iMac 2389 hanging on boot, ok in safe mode

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rpili1313 Author

Level 1

4 points

iMac 2389 hanging on boot, ok in safe mode

Hi,

I have an iMac EMC 2389, that hangs on boot. If I start via safe mode the computer will boot as it should be.

MacOs Sierra is installed.

It looks stuck on the apple logo and the bar on 2/3 right after it flashes with the screen.

Is the flash of the screen normal behavior on boot?

I'm a technician myself so I would be happy with some technical tips.

I already tried to reset NVRAM and stuff so...

Is there is possibility to point out if there is a hardware failure? Because suspecting maybe a faulty graphic card.

Thx

R

iMac, macOS Sierra (10.12)

Posted on Nov 26, 2016 4:15 AM

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Answer 1

SeaPapp

Level 7

26,492 points

Nov 26, 2016 1:39 PM in response to rpili1313

In order to use Internet Recovery you must first have applied this firmware patch Computers that can be upgraded to use OS X Internet Recovery - Apple Support If that firmware hasn't been upgraded your only choice is to reinstall Sierra because unless I'm wrong the version of Snow Leopard on the retail disc preceeds the release of your iMac. It's always recommended to back up your entire system before a major upgrade, that way if things go south you can always restore from your backup. If you haven't done that it looks like you're stuck with Sierra.

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Answer 2

SeaPapp

Level 7

26,492 points

Nov 26, 2016 4:56 AM in response to rpili1313

Considering the age of your iMac I would suspect that you're right. You should try running the Apple Hardware Test from disc two of your original gray install discs. Run it two or three times in extended mode to see if it reports an error.

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Answer 3

rpili1313 Author

Level 1

4 points

Nov 26, 2016 6:08 AM in response to SeaPapp

Hi Mike,

Great idea, only I haven't got the cd's (dvd's).

Booting with D will not work and I'm not able to make a boot usb for this as I can not find the proper DMG file for this iMac and the other dmg files will not open on the iMac. Something about converting the file...

Is there another way to use AHT?

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Answer 4

SeaPapp

Level 7

26,492 points

Nov 26, 2016 7:46 AM in response to rpili1313

Did you look here? https://github.com/upekkha/AppleHardwareTest

Short of running AHT, which may or may not show an error because it's not the most reliable, your only other choice is to take it to either the Apple Store or an AASP for a proper diagnosis.

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