iMac sounds tone every 5 sec

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ksiri0 Author

Level 1

5 points

iMac sounds tone every 5 sec

iMac sounds tone every 5 sec when it is turned on; machine won't start up.

Tried all the steps in "everythingMac" for "if your iMac won't turn on or start up"

iMac 20" early 2008

processor 2.4 GHz Intel core 2 duo

memory 4GB 800 MHz DDR@ SDRAM

operating system: up to date, but can't check because machine won't start!

Note I have NOT recently installed new memory (from everything Mac the 5 sec tone could happen if you've recently incorrectly installed new memory, but that is not the case here.

iMac

Posted on Jan 31, 2015 10:32 AM

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Answer 1

May 13, 2017 11:46 AM in response to Old Toad

iMac had sat unused for 5 months. Worked at first, but then failed to start and made the beep every 5 seconds. I pulled all of the modules and switched them around. So far, it has worked normally since. Thanks!

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Answer 2

dominic23

Level 10

84,024 points

Jan 31, 2015 10:34 AM in response to ksiri0

If you haven't tried this yet,

Reset SMC. http://support.apple.com/kb/HT3964

Choose the appropriate method.

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Answer 3

Old Toad

Level 10

216,662 points

Jan 31, 2015 11:02 AM in response to ksiri0

The following is from this Apple document: Mac computers: About startup tones - Apple Support

1 tone, repeating every 5 seconds: This indicates no RAM is installed.

Check the RAM modules in your iMac to make sure they are firmly seated. If necessary switch the modules around.

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Answer 4

ksiri0 Author

Level 1

5 points

Jan 31, 2015 11:01 AM in response to dominic23

Thanks. Didn't have any effect.

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Answer 5

ksiri0 Author

Level 1

5 points

Jan 31, 2015 11:05 AM in response to Old Toad

thanks. Should have said that I have done that - they are firmly seated. Didn't have any effect.

Is it possible for the all the RAM to have failed, and the machine interprets this as no RAM installed?

We haven't had any power outages, lightning strikes or anything like that.

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Answer 6

Old Toad

Level 10

216,662 points

Jan 31, 2015 11:21 AM in response to ksiri0

It seems unlikely. Make an appointment at the nearest Apple Genius Bar for a free diagnosis. If it is memory you can get it much cheaper than what Apple provides from Crucial.com or otherworldcomputing.com. Both are very reliable sources for Mac memory.

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Answer 7

ksiri0 Author

Level 1

5 points

Jan 31, 2015 12:16 PM in response to Old Toad

Thanks. I have Crutial memory in at the moment - installed end 2013. Thanks for the other good source for memory.

Apple genius bar diagnosis seems like the next step. Problem is that is a 2 1/2 hr drive away! So will book an appointment and make the trip.

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Answer 8

Old Toad

Level 10

216,662 points

Jan 31, 2015 12:57 PM in response to ksiri0

Problem is that is a 2 1/2 hr drive away! So will book an appointment and make the trip.

Take your significant other with you and make a event out of it, dinner and a movie, etc. 🙂

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