Target Disk Help

I know how to start up the Target Disk Mode but when I do so all that shows on my new mac is a grey screen and the Fire Wire port symbol moving around as if it's a screen saver. I waited after a few minutes to see if it would change and allow me to start transferring files from my old computer but it doesnt. I'm not sure what to do.

Oops, sorry, must pay more attention.
Does your laptop have Mac OS or Windows? If it's Windows then maybe the Getting Online & Networking Forum would be better for connecting Mac to Windows as I don't believe FTDM works between them (I could be wrong of course)
I put the old Mac in FTDM, not the new one. Did nothing in my first post help? Even the link? I believe that the computer you are transferring from should be in FTDM, but it might work the other way (not sure).
I can just about do the basics when it comes to FTDM, hopefully someone more knowledgeable will help solve your problem.

Similar Messages

Can you install tiger on a power mac g4 with out a DVD drive if so how, I do have have a 2011 iMac can I use that in target disk mode with a FireWire cable any help would be appreciated

Can you install tiger on a power mac g4 with out a DVD drive if so how, I do have have a 2011 iMac can I use that in target disk mode with a FireWire cable any help would be appreciated

Hello,
You need to put the Tiger Install Disc in the 2011 iMac, boot the 2011 uMac into Target mode...
http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1661
Boot the G4 holding the Option or alt key, hopefully the Install Disc in the 2011 iMac will show as a boot choice.
We just want to use the 2011 iMac as a big expensive FW Optical drive, it cannot be installed osing the 2011 iMac itself.

Need Help Installing Snow Leopard onto a blank HD via Target Disk Mode

Hey everyone.
Recently I had the HD on my Black Macbook crash due to a mechanical failure. I have just purchased a new Hard Drive for my Macbook. It is completely blank other than the fact that I connected it to my girlfriend's White Macbook earlier today to create 2 partitions. I have a new copy of Snow Leopard that I want to install on it and was hoping someone could guide me through the process.
What I have with me as of now is:
One Black Macbook (UK bought) w/ Partitioned Blank HD and a non-functional Superdrive
One White Macbook (US bought) running Tiger w/ working Superdrive that mounts the SL DVD
FireWire Cable
New Snow Leopard DVD
My first attempt at this failed. I connected the two Macs with the FW cable and started up the Black Macbook in Target Disk mode. Both my HD partitions showed up on the White Macbook. I inserted the SL DVD into the White Macbook and when it mounted I clicked on install. Of course, now it thinks that I want to install SL on the White Macbook whereas I want to install it on the Black Macbook.
I'm a college student without a working computer and with my finals coming up, I'm in deep trouble. I want to mention that my Black Macbook's Superdrive spits out _everything except for Movie DVDs and My Leopard Startup Disk._ It spins the SL DVD for a few seconds and spits it out as well. I'm wondering whether this might be an issue with the DVD region code on the SL DVD though I don't think that's it. My region code is currently set to Region 1 (US) where I purchased the Snow Leopard DVD off Amazon. I initially thought there was a problem with the DVD and CD lens in the drive and I bought a DVD/CD Lens Cleaner CD but I can't run it because the Superdrive spits that out too. I'm out of warranty on the Black Macbook so fixing the Superdrive is pretty much out of the question. I was under the impression that I would be able to install SL via Target Disk Mode without any hassles but boy was I ever so wrong.
Is there any way that I can do this? I'm hoping someone here can help me out. Please do if you find the time to.

By other computer, do you mean the White Macbook? So I should basically put the SL DVD in the White Macbook, restart with the C key held down? Is that right?
Please pardon me if I'm being stupid.

