Use 2008 iMac as display for dvi vga pc

I Am building a pc and I would like to use my early 2008 imac as a display for a DVI and VGA output motherboard. I have read MILLIONS of questions on Target Mode and know as well as my name that iMacs older than 2011 cannot be used with Target display mode.I put target mode Earlier because of my iPad's incompetence with this website. In fact I can't edit anything I type in this question on my iPad. Annoying.
CAn I use FireWire to connect my iMac to my dvi or VGA pc output? My iMac also has a mini display port but I'm guessing that is an output only. Maybe there's a solution involving TINKERING or going inside the imac. You can guess my warranty is over since it's 2014.
SO any solutions to connect iMac to pc as a display Except using target display mode and thunderbolt which is IMPOSSIBLE with my prehistoric Mac.
Very sorry about the bad formatting but my iPad cannot edit any text I've already typed on this page, as I've already mentioneD. Just like a typewriter!

Sorry but a 2008 iMac simply does not have that capability, the only solution available to you is using an outdated app called Screen Recycler. You will probably be disappointed in the performance though.

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Using 27" iMac as display for a gaming PC

Before anyone rips me to ribbons for wanting to use an iMac as a display for a windows PC, let me explain my situation: I need to upgrade my 2007 iMac and I was looking at the 27" iMac. I would like use it as a monitor for my gaming PC when I'm not using it as a Mac because I barely have enough room on my desk for my old iMac and gaming PC monitor as it is. A 27" iMac will take up my whole desk and won't fit with any other monitor. I'd just get a bigger desk, but my studio apartment is too small and cluttered for one.
I know there is the Atlona DVI to Mini DisplayPort Converter, but after hours of searching, I could only find articles saying "it should work with PC" not "I tested it and it does work with PC. Here are some pictures as proof". I'm not willing to spend that much on something that might work.
I was wondering if anyone knew of a site that gave proof that the Atlona DVI to Mini DisplayPort Converter worked the way I hope it does? or does someone know of something coming out in the near future that would allow what I need?

I have exactly the same problem and have been scouring the forums to find an answer. Hoping to use my shiny big iMac as a display for my gaming PC which only has a DVI output. From what I've read I get the impression the answer is currently no (some problem specific to the 27" iMacs from what I can make out), but out of interest have you had any luck with this??
The only answer I can find round this at the moment (if the converter you mention doesn't work) is to get a new graphics card with a DisplayPort output - still weighing up whether to splash out on a new one and what the chances are of me screwing up my PC if I try installing it myself!!

Using 27in iMac as display for Mac Pro (both latest models)

I'm in need of using my new 27in iMac (current 2012 model) as the display for my current 2012 Mac Pro. As you probably know, the mac pro has 1 DVI port, 2 mini display port, and some firewire ports. The iMac has 1 firewire port and 2 thunderbolt ports. Both units have USB 2.0 obviously. I found that the new iMac doesn't support target disk mode with non-thunderbolt machines so that won't work. I wonder if there is a way to use these other connections to enable my mac pro to display on the imac. Any suggestions?
(My latest wonder is if I can upgrade the video card in the mac pro with a card that has thunderbolt outputs?)

That is a subtle distinction, but I think you are right.
Use an iMac with Thunderbolt as a display
If you have an iMac with Thunderbolt, any other Mac with Thunderbolt can use it as a display. The iMac will play both the video and audio from the other Mac.
Connect the Thunderbolt cable to the Thunderbolt ports on each computer.
Make sure both Mac computers are turned on and awake.
Press Command (⌘)-F2 on the keyboard of the external display Mac.
If you want the external display Mac to play audio as well as video from the primary Mac, choose Apple menu > System Preferences, click Sound, and then click Output. Select the external display Mac from the list of devices.

Using 2009 iMac as display for 2012 MacBook Pro

I have a late 2009 27-inch iMac and a Retina, 13-inch, Late 2012 MacBook Pro. How do I use the iMac screen as a display for the MacBook.

