Apple IMac

[lev318]

I have just been given an Apple Imac for my grandson but when i switch it on all that appears on the screen is a folder that flashes between a Question mark and a face
I have a red IMac Model No M5521 , EMC No 1857

Anyone got any ideas what the problem could be as its a shame to get rid its in Very Good condition .

Thanks in advance

 

[pigoo3]

No operating system installed on the hard drive...or the hard drive is dead.

- Nick

 

[lev318]

Can i get an operating system for it and if so where can i get it from

Thanks

 

[harryb2448]

If it is above the 400MHz mark, Tiger OS X.4 is the latest operating system. Look at auction sites such as eBay and search out the black full retail install discs.

Go to this link and the Full Retail discs advertised in Canada are what you want, not the pairs of silver/grey model specific disc.


http://www.ebay.com.au/sch/items/_W...perating system&_fromfsb=0&_trksid=m270.l1313

 

[lonewolf]

This is probably what you're looking at:

iMac G3/400 DV (Slot Loading - Fruit) Specs (Slot Loading DV, M7493LL/A*, PowerMac2,1, M5521, 1821) @ EveryMac.com

The full retail DVDs of 10.4 on eBay cost more than it is worth to revive this Mac imo.

You would be better served purchasing a G4 iMac with software for $100 or so off eBay than buying $70 OS CDs for a G3 iMac. At least the G4 will be able to surf the net reasonably well, and can go all the way up to OS X 10.6 (the last version for the non intel based Macs). G3s are really pretty slow at this point.

ie. something like this :

Apple iMac 17" Wide Screen w/ Mouse & Keyboard. DVD-RW. OS X Tiger. READY TO GO! | eBay

Or better, for $150, this comes with a wireless router, wireless network card, a 40% faster CPU, and twice the memory :

Apple iMac G4 15" 1.0ghz/1.25ram/ combo Desktop - M9285LL/A (718908525142) | eBay