HELP! Macbook won't load into Target Disk Mode

basically long story short i had about 100 mb of memory left on my 200gb macbook pro. i was trying to save a word document when everything froze, i manually restarted the computer and thats when all **** broke loose
heres what happened
-weird sounds coming from computer
-the computer takes about 5-10 min to get to the login prompt
-takes another 5-10 min after login to load desktop wallpaper
-takes about 40 min for it to load anything on the dock and then nothing will load after that none of my desktop icons u cant access any programs..the computer will continue to make weird noises during this time.
heres what ive done so far.
-reset pram (didnt work)
-harddrive test (Did both standard and extended ...test results came back fine nothing seemed to be wrong)
-i tried to use disk utility to repair disk and it said:
+"checking extents overflow file+
+checking catalog file+
+invalid node structure+
+rebuilding catalog b-tree+
+the volume macintosh HD could not be repaired+
+error: the underlying task reported failure on exit+
+1 hfs volum checked+
+-1 volume could not be repaired because of an error+
+repair attempted on 1 volume+
+-1 volume could not be repaired"+
-tried the fsck option and it told me basically the same thing
-tried booting in safe mode ...computer wont boot into safe mode it will just shut itself off
so my last option is trying to get info off of my computer using target disk mode...i have a spare macbook that im using as a host for the macbook pro...
i bought a firewire cable today from the apple store
i followed the directions step by step on the apple website
-i connected the firewire cable, both computers were off.
-i turned the host computer on (target computer remianed off)
- held the T button right as the computer started
- then i got a grey screen with a big firewire logo floating around from left to right
[img]http://www.didntyouhear.com/wp-content/uploads/2007/04/firewire_logo.jpg[/img]
what am i doing wrong!? ??
someone PLEASE HELP!

ok i figured it out however...
everytime i try to click on my harddrive or folders in the harddrive the host computer freezes as does the target computer...
im using a macbook as the host computer to my macbook pro target...
after performing target disk mode on the target computer and connecting the two computers via firewire...
i can see my target drive on my host desktop....
omg and when i clicc on my targe drive i see all my old folders!!! yay!! that means my old files arent lost forever!
the only problem is when i try to access the folders i get the colored pinwheel
and its very slow..... nothin will load and then my host computer freezes and i have to forcequit...i didnt even get to begin transferring the files before the host computer would freeze....as this would happen the fans on the target computer would be whirring up and the floating firewire logo screensaver on the target computer would also stop floating from left to right..
what gives?

Broken Macbook Pro won't finish copying even with target disk mode. Help!

Hi,
I'm helping someone with a Macbook Pro 2010-11. It worked for a few years but eventually degraded last month when it wouldn't go 10 minutes without displaying the rainbow loading ball. Possibly a hard drive problem.
The owner never backed any of the computer up. I am trying to salvage their data before it's lost. The computer can power on. I have been turning the computer on and salvaging most of the data from numerous trips with USBs until it crashes, and then moving on to Target Disk Mode. The computer turns on slowly, displays the rainbow ball every minute or so, and never finishes copying or exporting anything. It still seems to be degrading.
I still need two things: One is a large folder with thousands of old OUTLOOK e-mails created on an old PC (which the owner no longer has).
Second is the folder/autobackup where OUTLOOK for Mac stores all the e-mails and settings.
I have found the folder -- I think it is the Main Identity or Office Identities. Am I correct? Will this bring back OUTLOOK on the newer Macbook Pro exactly like on the old one? I also know where the old e-mails folder is, but when I try to transfer either folder through Target Disk Mode on the newer Macbook Pro, it stops and gives me the "Some data in _____.olk14msgsource could not be read or written." AKA error code -36, halfway through the transfer.
I have tried exporting OUTLOOK on the broken Macbook Pro to a .olm, but it gets stuck halfway and gets stuck back on the rainbow ball. Then I shut the computer off. I have also tried going into the folders through target disk mode and deleting the .olk14msgsource files that are problematic, but there are too many of them.
Please help! The owner needs these files and OUTLOOK exactly like it was!
Thanks!

Tried connecting the cable? Still won't start?
If you are still under warranty and/or have AC, call them & let them deal w/it.
OOW: Take the MBP to your local AS or an AASP. Diagnostic testing is FREE!
http://support.apple.com/kb/TS1365 Intel-Based Apple Portables: Troubleshooting a computer that will not power on

Help with Target Disk Mode

I'm having some problems starting up a Power Mac G4 into target disk mode. I've done it before, a couple weeks ago, but now every time I try it instead starts up into open firmware mode. I can't figure out what's going on, any help would be greatly appreciated.

