Is it curtains???

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Level 1

17 points

Is it curtains???

As discussed on a previous thread, there was a problem with this system locking. It was eliminated once Internet Plug-Ins were not allowed. However, a much ore serious technical problem developed.

While using the system, the screen went black. There were a series of clicks and then nothing. The system was powered down, the elec cord unplugged and plugged, and then powered up.

The system powered up as normal, including opening all login items. It was possible to open Console and look at a couple of logs before the screen went black. No clicks this times. Powered down.

I repeated the steps to power up as outlined above, only this time the system didn’t get as far in the start-up before going dark and unresponsive.

Each successive time from thereon the system did less and less. Eventually, the only thing it did was to repeat the “chime” sound with no video whatsoever.

Given the age of this system, I’m wondering what the problem might be so that I might determine whether it would worth pursuing.

Thank you,

VALman

MacBook Air, OS X El Capitan (10.11.4)

Posted on May 5, 2016 2:39 PM

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Answer 1

May 5, 2016 2:42 PM in response to VALman

Does it start up and stay running in Safe Mode? Hold the shift key while booting up to check.

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Answer 2

VALman Author

Level 1

17 points

May 5, 2016 2:42 PM in response to VALman

Don't know how to edit original comment. The system is question is:

Info: iMAc (20-inch, easy 2008), 2.66 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo, 4GB, ATI Radeon HD 2600 Pro 256 MB. 320GB SATA Disk with two partitions" Mac HD and Bootcamp (this space is unused). Free space is roughly 120 GB.

Software: OSX El Capitan 10.11.4, Safari 9.1 (the only Extension is DuckDuckGo; Plug-ins are for Adobe Acrobat, iPhoto Photocast, and Shockwave Flash), Firefox 45.0.1 (no Extensions; Plug-ins for Adobe Acrobat, Shockwave Flash, and OpenH264 Video Codec 1.5.3), Opera 36.0.2130.46, Flash Player NPAPI Plug-in Ver 21.0.0.197 and PPAPI Plug-in Ver 21.0.0.197, Adobe Reader 11.0.15.

Thank you,

VALman

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Answer 3

Csound1

Level 9

59,973 points

May 5, 2016 2:44 PM in response to VALman

What is the answer to the question asked?

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Answer 4

VALman Author

Level 1

17 points

May 5, 2016 2:47 PM in response to stevejobsfan0123

stevejobsfan0123,

It does not. Only chimes repeatedly and no video.

Thank you,

VALman

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Answer 5

May 5, 2016 2:50 PM in response to VALman

I'd be inclined to believe that this is a hardware issue, so unfortunately it may be curtains. It may be an easily replaceable part, however. How many chimes do you hear per interval?

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Answer 6

VALman Author

Level 1

17 points

May 5, 2016 2:55 PM in response to stevejobsfan0123

stevejobsfan0123,

The chimes are successive with but maybe a second between them. When I left off the shift key, they continued until I pressed the power button. Even then, it continued for several more chimes.

Since there is no Apple Store close by, I took it to Best Buy. However, they told me that Apple considers the system "vintage" and could do nothing for the system. So, as I indicated, I attempting to determine what to do.

Thank you,

VALman

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Answer 7

May 5, 2016 2:56 PM in response to VALman

Sorry, my question may have been confusing. What I meant was, how many chimes do you hear in between each of the second-long pauses?

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Answer 8

Csound1

Level 9

59,973 points

May 5, 2016 2:58 PM in response to VALman

OK, good luck.

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Answer 9

VALman Author

Level 1

17 points

May 5, 2016 2:59 PM in response to stevejobsfan0123

stevejobsfan0123,

Okay. Just a single chime at a time.

Thank you,

VALman

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Answer 10

May 5, 2016 3:02 PM in response to VALman

This article may offer some insight: About Mac computer startup tones - Apple Support.

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Answer 11

VALman Author

Level 1

17 points

May 5, 2016 3:08 PM in response to stevejobsfan0123

stevejobsfan0123,

Thank you for the info and the link. After reviewing it, I'm planning to go over the procedures tomorrow evening or over the weekend. It takes me a bit of time to navigate my way around. Your assistance is appreciated.

Thank you,

VALman

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Answer 12

May 5, 2016 3:10 PM in response to VALman

You're welcome. Let us know if there are any updates to your situation.

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Answer 13

VALman Author

Level 1

17 points

May 5, 2016 3:18 PM in response to stevejobsfan0123

stevejobsfan0123,

Will do. It occurred to me that I did try a procedure. It involved Mac OS X Install Disc 1. However, I can't recall what key or keys I used. It didn't work and the disc is stuck in the drive. Doesn't eject.

Thank you,

VALman

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Answer 14

VALman Author

Level 1

17 points

May 7, 2016 8:55 AM in response to stevejobsfan0123

stevejobsfan0123,

Good day to you. Using the link you provided, tests were performed with the following results.

Ring tone: On start-up, there is a single ring-tone that repeats at approximately 3 sec intervals. Possibly, this would continue indefinitely. About 1 1/2 mins is all that I’ve put to the test before powering off.

Start-up attempts: Before each attempt the system was unplugged for at least 10 secs. After plugging in the cord, there was at least a 5 sec delay before powering up. All of the start-up attempts produced the same result.

That is, there would be a sound suggestive of the kind made when an operation is attempted with the CD/DVD drive. Then, the ring tone would sound and continued as outlined above. There was no indication of anything else. Moreover, there is a change in the performance of the system when attempting to power down.

Normally, depressing the power key would result in the system powering off within a sec or two. Now, even after depressing the key, it continues to sound the tone 2 or 3 times, meaning 7 - 10 secs before it powers down. Also, the Eject key and then another test with the F12 key were done in attempt to get the disc to eject. It wouldn’t.

Thank you for any review and consideration you might give this,

VALman

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