golfnut257

Q: Replaced HD on 2009 iMac, now I can't load the OSX.  Have the original startup disk but it just pops out about a minute.  All that comes up on the display is a flashing folder and ?.

Replaced HD on 2009 iMac, now I can't load the OSX.  Have the original startup disk but it just pops out about a minute.  All that comes up on the display is a flashing folder and ?.

iMac, Mac OS X (10.6.1)

Posted on Jun 5, 2015 6:31 AM

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Q: Replaced HD on 2009 iMac, now I can't load the OSX.  Have the original startup disk but it just pops out about a minute.  ... more

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  • by Limnos,

    Limnos Limnos Jun 5, 2015 8:21 AM in response to golfnut257
    Level 9 (53,936 points)
    Mac OS X
    Jun 5, 2015 8:21 AM in response to golfnut257

    There's a remote chance it could be a firmware issue.  http://support.apple.com/kb/HT201788 - Get help with the slot-loading SuperDrive on your Mac computer - see SMC reset link

     

    When I see a 6 year old optical drive problem my tendency is to think the drive itself may have failed.  You can try a drive cleaning disc (I am not sure how well it will work in a non-booting computer) to clean out the dust that gets drawn into the thing by the fans blowing out the hot air.  I have an older computer and have to replace the optical drive about once every 5 years even though I barely do anything with it.  Your Mac should be USB bootable so an external optical drive should work.

  • by Mike Sombrio,

    Mike Sombrio Mike Sombrio Jun 5, 2015 9:29 AM in response to golfnut257
    Level 6 (17,233 points)
    Apple Watch
    Jun 5, 2015 9:29 AM in response to golfnut257

    With the original install disc inserted are you holding the C key while you restart?

  • by golfnut257,

    golfnut257 golfnut257 Jun 5, 2015 9:39 AM in response to Limnos
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Jun 5, 2015 9:39 AM in response to Limnos

    Thanks for the response Limnos.  Based on your experience with optical drives I'd say I should replace mine.  Any way to verify a bad drive?  Any tips on replacing?

  • by golfnut257,

    golfnut257 golfnut257 Jun 5, 2015 9:45 AM in response to Mike Sombrio
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Jun 5, 2015 9:45 AM in response to Mike Sombrio

    Thanks for the response Mike.  Yes, several times.  After about a minute the drive ejects the disk.