Start Up never ends

[jeanchilton]

I am trying to get an Imac to start up - all that happens is that the blue screen comes on, it says, "starting OS X" and it runs and runs and runs. This machine is about 5 years old, and was my dad's. I have no product info on it. It has a big monitor, and a separate keyboard. Any help you can give me would be greatly appreciated.

[Satcomer]

Try to find the original Mac install disk that came with the Mac. One of them will have in small writing on the disk saying something like "HardWare Test". I ask if you can do this because either the hard drive went belly up on something went wonky in the motherboard. It's hard to tell.

[cak]

jeanchilton:

Try this:
• Shut down the computer.
• Locate the following keys: Command, Option, P, and R. You will need to hold these keys down simultaneously later.
• Turn on the computer.
• Press and hold the Command + Option + P + R keys immediately after the startup chime.
• Hold keys down until you hear the startup chime for the third time.
• Release the keys and immediately hold down Shift key to start up in Safe Mode.
• Release Shift key after gray apple appears and allow to boot.
• Log in and empty Trash.
• Restart normally and log in.

Please post back with update.

Cheers

cak