How do I use FireWire Target Mode?
Target disk mode allows a Mac to mimic an external drive so you can access its data through another Mac. Use this technique to quickly transfer data between Macs or backup data from an ailing Mac. First, connect two Macs with a FireWire or Thunderbolt cable. (Although we sell a cable that will connect an older FireWire 400 port to a newer FireWire 800 port, you can’t connect a FireWire port to a Thunderbolt port.) Then hold down the T key while you start the Mac you want to transfer data from. The computer should enter a special target disk mode, indicated by a disk icon on the screen. It will show up as an external hard drive to your other Mac and you’ll be able to access its data. You can drag and drop files to and from the Mac. You can also run data recovery or repair applications on a drive this way, if your computer won’t start up. Just remember to eject the disk by dragging its icon to the Trash when you’re done. Then press the power button to shut down the Mac and disconnect the cable.
Published March 24, 2009 12:00 PM
Last modified on November 25, 2011 1:34 PM
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