Connect/backup Macbook with Dead Screen

Question

Connect/backup Macbook with Dead Screen

Hello,

My old 17" 2.6GHz Core 2 Duo has lost the connection to the screen (hardware is really shot, and top is separating from bottom). It could be a black screen of death, but I don't think so. I'be been on the road, and so my last backup was five months ago. There are files I'd like to backup from the old machine, and/or transfer to the new one. The old macbook starts up fine, but no screen.

Is there anyway to have the new machine talk to the old one with a wired or wireless connection? Running Yosemite on both.

Thanks!

MacBook Pro, iOS 8.1.2

Posted on Jan 3, 2015 7:00 PM

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Answer 1

bobby_d

Level 3

851 points

Jan 5, 2015 9:19 AM in response to tallhandsmstranger

Greetings tallhandsmstranger,

It sounds as though you would like to access files on your Macbook with a damaged display. If the computer is still functioning, you can connect it to an external display to use it. This would allow you to transfer your files to another Mac.

Your Mac can be run without using the primary display:
How to use your Mac notebook computer in closed-clamshell (display closed) mode with an external display - Apple Support

This article may help you determine how to get video from your Mac:

Apple computers: Troubleshooting issues with video on internal or external displays - Apple Support

Thank you for contributing to Apple Support Communities.

Best,

BobbyD

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Answer 2

OGELTHORPE

Level 9

57,329 points

Jan 5, 2015 10:50 AM in response to tallhandsmstranger

You may find that Target disk mode may work:

http://support.apple.com/en-us/HT1661

The other option is to take out the HDD, install it in an enclosure, connect is to a functioning Mac via USB. The HDD should appear allowing you to take off the data.

Ciao.

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