From: David@hotmail.co.uk   
      
   On 05/02/2026 11:51, Tom Elam wrote:   
   > On 2/2/2026 5:51 PM, David B. wrote:   
   >> On 02/02/2026 21:51, Tom Elam wrote:   
   >>> On 2/2/2026 11:28 AM, David B. wrote:   
   >>>> Thanks if you will try!   
   >>>>   
   >>>> https://idmsa.apple.com/IDMSWebAuth/signin?path=//thread/256233641?   
   >>>> login=true&language=US-   
   >>>> EN&instanceId=EN&appIdKey=529eb2b096d5a3d54162171f0f29ba797   
   602812660013123243e58bc7bedf56&rv=1   
   >>>>   
   >>>> Can you take a screenshot of what Etresoft posted please, and show   
   >>>> it here?   
   >>>>   
   >>>> That would be VERY much appreciated.   
   >>>>   
   >>>> Thank you.   
   >>>>   
   >>> Access Denied   
   >>> Access to this place or content is restricted. If you think this is a   
   >>> mistake, please contact your administrator or the person who directed   
   >>> you here.   
   >>   
   >> Many thanks, Tom. Much appreciated. :-D   
   >>   
   >> Please try Googling for.......   
   >>   
   >> *2017 iMac Fusion Drive issues and external SSD workaround*   
   >>   
   >> If you find the item, can you /then/ open the thread?   
   >>   
   >   
   > Same no-go result on the Apple Forums, but AI returned the summary   
   > below. This reveals exactly why Baker's reply was F-Off. In case you   
   > don't know Baker thinks Apple is perfect.   
   >   
   > AI summary from a Bing (not Google) search:   
   >   
   > 2017 iMac Fusion Drive issues and external SSD workaround issues   
   > The 2017 iMac Fusion Drive has been reported to have issues such as   
   > instability and kernel panics when running macOS from the internal   
   > drive. Users have found that the SSD portion of the Fusion Drive may no   
   > longer be reliable, while the HDD portion still functions normally. This   
   > inconsistency can lead to unpredictable behavior under APFS when one   
   > physical store becomes unreliable.   
   >   
   > To address these issues, users have opted for running macOS externally   
   > and using the internal HDD independently, which has proven to be a   
   > stable workaround. This approach allows for a more reliable operation of   
   > the iMac, especially when dealing with the known unreliability of the   
   > Fusion Drive's SSD.   
   > Apple   
   >   
   > For those looking to upgrade from the internal HDD/28GB SSD   
   > configuration to an external SSD, there are noticeable differences in   
   > speed and performance. Users have reported that moving to an external   
   > SSD can significantly improve disk speed warnings and freezes,   
   > especially when using demanding applications like Logic Pro X.   
   > MacRumors   
   >   
   > In cases where the Fusion Drive is not showing up or mounting correctly,   
   > it can lead to various issues such as drive not showing in Finder or   
   > Disk Utility, inability to access files, and slow boot times.   
   > Troubleshooting steps can include checking for software issues,   
   > corrupted macOS installation, or hardware failures.   
   > Donemax   
   >   
   > If the Fusion Drive is failing, it is recommended to install drive-   
   > health monitoring software to check the drive's wear state and alert for   
   > any problems. This can help in taking proactive measures to avoid data   
   > loss and ensure the longevity of the Fusion Drive.   
   > iFixit   
   >   
   > For users experiencing issues with the Fusion Drive, it is crucial to   
   > have a complete backup of the Mac before making any repairs or upgrades.   
   > This includes using Time Machine or disk-cloning apps to ensure all data   
   > is safely backed up.   
   > iFixit   
   >   
   > In summary, the 2017 iMac Fusion Drive has been known to have issues,   
   > but with the right approach and external SSD, users can mitigate these   
   > problems and maintain a stable and efficient system.   
   > Apple   
   > +4   
      
   YOU are a bit of a star, Tom!  ⭐️   
      
   Thank you!   
      
   What can I do to tempt you to make a post on the ASC forums?   
      
   https://discussions.apple.com/welcome?cid=gn-com-community-lp-get_help   
      
   --   
   Kind regards,   
   David   
   As I onnce told you, I lived in Nowra NSW for 2 years!   
      
   --- SoupGate-Win32 v1.05   
    * Origin: you cannot sedate... all the things you hate (1:229/2)