Can I copy data off a 2010 iMac using target disk? What cable will I need? Can I use a thunderbolt cable to connect to a 2012 or later iMac? Just want to get the data off the disk drive without taking the whole thing apart.
Simply take apart the 2010 (it's a 15 minute process!) and remove the HD, then put it into an enclosure like the following:
https://eshop.macsales.com/item/OWC/ME3NH7T00/
Then connect the External Hard Disk to the newer Mac and copy away!
Try and see if the Mac can boot into Target Disk Mode. If it can you can connect it with a cable as described in the Apple document and copy whatever you need off the drive. You can try booting into Target Disk Mode without connecting the two Macs together just to see if it can be done.
If you cannot boot the Mac, then you cannot access the data on the drive without taking it apart.
Thanks, yes, it will boot into target disk mode - there is the firewire symbol on the screen. Assume I would need a firewire to thunderbolt adapter?
Ok, thanks - That explains why I couldn't find a full answer to using target disk to get the data in my search of the internet. I have tried all the simple ways to get the iMac working such as safe mode - checking the drive in disk utilities (all seems ok), clearing NVRAM, reinstalling OS, unplugging devices etc. I suspect a hardware fault, though disk utility says the drive is ok (I understand there can still be issues).
Copy data from boot failed iMac 2010
