Late 2009 imac target mode

[djsound]

I am trying to boot my imac into target mode with command+f2 and nothing is happening . it just beeps. How do I do it? Its a late 2009. thanks

 

[Significant1]

Do it, while it is up and running. Not boot time.

 

[djsound]

Tried that. No go.

 

[Significant1]

You title leave room for misunderstanding. We better make fully sure, that we are talking about Target Display Mode
https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT204592
Because that is, what the shortcut is fore. And that you have connected a displayport-source as input in the mini-displayport.

If you really mean Target Disk Mode:
https://support.apple.com/kb/PH10725?locale=en_US
Then it is something completely different and is activated by pressing T at boot.

 

[djsound]

Ah sorry. Target Display mode. I have my MBP retina connected to a late 2009 imac (which I'd like to use as second display).....ive tried all the key command to enter target display mode but no luck.

 

[Significant1]

Notice that it is F2, so depending on your keyboard setting you might have to add the fn-key: fn+cmd+f2

 

[djsound]

Ya I have mine setup as (use f2 as f2..) so it was fine....still no luck.

 

[Significant1]

is it a mini-displayport cable? Thunderbolt-cable won't work with 2009 iMac..

 

[djsound]

Ya I was using a Thunderbold cable but just ordered a Minidisplay cable because I read that somewhere....but it wont even enter target mode until it gets a signal or something? That must be it. Thanks for the tip. =)

 

[Significant1]

Yes. I just dobbelt checked. Without video-input, there is no reaction. But it works with my Macbook Air connected.. If you didn't already have the thunderbolt cable a mini-display cable is also much cheaper ;-)

 

[djsound]

Now I can return this Thunderbolt cable. Thanks guys. 😉