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All-in-one desktop computers from Apple. iMacs were equipped with Intel processors from 2006-2021.

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iMac won't start after hard drive replacement

I've just replaced the hard drive on my iMac Intel (mid-2006). I replaced a 250 GB drive with a 1 TB drive. All went well (great instructions/photos on this site, thanks), until I started it up.

When the old drive died, the Snow Leopard installation disk was in the CD-ROM drive - it's still there. I have tried booting while holding the option key and again with the C key...to no avail. The option key gives me a blank grey screen; the C key gives me a flashing folder with question mark.

A friend suggested the power supply might not be strong enough to power the new drive. Wish I'd thought to think about that when choosing the drive... The new drive a WD Black Caviar.

I will appreciate any guidance you all might be able to offer me...

Many thanks.

Peace

Answered! View the answer I have this problem too

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After thinking about your problem for a few hours I have a couple of suggestions. First, this is not supposed to happen. See if you can get the DVD drive working first by disconnecting the new hard drive and starting up holding the mouse button down. If it fails to eject, change the USB port. Next try a different keyboard and mouse. If it will eject, try starting up from it with the hard drive connected. I don't think the power requirements of the new hard drive are your problem. Is the 1 TB hard drive new? Do you have an external hookup to test it in?

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kelly will be eternally grateful.
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