Why Is My iMac G3 Flashing A File Logo With A Question Mark? And the Picasso macOS logo?

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Why Is My iMac G3 Flashing A File Logo With A Question Mark? And the Picasso macOS logo?

Hmm... I’m confused. Just recently I bought an iMac G3 for $150 on eBay. When I got it, it worked and connected to the internet like it should. A few days after that, I was curios and unplugged everything to look at the bottom, the main access point to the RAM (I think). Anyways after I had a look (without touching anything) I plugged the computer back in. It then displayed a globe image with a grey square background. It displayed that for 30 seconds then went on to display a file with a question mark on it, and the Picasso macOS log. These constantly blinked for about 10 Minutes, then the computer shows the GUI and all. I recently took my G3 to one of my friends house to show him. I was in the passenger seat with it on my lap. It didn’t slide around at all. Then when I got to my friends house, it displayed that same file like icon for an hour! What’s happening!

Posted on Sep 21, 2018 4:35 AM

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Answer 1

Allan Jones

Level 9

78,272 points

Sep 22, 2018 8:51 AM in response to woody255

Do you know what Mac OS version is installed?

The "globe" means it is trying to boot over a network (NetBoot"). This is common on Macs that have been deployed in large numbers in a single place like a school or business.

The "folder with ?" icon means the computer cannot find a valid system. The could happen because:

1) The hard drive is missing or has failed completely

2) the system folder on the hard drive is severely corrupted.

3) the computer had been off wall power for a long time and "forgot" where to find the system folder.

In case it is the last one--the easiest to deal with--boot the Mac while holding down the OPTION key. Hold until you see a screen showing different startup options. Use the left/right arrow keys to select a startup volume. If one looks like a hard drd and says "Macintosh HD" try that first. Please see:

How to select a different startup disk - Apple Support

If this gets you started it likely means the internal backup battery is dead. If the computer has been off wall power for more that a month the little battery is surely dead. The battery is accessible through the same door through which you access RAM but you may need a non-conductive tool to remove it. This is the battery type:

NewerTech 3.6V Lithium PRAM Battery For Select Apple Desktop Systems

There are videos on YouTube showing how to change the battery. Search for "imac g3 pram battery replacement"

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Why Is My iMac G3 Flashing A File Logo With A Question Mark? And the Picasso macOS logo?

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