iMac G5 -black screen/power light comes on when I plug computer in

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iMac G5 -black screen/power light comes on when I plug computer in

One day, I left my computer on. When I came back, it was off. It's gone downhill from there. It started out that if I unplugged it for a while, it might decide to work. Then it started doing things like turning on, making the starting "bong", going black and doing the "bong" again. I took it to the genius bar. The first time he tried to start it, we got the power light on the fron, but nothing happened. Then we got the grey screen with a progress bar. It started up and seemed ok. He ran a test and all seemed well. He declared there was nothing wrong. I brought it home and it worked. for a little while. It died again, but once in a while I could get it to start up again. It alternated between the black screen and a blank grey screen and a grey screen with an apple. sometimes I would even get to the sign in screen, but as soon as I clicked on my account, the screen went black. My husband took it to work so my brother-in-law could look at it. He reset it and it worked. He said it seemed fine. It worked at home. I turned it off for the night, and the next morning, no luck. The power light in front comes on when I plug it in. I unplug from the wall and the computer. I've waited all lengths of time (up to overnight) and still I only get a grey or a black screen. I've moved the computer to another outlet, and I have tried another power cord. nothing works. Today, it made the "bong" noise 8 times. I am so sick of not having access to my stuff! please help! Thanks

iMac G5, Mac OS X (10.6), not sure of operating system 10.5? 10.6?

Posted on Mar 16, 2011 4:24 PM

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Answer 1

babowa

Level 9

78,580 points

Mar 16, 2011 6:30 PM in response to montera

Well, the first thing we need to figure out which model and operating system you actually have. If you are running 10.6, then it's NOT a G5. So, if you can get it to start, click on the Apple (upper left corner), then on about my Mac and copy your OS information (under MacOS X) - it'll say version ..... Then click on "more info". In that window, copy what it says on the right - model name, model identifier, processor, etc.

Report back with that information.

In the meantime, the initial question is: why are you unplugging your computer? There is a small battery inside your iMac which will keep the settings when not plugged in; you should not unplug it regularly - instead, use the proper shut down method (File menu: shut down), or, you can simply let it sleep when not using it. If you always unplug it, the battery will wear out more quickly, so that might be one problem.

Second, while you're in the System Profiler as mentioned above, click on memory on the left and report what it says: is there an "ok" next to the entry for the RAM modules? How much RAM is there? Sometimes, if the RAM is defective, the Mac will make certain sounds at startup, so this information is important as well.

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Answer 2

montera Author

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Mar 16, 2011 7:01 PM in response to babowa

Thanks for responding. Unfortunately I cannot get the info because it will not start up.

Don't worry 🙂 I have only been unplugging it is because of the problem. When it was working properly, I shut down by clicking the apple and selecting "shut down". Now, it will not shut off unless I unplug it. and when I plug it back in, it starts up without pushing the button.

I found my receipt: "Apple iMac desktop with 20" display MA 589LL/A (2.16 GHz Intel Core2 Duo, 1GB Hard Drive, Super Drive" (May 2007)

I installed additional memory. Memory shouldn't be the problem. I took it to the apple store before Christmas because I wanted to get a program for my son as a gift. The genius bar said once I installed the memory I was more than set.

As for the RAM saying "ok", if I ever get it to start up again, I will look, but I'm losing hope 😟

The latest thing it did was I got the startup sound, I got the grey screen with the apple (but no rotating startup circle), then it was like a light blue shade was being pulled down the screen. That's a new one for me.

Any help would be very much appreciated!

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Answer 3

babowa

Level 9

78,580 points

Mar 16, 2011 8:20 PM in response to montera

Okay, here are the complete specs for your Mac:

http://www.everymac.com/systems/apple/imac/stats/imac-core-2-duo-2.16-20-inch-sp ecs.html

It came originally with 2 x 512 MB RAM (total of 1 GB). Your hard drive is 250 GB (you said 1 GB). So how much RAM ( how much and which brand) did you add? Memory can still be a problem - it can become defective. So, that would be my first guess; another is your hard drive failing. There are few troubleshooting methods or tests if it will not even boot.

If you're able, try some of these:

http://support.apple.com/kb/TS2570

http://support.apple.com/kb/TS1587

And the Apple hardware test (run the extended test and you'll need your install disk):

http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1509

If you can't perform any of the above, make sure you write down everything that has happened exactly so you can tell them (including unplugging it several times which can cause problems all by itself) before making an appointment at your nearest Genius bar.

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Answer 4

montera Author

Level 1

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Mar 18, 2011 9:26 AM in response to babowa

I removed the memory (Crucial, 1GB and 2GB) and reinstalled the original memory. Computer is working. I entered info I needed to take care of and am presently backing up everything with Time Machine. Crossing my fingers that the problem is solved.

I have to find the receipt for the memory cards. Will I be able to get money back? And going forward, is there a brand I should look for? Thanks for all the help 🙂 Hopefully I won't be back too soon!

Message was edited by: montera ... but I'll be back to see the answer about the memory cards....thx

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Answer 5

babowa

Level 9

78,580 points

Mar 18, 2011 9:32 AM in response to montera

Once you find your receipt, contact Crucial. They have a lifetime warranty; you'll probably have to return the defective modules and they will send replacements.

RAM modules can become defective such like any other hardware on your computer; Crucial is a reputable company, so I wouldn't worry about that. If you'd rather not deal with them, then try OWC (macsales.com) - I've used their OWC brand for some time now (do not order anything "value" branded anywhere).

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Answer 6

montera Author

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Mar 20, 2011 12:03 PM in response to babowa

Thanks so much for your help!

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