This article explains what FireWire target disk mode (TDM) is, and how to use it.

Description and requirements

FireWire target disk mode allows a Macintosh computer with a FireWire port (the target computer) to be used as an external hard disk. The target computer's hard disk appears on the desktop of another computer (the host computer). Once a target computer is started up as a FireWire hard disk and appears on the desktop of the host computer, you can copy files to or from that volume.

Host computer requirements

Host computers must meet the following requirements:

• Built-in FireWire port, or a FireWire port on a PC card
• FireWire 2.3.3 or later is installed
• Mac OS 8.6 or later is installed

Target computers

The following models can be used as target computers:

• PowerBook (FireWire)
• PowerBook G4
• iBook (FireWire)
• iBook SE (FireWire)
• Power Mac G4 (AGP Graphics) with ATA drive
• Power Mac G4 Cube
• Power Mac G4 (Gigabit Ethernet)
• Power Mac G4 (Digital Audio)
• iMac (Slot Loading) with Firmware version 2.4 or later

FireWire Software

You can download the latest Firmware and FireWire software from the Apple Software Updates Web site at http://www.apple.com/swupdates/ .

How to use FireWire target disk mode

Important: Remove all other FireWire devices from both computers prior to using FireWire target disk mode. Do not reconnect any FireWire devices until after you have disconnected the two computers from each other, or have stopped using target disk mode.

Follow these steps to use FireWire target disk mode:

1. Make sure that the target computer is turned off. If you are using a PowerBook or iBook computer as the target computer, you should also plug in its AC power adapter.

2. Use a FireWire cable (6-pin to 6-pin) to connect the target computer to a host computer. The host computer does not need to be turned off.

3. Start up the target computer and immediately press and hold down the T key until it shows the FireWire icon. Your internal hard disk icon should appear on desktop of the host computer.

4. When you are finished copying files, drag the target computer's hard disk icon to the Trash or select Put Away from the File menu.

5. Press the target computer's power button to turn it off.

6. Disconnect the FireWire cable.

If the target computer's hard disk icon does not appear on the host desktop, check the cable connections and restart the host computer. See article 58207: " FireWire Ports and Specifications " for additional information on FireWire.