saftfrucht

Q: SOS beeps - Geniuses can't help

After installing an OS X update on Thursday night, my iMac didn't start up again on the required restart. Instead, all I get is the computer beeping SOS, then shortly after a white screen with loading bar, which fills up in a few seconds (vents running up while it does) and then shuts down - and repeat. Only way to break this cycle is to plug out the computer, which I have done after repeating this stuff about 10 times in a row.

 

I have of course researched on the internet about this, but there is no clear guidance I can find. Some people say it's the logic board, some say it's the EFI firmware. I am totally confused, because I have absolutely no idea whatsoever what either of that is. I use Apple products because I don't want to busy myself with crap like that, I use them because I want a product that is easy to use. Well, not so much it seems.

 

I then went to my local Apple store's Genius Bar and showed them the computer. The sad result was that the guy had never heard of it, and neither had his colleagues. The only 'solution' he offered me was to basically buy a new computer.

 

I went back home and have since tried to boot it from a bootable OS X USB drive which I created, which was about the only thing I found reportedly worked for other people this situation. Not for me though.


From my research, this kind of thing has always happened to people after an OS update.

 

I have added a video of this for illustration:

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BrcBp55LmwY

 

It is completely unresponsive to any keyboard inputs.

iMac (21.5-inch, Late 2012), OS X El Capitan (10.11.1), Happened on updating El Capitan

Posted on Nov 15, 2015 7:30 AM

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Q: SOS beeps - Geniuses can't help

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  • by rkaufmann87,

    rkaufmann87 rkaufmann87 Nov 15, 2015 7:34 AM in response to saftfrucht
    Level 9 (58,746 points)
    Photos for Mac
    Nov 15, 2015 7:34 AM in response to saftfrucht

    Take the computer back to your local Apple Store or choose another Apple Authorized Service Provider (AASP Locator) and have it professionally diagnosed. You will likely need to check it in and leave it to be thoroughly diagnosed.

     

    By the way, have you ever installed any of the following:

     

    • Antivirus app?
    • Cleaning app?
    • any third party maintenance utilities?
  • by saftfrucht,

    saftfrucht saftfrucht Nov 15, 2015 7:41 AM in response to rkaufmann87
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Nov 15, 2015 7:41 AM in response to rkaufmann87

    Let's cut out the Apple Store. I was there and it was disgrace, I can't write what I really think because then my post will be deleted again.

     

    I will take it to an independent service provider on Monday that was recommended to me by the clueless guy on the hotline.

     

    I have not installed any of the above to my knowledge. Part of the reason why I became a Mac customer was that I don't like all this third party software infrastructure you need on a Windows machine, so I sincerely doubt I installed any of that, although I can't be sure as I might have forgotten to uncheck a box when installing some useful free software or Adobe stuff.

  • by rkaufmann87,

    rkaufmann87 rkaufmann87 Nov 15, 2015 7:44 AM in response to saftfrucht
    Level 9 (58,746 points)
    Photos for Mac
    Nov 15, 2015 7:44 AM in response to saftfrucht

    I can't write what I really think because then my post will be deleted again.

     

     

    Please carefully read the Terms of Use that you agreed to, specifically where it says:

     

    1. "Post constructive comments and questions. Unless otherwise noted, your Submission should either be a technical support question or a technical support answer. Constructive feedback about product features is welcome as well. If your Submission contains the phrase “I’m sorry for the rant, but…” you are likely in violation of this policy."
  • by Csound1,

    Csound1 Csound1 Nov 15, 2015 7:52 AM in response to saftfrucht
    Level 9 (50,816 points)
    Desktops
    Nov 15, 2015 7:52 AM in response to saftfrucht

    saftfrucht wrote:

     

     

    I have not installed any of the above to my knowledge.

    Does this mean that you do not know what you have installed?

  • by saftfrucht,

    saftfrucht saftfrucht Nov 15, 2015 7:51 AM in response to Csound1
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Nov 15, 2015 7:51 AM in response to Csound1

    Do you have an absolutely accurate inventory of all software on your computer that you can access when you can't access your computer? I don't. Like I said, I don't think I have installed any of those. I can't be certain.

