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iMac beeps when turning it on

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by manzanomarc

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I'm using an iMac 9.1. When I turn it on, I hear 4 bips and the screen remains black and the start button blinks one time long and 4 times short. Nothing else after that. What is happening? Is there a solution? Thank you.

2 replies

by lyon_bleu

Please try to start the iMac from a bootable CD-ROM, such as
the original system disc.

If you still get the tones, then it is hardware-related, most likely
badly-seated or failed RAM. In that case, re-seat, remove, or
replace the RAM.

If startup is successful from the CD-ROM, run Disk First Aid,
'verify' the boot volume, then 'repair' it. Launch the 'Startup Disk'
control panel, select the desired volume, and click on the
'Restart' button.

If it boots from the CD-ROM but still doesn't from the hard
drive, we have at least isolated the problem to software during
the startup sequence. Try starting with the shift key depressed
to prevent non-Apple extensions from loading. If it works, then
there is something in the "Extensions", "Control Panels" or
"Sytem Folder" folder(s) that is in conflict.

See this link for more detail, as well as links to further
troubleshooting tactics:

HTH,

paul

by wlbowers

Depending on the model imac and how old it is.

1 beep = No RAM installed/detected.
2 beeps = Incompatible RAM type installed.
3 beeps = No RAM banks passed memory testing.
4 beeps = Bad checksum for the remainder of the boot ROM.
5 beeps = Bad checksum for the ROM boot block.

Sounds like shop time.

Lee

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