How do I start-up in Target Disk mode without a keyboard ....?

Question

Level 1

29 points

How do I start-up in Target Disk mode without a keyboard ....?

I am trying to start-up an iMac 700 G4 flatpanel in Target Disk mode without a USB keyboard ... the machine is running Mac OS X.3 Panther & the system prefernces do not include the start-up in Target mode feature that Mac OS X.4 Tiger has ...

Actually, I do have a bluetooth keyboard which works fine once I get to the desktop - but the keyboard will not pair quick enough to register the 'T' hold-down before the system boots up ...

Q: Is there another way I can get this machine to boot in Target mode ...?

Maybe a terminal command ....?

I am not so savvy with Terminal - but if someone can step me thru it (v e r y s l o w l y) - you will have my sincerest gratitude ...;-)

Nutshell: Firewire Target startup between iMac 700 running Panther with no keyboard - to G5 PowerMac running Tiger ....

20" iMac G5 with Ambient Light Sensor, Mac OS X (10.4.5), 1.5GHz Ram

Posted on Apr 20, 2006 4:59 PM

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Answer 1

Tim Haigh

Level 7

24,198 points

Apr 20, 2006 5:19 PM in response to Macfinger

I don't know the answer to this however a way to copy files as quickly as target disk mode is to setup a firewire network connection, this can be done without starting up in target disk mode.

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Answer 2

Niel

Level 10

726,719 points

Apr 20, 2006 6:01 PM in response to Macfinger

Use the command on this page to set automatic Target Disk mode startup. To clear the setting, hold down the Option, Command, P, and R keys at startup; this may not be possible with a Bluetooth keyboard.

(11847)

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Answer 3

Macfinger Author

Level 1

29 points

Apr 20, 2006 10:17 PM in response to Niel

Niel ....

That's so helpful!! 😉 very happy mate - thank you ....

I have successfully booted into Target Disk mode using the command at Mac Geekery as suggested ... however, a backward step is now required without access to the machine's terminal window ...

Q1: How do I reset the PRAM without a keyboard ...?
Q2: What is the Open Firmware reset command via a 'hard-pressed' power-up using the Power button at the rear of machine ...?

... I still cannot pair my Bluetooth Keyboard early enough to register a PRAM reset (Opt Cmd P+R) at start-up (as per instructions by the authour) before the system boots back into the 'fixed Target mode ...

Any suggestions ...? ... or can anyone else assist ...?

Oh, & thanks again everyone ... 😉 & apologies this request might not be in the correct catergory ....

Best,
Macfinger

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Answer 4

Niel

Level 10

726,719 points

Apr 20, 2006 11:37 PM in response to Macfinger

1. Turning this option off when you have only a Bluetooth keyboard may not be possible without unplugging the machine and removing the PRAM battery for long enough for the contents of PRAM to be forgotten.
2. If you can get to an Open Firmware prompt, use these instructions to reset the PRAM.

(11857)

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Answer 5

Macfinger Author

Level 1

29 points

Apr 20, 2006 11:51 PM in response to Niel

Excellent idea Niel ...

My Bluetooth Keyboard is not recognised/paired at the Open Firmware stage, so I cannot type the 'reset' commands to boot up ...

I will pop out the PRAM battery as suggested and leave overnight - hopefully this will drain any energy left on the board and reset to default start-up & I'll be back on board ...

OK - it's been a long day down here in Auckland City and I'm off to the movies - Yay!!! - it's Friday Night ....

Thanks again for your assistance & advice - couldn't have done this without your help - so pat yourself on the back and enjoy your weekend ....

This request is now answered & it is very much appreciated .... 😉

See ya,
Macfinger

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