Imac on recovery mode, on reset password, with no monitor, but over voice control

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Level 1

4 points

Imac on recovery mode, on reset password, with no monitor, but over voice control

Hi,

Unfortunately, my iMac 27 late 2014 has a problem with the display- not working any more and I have an external monitor over USB to HDMI. The OS needs to load in order to have visual on the screen, but it is stuck on Recovery mode- reset password... I have voice over activated and this is the only way I can find out on what stage I am.

Any ideas how to proceed?

All the help will be much appreciated!

Tony

iMac 27″, macOS 11.7

Posted on Oct 22, 2024 5:49 AM

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Answer 1

den.thed

Level 10

82,630 points

Oct 22, 2024 7:42 AM in response to tsonko177

Connect the external monitor to the 2014 iMac's Thunderbolt 2/Mini DisplayPort port.

To do that you need a Thunderbolt 2/Mini DisplayPort to HDMI adapter.

for example > https://www.amazon.com/DisplayPort-Thunderbolt-Compatible-Microsoft-Projector/dp/B09XMQ87VQ?th=1

You can also use a Thunderbolt 2/Mini DisplayPort to VGA adapter or a Thunderbolt 2/Mini DisplayPort to DVI adapter,

if your external display has VGA or DVI input.

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Answer 2

den.thed

Level 10

82,630 points

Oct 22, 2024 9:07 AM in response to tsonko177

Ah' OK, initially you said, "USB to HDMI"

What exactly is wrong with the iMac's built-in Display...?

If the backlighting is out, try holding a flashlight up to the screen. If you can see anything on the screen, then try using that to navigate. If not, try disconnecting the internal screen which should then send the display image out to the Mini DisplayPort and the external display.

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Answer 3

tsonko177 Author

Level 1

4 points

Oct 22, 2024 7:55 AM in response to den.thed

Thanks for the quick reply. I am using the above port&HDMI adapter. Unfortunately, until the OS is loaded, the Thunderbolt2 is not active.. meaning no display until then.

I have spend a good hour learning Voice Over assistant and managed to by-pass the recovery mode and then to log in.

Next step is to enable the auto log in, and hopefully there will be no more troubles.

Thanks again for your support!

Tony

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Answer 4

tsonko177 Author

Level 1

4 points

Oct 23, 2024 9:59 AM in response to den.thed

The internal monitor start with almost half if it disappeared from time to time and one day just didn't worked at all.

It is a relatively easy fix if you can dismount it and solder the cabling, by passing the connector which after years of use gets problematic.

The flash light is a brilliant idea, unfortunately didn't worked for me.

I couldn't find the option to disable the internal monitor, but have the external one as primary. Still need the OS to load before the external get active.

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Answer 5

den.thed

Level 10

82,630 points

Oct 23, 2024 10:19 AM in response to tsonko177

The flashlight trick only works if the backlighting is out. Try unplugging both cables from the internal and then connect the external monitor to the Mini DisplayPort output.

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