Apple Hardware Test

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Apple Hardware Test

I just upgraded the ram in my new 2011 iMac and I want to run Apple Hardware Test. Since Apple no longer supplied a DVD with this bootable app I was wondering how I can launch the App. I tried apple's online doc and held the "d" key down to try to boot it from the internet but eventually the OS just launches instead. I then read that you are suppose to pess Command + D, same thing its a gray screen for a while but then eventually launches OSX. I even tried a bootable DVD of Snow Lepard and its not compatable. Please help. Id like to be able to run the hardware test.

iMac, iOS 4.3.3

Posted on Nov 16, 2011 5:12 PM

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Answer 1

babowa

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Nov 16, 2011 5:54 PM in response to Bill Ansel

In order to access the recovery partition, you need to press Command + R when restarting:

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

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Answer 2

Bill Ansel Author

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Nov 16, 2011 7:25 PM in response to babowa

where do you start the hardware app from the recovery partition? i see only Disk utility and install apps

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Answer 3

babowa

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Nov 16, 2011 7:30 PM in response to Bill Ansel

I thought it was included there, but it's supposed to work with an "internet recover" (that's why I thought it'd be the same thing). In any case, here is some info from Apple:

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

Now, just to make sure, I'd try it again with the DVD you have (make sure the disk says Apple Hardware Test or AHT on it).

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Answer 4

Bill Ansel Author

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Nov 16, 2011 7:35 PM in response to babowa

the New machines come with no DVD's 😟

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Answer 5

babowa

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Nov 16, 2011 7:37 PM in response to Bill Ansel

Sorry, thought you maybe had one that still came with Snow Leopard......

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Answer 6

Bill Ansel Author

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Nov 16, 2011 7:56 PM in response to babowa

I do but my machine isn't suporrted with that version

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Answer 7

Bill Ansel Author

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Nov 17, 2011 11:39 AM in response to Bill Ansel

I found memtest 86+ but doesnt seem like the new macs like Apples Hardware Test, I must call Applecare I guess to see if I can figure this out

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Answer 8

Nov 17, 2011 11:43 AM in response to Bill Ansel

Hello

to run AHT , try just after startup sound hold "D" key on keyboard ( a leat for 1 min )

D aka Diagnostic , should launch AHT

HTH

Pierre

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Answer 9

Bill Ansel Author

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Nov 17, 2011 8:17 PM in response to durignieux pierre

ive done this a dozen or so times and the mac always starts back up off the HD

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Answer 10

babowa

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78,103 points

Nov 17, 2011 8:35 PM in response to Bill Ansel

The problem I've found is sometimes with the wireless keyboard: it turns itself off when the computer is off. The only way I get it to work is to sit with fingers ready and as soon as the gong starts I hit the on button for the keyboard - as soon as I see the little green light flash I hit the key combination needed. Or, if you happen to have a USB keyboard, use it (I keep one for just that purpose).

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Answer 11

Bill Ansel Author

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Nov 17, 2011 9:50 PM in response to babowa

i have a usb keyboard

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Answer 12

Bill Ansel Author

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Nov 17, 2011 10:02 PM in response to Bill Ansel

one strange thing is when I hold down the d key when the computer finally boots from the HD the wifi and the eithernet seem to be searching for an internet connection. Maybe somehow its not getting out to the internet? I tried tuning wifi off and not using eithernet. Same thing always happens. The screen goes gray for a min or so while im holding the D keydown and then the apple icon comes on and the HD boots.

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Answer 13

Nov 18, 2011 10:47 AM in response to Bill Ansel

Hello

Instructions tu use AHT from help menu

try use an ethernet cable , turn off airport ,restart your computer while holding down both the Option and “D” keys

Use Apple Hardware Test

Open the Help Viewer’s Action pop-up menu (looks like a gear) and choose Print to print these instructions.
Disconnect all external devices except the keyboard, mouse, display, and speakers. If you have an Ethernet cable or external DVD drive, disconnect them.
Restart your computer, holding down the “D” key while the computer restarts.After your computer restarts, you should see the Apple Hardware Test chooser screen. If you don’t, Apple Hardware Test may not be available on your computer. You may be able to start Apple Hardware Test from the Internet. Reconnect your computer to the network, and then restart your computer while holding down both the Option and “D” keys.
When the Apple Hardware Test chooser screen appears, select the language you want to use, and then press the Return key or click the right arrow button.
When the Apple Hardware Test main screen appears (after about 45 seconds), follow the onscreen instructions.

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Answer 14

Bill Ansel Author

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Nov 18, 2011 4:15 PM in response to durignieux pierre

YES!! thanks man!

This is the first time I saw the words "option +D" it worked great!

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Answer 15

Nov 19, 2011 12:33 AM in response to Bill Ansel

Hello

yep a liitel trap from apple , we need to read carefully the help and not missing any word 🙂

Pierre

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