What's the problem with your iMac?
No problem! Just schedule an appointment to drop off your Mac for a diagnosis. A couple hours after dropping off I'll call to let you what's wrong and rundown your repair options. If you decide to get your Mac repaired, the $50 diagnostic fee is waived.
Keeps crashing, colored spinning wheel, overall slow performance
These types of problems are often caused by a damaged file system, runaway application, corrupt preference file, or bad hard drive. Repairing the file system is usually a relatively quick fix ($65), while more challenging problems will be fixed after my flat-rate $100 tune-up (and your computer will be running fast again). If your hard drive is bad, you'll need a replacement -- starting at $155 (parts and labor).
Distorted video, horizontal or vertical lines on display
This is a common problem for many iMac G5 models and is caused by a bad logic board (blown capacitors, to be specific). These logic board replacements start at $275, but usually aren't worth the cost when compared with the value of the iMac. Often the best resolution in this case is to remove the hard drive and install it in an external hard drive enclosure, so you can access your data from another computer (about $95 parts and labor).
Can't read/write some or all CDs & DVDs
As they get older, optical drives get very picky as to which CDs and DVDs they'll choose to read. An optical drive replacement starts at $165 (parts and labor). Sometimes objects get stuck in the optical drive - removing the object(s) starts at $65.
Can't connect to wireless networks or Airport connection drops-out frequently
Usually an Airport card stops working or has problems connecting because of a software conflict, fixing this problem is usually $65. Airport card replacements start at $75 (parts and labor). Older iMacs use the "original" airport card; it's slow and has poor reception. Usually, I recommend upgrading to an external USB WiFi adapter for $80 (parts and labor).
Won't boot-up, stuck on gray boot-up screen, or flashing folder with question mark
These problems are usually caused by a bad/dead/dying hard drive and/or system file damage. Corruption can usually be repaired for $65. If your hard drive is bad or damaged beyond repair, you'll need a new hard drive and fresh operating system (starts at $210, parts and labor). If your hard drive is bad/dead/dying and you need the data back, you'll want to check out my data recovery service.
iMac turns on (start-up chime works), but screen is dark or very dim
A dim/dark/dead display is usually caused by a bad LCD panel or bad inverter board. Replacing the inverter starts at $130 and a LCD panel replacement starts at $195 (parts and labor).
iMac won't turn on, makes no noise, has no signs of life
This is often caused by a bad power supply (especially in iMac G5 models) or bad logic board. Power supply replacements starts at $155 (parts and labor) and logic board replacements start at $275 (parts and labor). Given the value of older iMacs, sometimes the best resolution in this case is to remove the hard drive and install it in an external hard drive enclosure, so you can access your data from another computer (starting at $95 parts and labor).
I have over 5 years of experience diagnosing and fixing all of these problems and more. I keep many iMac parts in stock, which means same-day turnaround for most iMac repairs, no extra charge. If you would like to schedule an appointment, click here.