iMacs (Mid-2007): Problems with FireWire target disk mode, screen condensation
Target disk mode not functioning with known working systems; moisture under the glass.
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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