Tried resetting my iMac, now all i get at boot up is a flashing question mark?

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Tried resetting my iMac, now all i get at boot up is a flashing question mark?

Hi,

So, my dad gave me his old business iMac as he was due for a new one, but wanted me to wipe everything, so i did a reset by unmounting the disk in disk utility and erasing. Then when i restarted I was taken to a screen with a flashing question mark inside a folder. Originally when i googled it, I found that I could hold CMD+R and it would take me to a image of a globe. On this screen i connected to my WIFI and it started doing something, but after about 30 mins, came up with error message 501 0F? Now, when i CMD+R on startup, absolutely nothing happens, and I am taken to the flashing question mark once again?

I have also tried holding Option on startup, again nothing,

How can I resolve this? Id rather not go to an apple store as Im miles away from one and its a rather heavy unit to be lugging around London.

Cheers

Posted on Jan 26, 2016 1:13 AM

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Answer 1

chroot

Level 4

1,102 points

Jan 26, 2016 1:37 AM in response to Theo Allen

The folder with the question mark means the computer did not find a valid disk to boot from--this is because the hard drive was erased. You need to re-install the operating system. Depending on how old the computer is, this can be done through recovery mode or using the original installation disc. If the computer shipped with Snow Leopard or earlier then it may not have internet recovery. Some computers that shipped with Snow Leopard can be upgraded to internet recovery.

What year is your iMac? If unsure enter the serial number at https://checkcoverage.apple.com

Computers that can be upgraded to use OS X Internet Recovery - Apple Support

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Answer 2

Theo Allen Author

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Jan 26, 2016 1:52 AM in response to chroot

It's an iMac (27 inch, Mid 2010). My issue is that I can't get recovery mode open anymore, everything just points to the flashing question mark!

Cheers

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Answer 3

chroot

Level 4

1,102 points

Jan 26, 2016 2:00 AM in response to Theo Allen

That computer will not have internet recovery. It also most likely did not have a recovery partition, the recovery partition's were only added with OS X Lion and later. If the computer did have a recovery partition but the disc was erased instead of just the startup volume, then the recovery partition was also erased. If the computer had Snow Leopard or earlier you will need the original installation discs. If you do not have those discs then a Snow Leopard disc can be purchased from the Apple Online Store.

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