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User profile for user: randall572
randall572 Author
User level: Level 1
4 points

older iMac running Snow Leopard

my older iMac has suddenly begun to act as if it is going into sleep mode while I'm using it. I cannot stop the event. Then the screen goes completely blank yet the computer is running. I am unable to re-access the screen. Even hard shut-down only results in me occasionally getting to the sign in mode. I then sign in and use the pull down menu to shut down. After that, I can normally get immediately to the sign in mode but, after a few minutes, the entire sequence of screen darkening begins again. I have made certain the sleep mode is disabled, the shut down if not used x minutes is disable (as in 'never'), etc. I do not use this iMac with internet. This iMac contains graphics and data base programs which are no longer made, supported or will not work on more recent OS. I'm running Snow Leopard on this iMac.


Can this problem be addressed/fixed? Thanks


iMac Line (2012 and Later)

Posted on Sep 23, 2019 6:02 PM

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User profile for user: Kappy
Kappy
User level: Level 10
361,741 points

Posted on Sep 23, 2019 9:12 PM

I would backup what you can, if possible, then erase the drive and reinstall Snow Leopard.


Snow Leopard Erase and Install


     If possible be sure to back up your files.


  1. Insert Snow Leopard DVD into the optical drive and restart the computer.
  2. Immediately, at or before the chime, hold down the C key.
  3. Release the key when the Apple logo appears and wait for the loading to finish.
  4. After the installer loads select your language and click on the Continue button. When the menu bar appears select Disk Utility from the Utilities' menu.  After Disk Utility loads select the out-dented disk entry from the side list (mfgr.'s ID and drive size.)  Click on the Partition tab in the Disk Utility’s right window.  Set the number of partitions to one (1) from the drop down menu. Click on the Options button and select GUID, click OK button, set the format type to MacOS Extended, Journaled. Finally, click on the Apply button.
  5. After formatting has finished quit Disk Utility.  Continue with the OS X installation and follow the directions.
  6. When the installation has finished the computer will restart into the Setup Assistant. After you complete the Setup Assistant you will be running a fresh installation of Snow Leopard. Open Software Update and install the recommended updates.
  7. If you are planning to sell or give your computer away, then do the following: After you reformat your hard drive and reinstall Snow Leopard, the computer restarts to a Welcome screen. To leave the Mac in an OOTB (Out Of The Box) state, don't continue with the setup. Instead, press Command and Q keys to shut down the computer. The Setup Assistant will guide the new owner through the setup process after he/she turns on the computer.
  8. Download and install Mac OS X 10.6.8 Update Combo v1.1. if needed. It is not needed if you are selling or giving away the computer.


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User profile for user: Kappy
Kappy
User level: Level 10
361,741 points

Sep 23, 2019 9:12 PM in response to randall572

I would backup what you can, if possible, then erase the drive and reinstall Snow Leopard.


Snow Leopard Erase and Install


     If possible be sure to back up your files.


  1. Insert Snow Leopard DVD into the optical drive and restart the computer.
  2. Immediately, at or before the chime, hold down the C key.
  3. Release the key when the Apple logo appears and wait for the loading to finish.
  4. After the installer loads select your language and click on the Continue button. When the menu bar appears select Disk Utility from the Utilities' menu.  After Disk Utility loads select the out-dented disk entry from the side list (mfgr.'s ID and drive size.)  Click on the Partition tab in the Disk Utility’s right window.  Set the number of partitions to one (1) from the drop down menu. Click on the Options button and select GUID, click OK button, set the format type to MacOS Extended, Journaled. Finally, click on the Apply button.
  5. After formatting has finished quit Disk Utility.  Continue with the OS X installation and follow the directions.
  6. When the installation has finished the computer will restart into the Setup Assistant. After you complete the Setup Assistant you will be running a fresh installation of Snow Leopard. Open Software Update and install the recommended updates.
  7. If you are planning to sell or give your computer away, then do the following: After you reformat your hard drive and reinstall Snow Leopard, the computer restarts to a Welcome screen. To leave the Mac in an OOTB (Out Of The Box) state, don't continue with the setup. Instead, press Command and Q keys to shut down the computer. The Setup Assistant will guide the new owner through the setup process after he/she turns on the computer.
  8. Download and install Mac OS X 10.6.8 Update Combo v1.1. if needed. It is not needed if you are selling or giving away the computer.


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older iMac running Snow Leopard

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