connect new Macbook (usb-c) to very old Macbook via (old usb) for traget disk mode?

Art2-D2 · December 3, 2018 7:15PM

Hi, I have a question regarding getting data off an old MBP (circa 2011 or 2012). Its video chip died about a year ago and I took it to the Apple store where they showed me the machine was still working otherwise, and via target disk mode I can copy the hard drive data out.

I finally got a new Macbook and didn't realize the usb-c cable that it came with only has usb-c connections on both ends so I need to buy a different usb-c to -a cable.

However I wanted to check that will work... at the store the rep was using a thunderbolt cable and I can't remember if they said it would work with a usb connection. Also some searches on various articles from google seem to indicate not all usb-c/a cables are compatible for this?

Thanks in advance for any help!

Mike Wuerthele · December 3, 2018 7:16PM

Art2-D2 said:

Hi, I have a question regarding getting data off an old MBP (circa 2011 or 2012). Its video chip died about a year ago and I took it to the Apple store where they showed me the machine was still working otherwise, and via target disk mode I can copy the hard drive data out.

I finally got a new Macbook and didn't realize the usb-c cable that it came with only has usb-c connections on both ends so I need to buy a different usb-c to -a cable.

However I wanted to check that will work... at the store the rep was using a thunderbolt cable and I can't remember if they said it would work with a usb connection. Also some searches on various articles from google seem to indicate not all usb-c/a cables are compatible for this?

Thanks in advance for any help!

I'd use Thunderbolt. A Thunderbolt cable connected to your old mac, connected to the TB3 to TB2 adapter on your new one.

Art2-D2 · December 3, 2018 7:26PM

Thanks for the info, @"Mike Wuerthele"

So I need to get one of these:

https://www.apple.com/shop/product/MMEL2AM/A/thunderbolt-3-usb-c-to-thunderbolt-2-adapter?afid=p238|sEc33DURg-dc_mtid_1870765e38482_pcrid_246386725857_&cid=aos-us-kwgo-pla-btb--slid--product-MMEL2AM/A

and also a thunderbolt cable? (I never had one, thus was asking about the usb option)

Mike Wuerthele · December 3, 2018 7:29PM

Art2-D2 said:

Thanks for the info, @"Mike Wuerthele"
So I need to get one of these:
https://www.apple.com/shop/product/MMEL2AM/A/thunderbolt-3-usb-c-to-thunderbolt-2-adapter?afid=p238|sEc33DURg-dc_mtid_1870765e38482_pcrid_246386725857_&cid=aos-us-kwgo-pla-btb--slid--product-MMEL2AM/A

and also a thunderbolt cable? (I never had one, thus was asking about the usb option)

That's the adapter, yup. Plus, you'd need a Thunderbolt 1 or 2 cable.

I've had mixed results going USB-A with target mode, like on your old computer. I don't recommend it.

Art2-D2 · December 3, 2018 7:34PM

Got it, thanks for the info!

connect new Macbook (usb-c) to very old Macbook via (old usb) for traget disk mode?

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