FireWire Target Disk Mode

Apple should be given kudos for this clever feature and brickbats for not promoting it enough. For those who are not sure what I am talking about, read on:

The following models can be used as target computers:

  • PowerBook (FireWire)
  • PowerBook G4
  • iBook (FireWire)
  • iBook SE (FireWire)
  • iBook (Dual USB)
  • Power Mac G4 (AGP Graphics) with ATA drive
  • Power Mac G4 Cube
  • Power Mac G4 (Gigabit Ethernet)
  • Power Mac G4 (Digital Audio)
  • Power Mac G4 (QuickSilver)
  • iMac (Slot Loading) with Firmware version 2.4 or later
  • iMac (Summer 2000)
  • iMac (Early 2001)
  • iMac (Summer 2001

Important: Unplug all other FireWire devices from both computers prior
to using FireWire target disk mode. Do not plug in any FireWire
devices until after you have disconnected the two computers from each
other, or have stopped using target disk mode.

To use FireWire target disk mode:

  1. Make sure that the target computer is turned off. If you are using a PowerBook computer or iBook computer as the target computer, you should also plug in its AC power adapter.
  2. Use a FireWire cable (6-pin to 6-pin) to connect the target computer to a host computer. The host computer does not need to be turned off.
  3. Start up the target computer and immediately press and hold down the T key until the FireWire icon appears. The hard disk of the target computer should become available to the host computer and will likely appear on desktop.
  4. When you are finished copying files, drag the target computer's hard disk icon to the Trash or select Put Away from the File menu (Mac OS 9) or Eject from the File menu (Mac OS X).
  5. Press the target computer's power button to turn it off.
  6. Unplug the FireWire cable.

    If the target computer's hard disk does not become available to the host computer, check the cable  connections and restart the host computer.

This is a veritable piece of magic, of course remember this, YOU CANNOT DO IT WITH A PC, so brag to your unfortunate pc friends all you like, I'm sure they'll be green at the gills.