Dead graphics card... Can I migrate using Target Disk Mode?

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Level 1

8 points

Dead graphics card... Can I migrate using Target Disk Mode?

Apple repair shop confirmed that my 27" iMac (mid-2011), running on Mountain Lion (I think), has a dead graphics card and said it would cost $800 to replace it. Ouch! I choose to buy a new 21.5" iMac (2017) instead of making the repair at this time. THe broken one has 2 internal hard drives, 256 SSD and 1TB HD.

I'd like to use migration assistant to set up the new iMac. Can I do this using Target Disk Mode and an ethernet cable? I don't have a thunderbolt cable.

Thanks~ Darlene

iMac (27-inch Mid 2011)

Posted on Aug 24, 2017 8:18 AM

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Answer 1

rkaufmann87

Level 10

148,494 points

Aug 24, 2017 2:27 PM in response to DWolfgang

If the drive mounts on the Mac Pro and not the new iMac then yeah it's likely a problem with the new iMac. Only thing I can think of to try is resetting the SMC 2-3 times and if that does not work return the new iMac for an exchange. I'm assuming you bought it directly from Apple within the past 14 days. If you did not then ask your reseller if they will exchange it.

If they will not then call AppleCare (you have 90 days of complimentary Phone Support) and tell them what you have tried and see if they have any ideas.

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Answer 2

rkaufmann87

Level 10

148,494 points

Aug 24, 2017 11:16 AM in response to DWolfgang

Connect the Time Machine drive from the old computer via a USB cable to the new iMac and then check to see if it mounts. If it does not show up, then reset the PRAM per the directions in Intel iMac SMC and PRAM resets and retry. IF it still won't mount then try another USB cable. If that still won't work then you Time Machine drive may have died. WD's are not very high quality enclosures. The HDD is good but the enclosures they make IMHO are really poor quality.

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Answer 3

rkaufmann87

Level 10

148,494 points

Aug 24, 2017 10:48 AM in response to DWolfgang

Your Time Machine backup is the ideal method to use Migration Assistant. Simply start MA (applications - utilities - Migration Assistant) and follow the on-screen prompts and it's done. VERY VERY simple and yes it will bring over your apps, data, even your settings from your old computer if you want.

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Answer 4

DWolfgang Author

Level 1

8 points

Aug 24, 2017 10:57 AM in response to rkaufmann87

Thanks for your input. I'm trying to use MA, but my Time Machine, which is on a WD My Passport Ultra external hard drive, will not mount nor show up in Disk Utility. The HD does mount perfectly on my MacBook Pro, so I know the drive isn't faulty.

Any suggestions?

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Answer 5

DWolfgang Author

Level 1

8 points

Aug 24, 2017 11:39 AM in response to rkaufmann87

External Hard Drive still isn't mounting. It doesn't show up in Disk Utility. I've reset PRAM, switched USB cables, and opened Terminal (per a different tread) and pasted:

sudo defaults write /Library/Preferences/SystemConfiguration/autodiskmount AutomountDisksWithoutUserLogin -bool YES

Nothing has worked.However, it does mount perfectly on my MacBook Pro, so the HDD is working properly. It has to be a problem with my new iMac.

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Answer 6

rkaufmann87

Level 10

148,494 points

Aug 24, 2017 8:50 AM in response to DWolfgang

Do you have a Time Machine or bootable clone backup from the 2011? If so, connect that External Hard Disk to the new iMac and run Migration Assistant.

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