[X Newbies] Help - Dead iMac

[Robert roehner]

On 13Jan02, Wally Rodriguez <wlists at fireworksmm.com> wrote:

>I recently installed 10.2 Jaguar into an iMac DV
>Graphite system.
> 
>Not minutes after the installation the screen started
>smearing and then it won't come on at all. The computer
>starts up and then does nothing.
> 
>Anyone know if this could be a software issue? I know
>that some machines without firmware updates could do
>some crazy things, but this?

Apple really dropped the ball on this one. How they could release a 
new OS that required a firmware update and not have the installer 
automatically check for and if necessary install that update is 
beyond me.

A good article about this problem and its solution can be found in 
the Oct. 28, 2002 edition of Tidbits. The respected Macintosh 
newsletter by Geoff Duncan. Point your browser to: 
<http://db.tidbits.com/getbits.acgi?tbart=06973>.

The most important thing to remember is not to let any dealer replace 
your motherboard. It's expensive and unnecessary. The trick is to get 
the latest firmware version, currently 4.1.9, on to your computer. If 
possible attach an external VGA monitor to your iMac. The contents of 
your HD should appear on that  monitor. Allowing you to proceed with 
the necessary update.

The second solution, is a bit more complicated. It involves removing 
the iMacs HD and placing it in a second computer that has an extra 
drive bay. Then installing a remote control program and updating 
things over a network. Tidbits #653 referenced above explains how to 
do this better than I can.

If you need to take your iMac to a dealer, obviously the best place 
would be an Apple Store if there is one within driving distance. i 
don't know what Apple's official policy is on fixing these firmware 
problems, but imho they should do so at no charge. Let us know how 
you made out.

Robert Roehner
<snopple at mqc.com>