Target Disk Mode Not Working

[dsnort]

I've got an old G4 PowerMac with a bum CD/DVD device. I wanted to copy some files off of a DVD so I figured I'd start the G4 in Target Disk Mode, and read the files over from my MacBook. But when I try to start the G4 in TD mode by holding down the "T" key when restarting, the comp chugs along for a few moments, and then shuts down.

Anyone have any ideas?

 

[JNB]

I think you have it backwards. Shut down both machines, connect both via firewire, start G4 normally, start MacBook in Target Disk mode (hold "T" at startup). The MacBook (and all attached drives) will be seen on the G4's Finder.

http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=58583

 

[OllyW]

I think you have it backwards. Shut down both machines, connect both via firewire, start G4 normally, start MacBook in Target Disk mode (hold "T" at startup). The MacBook (and all attached drives) will be seen on the G4's Finder.

http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=58583

That won't work, only the start up disc of the MacBook will be visible on the G4.

How old is the PowerMac? Not all the G4's work in Target Disk Mode.

You should also try starting in Target Disk Mode from System Preferences / Start Up Disk.

 

[dsnort]

The comp is running 10.3.9 Panther, Target Disk is not an option in system preferences.

It's an old DP 867 MDD, I've done TD on the same model before with no probs.

 

[OllyW]

The comp is running 10.3.9 Panther, Target Disk is not an option in system preferences.

It's an old DP 867 MDD, I've done TD on the same model before with no probs.

I know that model should work as I used to own one.

You could try resetting the PMU. It does mention firewire problems on that page.

 

[dsnort]

Tried resetting the PMU, no joy. I'm down to trying a different keyboard?

 

[JNB]

That won't work, only the start up disc of the MacBook will be visible on the G4.

Not true - that's how I managed DVD's on a CD-only G4 from a DVD-RW G5. It'll work. It'll see anything you mount on the MacBook (it's supposed to, anyway).

 

[OllyW]

Not true - that's how I managed DVD's on a CD-only G4 from a DVD-RW G5. It'll work. It'll see anything you mount on the MacBook (it's supposed to, anyway).

Sorry, you are right about that. I've just tried it with my MacBook Pro and it works.

 

[bartelby]

I know it's a long shot but are you sure the Firewire cable is ok.
I discovered that cheap FW cables don't work for some reason.

 

[IJ Reilly]

I know it's a long shot but are you sure the Firewire cable is ok.
I discovered that cheap FW cables don't work for some reason.

A good thought, but given that the Mac won't even start up in FWTDM, then I have to believe that something is amiss in the G4's hardware. The Mac doesn't have to be plugged into anything at all for it to start up in TDM.

Another long-shot: Try unplugging the wonky optical drive.