Chosen Solution
So I have an array of issues. I’m not sure the best order in which to list them. Late 2012 27” iMac - On startup the loading screen has a tendency to hang before the progress bar even begins. On restart the screen sometimes is black and I have to leave for 5/10 mins to restart again and re-activate the display. NONE of the recovery or keyboard commands work during start up. I have tested the key board and used a spare to confirm the keyboard isn’t the issue. So.. unable to access recovery mode. Internet Recovery works intermittently but once the download is complete the machine reboots and hangs at the start up screen again. I have today created a bootable USB… after 3 attempts I have managed to select the new boot disk however as per usual it hangs on reboot. My concern is this.. I have no way of backing up this machine or recovering it. There appears to be no recovery partition. I’m able to use the machine … As long as I don’t turn it off. Is this then the luck of the draw when I’m able to reboot it. Is this a hardware issue or poor software install? A lot of info I know. Any help appreciated.
Use a wired keyboard for keyboard startup commands. Wireless keyboards generally have to be able to load the bluetooth driver for them to operate.
Try getting into Target Disk Mode. Press the T key on the keyboard when you restart. If you can get that far you should be able to access your systems drive to back it up. Mac startup key combinationsUnderstanding the Applications for Target Disk Mode
