G4 tower hard drive removal and transfer contents onto Imac

[G4Mac]

I don't blame you for not wanting to go spending money on a dedicated power supply just for this job. What I'd do is put the spinny HDD into your G4 tower (but don't screw it down into a drive bay: just leave it loose in there on the floor of the box, so you've got wiggle room to fit the IDE - USB adapter onto it) and hook it up to one of the 4-pin power plugs from the G4's PSU.

You will be using the G4 purely as a power supply. You won't need a monitor attached to the G4 (though it's possible you might need a keyboard plugged in just to make the machine feel happy?). Plug the adapter into the HDD, plug the USB end into your iMac, hit the power button on the G4, and your drive should spin up, and should show up as a mounted drive on the iMac. From there it should be plain sailing.

EXTRA NOTE: In order for the G4 to operate safely with proper airflow, you will need to close the side door on it, so I'd remove the blanking plate from one of the G4's PCI slots and feed the adapter's USB cable out through there. Depending on how long the USB cable is (device cables are NEVER long enough these days!), you might need to use a USB extension cable.

Thanks.

Why would I need to install a HDD into the G4, when I want to take the HD out? In essence , I'm looking for a very simple plug it in and download method, as I have never done anything like this before and the inner workings of computers are a bit of a mystery.

Also, I no longer have the keybord and doubt if I have the power plug to actually fire up the G4. At the moment, it's little more than an ornament that has been dormant for 15 years.

 

[Horsa]

Thanks.

Why would I need to install a HDD into the G4, when I want to take the HD out? In essence , I'm looking for a very simple plug it in and download method, as I have never done anything like this before and the inner workings of computers are a bit of a mystery.

Also, I no longer have the keybord and doubt if I have the power plug to actually fire up the G4. At the moment, it's little more than an ornament that has been dormant for 15 years.

You won't be installing the HDD into the G4 (i.e. hooking it up so it can be accessed by the G4's logic board), merely plonking it in the box so it's within reach of one of the G4's power supply plugs. Remember, we're using the G4 purely as a source of power to get it spinning.

Re. the keyboard: in all likelihood, you won't need to connect one at all - I just mentioned that cos I couldn't remember whether the G4 PowerMacs needed a keyboard attached in order to switch on. I suspect they don't.

I have a G4 PowerMac (Sawtooth logic board) that I haven't used since 2010. I fished it out and powered it up recently: it works fine!

 

[MacInWin]

Why would I need to install a HDD into the G4, when I want to take the HD out?

The idea was to use the G4 as the power supply for the drive, just connect the power cables to the drive, no need to boot or have a keyboard, or anything. You just want to have the drive connected properly to the power supply.

 

[G4Mac]

Thanks.

Why would I need to install a HDD into the G4, when I want to take the HD out? In essence , I'm looking for a very simple plug it in and download method, as I have never done anything like this before and the inner workings of computers are a bit of a mystery.

Also, I no longer have the keybord and doubt if I have the power plug to actually fire up the G4. At the moment, it's little more than an ornament that has been dormant for 15 years.

You won't be installing the HDD into the G4 (i.e. hooking it up so it can be accessed by the G4's logic board), merely plonking it in the box so it's within reach of one of the G4's power supply plugs. Remember, we're using the G4 purely as a source of power to get it spinning.

Re. the keyboard: in all likelihood, you won't need to connect one at all - I just mentioned that cos I couldn't remember whether the G4 PowerMacs needed a keyboard attached in order to switch on. I suspect they don't.

I have a G4 PowerMac (Sawtooth logic board) that I haven't used since 2010. I fished it out and powered it up recently: it works fine!

Is a HDD the same as an external hard drive? If so, are you saying I can attach an external HD to the HD in the G4 and transfer the date from the G4 direct to the external HD?

 

[Horsa]

Is a HDD the same as an external hard drive? If so, are you saying I can attach an external HD to the HD in the G4 and transfer the date from the G4 direct to the external HD?

