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Computer was running extremely slow when I moved. After reconnecting iMac it would not start. I can't find my recovery disk. I tried Disk Recovery (Command + R); nothing. I tried holding the start button for 10 seconds, but nothing but a dim screen appears. I purchased in 2012 and it is only used for Amazon purchases and Internet searches. I do have files I want off it and will then purchase a new computer.
I would strongly recommend you contact an Apple Authorized Service Provider, not an Apple Store as they do not offer that service, to remove the hard drive: Get Support. Removing the drive is an extremely difficult procedure that is not supported by Apple.
You can then restore the files to your new Mac once the old hard drive has been removed: Restore your Mac from a backup - Apple Support.
Once your new Mac is setup with your data migrated, you should setup Time Machine again to keep continuous backups of your data and never risk it again: Back up your Mac with Time Machine - Apple Support. If you do not have a Time Machine backup drive, here’s an excellent one sold by Apple: G-Technology 4TB G-DRIVE mobile USB-C Portable Hard Drive - Apple. I would advise against using the old hard drive from your previous iMac as your backup drive as it is most likely old with imminent failure.
Also, moving forward, I recommend that you use iCloud in addition to Time Machine to sync all your files and photos to all your Apple devices. Although iCloud is not a "true" backup service, iCloud can also act as an emergency off-site backup, but this is why iCloud should be used in addition to Time Machine. Here are some resources on setting up iCloud for Mac:
Cheers,
Jack
I would strongly recommend you contact an Apple Authorized Service Provider, not an Apple Store as they do not offer that service, to remove the hard drive: Get Support. Removing the drive is an extremely difficult procedure that is not supported by Apple.
You can then restore the files to your new Mac once the old hard drive has been removed: Restore your Mac from a backup - Apple Support.
Once your new Mac is setup with your data migrated, you should setup Time Machine again to keep continuous backups of your data and never risk it again: Back up your Mac with Time Machine - Apple Support. If you do not have a Time Machine backup drive, here’s an excellent one sold by Apple: G-Technology 4TB G-DRIVE mobile USB-C Portable Hard Drive - Apple. I would advise against using the old hard drive from your previous iMac as your backup drive as it is most likely old with imminent failure.
Also, moving forward, I recommend that you use iCloud in addition to Time Machine to sync all your files and photos to all your Apple devices. Although iCloud is not a "true" backup service, iCloud can also act as an emergency off-site backup, but this is why iCloud should be used in addition to Time Machine. Here are some resources on setting up iCloud for Mac:
Cheers,
Jack
It looks like it's dead. But see if it can be booted into Target Disk Mode. If it can you can connect it to your new computer and access the data on the drive that way.
Otherwise, you could open it up to remove the drive before recycling it. There are videos on iFixIt.com to show how to open it up for various repairs.
The drive could be accessed with something like this: UGREEN SATA to USB 3.0 Adapter Cable for 3.5 2.5 Inch SSD HDD SATA III Hard Drive Disk Converter
Can you boot into Safe Mode?
No, only get a dim screen after turning on computer.
Thanks, Old Toad.
Latest upgrade slowed my Mac and eventually prevents start-up
