Is there any way to save files from a imac with a broken display?

I can’t interact with the screen at all. Is there any possible way to salvage the files?

iMac 21.5″, macOS 10.15

Posted on Jun 11, 2020 9:46 PM

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Ultrawide 49" Display <> Macbook Air 2018 in Ventura 13.1 issues Hello, Today I decided to update to macOS Ventura, since doing so I have been experiencing display issues with an external monitor. I believe this is an Apple side issue with macOS Ventura. I have done some research and stumbled upon a few other Apple users having similar issues. On reddit, on /r/ultrawidemasterrace The graphical issue is identical to what I am experiencing (it looks different because my wallpaper is different). I am using a MacBook Air, Retina, 13-inch, 2018 with a 1.6 ghz Dual-Core Intel Core i5 Up to this point, I was having no issue on Monterey or Catalina with running this display. This happened immediately after installing the Ventura software update. For context, I am using a caldigit element hub 4 as my central docking station. I have tried both the hdmi and displayport inputs into this monitor, I normally use dp. I use a dp to lightning converter since the element hub 4 doesn't have DP or HDMI ports, only USB-A and USB-C ports. I have tried connecting the monitor directly to the air, and using the other port for power, this did not help. Users on MacRumor's forum are reporting similar issues since October. Ventura external display problem Temporary fix for external monitor issue over usb-c in Ventura So far, the workarounds seem to be Revert back to previous operating systems Run a process in terminal every single time sudo sleep 20 ; sudo kill -9 $(pgrep WindowServer) Run the monitor in PIP mode (only using half the resolution) Potentially booting from Safe mode Please have one of your Software Engineers address what is causing this bug. My theory is this appears to be tied to the resolution or refresh rate exceeding the graphical capabilities of the macbooks, but this is happening across different models. All of the previous hardware and displays has worked, so it cannot be a hardware issue. I do like the new operating system, and would not want to revert to an older version simply to get my display working again. I have attempted to go into the Displays setting and adjusting the resolution, but I mistakenly selected the "use as main display" dropdown (when using my laptop to adjust settings) and now cannot navigate/access to undo this mistake as it has to be in that mode to see that setting again. Other settings do not allow you to adjust display preferences - another potential fix in the future. I hope apple can roll out a fix quickly, because this is debilitating. Thank you,
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3 replies

Cunnla

Level 6

8,303 points

Jun 11, 2020 10:02 PM in response to r_v_

If you can get another Mac you might try Target Disk mode. Use target disk mode to move files to another computer - Apple Support

rkaufmann87

Level 10

149,412 points

Jun 11, 2020 10:23 PM in response to r_v_

Are you saying you did not have a backup for the computer, no Time Machine or bootable clone????

BDAqua

Level 10

251,605 points

Jun 12, 2020 4:57 AM in response to Cunnla

+1 👍

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Is there any way to save files from a imac with a broken display?