Tarik2nu
Level 1 (0 points)

Q: step by step instructions for using mac mini as an iMAC external HD

My plan was simple but I can't find any articles to help do this step by step.


I have an iMAC running Yosemite.  I also have a Mac Mini that is running Leopard (it would not take any upgrades after that).


I want to make the Mac Mini an external Hard Drive & utilize the CD player/recorder.  I am hooking into the iMAC & MAC Mini via Firewire to Thunderbolt connection.  I have no peripherals add to the Mac Mini.


Can anyone give me a step by step to make the Mini show up as an external hard drive.  Right now, they are plugged in, connected, turned on and the iMac does not see the Mini at all.


Thanks in advance!!

iMac, Mac OS X (10.7.3)

Posted on Jun 16, 2015 1:49 PM

by Kappy,Apple recommended
Kappy Kappy
Level 10 (271,101 points)
Desktops
A:

Simplest solution for you problem is called Target Disk Mode. Connect the two computers with either Thunderbolt or FW800 cable. Boot the Mini using the 'T' key. It's drive should then appear on the iMac's Desktop.

Posted on Jun 16, 2015 2:03 PM

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Tarik2nu

Q: step by step instructions for using mac mini as an iMAC external HD

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  • by Kappy,Apple recommended

    Kappy Kappy Jun 16, 2015 2:03 PM in response to Tarik2nu
    Level 10 (271,101 points)
    Desktops
    Jun 16, 2015 2:03 PM in response to Tarik2nu

    Simplest solution for you problem is called Target Disk Mode. Connect the two computers with either Thunderbolt or FW800 cable. Boot the Mini using the 'T' key. It's drive should then appear on the iMac's Desktop.

  • by Tarik2nu,

    Tarik2nu Tarik2nu Jun 20, 2015 4:57 PM in response to Kappy
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Jun 20, 2015 4:57 PM in response to Kappy

    Thank you for your help but I can't get the Mini to work.

     

    I plugged in a keyboard to the mini and connected them, firewire one end to thunderbolt on the iMac.  The hard drive never shows up.

     

    I appreciate  your advice.

  • by lllaass,

    lllaass lllaass Jun 20, 2015 8:25 PM in response to Tarik2nu
    Level 10 (188,843 points)
    Desktops
    Jun 20, 2015 8:25 PM in response to Tarik2nu

    Did you boot the Mini while depressing the T key?

    For connection did yo have:

    iMac>Thunderbolt to FireWire adopter>FireWire cable>FireWire port on Min?

    Can yo connect a monitor to the Min? When in Target Disk mode the screen will show a moving WireWire icon.

    Does the white power light on the Mini light?