iMac G3 OS 9.2 start-up issues

[Ronayne]

Hi all,

While at the dump today, I found a nice tangerine orange 1999 iMac G3, which runs OS 9.2. It was working nicely until about ten minutes ago, when it developed a problem: When I boot it up, it goes to a grey screen, with a folder symbol in the centre. Within this, it alternates between the Mac "smiling face" logo, and a question mark.

Does anyone know what the cause of this is, and how to fix it? I'm no good with computers - CRT televisions being my specialty. Computers are a whole new world - and frustration.

Cheers,

Chris

 

[pigoo3]

When I boot it up, it goes to a grey screen, with a folder symbol in the centre. Within this, it alternates between the Mac "smiling face" logo, and a question mark.

One of three things:

1. No OS installed on the hard drive.
2. The hard drive has just crashed/failed.
3. A cable may have come loose.

Also give this a read:

http://www.mac-forums.com/forums/os...49-what-os-disk-do-i-need-brief-overview.html

- Nick