Accessing files on a disabled iMac G5's HD

C

charlottend

Registered
I have an iMac G5 with a broken graphics card. As a result it won't get past the start up screen when booting. I have a new mac on the way, but I'm wondering what would be the easiest/cheapest way to access my files on the old iMac.

I've read about taking the HD out and using a SATA/USB connector to attach it to the new computer as an external HD. Is that my best option, or is there a way to boot the iMac and just access the HD via the iMac's firewire/usb ports.

I've run the CD diagnostic tests and it says everything is fine, except the graphics card.

Thanks for any advice.
 
Are you sure it's the graphics chipset on it? You might be covered under Apple's Repair Extension Program for iMac G5 Power and Video issues. Take it in for repair at an Apple Store or an authorized Apple service center even if it's out of warranty. They'll repair it at no cost to you if it's still within the three years of initial purchase (sometimes they'll even make an exception if it's beyond that point).

http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=302181

I speak from experience with my iMac G5, and mine wasn't even in the range of serial numbers listed (this problem affects all of the iMac G5 revisions).

If you still need to get the data out in the meantime, you can use the cable you mentioned. I have one and I've done it this way as well. Be aware that you would need to connect it to another Mac as Windows does not support HFS+, the filesystem used by Macintosh-formatted hard drives.

You could also just reboot the iMac and upon hearing the startup chime hold down the "T" button. This will put it into Target Disk Mode where you can hook the iMac up through Firewire and access it as if it were an oversized external hard drive (it also give you access to any discs inside the CD/DVD disc drive). Usually, you'll see a big Firewire logo on the screen when its ready, but since you say the video isn't working you won't see it. Just wait a few seconds and then plug the iMac to another Mac using Firewire and see if it shows up on the other Mac.
 
Yeah I'd seen that. I might have to try that.

I've actually had this one serviced for a similar problem before as part of the program (happened about 3 months after the 1 yr warranty ended) That time the computer shut down frequently They replaced the logic board and the power supply, but said it would be $900+ next time it happened. It's now past the 3 year mark for mine, but if you're saying they are being lenient with that, it might be worth a trip to have it repaired.

Thanks for the advice.
 
No problem. I've had mine sent in twice already for the same problem. So far, it's been working fine...thank goodness!

They should still cover you even past the warranty period (mine was purchased mid-2005 with the 1-yr warranty and it started with these problems in the beginning of this year...parts were replaced without question). I also had a client of mine who took in her iMac G4 for the same problem. Initially they told her that she had to pay for it, but in the end she didn't have to pay one cent. They figured it would be better to keep her as a happy customer than have her look for other computer alternatives because of lack of support.
 
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