In article <e9de74c8-a791-4663-b7ae-ced3fde683af@d45g2000hsc.googlegroups.com>, Lee <leehunt1@cox.net> wrote:
> I can no longer login to my iMac. Is there anyway I can erase the > drive? Do I have to take it out of the case and discard it? > > Can the drive once out, be used in any manner. > > How about the 17-inch screen? Can it be used?
First, you don't say why you can no longer log in. Do you know why? Forget the password? Some other reason? What generation iMac? What version of the Mac OS? What are the symptoms you experience? A little more information might enable someone on this newsgroup to give more specific advice. It
You can use the system install CD/DVD that came with your iMac to erase the drive and do a new install of the OS & applications. Insert the CD/DVD, and hold down the C key when you restart the machine. That will force it to start up from the CD/DVD. Follow the instructions for installing the software.
Of course, when you do that, all your data will be lost. Did you make a backup of your data? If you did, you can restore your data from the backup.
If the hard drive has failed, then you would need to replace it.
It is also possible to run a Mac from an external Firewire hard drive. You would need to install the OS on the external drive, which can be done by starting up from the CD/DVD, then following the instructions, etc.
A printed troubleshooting guide may have come with your computer. If you have that you can refer to it.
You can also call Apple tech support. If you do not have Applecare on the machine, and it is past 90 days old, you will have to pay for the tech support, but Apple tech support is usually very good, and paying for the support may well be worth it if you can't figure out the problem for yourself.
You can also take the machine to an Apple store or other Apple service place. They can help with hardware and Apple software issues.
-- Bill Collins For email, change "fake" to "earthlink"
