iMac 2011 21,5 white screen. No keys combination response.

Question

Level 1

4 points

iMac 2011 21,5 white screen. No keys combination response.

Hello everybody.

I have an iMac 21,5 inch, mid 2011 that does not boot, showing a permanent white screen from the beginning. No Apple logo, no status bar. No keys combination response (cmd+r or alt, or alt+cmd +r or shift, etc.)

Since the beginning, it maintains the white screen.

If I remove the RAM, sound the beep announcing that there is no ram installed.

I tried removing the hard disks, card reader and optical unit to force the folder image with the interrogation or another symbol, but the folder does not appear, keeping the white screen.

I tried too removing the button battery of the main board. It doesn’t work neither. But since that, the keyboard cannot sync up with the iMac, blinking the green led of the keyboard trying to connect.

It looks like the white screen is before the iMac try to charge de OS and before the iMac sync up with the keyboard, so it is normal that it no respond to the keys combinations.

I am not sure, but if the problem was with the GPU, the iMac shows the Apple logo and the status bar before getting hung up.

¿What can I do?

Thank you very much. And sorry for my English.

iMac 21.5″, macOS 10.13

Posted on Sep 7, 2023 12:20 AM

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Answer 1

rkaufmann87

Level 10

148,470 points

Sep 11, 2023 1:58 PM in response to nqnil

Your next step is to take it to your local independent Apple Authorized Service Provider to have it professionally diagnosed. Chances are good they will advise you to replace the computer. If you are not aware of any AASPs in your area, please click Apple Authorized Service Provider Locator (AASP) & Genius Appointment.

DO NOT take it to an Apple Store, it is too old for them to work on it. An independent Apple Authorized Service Provider may though.

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Answer 2

rkaufmann87

Level 10

148,470 points

Sep 7, 2023 10:32 AM in response to nqnil

Considering the advanced age (14 years) of the computer it is not worth attempting to repair. It has no value except for parts. My recommendation would be to replace the computer with either a new iMac or a newer iMac.

If you cannot afford a new Mac then buy an Apple Refurbished Mac directly from Apple. You can find those at apple.com and navigate to the bottom of the page and click the Refurbished section. There is no downside to buy an Apple Refurbished device as they are identical to new, come with the same warranty as a new device, are eligible for AppleCare and can save hundreds of $$.

If Refurbished Apple is not available in your country then try Macsales.com and you can buy a used Mac from a trusted source. NEVER EVER buy a used Mac from Ebay, local computer shop, Craigslist, etc... Only purchased from a trusted source.

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Answer 3

nqnil Author

Level 1

4 points

Sep 10, 2023 12:10 AM in response to rkaufmann87

Thank you for your response.

I feel what you are saying is true. But at the same time, I feel that, for the work I am doing now, I do not need a newer computer. My old iMac was more than enough to perform its duty. That’s the reason why I’d like to repair it. No mention that is my first Mac and I would like to keep it.

I forgot to say that the chime sounds.

Thanks for the advice about used Macs.

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Answer 4

ku4hx

Level 7

23,688 points

Sep 10, 2023 7:36 AM in response to nqnil

Old = not repairable most likely. Or if it can be, the cost will far outstrip the worth.

"My old iMac was more than enough to perform its duty". Apparently not as it's completely out of commission currently.

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Answer 5

nqnil Author

Level 1

4 points

Sep 10, 2023 10:05 AM in response to rkaufmann87

I really think you both are right. The cost will far outstrip the worth, so it will be better any other option.

If I knew for sure that the problem is with the GPU, I’ll try to buy an used one. But without knowing it, no way.

Thanks you both.

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Answer 6

nqnil Author

Level 1

4 points

Sep 11, 2023 12:35 PM in response to nqnil

Hi again.

The key, I think, is if someone knows the iMac internal process during the startup. That could be very helpful.

My assumptions.

The first step is check the hardware. In my case, this step runs fine, since the iMac is aware of if the RAM is installed or not.
Second step, white screen and chime sound. But I do not know what elements are involved.
Third step, Apple logo and load de OS.

After the chime is when my iMac freezes. No logo, no key response… freeze white screen. I would like to know if the GPU is involved or not when my iMac freezes.

Anyway, I am not going to replace it without first jump into the deep and dismount the GPU. The situation couldn’t be worse. It’s a matter of knowledge too, maybe I can learn something from this.

Thank you very much.

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Answer 7

nqnil Author

Level 1

4 points

Sep 11, 2023 2:33 PM in response to rkaufmann87

The first thing I did was that, take the iMac to an Apple Authorized Service Provider. There is not an Apple Store in my city. Told me that they cannot check, diagnose or repair the computer because it is too old. They can only repair or diagnose 5 or 6 years old computers and no older ones.

After that, I called to Apple service and told me the same words< it is too old. And then, I wrote here.

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Answer 8

rkaufmann87

Level 10

148,470 points

Sep 11, 2023 4:05 PM in response to nqnil

You are hearing from multiple sources to retire the computer, from Apple itself and several contributors here. If you don't want to take the advice well there isn't too much we can do to help you out.

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Answer 9

nqnil Author

Level 1

4 points

Sep 12, 2023 8:34 AM in response to rkaufmann87

Hi,

Not really. I hear from two places than they cannot diagnose the iMac, not that I have to retire it. Just they cannot test the iMac.

I totally agree with you when you say that the cost will outstrip the worth. But it is funny trying to solve the problem. In my view, replace it as a first move it willl be a mistake. Is not a question of take the advice or not.

I would like to learn about this.

Do you know the meaning of the diagnostic leds?

Thanks.

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