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August 16, 2007 9:30 AM PDT

iMacs (Mid-2007): Problems with FireWire target disk mode, screen condensation

by CNET staff
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We're beginning to receive some interesting reports about potential problems with FireWire target disk mode on the newly introduced Mid-2007 (Santa Rosa-based) iMacs. Specifically, one user found that both his initial Mid-2007 iMac and a replacement model supplied by Apple could not connect to an iBook G4 that was verified to work in FireWire target disk mode with other systems.

"I just bought a 2.4GHz 24" imac for my parents. [...] Upon connecting it to their iBook to migrate files to the new iMac, no matter what we tried with Applecare, the iMac wouldn't recognize that it was connected to an iBook with Mac OS X in Firewire drive mode. [...]

"The guy at the Genius Bar could connect the iBook G4 to his computer in Firewire disk mode, and it would recognize it, but the iMac (24", 2.4GHz) would not (for transfer of files or even as an external firewire disk) no matter what he tried; and he couldn?t figure out why. So it was clear it was the new iMac?s issue and they gave us a new iMac. [...]

"Now that they got the second iMac home, it has the same exact issue. It doesn?t recognize the iBook G4 as a firewire drive to import their old files. It's quite odd, because as they said, the iBook is working perfectly. They're going to call the Apple Store tomorrow, bring back the second iMac they were given, and have them transfer the files in the store. No more back and forth with the computers."

In some cases, resetting the SMC or resetting NVRAM/PRAM. In order to reset PRAM/NVRAM, shut down your Mac, then start it back up while immediately holding the following keys: Command, Option, P and R. Hold the keys down until the computer restarts and you hear the startup sound for the third time.

If you are experiencing a similar issue, please let us know.

Condensation under glass We also received some scattered reports indicating that condensation is forming under the new iMacs' glass screen casings.

Feedback? Late-breakers@macfixit.com.

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  • resetting the SMC
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    Add a Comment (Log in or register) (3 Comments)
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    by hamarkus August 16, 2007 10:28 AM PDT
    This person found a workaround:
    http://www.macosxhints.com/article.php?story=20070813144523110

    In brief, put another Firewire device between the two Macs and daisychain everything together.
    Reply to this comment
    by Andreas.. August 16, 2007 10:31 AM PDT
    This post @ MacOSXHints might be of use.
     

    ---
    Andreas

    G5 2.1GHz, OS 10.4.10

    Reply to this comment
    by Macavenger August 16, 2007 11:02 AM PDT
    In my case, I ran into this problem (or something very similar) when I restarted the new iMac with the old still connected in target disk mode. Shutting down the new iMac (with the old one disconnected), unplugging it from the wall, waiting about a minute, and then starting it back up fixed the issue, and it has been working properly ever since.
    Reply to this comment
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