Going on six-year-old memories here, I bought one of these at a pawn shop, that booted to that ‘folder ?’ Screen. I remember using Google search and found a particular key combination would boot it to “Online Recovery” IF it was hardwired to the Internet. One option was (basically) a full re-install of the then-current OS. Took about two hours. Upgraded RAM from 2GB to 16GB, and gave it to my sister, who needed an iMac (hers was stolen during a break-in) (I got it super-cheap because it would only boot to that “Folder & Question Mark” prompt, and no-one there knew what to do (they had it a year))

Great video! Where did you find El Captain OS?

Hi! I installed an SSD 500gb 2.5 Sata in my iMac early 2009. But i can’t get in to boot mode. Any help please 🙏🏻

Hello sir , great video .. i was wondering if u can link the magnete.. cant' find it on amazon

Great video, I'm currently pondering whether to scrap my 2009 iMac, but your video is telling me maybe I shouldn't. All great info & I have my shopping list. My only question is where do I get the operating system USB?

@andycdgreen

Жыл бұрын

You need to create it yourself, lots of videos on KZread showing you how. Just look for creating a macOS bootable usb

@reeceryan793

Жыл бұрын

So what Mac OS should I be trying to get a bootable usb for? I have a late 2009

@danhutchinsonbackup

11 ай бұрын

​@@reeceryan793 high sierra is the newest os you can run on late 2009 iMac

Hi, i have just tried to upgrade imac too. I got a problem installing the os back. It say installation method not supported when i reinstall the os x.

Was it hard to format the ssd?

Plus you didn't show how to remove the hard drive! 😯

Question - Do I need to install the OS on SSD before inserting it, or will I be able to use a recovery mode?

@andycdgreen

7 ай бұрын

Recovery mode, or create a bootable USB MacOS Installer

@darklaboratory1697

7 ай бұрын

@@andycdgreen Success!

At 14:32 of the video you said it’s not recognizing the ssd. What did you do after that?

@andycdgreen

7 ай бұрын

Sorry for the late reply... Click on "Utilities" at the top, open "Disk Utility", and create a new partition on the SSD. The reason it doesn't show up is because there is no portion on the SSD (it is completely blank). Then you can install the OS...

max ram are 8GB or 16GB? ,sir

Sir i am unable to acess boot menu in imac late 2009 imac running leopard 10.5.8 plz help

@andycdgreen

Жыл бұрын

Hold down the “option” key or “c” immediately after powering on

Thx a lot! I got the exact same machine and actually got stuck after putting a SDD in! It chimes but keeps a perfectly black screen, option does not work (so I cannot switch to y USB installers (Linux Mint), PRAM reset works but changes nothing. After the chime it stays black. Would I have needed to format the SDD? I put it in there just as I bought it! Is there still hope :-)? Any hint appreciated! Greetings from Chile!

@jojinkang2779

Жыл бұрын

sounds like you may have not connected the screen connectors properly. If you miss one it won't work. Stick the install USB and try booting while holding down option and if it's still black it's the connectors.

@jaxonadlard2680

8 ай бұрын

How's the performance? Found a C2D 4GB RAM 250GB for 50 early 2009

is the process the same for late 2009 imac model for the ssd install?

@andycdgreen

Жыл бұрын

Yes, should be the same process up to 2012 models

@HassanHow-vx7fn

2 ай бұрын

I want to enhance my iMac ssd or or storage how can I update it ! I have 550 sata also can it person can attach ssd ​128 @@andycdgreen to iMac 2009 late

this could go way up to 16GB of rm than the 8GB..also could be proceed to OCLP Monterey for better macOS version..

@andycdgreen

7 ай бұрын

You can install a later OS, it's a bit more faff to get it to work, plus due to the age of the iMac, it will start to struggle on newer OSes

@Ryan_Revier

7 ай бұрын

@@andycdgreen Actually you can run on Mojave Patcher since it was only runs with 8GB of ram and fully a 32-bit systems that supports it..

Can't you just velcro the ssd in place?

@billcollins6894

5 ай бұрын

That is what I am going to do. With something as light as a 2.5 SSD no real support is needed.

@andycdgreen

4 ай бұрын

I guess you could if you really wanted to, but I like to do a thorough job and make sure it is 100% secure

Tempted to try this since someone is selling these iMacs for $10! 😅

@rarenathan

Жыл бұрын

do it

@zebo-the-fat

9 ай бұрын

I managed to get one for £20... did the ram upgrade, added an ssd and used OpenCore Patcher to let it run Ventura works well, maybe not as fast opening programs as the latest £1000 mac, but not bad for the price!

Please disregard my question. I just found your answer in the comments

Nice video, but after the ssd wasn't recognized you didn't say what to do after! 👎

@andycdgreen

7 ай бұрын

Sorry for the late reply... Click on "Utilities" at the top, open "Disk Utility", and create a new partition on the SSD. The reason it doesn't show up is because there is no portion on the SSD (it is completely blank). Then you can install the OS...

finally I don`t play never :')

I wonder why I got recommended this