Welcome to the forum.
Firstly, let's check a few things. Have a look at APPLE'S KNOWLEDGE BASE on how to do it. If that's what you're doing then report back.

Help: Windows XP on MacBook Pro Boot Camp Partition via Target Disk Mode

Firstly, let me lay out my situation. I have an old MacBook Pro (2,2) with a broken disk drive. It was dropped in its youth and can no longer read from or write to CDs or DVDs of any kind. I have just recently bought a new MacBook Pro to replace it (6,2) and am currently trying to convert the old computer into an XP machine through Boot Camp. I'd like to be able to do so without having to buy an external disk drive.
After a clean install of OS X (10.6.3) onto the old machine, I successfully partition 85GB of space (although I previously attempted the same with a 32GB file system to no avail as well) for XP to be installed upon. Because I cannot boot my XP install disk directly from the broken disk drive, I then close Boot Camp Assistant and shut down the computer. I start it up in Target Disk Mode to be accessed from the new MacBook (6,2).
Once the old MacBook is connected, I insert my XP install disk into the new MacBook (6,2) and boot from the disk. After allowing the XP (Professional) boot to load the install files, I arrow-key down to my 85GB partition (FAT32, named standard as "BOOTCAMP") on the old MacBook (2,2)'s hard drive and select it as the partition I would like to install to. This is where I am directed to a new boot window that tells me in a series of paragraphs that the XP installer cannot reach the selected partition for what seems to be a number of reasons. What it seems to be trying to say to me is that it cannot do a remote install of XP on a Target Disk Mode-connected machine, while not "knowing" that I am trying to do so. It's a similar message to the one that Boot Camp Assistant shows when one tries to create a Boot Camp partition on a machine that is being accessed via Target Disk Mode (Apple puts it much more clearly than Microsoft).
I'd be perfectly content, albiet slightly vexed, to conclude here that it is not possible, shuttle over to the nearest Best Buy, and purchase an external disk drive if it weren't for one thing: I tried the same thing two weeks ago with Ubuntu 10.10 and it installed perfectly on the Boot Camp partition I had created then (I have since wiped all and installed OS X cleanly on the laptop).
Here comes the point/questions:
If the Ubuntu boot disk can access the partition, why can't the XP boot disk?
Is there some way to convince the boot system that the drive is local, rather than being accessed via Target Disk Mode?
Is there an easy solution that doesn't even require that, and will allow me to install to the disk over a firewire connection?
If anyone's knowledgeable and/or brave enough to tackle this one, I'll be eternally grateful. Heck, I'll be grateful if anyone even attempts to tackle it.
Thanks,
-Alec Page

Windows XP will only install from the optical drive. Target Disk Mode does not work with Windows volumes. Windows will not install from any external device.

Target Disk Mode HELP!

Hi everyone, my wife's 12" aluminum G4 Powerbook has died. The only thing I can get it to do is go to Target Disk Mode. Otherwise it just goes gray apple screen on startup (running 10.4.x).
I have it connected to my host computer, an old Beige Box G3 I added firewire and usb to. It is running 10.2.8. I've used it as a host for a powerbook before with no issues.
My issue this time is that the host will not show the icon for the powerbook on the screen! I can't find it on the desktop or finder. That said, it does show in the system profiler, and I found it in Disk Utility, though it just freezes up the old machine when I try and choose it.
Any suggestions for a long-time Mac'r?
Thanks
Sam

Hey Tom! I'm going crazy here, I have my Mac plugged into the same screen as our Dell tower, with two keyboards and two mice. Then a laptop on the desk as well. I am going crazy trying to remember which input device to use!
I have had success using the G3 as a host. However, it was before I had 10.3 installed on anything I think...and before 10.4 for sure!
How do I check and be sure I have Firewire 2.3.3?
Thanks
Sam (wrong mouse again!)

