Q: Apple supports adding a second monitor to my G4 iMac, but when I check the video card details, it says "Mirror Off." Is there some way to turn mirroring on? Since Apple claims that mirroring is possible with this model, I assume a change is possible
Since Apple supports adding a second monitor to the 15" G4 iMac, when I checked the technical specifications, I found the details for the GeForce2 MX card stated "Mirror Off" and no signal was going to the second monitor. Is there some way to turn "Mirror On" and if not, what is going on here?
Posted on Mar 9, 2015 11:59 AM
The process with attaching the display, is to first attach the adapter to the display
then, attach the other end of the adapter to the computer; with it powered off.
with mac off, attach: display + adapter + Mac + restart computer.
This is the most that should be necessary to enable Mirror mode.
Some models use a keyboard command to toggle the display, but some are not
swappable when the unit is running. Those with more active swap options can
be changed over while they sleep, to mirror. Others with extended desktop mode
in their system software, should be accessible by Displays preference panel.
A suggested workaround is Command + F1, although that may work only with
newer Macs or intel-based ones... as stated in this limited bit of information:
http://osxdaily.com/2013/06/27/mirror-display-mac-keyboard-shortcut/
Without a second way to test the hardware, or additional similar adapters to tell,
the issue remains an unknown. Some info may be present in System Profiler on
whatever evidence it finds with items attached; but no way to enable it there.
Another idea may be to use the PRAM reset to see if that helps an different
hardware problem as it may relate to software at almost a firmware level.
•OS X Mavericks: Reset your computer’s PRAM (method same on older OS X)
Unlikely, but a PMU reset (button under metal bottom plate) has its moments:
•Resetting the iMac (Flat Panel) Power Management Unit (PMU) - Apple Support
Essentially, the workaround is to attempt to determine what is the cause of this
issue where the display does not appear to Mirror. It may be an adapter needs
to fully work, with a correct and functional display, before it appears automatically.
The steps around the campfire are to tell if the heat and light come from using
a match, if the fuel is correct and temperature of ignition source; with air present.
Troubleshooting has led some of my outdoor friends to set up certain electronic
items for 'target practice' at a point when all other methods were deemed failure.
Good luck & happy computing!
Posted on Mar 9, 2015 11:00 PM