2008 iMac OS install/blue screen/HDD issues

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2008 iMac OS install/blue screen/HDD issues

Hi everyone, I have recently acquired a 2008 iMac for my son as part of a project he is doing at school.

When I got the machine, I was only able to access disc utility and from there, I managed to re-install El Capitan from the recovery partition.

From there, the machine would not boot normally and would go to blue screen right after the Apple logo, however, it did boot to Safe Mode.

Unable to diagnose the fault, I used a Snow Leopard retail disc to complete a complete reformat/new OS install. Again, the installation completed but would only boot in safe mode.

I have since removed the HDD from the machine and wiped it clean, re-installed to the iMac and attempted a fresh install but still no luck. It won't do anything at all now. I'm unable to access disc utility as it just goes to blue screen every time.

When the HDD is removed and I hook it up to my Macbook, it's finding the drive and I'm able to format no problem and Verify Disk finds no issues.

In conclusion, I'm assuming it's a hardware issue with the iMac itself or am I doing something wrong when formatting the drive etc?

I'm new to Mac repairs so forgive me if I'm missing really obvious steps...

Posted on Mar 24, 2022 3:24 AM

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Answer 1

Top-ranking reply

kaz-k

Level 9

50,190 points

Mar 24, 2022 6:20 AM in response to Madroxounds

Hi,

Resetting NVRAM could solve the issue.

Reset NVRAM or PRAM on your Mac - Apple Support

If it doesn't help, Try to run Apple Hardware Test if it reports hardware related error.

Use Apple Diagnostics to test your Mac - Apple Support

Apple Diagnostics reference codes - Apple Support

I just wonder if you connected HDD thermal sensor when you put back the HDD in the iMac.

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Answer 2

den.thed

Level 10

82,342 points

Mar 24, 2022 7:49 AM in response to Madroxounds

What Format and Partition Map Scheme did you use?

Startup from the Retail Snow Leopard Upgrade DVD > go to Utilities > Disk Utility >

set the Format to Mac OS Extended (Journaled) and the Partition Map Scheme to GUID Partition Map

click Erase > go back to the Snow Leopard Installer > Install Snow Leopard >

update using the Combo Updater at > Mac OS X 10.6.8 Update Combo v1.1

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Answer 3

Madroxounds Author

Level 1

4 points

Mar 24, 2022 7:35 AM in response to kaz-k

I've tried the NVRAM/PRAM reset which didn't work, although after I did that, the machine would boot to a white screen with lots of small black squares. The mouse cursor came up but obviously couldn't do anything with it.

I did re-attach the thermal sensor but will double check and make sure it's secure then try the diagnostic option.

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Answer 4

HWTech

Level 9

60,332 points

Mar 24, 2022 8:23 AM in response to Madroxounds

Madroxounds wrote:

I've tried the NVRAM/PRAM reset which didn't work, although after I did that, the machine would boot to a white screen with lots of small black squares. The mouse cursor came up but obviously couldn't do anything with it.

Without seeing exactly what the screen looks like, this could indicate bad memory, bad GPU, or a bad Logic Board. Macs are very picky about the memory they use so if third party RAM is installed, then it is best to use memory from Crucial or OWC. Even if just the original Apple memory is installed, it is possible that one of the memory modules is loose or perhaps even bad. You can easily reseat the memory to make sure it is correctly installed. I would inspect the gold contacts on both sides of the memory to make sure they look Ok and it is a good time to check the make, model, and speed of the memory. Who knows what you may have with a used iMac.

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Answer 5

Madroxounds Author

Level 1

4 points

Mar 24, 2022 8:32 AM in response to den.thed

This is part of the issue, I'm unable to boot from the install disc. It just goes to blue screen after a couple of minutes.

When I took the HDD out and formatted it via my Macbook, I did exactly how you described above....

This is what is making me think there must my other hardware issues going on.

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2008 iMac OS install/blue screen/HDD issues

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