iMac Dead upon trying Mac OS 10.2 install

pbmac

pbmac

MacTV is your friend
I have run into a peculiar problem:

I wanted to install 10.2 onto my 1999 Slot-drive iMac (400MHz).
I inserted the 10.2 CD and came all the way to the first few dialog boxes. Then, where it askes you to confirm the license agreement, the computer froze. Thus, I pressed the "restart" button and awaited to start the installation again.

The iMac seemed to turn on as usual: green light turned on, made mac sound and started up Harddrive. However, after about 5 seconds, the whole thing shut down again.... the screen did not even turn on....
Upon hooking up an external monitor, I noticed that the iMac would show a grey screen for a split second before turning off again.

What could it be?
PRAM? RAM? Harddrive? Display?....

I tried different ram - didn't help
I replaced the clock battery (which was old, anyway) - didn't help
I unplugged the harddrive - didn't help
I unplugged the CD-Drive - didn't help
I tried all the keyboard combinations - didn't help
I let it sit for a day - didn't help

Finally, I took it over to our local Mac Store....
This is what they said:

my problem stems from not having installed the newest Firmware before trying to install Mac OS 10.2
Without the Firmware, the OS install may lead to HARDWARE damage to the PMU or Mainboard - this requires replacement of the board a la $300.

If this is true (and I haven't talked to the product specialists at Apple, because I didn't have my serial number with me today) I think this is outrageous!!!! Nowhere did I find mention of HARDWARE damage if I don't install the Firmware - and it doesn't mention this on the Apple Support page where it talks about installing the FW on the iMac.
Oh, and conveniently, Apple doesn't give any Knowledgebase tips regarding this problem - which IT SHOULD!!!

I will call Apple tomorrow to talk to the appropriate people. Unfortunately the warranty expired in October - but I still hope that I can strike a deal with apple.

Have anyone of you come across such a problem???

- thanks!!!

Matthias

aka pbmac
 
Whoa, that's weird. Try leaving the computer unplugged from both the clock battery and power overnight.
 
You might want to have them check that it isn't the internal battery (techs see a lot of bad boards so they are probably assuming that's it - they don't actually know yet unless they put in a new one)

Anyway, it happens after 3-5 years. Batteries die. When I was working for an Apple ESO we sold apple batteries to school districts by the dozen.
 
Well, I replaced the battery and also had the computer "rest" overnight.... nothing seemed to persuade it to wake up again :)))
Loooong coma:-(

- matthias
 
Doh! Didn't see that you had already tried that. Sorry. Pay no attention to the man behind the confusion!
 
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