Tip(s) for error beep code on Mac devices

[Guest]

Hi all,

 

I had the dreaded SOS beep on an 2007 iMac.

From a quick Google search I knew it wasn't going to be solved by just "turning it off and on again".

 

Multiple sources, including Apple linked this to an EFI firmware update gone wrong and the ONLY way you could fix this issue is to take apart the laptop, take out the motherboard and replace the EFI chip using soldering methods as shown here:

(Even though it is a Macbook pro, it is a similar process on an iMac).

 

Here's two ways to fix the issue:

 

1) I turned the machine off

2) I unplugged the power cord

3) waited 15 seconds and reconnected

4) Hold the power button down for as long as you can, for me it took 30 seconds.

5) While keep pressing it in, you should hear a long beep and soon after the Apple sound along with the white screen.

6) release the power button after you see the white screen

7) Let the computer sit and load the bar, it should automatically repair the firmware issue and restart a few times.

 

After a few restarts it should turn back on again, if not:

 

Follow steps 1 through 3, but before you turn it on, hold the cmd+r button. Even when the apple logo and bar shows up, keep pressing it down.

Keep pressing the cmd+r key down until you see a grey screen with a cursor appear.

 

From here, you will want to go to "Utilities" and open the "Terminal"

In the terminal type: "date". Make sure it is the correct date and time.

If not, you'll have to input this command:

date mmddHHMMyy

Using the following:

mm = month
dd = day
HH = hour
MM = minute
yy = year

 

Then click reinstall OS X.

 

If you need anything explained in greater detail, please let me know.