jhb391098

Q: FireWire isn't working?

Hello everyone.

I have a little problem with my iBook - I'm trying to transfer data from another computer via FireWire and it isn't working. I am certain that the other computer is in Target Disk Mode. On the main one, I went into System Profiler and it said that it couldn't list any FireWire devices. It even said that when nothing was plugged in.

Could this mean that my FireWire port may have failed in some way? I need to get data from the other computer - the screen doesn't work on there, (hooking up to an external monitor doesn't work either) so I can't put anything on a flash drive...

Is there a way around this?
Thank you in advance for any answers.

iBook G4

Posted on Jan 13, 2015 6:50 PM

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Q: FireWire isn't working?

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  • by Ronda Wilson,

    Ronda Wilson Ronda Wilson Jan 14, 2015 9:57 AM in response to jhb391098
    Level 8 (41,537 points)
    Jan 14, 2015 9:57 AM in response to jhb391098

    What are the specs of the other computer?

  • by K Shaffer,

    K Shaffer K Shaffer Jan 14, 2015 1:41 PM in response to jhb391098
    Level 6 (14,345 points)
    Desktops
    Jan 14, 2015 1:41 PM in response to jhb391098

    If the other computer does not support the connection to your iBook, you could

    still test the FW400 port in the iBook by use of an external FW enclosed HDD.

     

    Usually the hardware of your own machine would appear in System Profiler, yet

    may not if there is a hardware issue or one of other cause. You could try & see

    if the the problem appears limited to your iBook, if a Power Management reset

    could allow the computer ports (FW especially) to re-appear. Did you try this 2x?

     

    Depending on the model and vintage a PMU reset may vary, among instruction here:

    •Resetting PowerBook and iBook Power Management Unit (PMU) - Apple Support

     

    Since the computer (iBook) is beyond the scope of a retail Apple Store, you may

    need to discuss its status if you cannot restore use of essential ports, with another

    service specialist at an independent Apple authorized service provider, one with a

    preference and skilled staff with experience with older hardware configurations.

     

    In some regions or countries, the options to have older gear serviced vary from fair

    to non-existent. In the US and some others, specialists will accept shipped portable

    computers for repair, restoration, and can perform intense diagnostics. For older

    gear, wegenermedia is one of the better examples I'm aware of...

     

    Good luck & happy computing!

  • by jhb391098,

    jhb391098 jhb391098 Jan 14, 2015 2:57 PM in response to Ronda Wilson
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Jan 14, 2015 2:57 PM in response to Ronda Wilson

    The other computer is an iBook G3/700 with 256MB RAM, and 600MHz processor speed. It has a Mini-VGA port, 2 USB ports, a modem port, a FireWire port, and an Ethernet port.