Can I run Migration Assistant if old iMac has a black screen?

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Level 1

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Can I run Migration Assistant if old iMac has a black screen?

I have an interesting problem. I recently had to replace a 12- or 13-year-old iMac because the screen suddenly went black (and remained so). The folks at my local Apple store said that they would not be able to migrate my stuff to the new iMac for me. Basically, I need to know if it would be possible to use Migration Assistant when one of the Macs has a black screen. The old Mac powers up, but I can't log in. The info on the Apple website seems to suggest that the new Mac should recognize the old one anyway, if I boot up the old one in target disk mode. Is this true? If not, is there some other way to transfer that info?

Posted on Sep 30, 2020 11:09 AM

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Answer 1

Top-ranking reply

BDAqua

Level 10

245,597 points

Oct 1, 2020 11:03 AM in response to dennisl59

Get the cables you need to try Target DiskMode...

https://support.apple.com/guide/mac-help/transfer-files-computers-target-disk-mode-mchlp1443/10.13/mac/10.13

Also...

Use a Flashlight up close at various angles, do you see a faint Desktop?

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Answer 2

den.thed

Level 10

83,326 points

Sep 30, 2020 8:10 PM in response to dennisl59

If you have a Time Machine or Clone backup, then you can migrate to the new iMac from it while setting up the new iMac. see > Restore your Mac from a backup - Apple Support

If not and you know someone else with a Mac, you can try Target Disk Mode and move you data from it to an external drive.

If not, then your only hope is to get the old hard drive out of the old iMac so you can migrate from it when you setup your new iMac.

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Answer 3

Old Toad

Level 10

210,925 points

Oct 7, 2020 11:01 AM in response to dennisl59

I'd try the Target Disk Mode as BDAqua suggested.

Shine the flashlight on the screen when you do and if you see a faint image of the following it's in Target Disk Mode:

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Answer 4

den.thed

Level 10

83,326 points

Sep 30, 2020 11:32 AM in response to dennisl59

Remove the hard drive from the old black screen iMac. Put the hard drive into a USB drive enclosure or on a USB to SATA adapter and plug it into your new Mac.

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Answer 5

dennisl59 Author

Level 1

9 points

Sep 30, 2020 6:50 PM in response to den.thed

That was a quick reply. Thanks. Unfortunately, my new iMac isn't due to arrive for another several weeks. I'll give you an update once I get set up. Enjoy and stay safe.

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Answer 6

Ronasara

Level 6

15,121 points

Oct 1, 2020 10:39 AM in response to dennisl59

I honestly don't know the answer to your question, but here is what I would do. Connect the two computers with a USB cable and give it a try and see what happens. You have nothing to loose.

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