iMac (21.5-inch, Late 2009) Symptom Charts — Mass Storage 58
2010-11-18
Hard Drive Read/Write Errors
Unlikely cause: LCD panel, power supply, fans, speakers, camera, microphone
Quick Check
Symptoms Quick Check
Drive Read/Write Error
Drive Bad Sector/Defective
Drive Formatting Issues
• Cannot save documents
• Read/write error message
• Hang when accessing or saving
data
1. Boot from Install DVD. Use Disk Utility to verify
S.M.A.R.T. status of hard drive.
2. Use Disk Utility to repair disk.
3. Verify that user’s data is backed up and that user
authorizes erasing disk and reinstalling software.
4. Use Target Disk Mode to mount user’s hard drive
on a known-good computer. Use Disk Utility on
host computer for Quick Checks 2 through 3.
Deep Dive
Check Result Action Code
1. Run Disk Utility ‘Repair Disk’
function and verify if it
completes successfully.
Yes Go to step 2.
No Go to step 3.
2. Reboot computer. Verify if
system boots successfully and
that Disk Utility “Verify” function
reports no errors.
Yes Data error. Issue resolved. H07
No Go to step 3.
3. With user’s permission, erase
hard drive and reinstall Mac
OS. Verify if installation process
completes.
Yes Go to step 6.
No Go to step 4.
4. Inspect hard drive SATA, power
cables and connectors for bent
pins, or other damage to the
cable.
Yes Replace damaged cable.
Go to step 6.
H04
No Go to step 5.
5. Reseat SATA cable on hard
drive and logic board. Verify if
computer starts up.
Yes Go to step 6.
No Replace hard drive data cable.
Go to step 6.
H04
6. Reboot computer. Verify if
system boots successfully and
Disk Utility “Verify” function
reports no errors.
Yes Issue resolved.
No Go to step 7.
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