Connecting two iMac with a Firewire cable

Question

Hello. First off, I have two iMac, one is a 24" early 2009 model (from now on, the "big") andthe other is a 21" first generation Intel (from now on, the "small")
Big one is sick, need heavy reparation. So a user of the forum recommended this:
"+Since you're able to post here, you have another Mac. You can use a FireWire cable to connect your iMac to another Mac in Target Disk Mode. This essentially turns your iMac into an expensive external HD enclosure. To boot your iMac into Target Disk Mode, start up your iMac and hold down the T key immediately after you hear the startup sound. Release it when you see the big FireWire symbol on the screen.+
+Then you can use a FireWire cable to connect your iMac to another Mac. This should mount the iMac's hard disk on the desktop of the other Mac. I suggest you use DiskWarrior to try to recover the files on your iMac's hard disk.+"
So, mi issue is that big one doesn't have a Firewire port. It's almost unbelievable but the true is that those models never came with that kind of port.
Any idea of what kind of cable should I use to link both computers? Thanks in advance!

Answer 1

Hi killthepixel
Both have FireWire Ports, the problem is that the Early 09 has a FireWire 800 port and the other if it's an Early white 20" has two FireWire 400 ports.
If that is the case, then you would need a 6 to 9 pin FireWire cable to connect the two systems up in Target Disk Mode.
http://www.amazon.com/Tripp-Lite-F017-006-Firewire-Hi-speed/dp/B000AAZQLI/ref=pdbxgy_e_textb
Below is the Apple Support Article for Firewire target disk mode.
http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1661
Lastly have you tried to boot and fix the sick iMac using the Install Disk that came with it.
http://support.apple.com/kb/HT2956
Dennis
+Message was edited by: den.thed+
+Sorry inandoutofgrace I didn't see your reply, I'm just getting real slow in my old age.+