Hello, Our iMac lost its’ HDD shortly after warranty had expired. We have never had Mac that didn’t croak so I always have...

Here is the answer folks… The croaked HDD that was still in the machine and connected was creating chaos on the data bus or so it appears. I disconnected it and SSD boot drive and the thing booted in 10 seconds. On my way to prepping new larger HDD to install in the machine. With Apple being Apple I'm expecting some boondoggle once I connect new spinning drive for it's first boot. Check back in a couple of hours if interested.

Hello Mate. Unfortunately the guide I followed to replace the HDD on my Core2 Duo mini didn’t day anything about the antennas getting totally disconnected from the combo board. I tried using your photos of the connectors but I am still unclear as to which connects where. In your photo will you please reference which one goes to the right side connector, which goes to the top lef, and which goes to the bottom left?

Thank you