What to do with iMac A1224 (2008/2009?) I can't log into (missing disk).

Do you have another Mac available? If so, and depending on the age the OS on the other Mac, you may be able to use Target Disk Mode to access the data on the drive without booting from it:

Transfer files between two Mac computers using target disk mode - Apple Support

However, the easiest way for a computer about to be recycled is to physically remove the hard drive. Two benefits:

1—no chance of any data being left in the old computer

2—once removed, you can attach the bare drive to another computer—Mac or Windows—and use a bare drive adapter or a drive dock to acces the data on the drive.

If the computer is damaged while removing the drive, who cares? it's getting recycled anyway. It's too old to be of practical use to a new user today.

Look for videos instructions for removing the drive by web-searching for "remove hard drive 2008-2009 iMac" If it is not something you think you can handle, see if a local computer shop will extractthe drive.

Apple will be happy to recycle it for you.

Hi, somapop, sorry to hear of your mom’s passing too.. maybe you can install Snow Leopard from a Retail Install DVD of it..unfortunately, unless you know for sure it had 10.7 OSX Lion on it, then a retail copy of Snow Leopard would be an OK option ., if you have one already, use it , if not, maybe buy it … if you think it might have Lion on it, you could try to get to the Recovery partition by rebooting + holding down Apple/cloverleaf/command key + R together on the keyboard as it’s starting up… if you see a language selection screen, then you have one, if not, then snow leopard dvd would be it, otherwise Apple could recycle it for you

John B

Sorry to hear of your mom's passing.

+1 Apple will recycle it at no charge. Please click Apple Recycling Programs to find the recycling program for your country.