DarkBlood
Level 1 (0 points)

Q: imac continuous beeping wont turn on

Can anyone help?

 

I've had my new iMac for a few days. A message popped up telling me to close / shut down the mac by holding the power button for 5 seconds and then turn it back on after that. I shut the mac down and turned it back on but all I am getting is a continuous bleeping sound. The screen is blank too. The only program that wasrunning was Chillfm radio via Safari.

 

 

I tried Applecare but had to leave my details using their voice activation sytem, as no one is available on Sundays.

 

Regarsds,

 

Tony

iMac, Mac OS X (10.7), Not sure if Ive got OS 10.7 or OS.1

Posted on Oct 9, 2011 8:18 AM

by rkaufmann87,Solvedanswer
rkaufmann87 rkaufmann87
Level 9 (58,875 points)
Photos for Mac
A:

Tony,

 

You are on the right track with AppleCare however you will need to wait until tomorrow, they're open M-Saturdays. Don't wait for the call back, call them tomorrow morning. I suspect your machien has suffered a Kernel Panic, this can be difficult to track down. One common cause is RAM related, this can be:

 

1. Failed RAM (yes RAM can and does fail)

2. Incorrect RAM (did you upgrade it?)

3. Unseated RAM, try removing yours and reseating it per your manual. 

 

You can also try some basic resets like restarting in Safe Mode. You can also try doing a SMC and PRAM resets. Please follow the instructions carefully.

 

SMC RESET

 

  • Shut down the computer.
  • Unplug the computer's power cord and all peripherals.
  • Press and hold the power button for 5 seconds.
  • Release the power button.
  • Attach the computers power cable.
  • Press the power button to turn on the computer.

 

PRAM RESET

 

  • Shut down the computer.
  • Locate the following keys on the keyboard: Command, Option, P, and R. You will need to hold these keys down simultaneously in step 4.
  • Turn on the computer.
  • Press and hold the Command-Option-P-R keys. You must press this key combination before the gray screen appears.
  • Hold the keys down until the computer restarts and you hear the startup sound for the second time.
  • Release the keys.

Posted on Oct 9, 2011 8:37 AM

Close
DarkBlood

Q: imac continuous beeping wont turn on

  • All replies
  • Helpful answers

  • by rkaufmann87,Solvedanswer

    rkaufmann87 rkaufmann87 Oct 9, 2011 8:37 AM in response to DarkBlood
    Level 9 (58,875 points)
    Photos for Mac
    Oct 9, 2011 8:37 AM in response to DarkBlood

    Tony,

     

    You are on the right track with AppleCare however you will need to wait until tomorrow, they're open M-Saturdays. Don't wait for the call back, call them tomorrow morning. I suspect your machien has suffered a Kernel Panic, this can be difficult to track down. One common cause is RAM related, this can be:

     

    1. Failed RAM (yes RAM can and does fail)

    2. Incorrect RAM (did you upgrade it?)

    3. Unseated RAM, try removing yours and reseating it per your manual. 

     

    You can also try some basic resets like restarting in Safe Mode. You can also try doing a SMC and PRAM resets. Please follow the instructions carefully.

     

    SMC RESET

     

    • Shut down the computer.
    • Unplug the computer's power cord and all peripherals.
    • Press and hold the power button for 5 seconds.
    • Release the power button.
    • Attach the computers power cable.
    • Press the power button to turn on the computer.

     

    PRAM RESET

     

    • Shut down the computer.
    • Locate the following keys on the keyboard: Command, Option, P, and R. You will need to hold these keys down simultaneously in step 4.
    • Turn on the computer.
    • Press and hold the Command-Option-P-R keys. You must press this key combination before the gray screen appears.
    • Hold the keys down until the computer restarts and you hear the startup sound for the second time.
    • Release the keys.

  • by DarkBlood,

    DarkBlood DarkBlood Oct 9, 2011 10:16 AM in response to rkaufmann87
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Oct 9, 2011 10:16 AM in response to rkaufmann87

    Thanks rkaufmann87,

     

    The SMC Reset worked. I'm new to iMac. I think that was on the message that popped up. I must have half read it, I forgot to hold the power button when it wasn't plugged in. Any idea why it happened in the first place?

  • by rkaufmann87,

    rkaufmann87 rkaufmann87 Oct 9, 2011 10:35 AM in response to DarkBlood
    Level 9 (58,875 points)
    Photos for Mac
    Oct 9, 2011 10:35 AM in response to DarkBlood

    Your welcome, while KP's are unusual and difficult to track a rare occasional one can occur. If you have another then contact AppleCare immediately. Here are some articles that discuss KP's and some trouble shooting steps, my recommendation is to book mark them and hope you never have to use them.

     

    Because you're new to OS X I'm also going to include some links you should bookmark, I'm assuming you have switched from a PC so these may help.

     

    Best of luck.

     

    Kernel Panics

     

    Mac OS X 10.6 Help: If “You need to restart your computer” appears

     

    Tutorial: Avoiding and eliminating Kernel panics

     

    About "You need to restart your computer" (kernel panic) messages

     

    AND

     

    Switch 101

     

    Mac 101

     

    Find Out How Video tutorials

     

    List of Useful URLs for switchers