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i-Mac disk failing - need to get data off when only booting in safe mode

My i-Mac will only boot in safe mode. I need to get my files off it - but how ?
- It won't connect to the internet so I can't FTP files
- It doesn't recognize an external drive of USB stick
- I cannot email myself the files ....

HELP!

Thanks, Pete

Michael Best

Use UBCD to boot your Mac then you can move your data:
http://en.kioskea.net/download/download-1221-ultimate-boot-cd

Or you can remove the Hard Drive and slave it on another Mac

pbissegger

ASKER

How would you suggest I do it with UBCD.... put it on a CD and boot it from that ? Or can I boot it from USB ?

Sounds promising, but I need a couple more hints.

Thanks, Pete

strung

If you have a second Mac, use FireWire target disc mode (google it),

Michael Best

"How would you suggest I do it with UBCD.... put it on a CD and boot it from that ? Or can I boot it from USB ?"

Either boot method.

http://wiki.ultimatebootcd.com/index.php?title=Tutorials

strung

Firewire target disk mode: http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1661
let's you use your Mac as an external drive for another Mac. Makes it very easy to copy data.

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strung

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Adrian Sluijters

Do you ahve any timemaching backups of it?

If not, then plug a secondary drive (USB or FW) into the USB port, insert your installer disk) boot whilst holding Option (alt), and install the OSX on the EXTERNAL drive... This will run just like an internally isntalled OSX provided you always boot holding down option and choose the correct installation.

From here you can browse the drive that died and copy what you need off of it.