Target mode on defunct imac

[whooshbong]

So my iMac is toast. Graphics have gone for the 3rd time. Decided to pull the plug and get a Mac mini to keep me going as that’s all I can afford at the moment.
Question is can I still access the hard disc on the iMac to a) check that everything is backed up on iCloud b) scrub it before sending it for recycling.
The iMac isn’t booting properly. Can’t access recovery or anything like that. Screen not coming alive at all.

 

[rc3105]

If you pull the video card out the Mac will be able to boot in headless mode. Not ideal, but you could access your files via network.

Not sure about target mode. I've got a machine on the workbench I'll try it with and report back.


edit: Ok target mode is a crap shoot. Just depends on how blown the video card is. I have one that causes the machine to immediately shutdown w/o even bonging. Other cards that'll boot into mac os and work with partially scrambled video.

Sounds like you'll have to open the machine up to either remove the drive or remove/replace the video card.

 

[CWallace]

Assuming you do not have FileVault enabled on the iMac, connect a Thunderbolt cable between the Mac mini and the iMac and when you start the iMac, hold down the "T" key and that will automatically boot it into Target Disk Mode.

How to Boot Your Mac in Target Disk Mode for Easy File Transfers

Macs can boot into a "Target Disk Mode" that causes them to function like an external hard drive.

www.howtogeek.com

 

[whooshbong]

Assuming you do not have FileVault enabled on the iMac, connect a Thunderbolt cable between the Mac mini and the iMac and when you start the iMac, hold down the "T" key and that will automatically boot it into Target Disk Mode.

How to Boot Your Mac in Target Disk Mode for Easy File Transfers

Macs can boot into a "Target Disk Mode" that causes them to function like an external hard drive.

www.howtogeek.com

The iMac is not booting properly, or at least, no action on the screen and 'the bong' was muted so can't tell. Will that make a difference?

 

[CWallace]

The iMac is not booting properly, or at least, no action on the screen and 'the bong' was muted so can't tell. Will that make a difference?

It sounds like pressing "T" at start-up forces Target Disk Mode. I am not sure when that kicks in (I am guessing sometime before macOS boot) so depending on how far your iMac can boot...