Hi Jim on Apple,
Welcome to the Apple Support Communities!
It sounds like you need to put your iMac in what is called Target Display Mode. The attached article has some great information on Target Display Mode including setting up and other common frequently asked questions.
Target Display Mode: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
http://support.apple.com/kb/HT3924
Have a great day,
Joe

Using a iMac as display for the Powerbook?

Can an iMAC computer be used as a display for the Powerbook laptop? Could I use the iMac keyboard plugged into the Powerbook and maybe the iMac mouse as well?

Does ScreenRecycler do what you want?
(43378)

Can I use my iMac's display for my new Mac mini?

I have an Intel-Based iMac. I just purchased a mini with no monitor. Can I use the display on my iMac as the monitor?

Thanks Dave. But I'm still left with a problem: I don't have a stand-alone monitor! Now here's another posting I found:
+*Setting Up a Headless Mac Mini without a Monitor*+
+I only have laptops and no external monitors, so I needed a way to setup the Mini without a monitor. It was really easy, following these steps:+
+-connect a keyboard to the Mini+
+-start the Mini in FireWire Disk Mode+
+-connect the MacBook Pro to the Mini with FireWire cable+
+-restart the MBP using the Mini as the boot disk+
+-setup the Mini with network access and remote management (Sharing)+
+-reboot the MBP with its own disk+
+-disconnect the Mini and reboot+
+Voila! Now you should be able to use Screen Sharing over your network to remotely control your Mini-no keyboard or mouse required.+
Well, I do have a MacBook Pro. So can I set up my new mini like this?

I have an imac bought late 2013, can i use it as a display for the new mac pro? I also want to use windows 8 on it, would this work with parallels or bootcamp?

I have an imac bought late 2013, can i use it as a display for the new mac pro? I also want to use windows 8 on it, would this work with parallels or bootcamp?

Yes, it supports target display mode. Windows can be run with either Parallels or Boot Camp.

Using iMac as display for Xbox One

I have the latest iMac
http://www.apple.com/uk/imac/specs/
Would there be any way I could connect the new XBox One to the iMac screen and use it as a display?
Here is the rear of the Xbox one, anybody have a idea?
Many thanks
xbox-720-hardware-ports-640x360.jpg

You cannot. Target Display mode only works with other Macs. There are exceptions with Late 2009 and Mid 2010 27-inch iMacs that could be used as an external display for some PCs, but nothing else.
There's an adapter that allows you to connect a Xbox 360 or PlayStation 3 to one of those iMacs and use them as an external display, but it does not work with Thunderbolt iMacs like yours. In conclusion, you cannot use the iMac as an external display for the Xbox One

I have an imac bought late 2013, can i use it as a display for the new mac pro running windows 8 through bootcamp?

I have an imac bought late 2013, can i use it as a display for the new mac pro running windows 8 through bootcamp?

No. Target Display mode is only supported when connected to a Mac running 10.6 or later.
It cannot be used with a PC, bootcamp, gamaing console, cable box, DVR or PowerPC Mac.
http://support.apple.com/kb/ht3924

Is there a way to use the iMac's display mode with a Mac mini with out logging in first on the Mac mini

Is there a way to use the iMac's display mode with a Mac mini with out logging in first on the Mac mini (late2014)
im currently useing my Mac mini as a portable computer, I take it to the university and use the iMacs there as a monitor but before I can do that I have to log in to my Mac mini first which means doing it blind
is there a way to put the IMacs into display mode with out logging into my Mac mini first
or is there a portable monitor that I can use that will not require me to login first

