I'm trying to do an upgrade on a 2007 iMac. When I press the power button is gives the tone sequence short-short-short-long-long-long-short-short-short.
I know there's a description for 3 long, 3 short, 3 long but this is the other way around.
Any Suggestions ??
Earlier Mac models
SOS sound while starting MacBook Pro - Apple Community
MacBook Pro Beep SOS. Cannot start. - Apple Community
Macbook pro 13 inch mid 2009 S.O.S morce code 9 beeps - Apple Community
Unfortunately all those replies got it wrong. So did as all the other replies I was able to find on this site with an admittedly less than exhaustive search.
Here is an archived version of an ancient Support document, but even it is confusing because it describes the LED behavior as the inverse of the tone behavior: About the Firmware Restoration CD (Intel-based Macs) (archived). Its age is applicable to that of your iMac (2007).
Excerpt (with emphasis):
Turn on the computer and continue holding the Power button. The sleep LED will blink rapidly, then slowly, then rapidly (3 quick blinks, 3 slow blinks, 3 quick blinks).
On Macs that don't have a sleep LED, tones are used instead. Hold down the power button until you hear 3 long tones, then 3 short tones, then 3 long tones.
As I said... inverse, which either means the Support document is wrong (wouldn't be the first time) or it really means what it says... but it still doesn't correspond to your Mac's startup tones.
In any event it appears to be firmware related, and unless you can find that Firmware Restoration CD you may be out of luck. I don't have one.
What type of upgrade?????????
I suspect you are attempting to upgrade the RAM. iMacs are VERY sensitive to using quality RAM, only use OWC (www.macsales.com) RAM. When installing be 100% sure it is the correct RAM for your iMac and also ensure the RAM is installed correctly and is well seated.
John Galt wrote:
... In any event it appears to be firmware related, and unless you can find that Firmware Restoration CD you may be out of luck. I don't have one.
More justification for that CD: 9 Beeps and No Startup (SOS) on Macbook...Software Update made it happen - Apple Community
... and
MacBook Air (Original): How to address a computer that starts up with 9 beeps (archived). A CD couldn't be used with a MBA which obviously made the in-person visit necessary.
About the Firmware Restoration CD (Intel-based Macs) - Apple Support may offer a solution. Be advised I am unable to confirm it even exists for your specific model Mac.
One example: Firmware Restoration CD 1.7 - Apple Support. The 2007 iMac is not listed though.
See if the beep series you're experiencing is listed in this Apple document: If your Mac beeps during startup - Apple Support. It will tell you what's going on with your Mac.
You do realize that that Mac is considered obsolete by Apple, right. It's 18 years old. I hope you've been saving up for a new Mac. If you are considering a new Mac post back and I'll give you my 2¢ worth on my new M4 Mac.
No hardware upgrade - I'm just trying to wipe and reinstall. The iMac had started and run OK with the old OS and user account, and the trouble started when I tried to boot into recovery mode for the wipe-and-reinstall.
If remember correctly, the RAM error tone is 3 long, 3 short, 3 long - and what I'm getting is the mirror image of that. haven't touched the RAM or any other hardware stuff at all.
I'm totally puzzled, and still wondering what this sequence means.
Hi John,
that explanation fits with what I experienced. This is incredibly helpful.
I wil dig to see if I can find an image for the restoration CD. As a developer for many years (retired now) my pile of Developer Support DVDs may just have what I need.
Many thanks for the lead and explanation.
Heh - this is for a friend, not mine. Mine is a Mac studio - very nice. And the M4 Mini is my wife's :)
You could have told us that up front. Regardless pass on my last remark to your friend.
For a 2007 iMac, what is the meaning of the boot diagnostic tone short-short-short-long-long-long-short-short-short mean ?
