Won't boot to login in screen

[Xpcguy]

My older iMac won't boot to the login screen. I have to cycle the power 7 or 8 times to get it to work. Once I get the login screen it works fine until the next power down.

 

[Raz0rEdge]

My older iMac won't boot to the login screen. I have to cycle the power 7 or 8 times to get it to work. Once I get the login screen it works fine until the next power down.

Define older? When booted up, click on the Apple icon and choose About this Mac and share the details.

Provide lots of details about your issue. When did this start? What have you done to try to address it beside cycle power that many times? Does this happen when you leave the machine powered up but only going to sleep and waking up again? Generally, there's no reason to power down your Mac frequently. If you are not going to be using the machine for extended periods of time, then powering down makes sense, but only a daily basis, just put it to sleep.

 

[pm-r]

Once I get the login screen it works fine until the next power down.

Has Ashwin aka Raz0rEdge says above, we need more information.

I'm assuming your iMac is likely this model, Apple iMac "Core 2 Duo" 2.0 20" (Mid-2009) Specs

iMac "Core 2 Duo" 2.0 20" (Mid-2009) Specs (Mid-2009 (Edu), MC015LL/A, iMac9,1, A1224, 2266): EveryMac.com

Technical specifications for the iMac "Core 2 Duo" 2.0 20" (Mid-2009). Dates sold, processor type, memory info, hard drive details, price and more.

everymac.com

When was the last time you ran or did any software maintenance or diagnostics on that iMac, such as running Disk Utility first aid or any verify or repair options available.

How full is the hard drive, and there is a good chance it may be failing???

There is also a chance that its PRAM battery is getting very weak and may need replacing, but more likely your hard drive is starting to fail.


EDIT NOTE:

If your iMac requires you to press the power button several times before it switches on, this is a clear signal that your PRAM batteries are weak and failing. Additionally, something is amiss when you notice the screen displaying the wrong time and date. Another reason warranting replacement is when the screen appears unusually dark for a moment before resuming its previous state after a successful power-up. There is also a need to worry if some functions like printing settings fail.

iMac Batteries (Replacement, Lifespan, Failing Signs) | Technology articles from Purplepedia

Conventionally, Apple products feature lithium-ion batteries to run the system and perform other tasks. A new user would assume that the same case applies to…

purplepedia.com

PS: do you have an authorized Apple Mac Service Technician close by that you could hire or take it to at least to do a diagnostic test on it???




- Patrick
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[Rod]

If you do indeed have a 2009 model Mac in original condition, and some of us have, the probability of it failing or being about to fail is pretty high.
I hope you have all your important data backed up to an external drive. If not, I strongly advise you do so now.