How do I reboot my iMac pre-Intel OS 10.5.8 WITH a diagnostic application first window open?

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How do I reboot my iMac pre-Intel OS 10.5.8 WITH a diagnostic application first window open?

It's a 2009 PowerPC iMac 1.9ghz (Leopard?)and is getting too ****** slow. It also has a green/yellow 1-pixel vertical line beginning to be a regular guest 2/3 way across screen but people tell me THAT'S a video board problem and unrelated.

THe iMac is not only slow, it's cursor will move across the screen but I guess the drive won't let it do anything but darken the red-green/yellow buttons onany box it's on top of...can't do anything but that.

Is this all related to the computer aging?

I used to be able to push a combination of buttons at start-up that would open any Mac to a diagnostics page where I could go from there.

What about now?

Thanks!

iMac 1.9 GHz Power PC G5, Mac OS X (10.5.6)

Posted on Jul 1, 2012 11:11 AM

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Answer 1

Jul 1, 2012 1:10 PM in response to filmboomer

That iMac G5 would be from 2005, if it's this one

http://www.everymac.com/systems/apple/imac/specs/imac_g5_1.9_17.html

It could be a hardware problem. However, you should reset PRAM, if you have not already.

http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1379

Also, reset SMU (power management). This is the procedure for an iMac G5

http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1767

When you reconnect it back to power, if it was previously connected to a "power strip" of some type (especially if it's old or overcrowded), try connecting it directly to a wall outlet, by itself. Start it up with nothing else connected initially, then connect only a standard mouse and keyboard. Use it that way for a while, to see if there is improvement. Some USB devices (whether faulty or not) can cause "interference."

A weak or dead PRAM battery can cause odd issues, but most of those seem to related to be starting up.

I used to be able to push a combination of buttons at start-up that would open any Mac to a diagnostics page where I could go from there.

You can run a hardware test, but you need to insert the disc that came with the iMac. I believe you then start up with the Option key held down, to see the option to run the hardware tester.

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Answer 2

filmboomer Author

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Jul 1, 2012 3:24 PM in response to Kenichi Watanabe

I'm mid-move of homestead so am separated from my operating discs.

I'm thinking your suggestion of my doing a hardware test is related to the PRAM battery. That will have to wait.

What I can and will do is the PRAM reset and somewhere find a speed test. I am pretty sure my problem began with the operation being so slow it looked stopped.

THANK YOU! That's what I like: instant help!

Tom

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Answer 3

Jul 1, 2012 3:54 PM in response to filmboomer

I know of no "built-in" hardware tester that you can invoke by holding down keys at startup. It comes on the disc that came with the Mac.

There are other startup options, such as Safe Boot (hold Shift key during startup), but they do not test the hardware. You may want to try that

http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1564

to see if it makes a difference in your video issues.

There are third party utilities, such as TechTool Pro, that test some hardware in general ways, but not specific hardware, such as the components of an iMac G5.

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