TEHSRVE
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Q: Argggh, Please help - 2010 iMac with new HD will not start.

I have a MC508LL/A that will not start. My hard drive failed, so I replaced it with a new one that was blank. I formatted it using a friend’s macbook, and I am trying to get it started.

The problem is: It doesn’t get past the grey apple logo and none of the startup commands work (like the Disk Utility or the Safe Mode or Startup Manager). The only reason that I know the keyboard works is because I can eject the Snow Leopard Install disc using the Eject Key).

If I do that, then put the disc back in I get a blinking folder with a “?” in it.

Of the commands on this page (https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT201255), only Eject does anything. I can’t find anything to diagnose a hardware failure. Can someone please point me in the right direction?

iMac, Mac OS X (10.7)

Posted on Oct 2, 2015 1:44 PM

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Q: Argggh, Please help - 2010 iMac with new HD will not start.

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  • by rkaufmann87,

    rkaufmann87 rkaufmann87 Oct 2, 2015 1:47 PM in response to TEHSRVE
    Level 9 (58,704 points)
    Photos for Mac
    Oct 2, 2015 1:47 PM in response to TEHSRVE

    Describe the partition and formatting process you used. If you cannot get any further take the machine to an Apple Authorized Service Provider. Sometimes an attempt to save money ends up costing more.

  • by TEHSRVE,

    TEHSRVE TEHSRVE Oct 2, 2015 1:57 PM in response to rkaufmann87
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Oct 2, 2015 1:57 PM in response to rkaufmann87

    I used Mac OS Extended (Journaled) with no partitions.

    I have anticipated that I would have to bring it into Apple, I just wondered if there were things that I can check myself before bringing it in.

  • by rkaufmann87,

    rkaufmann87 rkaufmann87 Oct 2, 2015 2:01 PM in response to TEHSRVE
    Level 9 (58,704 points)
    Photos for Mac
    Oct 2, 2015 2:01 PM in response to TEHSRVE

    You should have checked to see if the partition was set to GUID. The format is okay but if the partition is incorrect it likely won't work. BTW, if your computer is a 2009 or later, you likely installed the wrong HD. Beginning in 2009 Apple began using hard drives with integrated temp sensors in them. Most off-the-shelf HD don't have this. OWC makes a solution for this, if you have a 2009 or later contact OWC first, get the part and then take it in for repair.

  • by TEHSRVE,

    TEHSRVE TEHSRVE Oct 5, 2015 6:13 AM in response to rkaufmann87
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Oct 5, 2015 6:13 AM in response to rkaufmann87

    OK, I'll take out the hard drive and check to see if it was GUID.

    As far as the hard drive goes, I did buy the OWC kit with the temperature sensor. I installed it and it seems to be connected correctly. Since the problem is immediate (right on boot), I'm thinking it is some formatting thing. I think this is why I cannot get the Install disc to do anything. Does that make sense?

    The only problem is that I haven't seen anything about having to pre-format a new hard drive for any new installs. I thought that the first option it gave you when you put in a new drive was to format.