iMac G5, 17-inch Troubleshooting - 31
Symptom Charts
Hard Drive

In a hard drive failure, the computer fails to boot to the desktop and may

display a flashing question mark, or an alternating question mark and Mac

OS (face o a folder)

1. Restart the computer with the Apple Hardware Test (AHT) disc that came with the
computer. Run the Quick/Extended test.
2. Does the Apple Hardware Test test pass?
Yes: Run Disk repair from the Install CD that came with the computer.
No: Replace the component indicated by Apple Hardware Test, go on to the next
step.
3. Does the computer start up properly now?
Yes: Problem resolved.
No: Reinstall system software. Go on to the next step.
4. Does the computer start up properly now?
Yes: Problem resolved.
No: Replace the hard drive. Does the computer work now?
–Yes: Problem resolved.
–No: Replace the logic board.

System hangs during normal startup process

1. Boot from the system CD that came with the computer and see if the hard drive
mounts on the desktop.
2. Using Drive Setup, reinstall the system software drivers for the hard drive.
3. Using Drive Setup, reinitiation the hard drive.
4. Check all cable connections to and from the hard drive.
5. Replace the hard drive.
6. Replace the logic board.