How to get data off 2008 iMac

[ddkkpp]

My parents 2008 iMac stopped working during a wind storm / power outage a couple weeks ago. It seems to turn on, but the screen flicks off after about 5 seconds. Is there any way to get in to it and access the data without opening it up and extracting the HD?

thanks!!

 

[rigormortis]

have you tried target disk mode?

connect a firewire cable between both computers and hold down the t key during boot
newer computers use thunderbolt, older macs use firewire

https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT201462

have you tried an external monitor ?

do you use file vault in Yosemite on the computer your having issues with?
file vault will prevent you from using screen sharing

does the screen just flicker off? or do you feel the computer is still powered on and running?

reset pram
https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT204063

reset smc
https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT201295

 

[Fishrrman]

If it's a damaged internal power supply (might be according to the symptoms you describe), the only alternative (short of repairing the power supply) will likely be to open it up and extract the drive, then use an enclosure or USB3/SATA docking station with which to connect it to another Mac to access the data...

 

[ddkkpp]

thanks for the replies.

i've tried resetting the pram and smc - to not avail.

i feel like the computer is on and running but the screen is off. i will try target disk mode today.

if that doesn't work and it is power supply, i'll have to open it and extract the HD i guess.

no i don't think file vault was being used.... (at least i hope not)

 

[CoastalOR]

If you have to open it up to extract the HD then take a look at the repair instructions at ifixit.com.