This
Target Display Mode: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) - Apple Support
says:
How do I enable TDM?
Make sure both computers are turned on and awake.
Connect a male-to-male Mini DisplayPort or ThunderBolt cable to each computer.
Press Command-F2 on the keyboard of the iMac being used as a display to enable TDM.
Note: In Keyboard System Preferences, if the checkbox is enabled for "Use all F1, F2, etc. keys as standard functions keys," the key combination changes to Command-Fn-F2.
How do I exit TDM?
To leave TDM, press Command-F2 on the keyboard of the iMac that is in TDM. You can also exit TDM if you shutdown or sleep either computer or detach the cable.
Can I use a third-party keyboard or older Apple keyboard to enable TDM?
Some older Apple keyboards and keyboards not made by Apple may not allow Command-F2 to toggle display modes. You should use an aluminum wired or wireless Apple keyboard to toggle TDM on and

I purchased a used 2008 iMac. And although the previous owner said he deleted all of his information his iCloud account is still the primary. I don't have a clue about what to do about it. I signed him out and logged in with my info, but still no go.

I purchased a used 2008 iMac. And although the previous owner said he deleted all of his information, his iCloud account is still the primary. I don't have a clue about what to do about it. I signed him out and logged in with my info, but still no go. Is there any way to eliminate his iCloud account and make mine the primary without rebooting it back to factory settings? There was an update, I believe, that I couldn't install because i didn't have his password that is what made me aware that his acct. was still active. I don't know what to do. Any help is greatly appreciated. Thank you.

Before buying a second-hand computer, you should have run Apple Diagnostics or the Apple Hardware Test, whichever is applicable.
The first thing to do after buying the computer is to erase the internal drive and install a clean copy of OS X. You—not the original owner—must do that. Changes made by Apple over the years have made this seemingly straightforward task very complex.
How you go about it depends on the model, and on whether you already own another Mac. If you're not sure of the model, enter the serial number on this page. Then find the model on this page to see what OS version was originally installed.
It's unsafe, and may be unlawful, to use a computer with software installed by a previous owner.
1. If you don't own another Mac
a. If the machine shipped with OS X 10.4 or 10.5, you need a boxed and shrink-wrapped retail Snow Leopard (OS X 10.6) installation disc from the Apple Store or a reputable reseller—not from eBay or anything of the kind. If the machine is very old and has less than 1 GB of memory, you'll need to add more in order to install 10.6. Preferably, install as much memory as it can take, according to the technical specifications.
b. If the machine shipped with OS X 10.6, you need the installation media that came with it: gray installation discs, or a USB flash drive for a MacBook Air. You should have received the media from the original owner, but if you didn't, order replacements from Apple. A retail disc, or the gray discs from another model, will not work.
To start up from an optical disc or a flash drive, insert it, then restart the computer and hold down the C key at the startup chime. Release the key when you see the gray Apple logo on the screen.
c. If the machine shipped with OS X 10.7 or later, you don't need media. It should start up in Internet Recovery mode when you hold down the key combination option-command-R at the startup chime. Release the keys when you see a spinning globe.
d. Some 2010-2011 models shipped with OS X 10.6 and received a firmware update after 10.7 was released, enabling them to use Internet Recovery. If you have one of those models, you can't reinstall 10.6 even from the original media, and Internet Recovery will not work either without the original owner's Apple ID. In that case, contact Apple Support, or take the machine to an Apple Store or another authorized service provider to have the OS installed.
2. If you do own another Mac
If you already own another Mac that was upgraded in the App Store to the version of OS X that you want to install, and if the new Mac is compatible with it, then you can install it. Use Recovery Disk Assistant to prepare a USB device, then start up the new Mac from it by holding down the C key at the startup chime. Alternatively, if you have a Time Machine backup of OS X 10.7.3 or later on an external hard drive (not a Time Capsule or other network device), you can start from that by holding down the option key and selecting it from the row of icons that appears. Note that if your other Mac was never upgraded in the App Store, you can't use this method.
3. Partition and install OS X
a. If you see a lock screen when trying to start up from installation media or in Recovery mode, then a firmware password was set by the previous owner, or the machine was remotely locked via iCloud. You'll either have to contact the owner or take the machine to an Apple Store or another service provider to be unlocked. You may be asked for proof of ownership.
b. Launch Disk Utility and select the icon of the internal drive—not any of the volume icons nested beneath it. In the Partition tab, select the default options: a GUID partition table with one data volume in Mac OS Extended (Journaled) format. This operation will permanently remove all existing data on the drive.
c. An unusual problem may arise if all the following conditions apply:
          OS X 10.7 or later was installed by the previous owner
          The startup volume was encrypted with FileVault
          You're booted in Recovery mode (that is, not from a 10.6 installation disc)
In that case, you won't be able to unlock the volume or partition the drive without the FileVault password. Ask for guidance or see this discussion.
d. After partitioning, quit Disk Utility and run the OS X Installer. If you're installing a version of OS X acquired from the App Store, you will need the Apple ID and password that you used. When the installation is done, the system will automatically restart into the Setup Assistant, which will prompt you to transfer the data from another Mac, its backups, or from a Windows computer. If you have any data to transfer, this is usually the best time to do it.
e. Run Software Update and install all available system updates from Apple. To upgrade to a major version of OS X newer than 10.6, get it from the Mac App Store. Note that you can't keep an upgraded version that was installed by the original owner. He or she can't legally transfer it to you, and without the Apple ID you won't be able to update it in Software Update or reinstall, if that becomes necessary. The same goes for any App Store products that the previous owner installed—you have to repurchase them.
4. Other issues
a. If the original owner "accepted" the bundled iLife applications (iPhoto, iMovie, and Garage Band) in the App Store so that he or she could update them, then they're irrevocably linked to that Apple ID and you won't be able to download them without buying them. Reportedly, Mac App Store Customer Service has sometimes issued redemption codes for these apps to second owners who asked.
b. If the previous owner didn't deauthorize the computer in the iTunes Store under his Apple ID, you wont be able to authorize it immediately under your ID. In that case, you'll either have to wait up to 90 days or contact iTunes Support.
c. When trying to create a new iCloud account, you might get a failure message: "Account limit reached." Apple imposes a lifetime limit of three iCloud account setups per device. Erasing the device does not reset the limit. You can still use an iCloud account that was created on another device, but you won't be able to create a new one. Contact iCloud Support for more information. The setup limit doesn't apply to Apple ID accounts used for other services, such as the iTunes and Mac App Stores, or iMessage. You can create as many of those accounts as you like.

