Haven’t used this iMac for a couple of years. Replaced batteries in Magic Mouse and keyboard. Can’t get past mouse and keyboard icons on screen.
iMac 24″, macOS 14.4
Dig out or barrow a USB keyboard and mouse, plug those in to log-in and then re-pair your wireless ones.
The alternating mouse / keyboard images mean that Mac can't find any input devices. The circa 2021 keyboard should work provided it is in fact a wired USB keyboard, not the rechargeable one with a Lightning port. In other words if its cable is detachable then it is not a wired USB keyboard. The keyboard introduced and bundled with 2021 iMacs is not a wired USB keyboard. But any wired USB keyboard should work — it doesn't have to be an Apple branded keyboard.
A likely dead NVRAM battery is also a factor. They are easily replaced on that model iMac.
Also: you will almost certainly require that Mac's original, grey, System Install DVD.
Find that disc, replace the battery, make sure you're using a wired USB keyboard, and then you may be able to get somewhere.
+1 to try a USB keyboard and mouse. If it still won't boot up, please describe what you see and the sounds the computer makes so we can send you the proper diagnostic.
Also, if you have the model year and version of Mac OS that is installed on the Mac that could be helpful too.
Thanks for your replies.
2009 iMac which hasn't been used for several years. Not sure last OS version used.
It powers up with apple logo and goes through progress bar. Screen then shows mouse alternating with keyboard and cursor stuck in top rt corner.
I tried using my 2021 keyboard with USB connection, doing Command R, Option-Command R, and Shift-Option-Command R without any result
At this point a 2009 Mac is not "old" IMHO it's a relic that should be sent into Apple for recycling. If you have not used it for several years, that tells us there is nothing on it that you really need otherwise you would have been already using it.
Chances are high the NVRAM battery is dead. Is there a reason you are trying to resurrect a seemingly dead computer?
I want to access a CT scan on a CD as well as use the monitor for my bike trainer app.
Would at least like to wipe the files clean if the best we can do is turn it into ewaste
You can use newer Macs for the CD there are many CD/DVD players that work with more up-to-date Macs. My 2020 (now almost 5 years old) has an external DVD drive attached. I rarely use it anymore but it's there if you necessary. OWC (www.macsales.com) has lots of CD/DVD players and burners that all work with Macs.
For your Bike Trainer app, have you considered using the Fitness app that is on current Macs, iPhones, iPads? They have bike training workouts.
Remove the HD from the computer and then use a sledgehammer to beat it into submission. Then recycle the Mac. OWC (www.macsales.com) has disassembly instructions at:
Can’t start up old iMac.
