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Q: keys to hold down to start iMac.opens blue screen

My iMac opens with blue screen, no dock etc. are there keys I can hold down at opening that will correct that???

iMac, OS X Mavericks (10.9.3)

Posted on Sep 21, 2015 6:03 AM

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Q: keys to hold down to start iMac.opens blue screen

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  • by rkaufmann87,Helpful

    rkaufmann87 rkaufmann87 Sep 21, 2015 6:31 AM in response to Whytcloud
    Level 9 (58,704 points)
    Photos for Mac
    Sep 21, 2015 6:31 AM in response to Whytcloud

    You may have damaged hardware. However, here is a list of startup key combinations Startup key combinations for Mac - Apple Support

  • by Linc Davis,

    Linc Davis Linc Davis Sep 21, 2015 10:09 AM in response to Whytcloud
    Level 10 (207,995 points)
    Applications
    Sep 21, 2015 10:09 AM in response to Whytcloud

    Please read this whole message before doing anything.

    This procedure is a diagnostic test. It’s unlikely to solve your problem. Don’t be disappointed when you find that nothing has changed after you complete it.

    The purpose of the test is to determine whether the problem is caused by third-party software that loads automatically at startup or login, by a peripheral device, by a font conflict, or by corruption of the file system or of certain system caches.

    Disconnect all wired peripherals except those needed for the test, and remove all aftermarket expansion cards, if applicable. Start up in safe mode and log in to the account with the problem.

    Note: If FileVault is enabled in OS X 10.9 or earlier, or if a firmware password is set, or if the startup volume is a software RAID, you can’t do this. Ask for further instructions.

    Safe mode is much slower to start up and run than normal, with limited graphics performance, and some things won’t work at all, including sound output and Wi-Fi on certain models. The next normal startup may also be somewhat slow.

    The login screen appears even if you usually login automatically. You must know your login password in order to log in. If you’ve forgotten the password, you will need to reset it before you begin.

    Test while in safe mode. Same problem?

    After testing, restart as usual (not in safe mode) and verify that you still have the problem. Post the results of the test.