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How to get files off PowerBook G4 without power?

W

Will G.

macrumors member
Original poster
Sep 25, 2006
33
0
I have a PowerBook G4 with a broken power connector, and a brand new hard drive for my Mac Pro which I bought to transfer the files to. What is the best way to do it?

- I could attempt to open the case and remove the harddrive myself, get a 2.5-to-3.5-inch harddrive adapter for about $10, and put it in my Mac Pro. From what I've read this would work, although I've never tried anything like it and I'm not sure how hard it would be.

- If I could find some way of getting a charged battery to put in it, that would work... but as the PowerBook G4s haven't been made for a while, it could be hard to do.

- I could take it to a repair shop and see if they'll do it, but I'm not sure how much they would charge.

So... ideas?

Thanks! :)
 
A couple of suggestions

Perhaps the folks in the ad (for G4 battery) below your post could help. Also, are you close to an Apple store? Or a an independent Apple dealer? Both might be able to help also. Just some thoughts.
 
Try this as an alternative.

Will charge your powerbook battery externally and give you some repeated usage if you can deal with it. Should serve your initial purpose though.
 
Will G. said:
I could attempt to open the case and remove the harddrive myself, get a 2.5-to-3.5-inch harddrive adapter for about $10, and put it in my Mac Pro. From what I've read this would work, although I've never tried anything like it and I'm not sure how hard it would be.
Click to expand...
I've done this myself (although using an external IDE/Firewire case) and I'd say this is probably the easiest solution. Remember the Mac Pro has SATA hard drive connectors though. I guess you could use one of the optical drive bay connectors though. I'm not familiar with what types of adapters are out there. Also depending on the model of PBG4 you might need to get some really small screwdrivers, maybe with TORX heads.
 
Is it an Aluminum or Titanium? If TiBook, it's very easy to open. AlBook, not so much - more tedious than technically difficult.

Check iFixIt - they have guides for installing hard drives for most models. Then, you can get an idea of whether to tackle it or not.

Without power, pulling the drive really is the only option.
 
Just get the adapter and plug the drive into your Mac Pro. This is cheapest and quickest. Depending on the model of you machine, getting the drive out may or may not be a pain, but don't waste money paying some monkey to do the same thing that you will be doing...
 
Will G. said:
I have a PowerBook G4 with a broken power connector, and a brand new hard drive for my Mac Pro which I bought to transfer the files to. What is the best way to do it?

- I could attempt to open the case and remove the harddrive myself, get a 2.5-to-3.5-inch harddrive adapter for about $10, and put it in my Mac Pro. From what I've read this would work, although I've never tried anything like it and I'm not sure how hard it would be.

- If I could find some way of getting a charged battery to put in it, that would work... but as the PowerBook G4s haven't been made for a while, it could be hard to do.

- I could take it to a repair shop and see if they'll do it, but I'm not sure how much they would charge.

So... ideas?

Thanks! :)
Click to expand...

Eh, I'd just go with number 1. Like somebody said just follow a step by step instructions and you'll be good. Its really not that complicated and its not difficult. Just take it slow and you'll be fine.
 
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