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Model A1311 / Mid 2010 / 3.06 & 3.2 GHz Core i3 or 3.6 GHz Core i5 Processor

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iMac hangs on boot even after reinstall

I have an iMac that hangs on boot, even after having its disk erased and OS X reinstalled from Recovery Console. I just tried to boot into the fresh install, and it's been stuck on the splash screen for about 45 minutes.

Disk selection comes up in 2 or 3 minutes if I hold option- I've been able to boot into an external drive with a known good clone, but only intermittently- once out of every three attempts.

It will open recovery console, but very slowly- takes 15 minutes or more.

I can't persuade it to run AHT from the OEM disc- the build-in CD/DVD drive won't accept the disc, and it doesn't seem to recognize the disc in an Apple external drive.

Anything else I should try? Is this a hard drive problem, or something deeper?

Answered! View the answer I have this problem too

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I'd disconnect the hard drive and see if the machine will then accept the DVD. Next try an external USB flash drive or an external hard drive with a system on it.

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Still won't run AHT, but after removing the hard drive, it's booting from the external drive much faster and more consistently. Guess we'll see what happens when the replacement drive comes in,

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Could you boot from the DVD? What happens when booting from the DVD and holding down the "D" key? What OS X are you running on the external drive? Do you have another Mac with a Firewire 800 connector (to run in Target Mode)?

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I had a similar issue with my iMac, of the same model. Despite Disk Utility saying that the health of my drive was fine when booted from an external device, I went ahead and replaced it anyways. The slow loading times have since been fixed. Bad/Dying Hard Drive is likely your issue

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On second read, you may have a deeper issue. However, the first and easiest step would seem to be trying a new hard drive. Also, while the machine is open, take a look for any signs of water damage. Keep us posted!

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Replacement hard drive worked well and the iMac is back in service.

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Sounds good. Glad I could help

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Acey will be eternally grateful.
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