Early 2006 iMac Kernel Panics on startup

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Early 2006 iMac Kernel Panics on startup

We have recently purchased a second hand 20" iMac, and after a few days it has started to kernel panic on startup, before the Apple logo disappears. A whirring when it begins to turn on has also appeared.
I shall photograph the kernel panic message if it helps. The local Apple Store have suggested that since there is a greater time period before the Apple Logo appears, the fault might be something to do with the motherboard/hard drive. Are there any suggestions here which may help us?

Thank you.

20" iMac Dual Core (early 2006), Mac OS X (10.4.4)

Posted on Dec 22, 2010 3:12 AM

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Answer 1

Jolly Giant

Level 7

25,464 points

Dec 22, 2010 6:24 AM in response to KimGale

KimGale wrote:
the fault might be something to do with the motherboard/hard drive. Are there any suggestions here which may help us?

run an extended _*Apple Hardware Test*_ using the install DVD that shipped with your machine.

J GG

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Answer 2

KimGale Author

Level 1

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Dec 22, 2010 8:17 AM in response to Jolly Giant

The kernel panic occurs before I can log in. The disk is in there, and now we can't get it out, as the computer kernel panics too early. Thanks for trying, though.

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Answer 3

Jolly Giant

Level 7

25,464 points

Dec 22, 2010 9:00 AM in response to KimGale

KimGale wrote:
The kernel panic occurs before I can log in.

here's some to read up on:

_*Resolving Kernel Panics*_ and here _* http://support.apple.com/kb/HT2546*_.

for OS X 10.6 specifically, see this: http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?path=Mac/10.6/en/8965.html.

also

_*What is a kernel panic*_,
_*Technical Note TN2063: Understanding and Debugging Kernel Panics*_,
_*Mac OS X Kernel Panic FAQ*_,
and
_*Tutorial: Avoiding and eliminating Kernel panics*_

The disk is in there, and now we can't get it out

FWIW,

Kappy wrote:
Five ways to eject a stuck CD or DVD from the optical drive

Ejecting the stuck disc can usually be done in one of the following ways:

1. Restart the computer and after the chime press and hold down the left mouse button until the disc ejects.

2. Press the Eject button on your keyboard.

3. Click on the Eject button in the menubar.

4. Press COMMAND-E.

5. If none of the above work try this:

Open the Terminal application in your Utilities folder. At the prompt enter or paste the following:

/usr/bin/drutil eject.

If this fails then try this:

Boot the computer into single-user mode. At the prompt enter the same command as used above. To restart the computer enter "reboot" at the prompt without quotes.

J GG

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Answer 4

den.thed

Level 9

77,158 points

Dec 22, 2010 9:11 AM in response to KimGale

1. You can only run the Apple Hardware Test if that is the iMac's original Install DVD.
2. If your are using a wireless keyboard, it's probably unpaired at this point and you'll need to use a USB keyboard to enter Startup Key Commands.

If the iMac will not run the Hardware Test, try holding the Option key and see if you can select the HD or Install Disk from Startup Manager. > http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1310

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Answer 5

KimGale Author

Level 1

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Dec 23, 2010 1:50 AM in response to den.thed

Thank you for trying, but the computer does not start up, the Apple logo appears, and before it moves on, the Kernel panic has occurred. Thus, none of the solutions recommended will work. Is there anything else you can suggest?
Beginning of error message reads:
panic(cpu 0 caller 0x00399ca3):unable to find driver for this platform: "ACPI"
kernal version: Darwin Kernal version 8.4.1

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