iMac dead as a dodo

UsedtobePC

Hi guys,

Yesterday I got home only to hear the news "the internet won't work" from the wife. In reality the whole computer wouldn't work. After a bit of detective work I got the following info:

The computer was unplugged from the wall while on Sleep mode. When it was plugged in again it only made some wheezing noise when trying to turn it on using the power button at the back and then it was dead.

I checked the cables, tried plugging it in a different socket, checked the fuses but nothing happens. It just won't turn on no matter what. Has anybody got any ideas of what may be wrong?

Just for info, I haven't installed memory or anything recently.

Sad Professor

How old is it? Is it still under warranty? I'm assuming it's an Intel iMac.

Try resetting the SMC by disconnecting everything from the Mac, including the plug. Wait a minute — then reconnect the mouse and keyboard only, plug it back in and trying starting up.

UsedtobePC

It's about 3 years old and yes it's an Intel iMac.

Tried what you suggested last night but nope, nothing happened. Time to call in the professionals I think.

preilly79

UsedtobePC wrote: »

It's about 3 years old and yes it's an Intel iMac.

Tried what you suggested last night but nope, nothing happened. Time to call in the professionals I think.

And by professionals I hope you mean Apple Even though your iMac is outside it's warranty it is still covered under Irish consumer law and you're fully entitled to a repair, replacement or refund.

You will of course meet some resistance, but quote the relevant law and if they absolutely refuse file a claim in the small claims court - You will win.

whiterebel

preilly79 wrote: »

And by professionals I hope you mean Apple Even though your iMac is outside it's warranty it is still covered under Irish consumer law and you're fully entitled to a repair, replacement or refund.

You will of course meet some resistance, but quote the relevant law and if they absolutely refuse file a claim in the small claims court - You will win.

Until they discover the unit was plugged out while asleep.........

preilly79

quick, delete the thread!

coopersgreen

whiterebel wrote: »

Until they discover the unit was plugged out while asleep.........

That really shouldn't cause that kind of damage though

whiterebel

coopersgreen wrote: »

That really shouldn't cause that kind of damage though

Sudden power down of logic board and Hard drive, you reckon?

coopersgreen

Maybe but I've had that kind of thing happen a few times (power cuts, people stepping on cables and unplugging) without that kind of damage. Maybe he's just unlucky.

Sad Professor

I don't suppose you have Applecare?

Try re-installing the RAM and testing each one on its own. It's unlikely to work but it's worth a try. I assume you've also tested it on another wall socket as well.

I guess either the power supply or the logic board is probably gone. Preferably not the latter or you'll be buying a new Mac. A new PSU shouldn't cost that much though - getting it installed is another thing. Drop it in somewhere and see what the prognosis is.

I don't fancy your chances with the seller/Apple. Even going the small claims route they'd probably have a good defence if it's more than 3 years old. They're unlikely to be bothered going to court over it however. Best of luck anyway.

coopersgreen wrote:

Maybe but I've had that kind of thing happen a few times (power cuts, people stepping on cables and unplugging) without that kind of damage. Maybe he's just unlucky.

Yeah, I mean I would have thought if it going it happen it would be better for the machine to be asleep. The HDD would have been off so it should be okay - at least the OP will be able to get his data back. I reckon the damage was caused when it was plugged back in.

Hmmm I wonder if the wife telling the whole truth.

UsedtobePC

Sad Professor wrote: »

I don't suppose you have Applecare?

I guess either the power supply or the logic board is probably gone. Preferably not the latter or you'll be buying a new Mac. A new PSU shouldn't cost that much though - getting it installed is another thing. Drop it in somewhere and see what the prognosis is.

Hmmm I wonder if the wife telling the whole truth.

When it comes to technology i actually trust my 5 yo more than i trust my wife... Oops! Did I say that?

OK the logic board is a new concept to me. Can somebody explain what it does and how it impacts the whole thing?

My main concern is the data stored in it. I bought a 1 Tbyte external HDD to back it up but human nature kicked in and it's been sitting in its box for the last year.

nialler

2. Unplug all cables from the computer, including the power cord.
3. Wait 10 seconds.
4. Plug in the power cord while simultaneously pressing and holding the power button on the back of the computer.
5. Let go of the power button.
6. Press the power button once more to start up your iMac.

see how you get on with this.