No, connecting one hard drive directly to another one wouldn't work. To transfer files from one drive to another, you need to connect both drives to a computer operating system - like the one on your iMac - that can access (and show you) both drives.

 

[G4Mac]

No, connecting one hard drive directly to another one wouldn't work. To transfer files from one drive to another, you need to connect both drives to a computer operating system - like the one on your iMac - that can access (and show you) both drives.

OK, so I can connect the HD in the G4 via a USB to my Imac and then transfer everything from it onto the Imac desktop?

 

[krs]

Before you buy that IDE to USB adapter, I would make sure the G4 does provide power to spin up the hard drive.

 

[MacInWin]

Just to summarize what is the end goal, you would have the OLD drive connected to the power supply of the G4, but the data connected through the IDE to USB adapter, then the other end of that cable is attached to the iMac to mount the drive. All you would using the G4 was is the power supply. If the G4 won't power up the drive, you may need a power supply AND the IDE-USB adapter. Something like this: NewerTech Universal Drive Adapter USB Bare Drive Adapter

I have one of those and it works well.

 

[G4Mac]

Just to summarize what is the end goal, you would have the OLD drive connected to the power supply of the G4, but the data connected through the IDE to USB adapter, then the other end of that cable is attached to the iMac to mount the drive. All you would using the G4 was is the power supply. If the G4 won't power up the drive, you may need a power supply AND the IDE-USB adapter. Something like this: NewerTech Universal Drive Adapter USB Bare Drive Adapter

I have one of those and it works well.

To summerise. I have an old G4 that has not been powered up since 2007. It has a handful of pics and pdfs on the HD that I want to transfer to the Imac desktop (and then transfer from there onto my external HD) I have a card reader for my camera card that I just plug in the USB port and the icon appears on the desktop. I'm looking for something similar for the G4 HD, where I can just slot it into a device attached to the Imac via USB port and download it onto the desktop. I don't have the old power plug for the G4 or keyboard etc and after being sat idle for 15 years I'm not convinced it would power up anyway!

 

[Horsa]

The power cable for the G4 is just a standard 3-pin "euro plug" type (also known in the UK as a "kettle plug"). Lots of devices use them. If you haven't got one, it's a fair bet a friend, neighbour or relative has one you could borrow.

If you don't want to try using the G4 as a power supply, then you have no choice but to buy an adapter-and-power-supply kit like the one @MacInWin suggested. Here's a similar device on uk amazon (this is not a personal endorsement: merely showing you a suitable item):

https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B08FMJY53M/

Once your powered-up drive from the G4 is plugged into the iMac, it will appear as a drive icon on the desktop, just like your camera card does.

BTW, you don't have to put the rescued files on the desktop before you move them to your external HD - you can just drag and drop them straight from one drive to the other if you want.

 

[G4Mac]

The power cable for the G4 is just a standard 3-pin "euro plug" type (also known in the UK as a "kettle plug"). Lots of devices use them. If you haven't got one, it's a fair bet a friend, neighbour or relative has one you could borrow.

If you don't want to try using the G4 as a power supply, then you have no choice but to buy an adapter-and-power-supply kit like the one @MacInWin suggested. Here's a similar device on uk amazon (this is not a personal endorsement: merely showing you a suitable item):

https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B08FMJY53M/

Once your powered-up drive from the G4 is plugged into the iMac, it will appear as a drive icon on the desktop, just like your camera card does.

BTW, you don't have to put the rescued files on the desktop before you move them to your external HD - you can just drag and drop them straight from one drive to the other if you want.

Thank you. That seems like the easiest option!

 

[G4Mac]

The power cable for the G4 is just a standard 3-pin "euro plug" type (also known in the UK as a "kettle plug"). Lots of devices use them. If you haven't got one, it's a fair bet a friend, neighbour or relative has one you could borrow.

