Dead Imac 2012 model - can't even get into recovery

Cinysta wrote:

I didn’t think to write that I was trying to retrieve old data and photos from it. That’s why I’ve never taken it to the Apple Store for recycling. I’ve tried a few times over the years to follow the guides but it seems impossible. I think the only way is if the iMac could be taken apart. Hmmm…

The symptoms are not those of a failed HDD, though a bad HDD could be included in all of what has failed here.

Put differently, you might get the data back, or you might not.

An authorized Apple Authorized Service Provider might be willing to disassemble the iMac and remove and re-mount the HDD into a USB sled.

That’s going to require purchasing the appropriate sled, and paying for their time, but not the cost of any repairs.

And data recovery is far from certain.

Can Apple take it apart?

I am reasonably sure that Apple will not retrieve the drive and give i back to you when you take it for recycling. Stores are no longer as well-equipped for on-the-spot service as they once were.

"Dead Imac 2012 model..."

" I think it is a late 2010 model, I think..."

If it is a 2010 model, it is relative easy to open and access the hard drive. Suction cups remove the display glas and then it's a screw-driver job from there.

If a 2012, it has a sealed case that require more work to break the seal and get to the hard drive.

The difference between a 2010 and 2012 iMacs are easy to spot: the 2010 has an optical drive slot on the right edge.

What are your goals for this iMac?

Does this Mac have sentimental value?

Do you want to learn about hardware repair?

Otherwise, and given what you’ve tried, seems it’s headed for repair or recycling.

Macs have had a backup app pre-installed on Mac OS for close to 20 years, Time Machine. It simply requires an external HD to backup to and you are in-business. If you never used Time Machine or did any type of backup, that is a major NO NO as you are learning as all of your data is at risk of being lost. Operating any computer without a sound backup plan is a 100% guarantee of losing data.

If you are not familiar with Time Machine, please click Back up your Mac with Time Machine to learn how simple it could have been. If you now have another Mac and are not backing it up, please get yourself a high quality External Hard Disk such as a OWC Mercury Elite Pro and begin using Time Machine ASAP!