Using early 2008 iMac in Target Mode to access corrupt hard drive

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Using early 2008 iMac in Target Mode to access corrupt hard drive

My early 2008 24 inch iMac will not boot up. I suspect a faulty drive. Am I able to put it into Target Mode and access the drive via another Mac? It has two Firewire ports (400 and 800). And I can get it to show the Firewire symbol on the screen when I boot it while holding down the 'T' key.

I now need to know whether to buy the cables necessary to connect to another Mac if what I have done so far is compatible with accessing the drive.

I had read elsewhere that Target Mode was only available on later 2009 iMacs but this seemed to be referring to using the old iMac as a second screen.

iMac, OS X 10.11

Posted on Aug 7, 2020 9:13 AM

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Answer 1

Top-ranking reply

Kappy

Level 10

361,855 points

Aug 7, 2020 9:57 AM in response to southsalemkiwi

The general answer is, Yes. However, if the drive is corrupted or damaged, it may not be accessible. To connect it to another computer, you will need a computer that can be connected to a Firewire port. There is a Firewire to TB2 adapter but none for Firewire to TB3/USB-C ports. You will find all sorts of adapters, docks, hubs, and cables at Amazon.

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Answer 2

Allan Jones

Level 9

72,398 points

Aug 7, 2020 10:17 AM in response to southsalemkiwi

I had read elsewhere that Target Mode was only available on later 2009 iMacs but this seemed to be referring to using the old iMac as a second screen.

That is correct. "Target Disk Mode" is supported on 2008 iMacs; "Target Display Mode" is not.

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Answer 3

Aug 7, 2020 11:14 AM in response to Kappy

Thank you Kappy.

Yes, I realize the drive may not be accessible but at least it sounds like I have a shot (once I configure the connection!)

Cheers

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Answer 4

Aug 7, 2020 11:15 AM in response to Allan Jones

Thanks Allan.

I was probably skimming the article and didn't pick up on the different terms.

Cheers

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Using early 2008 iMac in Target Mode to access corrupt hard drive

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