transfer files between iMac's and Retina display question.

[thomasbp]

Hi All.

1. How can I transfer files and so one, between two iMac's an old mid 2011 27" iMac where the GPU is dead, so blue screen and can't get into the desktop, to a new late 2015 27" iMac ??

2. I know how to open the old mid 2011, but can see it's harder on a late 2015, my question is - is the late 2015 magnetic closed like the mid 2011 or do I need some "rubber closing" to close "seal" on the late 2015, if i open it ?

 

[ApfelKuchen]

1. You can try Target Disk Mode to get into the old Mac https://support.apple.com/HT201462 You'll need a Thunderbolt cable to connect the two Macs (both have Thunderbolt ports).

2. Check the ifixit.com teardown of the 2015 iMac. No more magnets - you'll need adhesive strips to reseal the display after you open it (available for sale at ifixit.com, of course).

 

[EnderBeta]

Is the iMac with the dead screen already setup to show up on your network? If so can you use screen share?

 

[curmudgeonette]

1) Open the 2011 and remove the HDD
2) Purchase an external (USB) drive case
3) Install the 2011's HDD into the case
4) Connect the external drive to the 2015
5) Copy files between drives

 

[ApfelKuchen]

1) Open the 2011 and remove the HDD
2) Purchase an external (USB) drive case
3) Install the 2011's HDD into the case
4) Connect the external drive to the 2015
5) Copy files between drives

Well, if a non-invasive method like Target Disk Mode doesn't hack it, this may turn out to be the solution, but if the only issue really is no video? Then surgery is total overkill.

Based on the OP's description, I'm not even sure the GPU is dead - I wonder if he's tried connecting an external display?