iMac

[clapforcookie]

Having trouble getting computer started. Will boot up but gets stuck on the first screen with a blinking file folder with a face and question mark in it. It will not go past this screen. Tried rebooting, unplugging, checking all connections but no success.

Monique

[Buzz]

THe blinking folder indicates that the Mac can not find a valid system folder to boot from. Do you have a startup CD? What operating system is the iMac running?

[clapforcookie]

Buzz,
Unfortunately, I do not have a startup cd. The operating system appears to be O8, based on a teacher's guide and software we have in the classroom.

Monique

[Buzz]

Well, you'll need a startup CD to fix it. Basically the OS has gotten corrupt or damaged to the point that the Mac cant boot from it. With the Classic OS (Pre-OSX) it's often a simple matter to boot from the CD then select the system folder in the Startup Disk control panel and restart. If that doesn't work a reinstall of the OS may be called for.

Without a startup CD the only thing I can possibly think to do that may help is to hold the Option key down when the system boots up. You may be presented with a selection of startup folders. This only works for newer Macs though. If the iMac is indeed running OS8 it would indicate it's a G3 iMac (One of the Bondi colored-ones). It's unlikely this will work with a system that old.

[clapforcookie]

Buzz,
It is one of the Bondi-colored ones. I cannot get a hold of a start-up CD so I held down the Option key while booting up like you suggested. The screen is blue and shows two arrows, one going in a circle and one pointing to the right.

[Buzz]

I'm trying to remember here.... OS8 is nearly 15 years old.

If the mouse is working, hold down the command and option key then click the circle. If it finds an OS to boot from, you should be asked if you want to rebuild the desktop. Keep holding down the keys until you're asked.

[clapforcookie]

Thanks for all your help! Holding down the command button and the option button while clicking the circle arrow didn't work. I guess it's a lost hope without the start-up CD. Thanks anyway.

Monique