When I power on my late 2009 iMac, I immediately get a white screen (before the chime or bootup), and the system is nonresponsive. The power switch will not work, and it can only be shut off by unplugging.
I know a white screen after the chime is the sign of a bad hard drive. Any ideas about this?
Thanks!
iMac, OS X El Capitan (10.11.6)
What happens when you reset the PRAM or try to boot into the Recovery Partition?
Can't get far enough to boot into the Recovery Partition. Power on>white screen, no matter what keys are pressed.
Does clearing the PRAM involve leaving it unplugged for an extended time?
On newer Macs it's called nvram.
How to Reset NVRAM on your Mac - Apple Support
Maybe you should run an Apple Hardware Test or Apple Diagnostics depending on your Mac.
Unfortunately, both of these procedures involve getting to the chime, then holding keys. The system is not getting even that far -- lockup and white screen are immediate on power application.
Take it to your local Apple Authorized Service Provider to be professionaly diagnosed and decide what you want to do. If you don't know of any in your area click the link below to begin finding one.
Maybe resetting the SMC (System Management Controller) could help... at least have a try.
If the battery is nonremovable
If the battery is removable
The LED on MagSafe power adapters might change states or temporarily turn off when you reset the SMC.
Thanks. Will give it a shot.
Yep. I thought there was a Genius in our future. Thanks.
It worked?
Resetting the SMC won't do a thing. However he can try it and I'd love it if I was wrong.
Nope. Power on>white screen, even with keys pressed. I can hear disk activity briefly, then stops. No chime, nothing after the white. Off to the Genius!
White screen of death on power on
