HT201257: Using Apple Hardware Test

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sbnativegirl
Level 1 (0 points)

Q: Apple Hardware Test - how do you run it?

I have been trying to run the Apple Hardware Test. The instructions say to "press and hold the D key prior to the grey screen coming on". I have done that twice now and nothing happens. What am I doing wrong?!

iMac, Mac OS X (10.5.8)

Posted on Jul 9, 2015 3:12 PM

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sbnativegirl

Q: Apple Hardware Test - how do you run it?

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  • by Mike Sombrio,

    Mike Sombrio Mike Sombrio Jul 9, 2015 3:19 PM in response to sbnativegirl
    Level 6 (17,194 points)
    Apple Watch
    Jul 9, 2015 3:19 PM in response to sbnativegirl

    If your mac shipped with install discs you need them. AHT is usually on disc two of your original install set. Insert disc 2 and restart while holding the D key.

  • by rkaufmann87,

    rkaufmann87 rkaufmann87 Jul 9, 2015 3:19 PM in response to sbnativegirl
    Level 9 (58,115 points)
    Photos for Mac
    Jul 9, 2015 3:19 PM in response to sbnativegirl

    Carefully read the instructions in Using Apple Hardware Test - Apple Support.

     

    If you are running 10.5.8 as your profile indicates then you need the 2nd disc of the original install discs that shipped with the computer. If you no longer have these you cannot run AHT. You can call AppleCare and if they still have them for your machine, for a nominal cost they will ship you a set. The discs are machine specific, a machine running 10.5.8 is close to 10 years old so Apple may no longer have them available.

  • by sbnativegirl,

    sbnativegirl sbnativegirl Jul 9, 2015 3:31 PM in response to rkaufmann87
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Jul 9, 2015 3:31 PM in response to rkaufmann87

    I am running 10.10.3 on an iMac. Not sure what profile you're viewing, maybe I should look at that. It's possibly for an old MacBook - but that's not the problem child. I'll take a look for the disks, but I don't believe I have them - came preloaded.

     

    Instructions online say:

    1. Shut down your computer. Then, press the power button to turn it back on.
    2. Press and hold the D key before the gray startup screen appears.
    3. It takes a minute or so for AHT to start up and inspect your hardware configuration. While this is taking place, an icon appears on the screen:

     

    No mention of needing the disks, maybe Apple should update those instructions! I'll keep on researching.

  • by Mike Sombrio,

    Mike Sombrio Mike Sombrio Jul 9, 2015 3:33 PM in response to sbnativegirl
    Level 6 (17,194 points)
    Apple Watch
    Jul 9, 2015 3:33 PM in response to sbnativegirl

    Exactly which iMac do you have?

  • by rkaufmann87,

    rkaufmann87 rkaufmann87 Jul 9, 2015 3:37 PM in response to sbnativegirl
    Level 9 (58,115 points)
    Photos for Mac
    Jul 9, 2015 3:37 PM in response to sbnativegirl

    Your profile clearly states you are running 10.5.8. Tell us exactly which iMac you have, if you are not sure click the Apple Symbol in the upper left corner and click About this Mac. We need to know the version of OS X that shipped with the computer when you bought it.

  • by babowa,

    babowa babowa Jul 9, 2015 4:23 PM in response to sbnativegirl
    Level 7 (31,893 points)
    iPad
    Jul 9, 2015 4:23 PM in response to sbnativegirl

    No mention of needing the disks, maybe Apple should update those instructions! I'll keep on researching.

     

    The instructions assume yours came with lion or later. If your Mac originally came with install disks, that is what you need. The D key only works if the Mac came with Lion or later installed originally (not what it is running now) - the hardware/firmware of the newer Macs is needed for the D key to work.