User profile for user: Litzz11
Litzz11 Author
User level: Level 1
28 points

Recovering Data from ancient Power Mac G4 mini tower

I have an ancient Power Mac G4 mini tower, circa 2001. I haven't used it in years, I don't even have the plug for it anymore, but over the years as I've bought new Mac laptops stuff has gotten lost, photos and other stuff. I'd like to try to recover the data from my old tower. What is the best way to do that? It has ethernet, Firewire and USB ports, but they're all gunked up, I assume they work though. I don't have the keyboard or monitor for it anymore. How do I get my stuff off of it now without a way to turn it on? Do I need to take it to a Mac specialist?

Earlier Mac models

Posted on Apr 29, 2023 3:16 PM

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User profile for user: Allan Jones
Allan Jones
User level: Level 10
83,196 points

Posted on May 1, 2023 11:42 AM

Most G4 towers are among the easiest when it comes to physically removing the hard drives, and that is the best way to recover files.


We cannot post links to take-apart sites but if you web-search "powermac G4 remove drive" you will get a wealth of helpful hits.


Once the drive is out, you can use a bare drive adapter such as this:


https://eshop.macsales.com/item/NewerTech/U3NV2SPATA/


to attach the drive to a newer computer via USB. The G4 drive essentially becomes an external drive.


There are cheaper options but many lack the required power harness the above kit includes. The 3.5-inch drives require separate power

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User profile for user: Allan Jones
Allan Jones
User level: Level 10
83,196 points

May 1, 2023 11:42 AM in response to Litzz11

Most G4 towers are among the easiest when it comes to physically removing the hard drives, and that is the best way to recover files.


We cannot post links to take-apart sites but if you web-search "powermac G4 remove drive" you will get a wealth of helpful hits.


Once the drive is out, you can use a bare drive adapter such as this:


https://eshop.macsales.com/item/NewerTech/U3NV2SPATA/


to attach the drive to a newer computer via USB. The G4 drive essentially becomes an external drive.


There are cheaper options but many lack the required power harness the above kit includes. The 3.5-inch drives require separate power

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Recovering Data from ancient Power Mac G4 mini tower

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