transferring data from old macbook pro to new macbook pro

Connection via an appropriate (Thunderbolt) cable? A working display on the "old" MacBook Pro should not be needed when using the T key method. However, without knowing if the old computer is working at all, this would of course be experimental. The only way to tell would probably be to check whether a disk icon appears on the desktop of the "new" MacBook Pro. Since identical operating systems are used (macOS 12 Monterey?), it may even be possible to boot the new computer from the old one using target disk mode.

As always, make sure that you have backup copies of all important files before testing anything.

Hi,

You may want to have a look at the following links for information about external displays and/or target disk mode:

Connect a display, TV or projector to Mac – Apple Support (UK)

Transfer files between two Mac computers using target disk mode – Apple Support (UK)

https://eshop.macsales.com/blog/41010-mac-os-101-how-to-boot-and-use-a-mac-in-target-disk-mode/

https://cdsassets.apple.com/live/6GJYWVAV/start/locale/en-gb/ma1715_macbook-pro-retina-15-mid2015-qs.pdf

Would not target disk mode (see the two links above) be a way to gain access to files on the "old" MacBook Pro?

galactus66 wrote:

Hi Grant Bennet-Alder,

The display cannot show anything as the ribbon that connects the base unit to the screen is broken.

that is why you would need to connect an external display. You can operate the computer perfectly well with an external display mirrored to the internal display. The internal display itself could completely useless, as long as it supporting electronics inside the body of your Mac is working.

Connect an external display.

if it shows ANYTHING, it is working as designed.

Press:

Command-Brightness down to toggle the sense of [_] Mirror Displays.

...the external display and the internal display should get the same picture, at a compromise resolution.