Save hard drive files from a dead mac

Question

Level 1

0 points

Save hard drive files from a dead mac

Hi, my mac recently broke, but the hard drive is still intact. (Screen is black, can't see anything) Is it possible to let's say, connect my mac to another computer and transfer my files ? I have a lot of precious school work on it, and it would be a shame to lose it all. Thanks!

Macbook Pro, Mac OS X (10.4.10), Windows XP Pro

Posted on Oct 7, 2008 1:16 PM

Reply

Answer 1

varjak paw

Level 10

183,146 points

Oct 7, 2008 1:38 PM in response to menouze

If the broken Mac won't run, you'll have to pull the drive and mount it in a Firewire or USB external case. Then, presuming that the drive is good, you should be able to get all the files from it. If it's just the screen on the Mac that's bad and it has Firewire (and isn't really old), you may still be able to start it up in Target Disk Mode and get it to mount the drive on your other Mac.

Message was edited by: Dave Sawyer

Reply

Answer 2

menouze Author

Level 1

0 points

Oct 8, 2008 6:25 AM in response to menouze

Thanks for the quick reply Dave!

If I start it up in target disk mode, with my working mac I will be able to drag files from the broken mac ? Since I can't see anything on the broken mac's screen. The hard drive boots up just fine and keyboard works.

Reply

Answer 3

Oct 8, 2008 7:24 AM in response to menouze

Not to jump in ahead of Dave, but yes, if you start the dead machine in Target Disk Mode (hold down T while it is booting up with it connected via firewire to your other Mac) you will see the dead machine's hard drive mounted as an additional drive on your other Mac. You can access the files on it just as you would any other hard drive.

Good luck,
Darrin

Reply

Answer 4

the 1ne

Level 1

0 points

Oct 20, 2008 4:02 PM in response to BigDarrin

hi i have a similar problem. i have a question mark on a white screen, seems the HD is dead as the reboot disc will not work. how exactly do i boot up the machine if its dead, i know i need another mac and firewire cable but can u please tell me what to do from there. i have nothing backed up. thanks in advance

Reply

Answer 5

Oct 8, 2008 7:39 AM in response to menouze

alternatively, if you have an external MONITOR you may be able to run the MBP using the monitor and then clone the HD to an external.

Reply