iMac (2008 model) You can turn it on but cannot log in.
The screen says "This drive has reported fatal hardware errors to disk utility". And then under that it says "if this drive has not failed completetly back up as much data as you can and replace it with a working drive.
What do I do? Will this cost quite a bit to fix? Thanks in advance.

 

[Gloops]

I apologize for my ignorance but I do not do well with computers and especially Macs. I just got a 24 inch iMac (2008 model) You can turn it on but cannot log in.
The screen says "This drive has reported fatal hardware errors to disk utility". And then under that it says "if this drive has not failed completetly back up as much data as you can and replace it with a working drive.
What do I do? Will this cost quite a bit to fix? Thanks in advance.

The hard drive is dying/dead. Cost of replacement will vary depending where you are/go - around $150 US, I'd guess. Find an AASP and get a quote: http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1434 (I hope whoever you acquired it from mentioned the machine was defective)

 

[Lancer]

Yes sounds like the HDD is dead, but on the up side you haven't lost any of your data. Contact your local Apple repairer to replace the HDD, you'll need a copy of OS X and a few programs like iLife but the repairer should be able to help you there, if it didn't come with the original OS DVD.

Once fixed with a new (bigger) HDD it should be a good Mac for a number of years, just remember to have a good backup solution in case the HDD fails again.

And yes I'd talk to the person you bought the iMac from, maybe they can help with fixing it.