Why are there vertical blue lines and I cannot login

Is there a simple fix for a replacement part or is it time to just retire this computer? If it’s time for replacement, I’m totally fine (have backups from time machine) but before I get rid of it how do I best clean the computer of personal info before it gets recycled, since I cannot access any info right now?

@Chris Radcliffe - Some people have managed to cook the board to get a bit more live out of your system. Replacing it is getting hard as these board are no longer being made.

Thanks for the advice. I have seen some discussions on that but I think I’ll retire it. Is there a way to clean computer of personal info before I recycle?

@Chris Radcliffe - You should still be able to boot up in Target Disk Mode. See if you can you should see a FireWire or Thunderbolt Icon on your screen if you do then you should be able to connect your system to a second Mac to copy off your system and properly wipe down the drive so nothing is recoverable.

Reference: Understanding the Applications for Target Disk Mode

If that won't work then you can remove the drive and use a 3.5" SATA to USB case to hold your drive to then copy stuff off or even use your drive as a backup.

Great! Thanks again!