Looks like no one’s replied in a while. To start the conversation again, simply ask a new question.

Level 2

476 points

Won't boot, Bluetooth keyboard, now swallowed install disc

Hi there,

My G5 Tiger iMac was put in the spare room when I upgraded my iMac some time ago. I went to boot it up the other day (for the first time in quite a few months - possibly a year) and got a grey screen with the spinning icon (not the beach ball). It did this for about half a minute and then the fan kicked in and made it sound like a jet plane. This continued indefinitely, until I forced it to power off by holding in the power button.

So I inserted the G5 install disc (not the Tiger upgrade DVD, so would have been 10.2). The SuperDrive took the disc OK. However, the only keyboard I have is a wireless one. I assume that the iMac is not receiving a bluetooth signal during the boot up process..?

The same thing is happening - I don;t get past the grey Apple logo and spinning icon and the fan kicks into overdrive

Any ideas on how I can get the thing to boot? I don't have a wired keyboard with me, and the only one I'm likely to be able to get hold of is a Windows one.

Thanks,

iMac G5, Intel iMac, Mac Mini, Mac OS X (10.5.6)

Posted on Jan 14, 2011 10:41 AM

26 replies

MGW

Level 7

27,041 points

Feb 2, 2011 2:44 PM in response to TWH3

What formula did you use to reformat the drive? You should use Mac OS extended (journaled). If you can get hold of DiskWarrior or TechTool Pro, either of them could check your drive and rebuild your directory. When you see your internal drive on Disk Utility what does the S.M.A.R.T status show as?

TWH3 Author

Level 2

476 points

Feb 2, 2011 2:53 PM in response to MGW

I used Mac OS Extended (Journaled)

The S.M.A.R.T. Status is Not Supported

I have a copy of Tech Tool Protection - but I acquired it as part of a special offer bundle. What Test, Tool or Report should I be using?

Thanks again for all your help

TWH3 Author

Level 2

476 points

Feb 2, 2011 3:18 PM in response to TWH3

Sorry - I think i answered one of your questions incorrectly - the status of my Internal Drive (on my perfectly performing Intel iMac) is 'Verified'.

TWH3 Author

Level 2

476 points

Feb 2, 2011 3:23 PM in response to TWH3

OK... I've run the Volume Structures, Volume Rebuild and Volume Optimization Jobs in the troublesome drive, and all run successfully...

But still not booting 😟

MGW

Level 7

27,041 points

Feb 2, 2011 3:24 PM in response to TWH3

I was looking for the status of the G5's drive, not the intel.

If you can, boot the G5 fro TechTool and have it run through its test program for the hard drive, and also check the files. If possible, have it rebuild your directory.

TWH3 Author

Level 2

476 points

Feb 2, 2011 3:27 PM in response to MGW

From doing some Googling I'm thinking that it's not possible to get the SMART status of a FireWire connected drive 😟

How do I boot the G5 from TechTool?

Thanks

MGW

Level 7

27,041 points

Feb 2, 2011 4:13 PM in response to TWH3

Do you still have a disk stuck in the G5's drive? If not, see if it will boot from the TechTool disc.
If you can't boot it, it may be time to bite the bullet and take it in to Apple 😟

TWH3 Author

Level 2

476 points

Feb 3, 2011 1:07 AM in response to MGW

Unfortunately the DVD is indeed still stuck in the drive. Looks like my next browser tab to be opened will be to book some time at the Genius Bar 😟

Alhtough we didn't reach a succesfull conclusion, thanks again for all your tips, help and patience!

MGW

Level 7

27,041 points

Feb 3, 2011 5:48 AM in response to TWH3

One last tip - to eject the DVD, lay the Mac down on its face on a soft towel and when you reboot, hold down the eject key. If that doesn't work, as you reboot, hold down the mouse button.

I am sorry that we never managed to get to the bottom of it, I think it may be your logic board after all, please do let me know what the Genius says.

And you're very welcome, I just wish we'd had a better outcome!

TWH3 Author

Level 2

476 points

Feb 3, 2011 8:13 AM in response to MGW

I'm not sure I'll be able to hold down the Eject key... my keyboard is a Bluetooth one (all the keystrokes so far -whcih have successfully put my G5 in Target mode and reset the PRAM have been with a wired PC keyboard) 😟

I already tried holding down the mouse too 😟 😟

Will hopefully be able to get in to Apple over the w/end...

TWH3 Author

Level 2

476 points

Sep 4, 2011 7:58 AM in response to TWH3

Just managed to get to a Genius bar with my naughty iMac.

The wonderful chap there managed to boot it from am external drive that had Leopard on it.

My HD wa then repartitioned and has had a new copy of the OS installed.

All now working well, except my Optical drive appears to be dead. Will need to check that out later - make sure it's connected OK as my numerous internal explorations may have knocked it out. If it really is gone then I may have to live life without it. No big deal in this day and age!

Can I get the Mac app store on a PPC leopard machine?

Won't boot, Bluetooth keyboard, now swallowed install disc