iMac (27-inch, Mid 2011) won't log in

[Bonebreaker777]

Good afternoon,

It's been a while

I need the advise of people starter than me (in this particular field). One of my friends iMac has issues with logging in. The login menu comes up, the boot goes without an issue, however when you enter your password, it won't log on even after 30-45min. The machine is connected to the internet. The Apple account is alive. There's no recovery DVD for the unit any longer. The recovery options on the HDD are basically non-existent - the only way how to get the machine into recovery mode is to hold the power button for 4sec while turning it off then back on again. No other way suggested on the internet works.

Any idea of what to do? Is there a way to get a universal recovery DVD? No data on the HDD is irreplaceable. The hardware self-diagnostics haven't found any hardware issues.

Would appreciate any help, thanks.

[SUMMONER]

Trying running fsck in single user mode to check the filesystem. Also make sure that any non essential external devices are unplugged.

[Bonebreaker777]

The iMac doesn't really react to any of the keyboard shortcuts. Only boots to the login screen.

Any other ideas?

[SUMMONER]

Try another keyboard to make sure the keys are working.

What happens when you hold down the OPTION/ALT key alone immediately after powering it on?

[Bonebreaker777]

Managed to do it. It was the right windows key + R.

So when I've entered the utility, I had 4x options. Tried to repair the partitions - no error. So restarted but it was loading for 45min then I've turned it off.

Back to the utility - tried to reinstall the OS. After 1h20min with what I assume download from the internet it restarted but again the same user login greeted me with the same 20-30min loading time. So I've turned it off again

Now I've contacted Apple support via chat, because the 2nd time I've tried macOS reinstall, I had the following error: macOS could not be installed on your computer. Volume contains macOS or OS X installation media. Quit the installer to restart the computer to try again.

Hate apple :-(

[Bonebreaker777]

All sorted. Can't understand why is it that much harder to do it on an Apple when it's supposed to be more user friendly.

[SUMMONER]

What did you end up doing in order to reinstall Mac OS ?¿