Help with target disk mode!

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Help with target disk mode!

I have a 2017 Macbook Pro that isn't turning on but I am able to boot into recovery mode and target disk mode. I have a 2023 M3 Macbook Pro that I am trying to transfer the files onto using target disk mode. I'm using a Thunderbolt 4 cable, however, when booting the 2017 Macbook into target disk mode the screen only shows a USB icon. There is no thunderbolt icon at all. I've tried connecting the computers via thunderbolt 4 while the 2017 Macbook is in target disk mode but it does not show up on the M3 Macbook anywhere. I'm not sure what I'm doing wrong, would love some advice! Thank you!

MacBook Pro (2017 – 2020)

Posted on Mar 16, 2024 1:52 PM

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Answer 1

Mar 17, 2024 6:32 AM in response to devendra70

do you have 'ThunderBolt bridge' listed as a type of Network on the 2023 Mac?

if not, you should Add (using the Plus sign under the list of network types) that type.

System preferences > Network ...

...

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Answer 2

Mar 16, 2024 6:22 PM in response to devendra70

in recovery mode, when you run Disk Utility, is there is disk shown (other than MacOS Base System which is the disk image that contains Recovery)? When you run Repair Disk, does it pass?

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Answer 3

Mar 16, 2024 7:26 PM in response to devendra70

that's a little unusual, but at least the Volume is present.

In that case, there should be a drive to share with Target disk mode.

try plugging in the modern Mac LAST.

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Answer 4

devendra70 Author

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Mar 16, 2024 7:14 PM in response to Grant Bennet-Alder

There is no second disk in disk utility, just the base system as you mentioned. There is an internal volume labeled "Macintosh HD - Data" which contains all my personal data. I tried running first aid on this volume however it gives me an error saying "unable to mount volume for repair."

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Answer 5

devendra70 Author

Level 1

8 points

Mar 17, 2024 11:31 AM in response to Grant Bennet-Alder

It does show up as not connected. Also I'm not sure how important this is but with every other video I've seen about target disk mode the screen displays both a USB and thunderbolt icon, whereas my MBP only shows the USB icon. Does that mean anything?

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Answer 6

devendra70 Author

Level 1

8 points

Mar 16, 2024 7:54 PM in response to Grant Bennet-Alder

Tried that as well, the modern mac just doesn't seem to recognize the older one at all when plugged in

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Help with target disk mode!

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