Can I install to a target disk?

I was going to help a friend with her machine, a tower G5 but lo and behold, I haven't got an extra monitor and my machine is an iMacG5.
Can I make hers a target drive and then install the MAC OSX update somehow on her machine?
I don't know if I can get the combined update (she has 10.2 installed and I want to go to 10.4.10) as an image so I can update her machine via target mode.
Anyone know about this?

You could in theory run an update on her machine in Target Disk Mode from yours. However, updaters only works within a release version as denoted by the number after to "10." I.e., her computer is 10.2 (Jaguar) and you are proposing on running the 10.4 (Tiger) updater (it is for 10.4.11 I believe) and the updater won't work. A Tiger updater will only update an earlier version of Tiger, etc.

Mid 2009 MBP Boot and Target Disk problem

Hello all.
I'm trying to help a friend get his Mid 2009 MBP back on its legs. He dropped it at some point and its condition has been deteriorating since. It has finally come to the fact that his computer simply won't boot into OS X. It has Leopard installed on it still.
We decided to try and get his data off of his computer and when we connect with firewire using target disk mode, it can see his hard drive, but it seems every couple minutes, the disk mounts again. After a while, the longest we've had it on (15 minutes) has had 6 copies of his "Macintosh HD" connected to my computer. You can only access data on the latest mounted drive, and if you try to transfer data, the transfer fails when the drive gets re-mounted the next time.
We've run the hardware diagnostics, both the quick and the extended and neither have found problems with anything, so that's why we figured we could just get his data off the computer and then reload Leopard or Snow Leopard onto it.
Any guesses as to what's happening? Any possible solutions?
I was thinking maybe the hard drive cable, but I don't think that would keep multiple "Macintosh HD"s connected to my computer all at once.
Thanks for your time.
Message was edited by: jondy

Is a Genius Bar diagnosis free?
My understanding is that the diagnosis is free. Go to "Got a technical question? Step up to the Genius Bar" (http://www.apple.com/retail/geniusbar/) to read more about their services and how to make an appointment.
Of note is:
How should I prepare for my appointment?
First, back up your data. (We’re happy to show you how to back up, but remember we’re not responsible for data loss.)
I don't know how this will actually play out in your situation (i.e. they might give same advice as above, have a different approach, or they might ask to do diagnosis - that would likely answer your question as to if data retrieval is possible / practical - just keep in mind that they are not responsible for data loss).
Given that the MBP was dropped and the problems as stated, I would make an appointment. Would like to hear how it all works out.
Best of luck.

What is the set-up when transfer files through target disk mode

I'm a bit confused on how to set up the macs to do a file transer in target disk mode. I am transferring files from an imac to a macbook pro. I have the cable 6pin to 9pin. Now what I can't remember (apple.com instructions is what confused me) is on which computer do I hold down the 'T' on start up? Is it the computer I am transferring the files to? ( in this case the macbook pro). I use to do this fairly often, but not recently, and I have forgotten. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Transferring files between two computers using FireWire - Apple

How do i use my imac 21.5" 2011 as a display for my macbook pro late 2011, through thunderbolt cable ? I have tried and it doesnt seem to work, neither does target disk mode.

How do i use my imac 21.5" 2011 as a display for my macbook pro late 2011, through thunderbolt cable ? I have tried and it doesnt seem to work, neither does target disk mode.
Could it be a borked cable ? I just bought it new from the store today, i have updated both imac and macbook pro to latest thunderbolt firmware and updates. Both 10.7.3.
MacBook Pro:
Vendor Name:    Apple, Inc.
Device Name:    MacBook Pro
UID:    0x0001000A17016E60
Firmware Version:    22,1
Port:
Status:    No devices connected
Link Status:    7
Port Micro Firmware Version:    FFFF.FF.FF

You are correct, here is what Apple Says:
http://support.apple.com/kb/TS3775
I was able to find these instructions, however they referr to 2009-2011 27" iMacs. I think it's the same, if it's not then contact Apple directly for instructions. If either of the machines is less than 90 days old or covered by AppleCare then call AppleCare tomorrow for help, they should be able to easily answer this for you. You will find the number in your manual or you can use the AppleCare Contact Info link.
Your iMac should automatically recognize the presence of a digital video signal at the Mini DisplayPort and enter Target Display Mode.
If your iMac does not automatically enter Target Display Mode, press command + F2 to manually enter Target Display Mode.

