Hi, I have an old mac powerbook that only shows a spinning wheel on start up. I've tried the options to re boot it but still nothing. Can access the contents of the power book by trying to open it from my new mac powerbook ? If so how would I go it.

Question

Level 1

4 points

Hi, I have an old mac powerbook that only shows a spinning wheel on start up. I've tried the options to re boot it but still nothing. Can access the contents of the power book by trying to open it from my new mac powerbook ? If so how would I go it.

Hi, I have an old mac powerbook that only shows a spinning wheel on start up. I've tried the options to re boot it but still nothing. Can I access the contents of the power book by trying to open it from my new mac powerbook ? If so how would I go about it ? Alternatively, is there a way to back the hard disk to an alternative external hard drive ?

Many thanks

Posted on Jan 23, 2013 9:01 AM

Reply

Answer 1

edex67

Level 4

3,255 points

Jan 23, 2013 9:16 AM in response to sabian1

Yes, there are 2 ways. I assume by "new powerbook" you mean the MacBook Pro as the PowerBook is no longer being sold.

Target Disk Mode. This allows for communication with the HD of the PowerBook over FireWire. http://osxdaily.com/2010/04/07/how-to-boot-a-mac-in-target-disk-mode/ tells you how. You might have to buy an adapter for FireWire.
Get a USB enclosure for the drive, and put the PowerBook's HD into this. This involves opening up the PowerBook. Instructions are different for your particular model of PowerBook.

Reply