HT201257: Using Apple Hardware Test

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makloklin
Level 1 (0 points)

Q: Can't start in Apple Hardware Test

iMac late '09 quad i5 2.66 GHz 8GB ram, OSX 9.2: I am having video problems. I cannot get the computer to boot into Hardware Test by holding down the D key. Everything is disconnected but the keyboard. Any suggestions?

iMac 27" quad core i5 2.66GHz, Mac OS X (10.6.2), 4 GB ram

Posted on Apr 19, 2014 3:47 PM

by babowa,Solvedanswer
babowa babowa
Level 7 (31,893 points)
iPad
A:

Take a look here:

 

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

 

Since yours shipped with an earlier OS than Lion, you need the install disks - as far as I know, the D key only works with Macs that shipped with Lion or later.

Posted on Apr 21, 2014 12:36 PM

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makloklin

Q: Can't start in Apple Hardware Test

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  • by baltwo,

    baltwo baltwo Apr 19, 2014 4:00 PM in response to makloklin
    Level 9 (62,256 points)
    Apr 19, 2014 4:00 PM in response to makloklin

    Should be on disc #2 that shipped with the machine. As for why it fails to boot, the embedded .diagnostics folder might be damaged or missing. Launch the Terminal app in /Utilities/, copy & paste this command into the window that pops up, and hit the return key:

     

    ls -al /System/Library/CoreServices/ |grep .diagnostics

     

    Post the result.

  • by macbig,

    macbig macbig Apr 19, 2014 4:04 PM in response to makloklin
    Level 4 (1,680 points)
    Apr 19, 2014 4:04 PM in response to makloklin

    AHT is located on the Applications Install Disc 2 that came with your computer.

  • by makloklin,

    makloklin makloklin Apr 20, 2014 2:02 PM in response to baltwo
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Apr 20, 2014 2:02 PM in response to baltwo

    Yes, I knew that, but all instructions just said restart holding the D, nothing about having to boot from the install disk. I thought it was built into the system. I'm good now, thanks…

  • by baltwo,Helpful

    baltwo baltwo Apr 20, 2014 7:19 PM in response to makloklin
    Level 9 (62,256 points)
    Apr 20, 2014 7:19 PM in response to makloklin

    It should be built-in, it your machine was built that way. That's why I asked for the Terminal command output. If it's there, then most likely corrupted and you can replace it with the one on the install disc #2.

  • by makloklin,

    makloklin makloklin Apr 21, 2014 12:27 PM in response to baltwo
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Apr 21, 2014 12:27 PM in response to baltwo

    Here is what get in Terminal - nada.

     

    Screen Shot 2014-04-21 at 12.25.50 PM.png

  • by babowa,Solvedanswer

    babowa babowa Apr 21, 2014 12:36 PM in response to makloklin
    Level 7 (31,893 points)
    iPad
    Apr 21, 2014 12:36 PM in response to makloklin

    Take a look here:

     

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

     

    Since yours shipped with an earlier OS than Lion, you need the install disks - as far as I know, the D key only works with Macs that shipped with Lion or later.

  • by baltwo,

    baltwo baltwo Apr 21, 2014 12:47 PM in response to makloklin
    Level 9 (62,256 points)
    Apr 21, 2014 12:47 PM in response to makloklin

    Then, pop in the install disc containing AHT (normally named Applications Install Disc), launch the Termial app, copy & paate in this command, and hit the return key. That will make all hidden items visible.

     

    defaults write com.apple.finder AppleShowAllFiles 1

     

    Then, navigate down the Applications Install Disc to: /System/Library/CoreServiced/ where you should see a folder named .diagnostics. If so, then copy & paste this command into the Terminal app window, hit the return key, enter your admin password at the Password: prompt (nothing displays on the screen), and hit the return key again.

     

    sudo cp -R  /Volumes/Applications\ Install\ Disc/System/Library/CoreServices/.diagnostics /System/Library/CoreServices/.diagnostics

     

    That should copy the AHT folder to your machine and you should see it in /System/Library/CoreServices/. If so, hide the normally hidden things with this command:

     

    defaults write com.apple.finder AppleShowAllFiles 0

     

    Eject the App install disc, restart, holding down the D key, and AHT should launch.