Macbook in target disk mode locks up when trying to transfer files to another computer. Suggestions?

A week ago I installed snow leopard on my girlfriend's macbook without backing anything up. Dumb idea I know. The installation failed multiple times. I ran her computer in target disc mode to try to save what files I could. Now when I try to transfer files it will freeze up at different times. Sometimes I can transfer a huge amount of data like 4GB's and the other times it locks up trying to transfer 4kB's. I'm at my wits end trying to figure this out. I can see the files but can not transfer them.
Any suggestions or past similar past experiences?

Hi Anand,
Have you noticed when you plug the drive in whether its making any sounds? You can put your ear up to the drive on the Macbook. Its located on the right hand front sided of the top case.
Also, check to see if the target disk mode icon is moving after a few minutes. If the firewire icon has stopped moving it usually indicates that theres something seriously wrong (probably mechanical) with the drive.
Id definitely give Disk Warrior a try. Especially if you have a situation where you can hear the drive running or spin up but it doesn't make any sound after that. Hope this helps.

Flashing Question Mark Folder after Clean Install in Target Disk Mode

I have an old iBook G4 with a failing optical drive and the need to reformat the hard drive and re-install OS 10.5.4. Since the optical drive is failing and unpredictable, I figured I'd do everything in target disk mode.
So I mounted the hard drive of the iBook to my Mac Pro via Firewire in target disk mode. I was able to successfully format the hard drive of the iBook, zeroing out all the data with 7 passes, and I was also able to successfully install OS 10.5.4 from my original Install DVD, again in target disk mode.
After the install was complete, I went through all the registration process and User Account setup and the iBook booted fine albeit still in target disk mode. So I shut down the Mac Pro, turned off the iBook and unplugged the Firewire cable. My Mac Pro booted up just fine afterward. But the iBook now gives me the flashing question mark/finder folder.
I know this means that the iBook is having trouble located a startup volume, or that the startup volume is corrupt or missing data. How can this be, though, after a reformat and clean install? Did I do something wrong in target disk mode? Or did I neglect to do something necessary?
Thanks for anyone's help on this.

Thanks, Niel.
I don't see APM as an option in Disk Utility when booting from my Mac Pro. I only have Mac OS Extended (Journaled), Mac OS Extended, Mac OS Extended (Case-sensitive, Journaled), Mac OS Extended (Case-sensitive), MS-DOS (FAT) and ExFAT.
How do I get my Mac Pro to repartition the iBook properly in target disk mode?

Mac mini won't boot into target disk mode

Hi
I just bought a Mac mini on eBay. I'm not sure of the spec but I think its a G4.
When it arrived I plugged it in and switched on to find the question mark folder appear.
I put in a 10.5 disk but it would not boot from it. [this was a disk I got with another s/h machine though so may not be bootable]
As I could not install from the disk I figured my best bet would be to target disk in and install osx from a powerbook I have here.
However I can't get target disk to work.
The keyboard is definitely working as it allows me to boot into OF and zap the PRAM
I've also tried pressing what I believe to be the SMU button just behind the connector board to the HD and DVD drive but no luck.
Anybody got any ideas as to whats going on?
Cheers

Ok, I can probably get a copy of OSX
The problem is I think the DVD drive is faulty as it wouldn't give me my disk back I tried "eject cd" in OF but it didn't work and I had to open it up with a screw driver and take it out.
If the disk is corrupted is there a way to erase it without putting it in another machine. ie can it be done from OF?
Thanks for your help btw

Target Disk Help

Similar Messages

Maybe you are looking for