If you don't want to try using the G4 as a power supply, then you have no choice but to buy an adapter-and-power-supply kit like the one @MacInWin suggested. Here's a similar device on uk amazon (this is not a personal endorsement: merely showing you a suitable item):

https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B08FMJY53M/

Once your powered-up drive from the G4 is plugged into the iMac, it will appear as a drive icon on the desktop, just like your camera card does.

BTW, you don't have to put the rescued files on the desktop before you move them to your external HD - you can just drag and drop them straight from one drive to the other if you want.

Just to be absolutely clear – this will be able to be used with the HD from a G4? I know earlier in the thread someone mentioned that not all adapters are a one size fits all.

 

[Horsa]

Just to be absolutely clear – this will be able to be used with the HD from a G4? I know earlier in the thread someone mentioned that not all adapters are a one size fits all.

Yes - your drive will be just a standard IDE thing, like any other.

 

[G4Mac]

Yes - your drive will be just a standard IDE thing, like any other.

Thank you.

 

[krs]

Just to be absolutely clear – this will be able to be used with the HD from a G4? I know earlier in the thread someone mentioned that not all adapters are a one size fits all.

Based on the description in amazon.uk it should work, however....
I have never seen so many negative reviews on amazon than for this item so make sure you can return it for full credit if it does not work.
The package also does not include the power cable which you will have to buy or borrow separately.
From the amazon.uk information it also seems to require a 2-pin power cable per the last picture on the amazon site.

 

[pm-r]

Based on the description in amazon.uk it should work, however....

I certainly hope the OP understands and is clear as to what particular adapter is being referred to or suggested and what power cable does or doesn't come with it and the procedures being suggested but to be very honest I am completely confused.

Personally I would suggest using an adapter such as this where everything is provided and a very simple hook up to the newer working Mac, and it's simple enough to pull the older IDE drive and connect to it to the new working Mac:

NewerTech Universal Drive Adapter USB Bare Drive Adapter

The perfect tool to access bare drives via USB without opening a computer or drive enclosure. Compatible with nearly any 2.5, 3.5, or 5.25 inch drive.

eshop.macsales.com

Just purchase the equivalent one from a UK supplier that will have the correct power plugs.

My two bits worth anyway... Good luck.

PS: you can use that type of adopter with nearly all kinds of drives and just use it as you would similar as you would when using an external Drive dock. Except the connectors are more exposed...


- Patrick
=======

 

[krs]

I certainly hope the OP understands and is clear as to what particular adapter is being referred to or suggested and what power cable does or doesn't come with it and the procedures being suggested but to be very honest I am completely confused.

My last comment was in referene to the last adapter posted:
https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B08FMJY53M/

That one includes the power supply for the 3.5-inch hard drive from the G4 sine using the G4 to power that drive is not an option, but it still does not include the power cable (wall reeptacle to power supply).
However the biggest concern I would have with that adapter are the large number of negative user reviews.

 

[pm-r]

That one includes the power supply for the 3.5-inch hard drive from the G4 sine using the G4 to power that drive is not an option, but it still does not include the power cable (wall reeptacle to power supply).
However the biggest concern I would have with that adapter are the large number of negative user reviews.

Here's one with everything they would need and even a bit cheaper and with almost a 5 star rating. I'd sure go that route:
https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B075WTVLKB/

Also usable with all later and most current SATA dives, just no enclosure.


Patrick
======

 

[Horsa]

My last comment was in referene to the last adapter posted:
https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B08FMJY53M/

That one includes the power supply for the 3.5-inch hard drive from the G4 sine using the G4 to power that drive is not an option, but it still does not include the power cable (wall reeptacle to power supply).
However the biggest concern I would have with that adapter are the large number of negative user reviews.

Oh crikey - well spotted. The one found by @pm-r looks a far better option.

 

[G4Mac]

Oh crikey - well spotted. The one found by @pm-r looks a far better option.

Thank you. Looks a better option, yes!