Target Disk mode question

[jk73]

If I want to connect an old MBP to a new MBP via Target Disk mode, will it work if both systems have the same user profile or do they need to be different? I vaguely recall an error when trying to connect two computers that have identical names, etc.

I have a 2016 MBP that boots into Recovery Mode and also Target Disk mode, but I can’t get a 2019 MBP (running latest Big Sur) to see it. Connecting via ThunderBolt cable. Any ideas for getting this to work much appreciated. Thanks.

 

[Mr_Brightside_@]

I have never encountered issues with identically named profiles. Macintosh HD of the 2016 should simply mount in the Finder.

 

[jk73]

Thanks.

Totally puzzled by this issue. No idea why the old MBP isn‘t recognized despite quickly booting into Target Disk mode and being connected via ThunderBolt.

 

[jk73]

Updating the thread, turns out Target Disk mode wasn’t working because the old MBP’s disk wasn’t mounting while in Target Disk mode, despite mounting in Recovery Mode.

I bought a 2 TB external HD, installed Big Sur on it, booted my ailing MBP from it, and then CCC copied the entire MBP (450 GB), except for six photos that had been corrupted, like a champ. Awesome app.