Mounting in Target Mode without a keyboard

Question

Level 1

14 points

Mounting in Target Mode without a keyboard

Would anyone happen to know how to boot into Target Mode without a keyboard?

I have connected my laptop (ibook G4) to my old desktop G4 (from 2002 or so) via firewire to get my old files off, but the keyboard is long gone. That means I can't hold down a T key to get into Target Mode.

Is there any way to get around this?

ibook G4, Mac OS X (10.4.10)

Posted on Mar 17, 2009 9:52 AM

Reply

Answer 1

Duane

Level 10

124,293 points

Mar 19, 2009 1:00 AM in response to AliSox

Hook up a USB keyboard.

Reply

Answer 2

AliSox Author

Level 1

14 points

Mar 19, 2009 11:38 AM in response to Duane

I'll take that as a no.

Reply

Answer 3

y_p_w

Level 6

17,762 points

Mar 19, 2009 12:55 PM in response to AliSox

AliSox wrote:
I'll take that as a no.

That would actually be a yes. That's a legitimate way to get around a damaged original keyboard. Desktop Macs can only get into FireWire target mode using an external keyboard. You can buy one cheap or borrow one.

Reply

Answer 4

AliSox Author

Level 1

14 points

Mar 19, 2009 1:58 PM in response to y_p_w

Gotcha, I was just hoping to get around buying a USB keyboard. Thanks for taking the time to respond.

Regards,
Alison

Reply

Answer 5

y_p_w

Level 6

17,762 points

Mar 19, 2009 2:38 PM in response to AliSox

AliSox wrote:
Gotcha, I was just hoping to get around buying a USB keyboard. Thanks for taking the time to respond.

It can be any USB keyboard; it wouldn't have to be an Apple keyboard. They all work off the same generic standard. I tried it myself using a Microsoft keyboard that I bought for $20 and my MacBook. I could get it both into FW target mode and option to boot off of which disk; the ALT key substituted for OPTION. I believe the drivers for USB keyboards is fixed in the USB host hardware and doesn't need a working OS.

My iBook G4 1.42 is currently being used by someone else (so I can't test it) but I believe it should work the same.

Reply