I get the start up sound but nothing on screen. I have checked and double checked the connecting cables and even replaced the main one.
Are we supposed to magically know what iMac you have, they have been made for over 20 years with hundreds of configurations? Please carefully read Writing an effective Apple Support Communities Question
Did you install the cable to keep the computer from overheating?
The cable is needed to keep the system cool, otherwise it will overheat and lose video. Others recommend a cooling app, however I prefer to use the cable. You may need to open it again to inspect for damaged cables, on a computer that old cable get brittle and can easily be damaged.
If the drive you removed was the original drive, Apple used drives that had sensors integrated into them, they began that practice in 2009. Using replacement drives is okay asssuming you take steps to cool the system and protect it from overheating. Also I would strongly recommend using a wired USB keyboard until you have this straightened out.
Frankly if it were mine I never would have installed a new drive, it's extremely old and ready to be retired.
I have a late 2009 27’ iMac which is very similar to yours internally, there is four display cables. The display data (lvds), the backlight power cable, the vsync cable, and temperature sensor cable. You said you replaced the “main” display cable, was this the main ribbon cable that goes from the main logic board to the display? If so then you can rule that out for the cause of the black screen issue. most likely the reason the screen isn’t working is the vsync cable which is the small tiny cable going from the backlight board (far top right board next to power supply) to the display. If this cable is damaged but still connected to its socket, the screen will stay black and not work at all unless the vSync cable is removed or replaced. Inspect that cable and make sure it’s in good condition and all the pins angled right because that cable is extremely easy to damage. If the cable is damaged then remove it and the screen should work and you can pretty much use the computer without the cable because it doesn’t seem to be needed at all
We tried without and with the cable. Also tried putting the old HD back because it did fire up with that. Its the same, black screen not starting up. If I have damaged something whats most likely, screen? Motherboard? Thanks.
Did you have screen sharing enabled?
Do you think it's starting up all the way?
Sorry, its 2010 imac 21.5
No didnt have screen sharing before I changed the HD. I do think its starting op because I hear the tone. Unfortunately I dont know if the keyboard is connecting because its wireless.
Its 2010 imac
I did not install the cable but it was ok before I changed the drive apart from the drive fault which was that it kept shutting off and lagging.
Yes, it was a cheap drive and my son is interested.
But would the lack of a cable explain why it wont start up with the new drive?
Lack of the Heat Sensor cable? No.
No.
Good info, thams I will try it.
Most likely would be screen cabling.
i-mac black screen since fitting new HD
