iFixit - Answers With Device "iMac G3 Model M5521"

iMac G3 Model M5521: How to clean the hard drive before selling? Forgot password to login

Mon, 22 Jul 2024 12:02:11 -0700

We have an old iMac from the early 2000s (like the one pictured below). We staked it away all these years and now decided to sell it. The problem is, that we do not recall the two passwords for the two users (my husband and I). We would like to delete the data that is stored and all history and reset it to factory settings before selling it. We have yet to figure out a way to do this. Any input?

iMac G3 Model M5521: My iMac has power but shuts itself off during boot. Now what?

Tue, 27 Dec 2022 07:27:02 -0700

I purchased an iMac G3 (M5521 from 2000) that was tested and working, and then after transport home in my car I plugged it in and it does not boot. The most that happens after I press the power button is a faint popping noise from the left speaker, followed 1 second later by a faint beep and crackling sound from the back (like a CRT after shutting off). No power button LED light, no chime, no POST beeps, nothing on the monitor. I can repeatedly press the button and the same thing happens.

Following the iMac G3 service manual, I tested the logic board, down converter, and the PAV board fuse, and everything is working! Voltages present and fuse not blown. Now what do I do?

iMac G3 Model M5521: iMac G3 (Slot Loading) screen or motherboard problem.

Thu, 04 Feb 2021 05:42:33 -0700

Hi.

Me and my dad bought an imac g3 but it came shattered in cargo. I tried to run it in broken state, it worked and it was ok, then we completely removed the inside of it, repaired the CRT bezel and cleaned the boards. This process took 2 weeks and when we try to operate it today, the power light is on. The CRT tube is warming up, an electric field occurs, but there is no starting sound and the screen is not coming. I'm sure all cables are plugged in but it doesn't work

is resisting.

(Sorry for the bad English i translated it from my language)

⟐ Commented February 04, 2021 at 5:42 MST

iMac G3 Model M5521: How to I change the voltage from USA specs to UK specs?

Fri, 10 Jul 2015 03:59:08 -0700

I need to change it from 120 to 230 so it does't blow up when I plug it in.

On the G4 tower, the switch is right at the back. Unable to locate switch on the iMac.

Please help.

⟐ Edited July 10, 2015 at 3:59 MST

iMac G3 Model M5521: Just a green led on my iMac G3, help me please

Tue, 26 May 2015 16:05:01 -0700

Hello to all, I have a Ruby 400/DV iMac G3, after using it for a while, it started doing smell, I unplugged everything and I left it cool for one hour. Now, if I turn it on, it only shows the green light, nothing else. Can you help me? I'm desperate. Thanks A Lot.

iMac G3 Model M5521: G3 wont power on after replacing dead pram battery & reset pram

Sun, 22 Mar 2015 10:54:11 -0700

I pulled my old imac G3 out of the basement where it had been sitting for about a decade. Tried to power it on- no joy. Did some reasearch, and decided to check the pram battery. Stone Dead, only .017 Volts.

Got a new battery- tested it- 3.6 Volts. Put in, tried to power on the computer, no joy.

Did some more research, reset the pram. Unfortunately, found bad information that was instructing me that the pram button was one of the white buttons straddling the graphics chip. Thought I reset pram, no joy, tried to start using command option pr. no joy.

Did more research, and then checked trickle power at J9 pin 1 on logic board. I have 4.9 V ( is that good enough? or is it 5v or nothing?)

I also have -1.2V DCO

I also at this point realize my pram reset button is at s1- push it, try to power on the computer- no joy.

does my 4.9 V reading indicate I need a new power supply? If not, what is the next thing to check?