Contribute
Register

Newbie with an iMac 21.5 looking for advice

Status
Not open for further replies.
Joined
Oct 23, 2015
Messages
7
Mac
  1. 0
Classic Mac
  1. 0
Mobile Phone
  1. 0
Hello Everyone!

I am so excited that I found you! I have been spending the last few nights searching for some guidance on what to do with this iMac and am so excited I found you!

IMG_0943 (2).jpg

I have used apple products for a long time but have no computing background. I used to use this computer at work but it was deemed 'broken' because it was suffering from the vertical lines (as seen in this youtube video posted by someone else). https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wHZii0edA2U

At first I was going to try and repair it using a kit that I found online. But the cost of the kit and the new screen scared me away. I have never done anything like this before and I wasn't sure the root cause of the lines so I thought maybe I would attempt the following:

- Take out the guts of the iMac
- Put them into a different case
- Hook it up to a new external monitor

My thinking was that if after I rebuilt the computer, I could borrow a monitor to test it out and if it worked, by a new one. (I really want to use this computer for xplane).

Again, I am a total newbie and do not even know if this is possible. However, I love learning new things and thought I would reach out to see if I could find some advice.

Also, if someone has done this before and I am posting this in the wrong section I am very sorry too and would appreciate redirection.

Have a good day everyone and thank you!

Cougs
 
Hi Everyone!

I am watching the views increase and really hope there is someone out there that could get me started on my journey.

Thank you!

Cougs
 
Hi Everyone!

I am watching the views increase and really hope there is someone out there that could get me started on my journey.

Thank you!

Cougs

Personally, I would find a used iMac, same model year on Craigslist or Ebay or wherever.
Check that the screen is still good before buying. You can find some very good deals on
these kinds of sites. Remove the screen and install it on your iMac.

There is a site called OWC or Otherworld Computing. They have videos on how to repair
iMacs. Watch the video for your specific model. The model # is available under About this Mac
(the apple in the upper left corner) Could be something like iMac 10,1 You might also look
at ifixit.com for any info about your specific model of iMac. Here's the link to videos that show
you how to properly disassemble and upgrade an iMac. http://eshop.macsales.com/installvideos/

If you feel ok about doing the repair then try it. If not let a trained professional do it for you.
Your idea about putting the inner parts into another case is problematic at best. What other
than an iMac would you put them in ? If the cost of repair is too steep, build a Customac from
scratch and get a newer faster machine for not that much money.
Good Luck. :thumbup:
 
TRS96,

Thank you so much for responding and the information you provided. I will check out the links that you sent and see what I can find.

I should clarify, I was thinking that if I took out the 'guts' I would put them into some over casing, and essentially make it a tower (?)

I really want to thank you again and hope you don't mind if I report back on what I come up with and attempt.

Have a good night,

Cougs
 
One other note: Make sure to run the Apple diagnostics hardware test to rule out a problem
with the graphics card. You get to this by holding down the D key at startup. If you see
the light green colored vertical lines during normal booting, that is usually a graphics card problem.
 
Hello Again Everyone,

I wanted to provide an update. I did take 2 photos of the screen issue.

Lines 1.jpg

and on the shutdown

Lines 2.jpg

I did try to run the diagnostics through pressing D but it just booted up like normal. I read further that this might be due to the operating system that I am running. I will look into this further.

Comments always appreciated! I am a newbie so I appreciate them all!

Thank you!
 
I would take it into an Apple store and there's a slight chance they may fix it for you.
Especially if it's 2011 model. Have you seen this video with the keyboard trick that
you could also try.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H62afsEjwZ0
 
Thank you for sending along the video. Ctrl + apple + Eject reboots but does not correct the issue. I can't make out what the person is doing on the screen to see if there is something else to the trick.

The apple store told me that the computer is too old and that these issues were taken care of after the warranty expired but are not longer covered under the grace period.

I did check and I am running 10.6.8 Snow Leopard. It says that in order to do a diagnostic test I would need the install disc. Unfortunately, I don't have any disks, is there a place that I could resource this from online?

Thank you!
 
They you again for your help!

I did use a wired keyboard but "D" still did not work.

I wish there was another way to run the diagnostic without having to wait and spend $20 for a disk.

:(
 
Status
Not open for further replies.
Back
Top