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Can I retrieve data from an iMac Pro that won't turn on

iMac Pro will not turn on. Had a power outage and afterward it would not power back up. Read numerous threads and seems it might be a goner. Is there any way to retrieve the data?


[Re-Titled by Moderator]

Posted on Dec 26, 2024 10:39 AM

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8 replies

Dec 27, 2024 8:59 AM in response to SndanceKid

The inability to easily recover data from a SSD is not a shortcoming of Apple, it's due to the way the ssd technology stores data. In many instances, recovering data from a HDD can also be extremely difficult if not impossible for consumers, too. If this were any other PC brand the same would hold true.


The only way to safeguard against data loss is to have a rigorous back up strategy.


Apple makes it very easy to back up our stuff by including their Time Machine back up software preinstalled on all Mac computers, but they can't hand hold each of us and make us use best practices. All that is required is an external drive and a few minutes of our time to set it into motion.

Back up your Mac with Time Machine - Apple Support


You were on the right track when you previously backed up your Mac. It's unfortunate that you didn't continue. Hopefully you won't lose too much stuff.



Dec 27, 2024 11:29 AM in response to SndanceKid

SndanceKid wrote:

Turns out I did back it up a few months ago. Anyway, now my question is, if I buy a new iMac with the M4 chip, can I use my backup info from the iMac Pro to rebuild my desktop, programs, etc?


Yes. If that backup drive and the data it holds are in working order, then there is no reason to believe you cannot recover all of your files that are on it.


If you used Time Machine to create that backup, then you can use Migration Assistant on your new Mac to restore those files. When you’re ready to setup your new Mac the easiest and most reliable way to migrate your data and files from the old Mac is simply to connect the old Mac's Time Machine backup drive to the new Mac before you turn it on for the first time. (You may need a USB-A to USB-C adapter for this; easily found online for ~$10 or less.) 


When you start your new Mac for the first time it will launch Setup Assistant and lead you through the setup process. Eventually Setup Assistant will ask if you are migrating from another computer or Time Machine backup. You are, so select that option and follow the on-screen prompts to completion.


If you used another method of backing up the old iMac, then once you have setup the new Mac, you can either install a copy of the application you used previously - perhaps Carbon Copy Cloner or SuperDuper! - and use that to recover your files, or you may even be able to simply drag-n-drop your files from the backup drive onto your new Mac.


I guess my question is, in situations like this, is it usually the power supply?


Yes, very often it is the power supply that fails, especially if the cause was a fail of the mains.

Can I retrieve data from an iMac Pro that won't turn on

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