Help! iMac won't switch on!

[Helovesme]

Hi there. I am a total Mac newbie (but a PC user of many years). I just got a pair of iMacs off ebay (#8731245361).


I have bought them for my boyfriend for Christmas as he sold his Mac last year and misses it dreadfully.


Anyway I picked them up last night. The man switched on the one with the scratched screen and it worked ok (he pressed switch on keyboard and/or main unit). Then he tried the other one and nothing. He switched power sockets, power leads and moved it into another room. Still nothing. So I renegotiated the deal and left with one dead iMac and one scratched one. The keyboard and mouse were not included in the sale but he said I could use any PC keyboard or mouse with a USB connection.


Please help.

PS Great site

 

[Ric]

Hi there and Welcome !


Thanks for the kind comments...


When you say it won't turn on ? What have you tried and what happens ?

regards

Ric

 

[Ric]

From memory, there is a switch on the back that needs turning on...then on the front of the machine there is a circular button, next to the right speaker as you look at it !

regards

Ric

 

[Helovesme]

thanks for the help. the man tried the switches on the front (as you have kindly indicated) and the switch on the keyboard but nothing at the back.

i will let you know what happens

 

[Helovesme]

Hi Ric. I can't locate any button on the back.

 

[Ric]

From memory, there is a switch on the back that needs turning on

...old age kicking in, memory going !

Is this the original 'dead one' that you are trying to boot up ?

regards

Ric

 

[Helovesme]

yes. i looked at the other one and i can't find any buttons on the back either.

 

[Ric]

Sorry that's not what I meant...

Is this the 'dead' one, that you bought ? The other one boots, right ?

regards

Ric

 

[Helovesme]

the other one starts up fine. but nothing from the dead one.

 

[Ric]

OK, did the chap give you any idea what might be up with it...

It's pretty hard to diagnose...remotely !

The simplest and cheapest possible problem is the internal battery. Other wise it may be a whole multitude of things ?

If this has depleted then the Mac won't boot, without getting getting screwdrivers and Multi Meter out, (and having the Mac in front of me!) it's a bit tricky !

If you or your Boyfriend likes to tinker then it's a 'project' for you. If not you can turn it into a nice Goldfish bowl... ;-)


regards

Ric

 

[Helovesme]

hi again. a mate from work just gave me a local number to call to arrange an expert to have a look at it. i will take both of them and let you know how i get on.
fluffy the goldfish awaits news of a new tank!
thanks for all your help

 

[Ric]

No problem...

remember a new Mac Mini costs £300...so I wouldn't spend to much on it !

regards

Ric

 

[Ric]

A few ideas...just in case !

;-)

http://www.theapplecollection.com/Collection/MacAquarium/index.shtml

 

[Helovesme]

hi there

a happy ending - of course the expert just switched it on first time!

anyway i got lots of stuff upgraded for a small fee and made another useful friend

i went into peterborough and bought a nice shiny new keyboard and mouse

thanks for all the help - and i love the macquaira!

 

[Ric]

Very good !

Turned out to be a very nice ebay purchase !

Don't forget to give your Boyfriend our address...

regards

Ric