New SSD and how restore backup on it iMac 2009 HDD failed so I installed a new SSD. I have a TM backup on an external drive, but now I can't figure out how to get the system up and running. I tried cmdR to bring up the recovery mode but I get alternating Apple logo and round circle with a diagonal line through it.
Try to connect the TM Backup drive to your mac and hold the alt/opt key when booting. You should be able to see your time machine drive and boot from it. Once booted you can restore the time machine backup to your new SSD.