Fast blinking light! What does it mean?

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Level 1

55 points

Fast blinking light! What does it mean?

The other day I shut down my computer. (Intel iMac matte screen, 10.4.11) Later, when I pushed the restart button, I failed to get a bong & the sleep light started blinking rapidly & bright. For a number of times I held down the restart button to get it to shut down, & then pressed it again to restart...same blinking light. (I've never seen this behavior before) I managed to finally get it to restart by double clicking on the restart button, but I don't even know why I tried that.

Anyone know what's up?

Bob

Powerbook 667, Mac OS X (10.3.x)

Posted on Mar 13, 2008 12:54 AM

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Answer 1

den.thed

Level 9

77,146 points

Mar 13, 2008 5:04 AM in response to Bob Smith14

Hi Bob

That sounds like a ram problem!

http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=303083

Perhaps one of your modules has dislodged and need to be reseated, or is failing.

1. Try reinstalling-reseating both modules, firmly pushing on each one with both thumbs then close the ejector clips.

2. Then if it still acts funny, try installing one module at a time.

http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=303084

Dennis

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Answer 2

Bob Smith14 Author

Level 1

55 points

Mar 14, 2008 12:10 AM in response to den.thed

Thanks Dennis, I'll try reseating the modules. It hasn't acted up all day today.

Bob

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Answer 3

den.thed

Level 9

77,146 points

Mar 14, 2008 6:14 AM in response to Bob Smith14

If and when it happens again, note if the LED is flashing once per second or three flashes with a pause. See the [Intel iMac Startup sequence|http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=303363] article.

The hardware tests from your [Install Disk 1|http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=303081-en] or [TechTool Deluxe|http://www.micromat.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=199&It emid=104] can be used to test the ram.

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Answer 4

Mar 14, 2008 1:29 PM in response to den.thed

Yes, thats what heppens when it dosent read one of the RAM sticks (or one is damaged).

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