Mac wont start up - tried all guides

[ksfmac]

Hi guys

I've got an iMac Late model 2006, running on 10.4.

This morning I met the mac with a jammed black blank screen and the spinning rainbow wheel. I did a force restart and now the machine won't start up.

I get chime and grey screen.

What I've done:
1. Restart with no external devices like external HDs, printer etc
2. Reset the PRAM
3. Use the [old] original OSX disc with is 10.0.3, to attempt to get into disc utility - no luck, just folder with a question mark.
4. Use the apple hardware disc - folder with question mark
5. I can't access the single user mode (Im not sure if I had set the password or not ) IT just stays as blank grey screen
6. Nothing but grey screen when trying to manually open firmware

I really don't want to just replace the HD or take it to a tech - it's a work machine, is there any other option I have?

 

[ksfmac]

Also don't think that replace the HD would work, as the start up installation disc is not loading...

 

[ezramoore]

There is no way that a 2006 (Intel) iMac would be able to boot form a 10.0.3 disk (or even a 10.3 disk, if that is what you meant to type).

There is a strong possibility that it IS the hard drive.

Why not take it to a tech if it is a business machine? Repair expenses are a write-off and if the machine is business critical a tech will likely get you back on the road a lot more quickly.

 

[Mal]

Almost guaranteed it's the hard drive, but it could be logic board, RAM, etc. Take it to a tech, that means it'll get done right and without futzing around. Doubly true if you don't have a backup.

jW

 

[ksfmac]

Yeah, getting to a tech is little difficult, but seems we may have to make a day drive..

Thanks for the replies.. will keep u guys posted.