takes 10 minutes to start up when switched on

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takes 10 minutes to start up when switched on

when i switch on the mac all i get is a small box in the centre of the screen with a world in it, which keeps flashing for a couple of minutes, it then gets smaller and flashes and alternates between a small folder with the world in it, a folder with the face icon the same as the finder icon, and a folder with a ? mark in it, as these keep flashing on and off and alternating for a few minutes the fans then start to run faster and faster until it sounds as if it is going to explode, then suddenly the login page appears. this has been happening now for about 1 month. Now when it is on the fan keeps kicking in and out.
problem 2- since i have had it sometimes the CD draw will not open and i have had to re-start to be able to get the disc out, now though it just will not open at all >>>>HELP

dual2 ghz powermac g5, Mac OS X (10.4.6)

Posted on Jun 4, 2006 6:06 AM

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Answer 1

Jun 4, 2006 6:14 AM in response to arfaamcs

Sounds like the Mac is searching the network for a boot source. Try using the Startup Disk preference pane located in System Preferences to specifically select the internal drive that has OS X on it. That should make it boot much faster.

I don't know about the CD drawer not opening. What happens when you hold down the F12 key or the eject key?

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Answer 2

Jun 4, 2006 6:24 AM in response to arfaamcs

No need to panic as long as you're still able to get to your data 🙂

Login.
Open System Preferences.
Choose "Startup Disk".
Choose the Mac OS X system folder on your hard drive.
Restart (with the button provided in the same pane).

problem 2:
If you want a CD to be ejected at restart, just hold down the (left, if you have more than one) mouse button after the startup chime until the tray opens. The CD will be ejected sooner or later if you just hold the button down after the restart.
But: If you drag a CD to the Trash, the CD should be ejected without a restart, just be patient. Sometimes your Mac thinks it might be a good idea to re-read the contents of a CD before handing it out to you, when you think it should be faster. That's the ghost in the machine. 😉

By the way, could you tell me the steps you do to restart your computer? There are different ways, some more elegant (and safe) than others.

Regards

Greg

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