Flashing folder ? but HD is fine

[robcrouch]

Hey All, I have a strange boot problem with a 2008 iMac.

I get a flashing folder icon but i have just installed my SSD (with OS X pre installed) it works fine in any other mac (my macbook, another iMac)

I even managed to get it to boot the first time I turned it on (it loaded up to log in screen) but for some reason now I get the flashing question mark folder icon....

when I take the drive out and use on another mac t boots fine.

I also have a second HD 2.5 sata drive with a copy of OS X installed and it does the same with that (this also works with other macs)


anyone know whats going on? at present i only have bluetooth keyboard so cannot connect it to try alternate booting methods.


Rob

 

[simonsi]

As two drives do it (and assuming one wasn't made a clone of the other), then it points perhaps to a drive cable or interface problem on the iMac. If you put either drive in an external USB enclosure can you option-boot from there?

 

[robcrouch]

As two drives do it (and assuming one wasn't made a clone of the other), then it points perhaps to a drive cable or interface problem on the iMac. If you put either drive in an external USB enclosure can you option-boot from there?

I was thinking similar.... I am suspecting a faulty Sata cable connection perhaps.

I havnt been able to rest the drives in an external USB as I have only wireless keyboards that are not paired with the machine. (I have ordered a wired one on eBay) but meanwhile any other suggestions are welcomed....

 

[AppleNewton]

is the version of OS X compatible? you may need to try and reset PRAM; command option p r
and see if that works.

 

[maflynn]

I get a flashing folder icon but i have just installed my SSD (with OS X pre installed) it works fine in any other mac (my macbook, another iMac)

Odds are that the preinstalled OS X version is not compatible with your 2008 iMac. What version of OS X is it?