While using my imac the display just cuts off whats causing this

while using my imac the display just cuts off but the machine is still on and I have to push the power button a couple of times fir it to cut back on whats causing this?

Hi keithfromcapitol heights,
It sounds as if your iMac is going to sleep unexpectedly. Is this during use or after it has been left alone for a while (which can be normal if it is set that way?) If during use, I would suggest that you reset your System Management Controller, using the steps in this article -
Intel-based Macs: Resetting the System Management Controller (SMC)
http://support.apple.com/kb/HT3964
Thanks for using Apple Support Communities.
Best,
Brett L

Recently while using my iMac the display will just cut off but the machine is still running and I have to press the power button to get the display to cut back on. What is causing this?

Recently while using my iMac the display will just cut off but the machine is still running and I have to press the power button to get the display to cut back on. What is causing this?

Look in System Preferences/Energy Saver.

HT3924 using 2008 imac 24" as display for 2011 macbook pro

can i use my 2008 iMac 24" as the display for my 2011 Mac book pro

Not really on that year, only thing that may work for you is Screen Sharing, where you run one from the other one, but not much help with what you wan't.

Use 2008 iMac as second monitor for pc laptop

I have a 2008 iMac and wish to use it as a second monitor for my wife's laptop. I originally bought a mini display port to vga adaptor cable and realized that it would not work. I have to go back and buy the mini DVI to vga adapter cable to use it. But in scouring the google links - I saw that it might not work. It had said for 2011 and above it might, but did not mention earlier models. I could use some direction. If it not possible, I would rather not go and buy a new cable and try. Any help is appreciated. Thanks .

You need to set up Virtual Network Computing.
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Use 2008 iMac as display for dvi vga pc

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