iMach 2015-Mac starts up to a circle with a line through it

Question

Level 1

4 points

iMach 2015-Mac starts up to a circle with a line through it

I followed the direction to Stat up macOS recovery but nothing works. What should I do? I have lots of pictures in it and I would like to connect and save to external hard drive.

Posted on Sep 13, 2025 07:26 PM

Reply

Answer 1

KiltedTim

Level 10

220,764 points

Sep 13, 2025 07:37 PM in response to AnaliaPal

I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but it's likely the hard drive has completely failed...

If that's the case, it's too late to save your data. You need to back up your data before something goes catastrophically wrong, not after.

I would say make an appointment at the Genius Bar, but it's doubtful they're going to be able to help you. That machine is obsolete.

Reply

Answer 2

AnaliaPal Author

Level 1

4 points

Sep 13, 2025 07:55 PM in response to KiltedTim

I have external hard drives fro everything but I wanted to double check and make sure I do have everything- like many of my photography programs are in there and I can't back up those unless I am done with my work. I actually just opened it up with my MacBook Pro- sinked it with iCloud. I just wish I could open it one more time to double check everything. I will get an appointment to see if there is anything else I can do.

Thank you for taking the time to help me.

Reply

Answer 3

Old Toad

Level 10

214,326 points

Sep 14, 2025 11:03 AM in response to AnaliaPal

You might want to look at this Apple document: If your Mac starts up to a circle with a line through it - Apple Support

Reply