I Have an older iMac but not sure of OS. Cant get in to find it but purchased in about 1994. When I turn it on it is a gray screen and flashes a file folder with a question mark.
iMac, iOS 7
That is the way that the Mac tells you it can't find a system file to boot from.
Either the disk drive is dead or the system file no the disk drive is corrupt.
Click here and follow the instructions. If you reach the third set of steps, insert a Mac OS or Mac OS X install disk.
There weren't any iMacs before 1998.
(112004)
Look at both these tips to identify your Mac:
What does it mean when the screen is gray with a flashing question mark in a file folder? This is on an older iMac .
