i have an older imac 2009 that hasnt been used in a while i cleaned up some personal data a few weeks ago and shut it off. i tried to start it today and i get the spinning wheel of death. recovery , pram, all the usual remedies arent working.
iMac
Try an SMC reset:
https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT201295
Try starting up in Safe Mode:
Use safe mode to isolate issues with your Mac - Apple Support
If neither of those work boot into Recovery and Reinstall Mac OS.
About macOS Recovery - Apple Support
Try Single User Mode (hold command-s keys)
https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT201573
At the prompt, enter this command:
/sbin/fsck -fy
Press the Return key.
This will check your directory and report that it was OK or repaired. Then enter this command to startup normally:
reboot
If none of those work make a Genius Bar appointment for a free diagnostic:
Try an SMC reset:
https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT201295
Try starting up in Safe Mode:
Use safe mode to isolate issues with your Mac - Apple Support
If neither of those work boot into Recovery and Reinstall Mac OS.
About macOS Recovery - Apple Support
Try Single User Mode (hold command-s keys)
https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT201573
At the prompt, enter this command:
/sbin/fsck -fy
Press the Return key.
This will check your directory and report that it was OK or repaired. Then enter this command to startup normally:
reboot
If none of those work make a Genius Bar appointment for a free diagnostic:
That likely means the HD is dead and needs to be replaced. If you want to keep the computer, consider replacing the HD with a SSD.
iMac (Early 2009) doesn't start up it shows the apple logo and the spinning wheel. normal recovery options do not work
