21.5 inch iMac vintage 2013 can't get past the prohibitory symbol.

Question

CTSharon Author

Level 1

6 points

21.5 inch iMac vintage 2013 can't get past the prohibitory symbol.

Tried all the Apple supplied combination buttons (Command-R, Option-Alt, etc.). No love. Any thoughts?

iMac 21.5″

Posted on Feb 20, 2024 1:51 PM

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Answer 1

CTSharon Author

Level 1

6 points

Feb 25, 2024 11:53 AM in response to BDAqua

So, this got me past the terms and conditions issue.

User level:

Level 1

8 points

Posted on Jan 14, 2023 11:32 AM

Hey! Not sure if you still need help with this, but for anyone who is reading this - click on the back button and then sign out of your Apple ID. Skip signing in, and then just sign in once the setup process is completed!

Hope this helps - I just had to do this with my MacBook as well.

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Finally, I'm all set. Thank you again for your thoughtful comments,

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Answer 2

CTSharon Author

Level 1

6 points

Feb 25, 2024 12:13 PM in response to CTSharon

This worked. Thank you again for your help.

Posted on Jan 14, 2023 11:32 AM

Hey! Not sure if you still need help with this, but for anyone who is reading this - click on the back button and then sign out of your Apple ID. Skip signing in, and then just sign in once the setup process is completed!

Hope this helps - I just had to do this with my MacBook as well.

View in context

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Answer 3

den.thed

Level 9

76,674 points

Feb 22, 2024 8:55 AM in response to CTSharon

CTSharon wrote:

Thanks for the reply. I'm guessing a Logitech wireless "PC" keyboard/mouse combo won't do the job? Threw out my last USB keyboard some time ago. I'm scrounging around now for a USB attached version.

That should work, if you have and plug-in Logitech USB unifying receiver.

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Answer 4

Feb 25, 2024 8:23 AM in response to CTSharon

At the point where you cannot get past the Ts&Cs, use the Back button to get out of that, then skip that part of the setup; Apple ID (?). You can set that up after the rest of the setup is completed.

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Answer 5

Feb 20, 2024 1:58 PM in response to CTSharon

Do you have any bootable clone backups on external drives?

If the system on the internal drive is messed-up, and you can't get into Recovery Manager, now might be the time to fall back on your backups. If you hold down the Option key while booting the Mac, this should put you into Startup Manager, where you can select an external startup drive.

Startup key combinations - Apple Support

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Answer 6

CTSharon Author

Level 1

6 points

Feb 22, 2024 7:46 AM in response to Servant of Cats

Thanks for the reply. We do have an external drive with backups. Unfortunately, holding down the Option key while booting up still ends up with the prohibitory symbol without displaying Startup Manager.

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Answer 7

CTSharon Author

Level 1

6 points

Feb 24, 2024 10:15 AM in response to rkaufmann87

Thanks. I don't have a bootable backup. I did manage to locate a wired Windows KB and Mouse. After figuring out the Windows equivalent to Apple keys required to invoke Recovery over the Internet, I think I'm on the road to installing Catalina. I'll keep you all posted. You guys rock!!!

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Answer 8

CTSharon Author

Level 1

6 points

Feb 24, 2024 11:32 AM in response to CTSharon

Believe it or not, I got all he way through Catalina installation only to be stopped cold at the Accept Terms and Conditions step. Two choices: Go Back, which works fine, and Continue, which will not light up when the cursor is placed on it.

Suggestions?

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Answer 9

BDAqua

Level 10

238,557 points

Feb 24, 2024 12:40 PM in response to CTSharon

Try a Safe Boot, (holding Shift key down at startup), does the problem occur in Safe Mode? Could take 10 minutes or more.

Safe mode attempts to repair Disks & clears lots of caches & loads safe Drivers, & prevents loading of 3rd party extensions, so if Safe Mode works try again in regular boot.

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Answer 10

den.thed

Level 9

76,674 points

Feb 22, 2024 7:52 AM in response to CTSharon

If you have an older AA battery powered keyboard, then you will need to get and use a USB keyboard.

(fortunately you can plug in and use most any USB Generic, Logitech or PC keyboard with Mac's)

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Answer 11

CTSharon Author

Level 1

6 points

Feb 22, 2024 8:23 AM in response to den.thed

Thanks for the reply. I'm guessing a Logitech wireless "PC" keyboard/mouse combo won't do the job? Threw out my last USB keyboard some time ago. I'm scrounging around now for a USB attached version.

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Answer 12

rkaufmann87

Level 10

140,068 points

Feb 22, 2024 8:34 AM in response to CTSharon

We understand you have a backup, is it a bootable backup. In other words did you use either Carbon Copy Cloner or SuperDuper! to create it. If you DID NOT, you cannot boot from it!

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