  • by Csound1,

    Csound1 Csound1 Nov 15, 2015 7:57 AM in response to saftfrucht
    Level 9 (50,816 points)
    Desktops
    Nov 15, 2015 7:57 AM in response to saftfrucht

    saftfrucht wrote:

     

    Do you have an absolutely accurate inventory of all software on your computer that you can access when you can't access your computer?

    Yes

    saftfrucht wrote:


    I don't think I have installed any of those. I can't be certain.

    Then the first job is to to check

     

    Download Etrecheck, run a report and post it here for us to look at, then we'll tell you what you have installed.

  • by saftfrucht,

    saftfrucht saftfrucht Nov 15, 2015 7:58 AM in response to Csound1
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Nov 15, 2015 7:58 AM in response to Csound1

    I appreciate you are trying to help, but please read the entire problem description before suggesting something. This can obviously not work as the computer does not start up.

     

    To see how far I get on the startup process, please view the video I attached.

  • by Csound1,

    Csound1 Csound1 Nov 15, 2015 8:19 AM in response to saftfrucht
    Level 9 (50,816 points)
    Desktops
    Nov 15, 2015 8:19 AM in response to saftfrucht

    Have you tried a safe or recovery boot yet?

     

    And have you upgraded the RAM in this machine?

  • by saftfrucht,

    saftfrucht saftfrucht Nov 15, 2015 8:18 AM in response to Csound1
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Nov 15, 2015 8:18 AM in response to Csound1

    A safe boot requires keyboard input, which as I said does not work. Yes I have tried, no it did not work.

  • by Csound1,

    Csound1 Csound1 Nov 15, 2015 8:20 AM in response to saftfrucht
    Level 9 (50,816 points)
    Desktops
    Nov 15, 2015 8:20 AM in response to saftfrucht

    Use a hard wired keyboard.

  • by Linc Davis,

    Linc Davis Linc Davis Nov 15, 2015 8:28 AM in response to saftfrucht
    Level 10 (208,000 points)
    Applications
    Nov 15, 2015 8:28 AM in response to saftfrucht

    This issue has nothing to do with any software you installed. The beeps are an indication of a hardware fault. If the "geniuses" at the Apple Store you went to don't know how to diagnose it, you'll have to find somebody who does.

  • by den.thed,Helpful

    den.thed den.thed Nov 15, 2015 8:41 AM in response to saftfrucht
    Level 7 (27,639 points)
    Nov 15, 2015 8:41 AM in response to saftfrucht

    Have a look at > About Mac computer startup tones - Apple Support

     

    Screen Shot 2015-11-15 at 8.25.19 AM.jpg

     

    If it was connected to your ISP via WiFi, then you might need to connect it up to your internet via an Ethernet cable in order for it to complete the ROM Recovery.

     

    If that does not help, then you will need to find an AASP that can.

  • by saftfrucht,

    saftfrucht saftfrucht Nov 15, 2015 8:40 AM in response to den.thed
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Nov 15, 2015 8:40 AM in response to den.thed

    Thank you, finally a helpful answer!

     

    Yes, I indeed was connected to the internet via WiFi. It will be very difficult for me to get a cable connection, but I will try to get it.

     

    A related question: I am currently living in an appartment hotel because my new appartment's completion is delayed. I have no ethernet port in my room, only WiFi. Would it be as effective to just wire it to my laptop that is connected to WiFi?

  • by den.thed,

    den.thed den.thed Nov 15, 2015 9:16 AM in response to saftfrucht
    Level 7 (27,639 points)
    Nov 15, 2015 9:16 AM in response to saftfrucht

    saftfrucht wrote:

     

    Thank you, finally a helpful answer!

     

     

    You are welcome!

     

    Would it be as effective to just wire it to my laptop that is connected to WiFi?

     

    Not likely, because you would need to activate network sharing on both devices.

     

    1. Go back to the first shop, ignore the Genesis and ask the Manager if you can speak to a real Technician.

     

    2. Use the AASP locator that rkaufmann87 post above and try a different Apple shop.

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