Best way to migrate from old MBP to new iMac

Hi,
I'm currently working on an old MBP (2009, 17" unibody, to be exact) running Lion.
Long story short, I decided to switch to a new iMac because it's slowly dying.
I'm currently making daily clones of my computer (using SuperDuper) but I just realized that the new computer will be running Mountain Lion.
It would seem counter-intuitive to restore my whole clone on the new computer as the OS is more recent on the new computer.
Does anyone know the best way to painlessly transfer all my files (or, preferably, my whole current working setup) to the new iMac?
The 2 ways I tought about were to upgrade my MBP to ML (though it'll cost me for ML even though I'll have it pre-installed on the new computer). The other would be to transfer my documents only and take the opportunity to do a spring cleaning in the process.
I'd really like to avoid the last idea since this is my working computer and I'd like to setup the new one as quickly as possible.
Any other suggestion is more than welcome!
Gab

Thanks for the guide. This part in particular seems really helpful:
"You cannot transfer "backwards" from a newer "major" version of OSX to an earlier one (such as Mountain Lion 10.8.x to Lion 10.7.x). However, you can transfer "backwards" from a newer "minor" version to an earlier one (such as 10.8.2 to 10.8.1), but before using any Apple apps, you should upgrade to at least the same version as the original, as the older versions of the apps may not work properly with newer versions of data."
That being said, do you think it would actually apply for transferring a clone running on 10.7.5 (Lion) to the new iMac running 10.8 (Mountain Lion)? Or should I rely on the second paragraph that seems to indicate I'd be better off updating my clone (buying Mountain Lion on the macbook pro) then use the Setup Assistant to transfer my older settings.
I don't think there's only one good way to to do this. Which would you recommend?

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Migrating from old MBP to new one

Hey all!
I will be transferring my current MBP to the new REtina one this weekend by using Time Machine to create a complete back up of my current set up and files
I have a few questions
1) I will be going to the newer Mac OS from Snow Leopard. Will using the time machine install overwrite this?
2) I will also be installing newer version of Adobe CS6 is it better to uninstall this from my current machine before doing the time machine back up or do that after I have migrated? What is the best way to uninstall this to make sure i have no artefacts lying about that I don't want?
3) Should I stop my current computer from being linked to my iTunes account?
Thanks in advance!

I would just do this - have both machines connected to the same Ethernet router - hardwired - and have your TM disk attached to your new machine (what type of port do you have? USB FW?).
When you start-up your new machine, you'll go through Setup Assistant to aide you in either restoring files from a TM backup or from another computer - it will be much faster to use the TM backup than to use Migration Assistant. Your 'new' system won't be replaced by the old.
Your CS6 will transfer over just fine - the only thing you'll have a problem with is MS Office. When you get ready to launch Office have your activation key handy (don't know why Office does this - I guess that it's married to the machine...).
Sorry I didn't answer in numerical order... more in that stream of consciousness mode tonight.
Clinton

Migrating from old MBP to new

I've just purchased a new MBP 17" i7 to replace my 2008 MBP 15". When I got my 2008 version, I just used the Firewire 800 to move all of my stuff from my iMac to my MBP. Spent a few minutes fixing some passwords, and that was that. Probably took around an hour.
So, I haven't migrated between Macs for a couple of years, and I want to find out what the best way to proceed. I use Time Machine to back up my computer, and have all of my iTunes media files on a portable 1TB hard drive (I've got thousands of songs in Apple Lossless). So here are my questions:
1. Should I migrate from my old to new via Firewire? Or is it best to restore from Time Machine?
2. Will Time Machine "start over." Will I lose 2 years of incremental backups? It's nice to know I can go digging back a couple of years to find that file I shouldn't have erased. Also, every once in a while a piece of music gets corrupted, and I've got to get it replaced by an older saved version.
3. This might not be the right place, but will I be able to point iTunes on the new MBP to my media files? I'm convinced I can, but I'm not sure.
I'm going to wait a few days to do the migration, because I want to do this right. A few years ago, I did it wrong and lost years of photos, of which 90% were lost forever.

OrangeMarlin wrote:
So, I haven't migrated between Macs for a couple of years, and I want to find out what the best way to proceed.
+Setup Assistant+ has been greatly improved for Snow Leopard. See #19 in Time Machine - Frequently Asked Questions (or use the link in *User Tips* at the top of this forum).
1. Should I migrate from my old to new via Firewire? Or is it best to restore from Time Machine?
Makes little difference. It's a bit easier from Time Machine, since you don't have to start up the old Mac in Target Disk mode and make the connection, but otherwise it makes no difference (assuming you didn't exclude anything important from Time Machine).
2. Will Time Machine "start over."
As William says, yes.
Will I lose 2 years of incremental backups?
Depends on how much space is on your Time Machine drive.
It's nice to know I can go digging back a couple of years to find that file I shouldn't have erased. Also, every once in a while a piece of music gets corrupted, and I've got to get it replaced by an older saved version.
Yup, absolutely. If you keep the old drive "on the shelf" you can always display and restore from it via the +*Browse ...+ option, per #17 in the FAQ.
Or, if you get a new, larger drive, you can copy the existing backups to it, and continue backing-up to the same set of backups. See #18 in the FAQ. If you do that, when the first backup of the new Mac starts, you'll get the prompt in #B5 of Time Machine - Troubleshooting (or use the link in *User Tips* at the top of this forum).
3. This might not be the right place, but will I be able to point iTunes on the new MBP to my media files? I'm convinced I can, but I'm not sure.
Yup. Just hold down the Option key while starting iTunes; you get a prompt to Create a library or Choose an existing one.
I'm going to wait a few days to do the migration, because I want to do this right. A few years ago, I did it wrong and lost years of photos, of which 90% were lost forever.
I'd recommend against that. +Setup Assistant+ runs immediately when you first boot the new Mac up; if you take all the defaults, it will move everything from the old Mac (or backups) except OSX. No temporary user profile, no setting-up communications, etc.
If you're nervous about losing things, and don't have secondary backups, do your final Time Machine backup of the old Mac, and turn it off. Use the backups to transfer your data, so the old Mac won't be involved at all.

Best way to go from old pc to new pc with my itunes

I have just bought a new computer with os 8 what is the best way to transfer my itunes from my old computer to the new one?

Hey jshrews1,
Some things to consider which will assist in which direction you want to go. Are you going to be updating the OS when you do this migration? If you want to update the OS, say to 2012 R2 standard, you will have to do the migration, namely
the first method. If you are not going to update the OS, then the second or third method will work for you.
For the first method, there are plenty of technet articles that can help you. https://technet.microsoft.com/en-US/windowsserver/jj554790.aspx?f=255&MSPPError=-2147217396 is
a great resource for migrating to Windows Server 2012 R2.
For the second method, keep in mind you are moving hardware, so you want to make sure the BMR restore you perform is able to have new drivers installed in it for the new hardware. If you cannot push new drivers into the BMR image, you may (probably
will) experience issues with the restore, and the running of the server on the new hardware. If you can push drivers, RAID controller drivers would be the biggest worry, then you should be able to do the BMR, and have a working server at the end
of the restore.
For the third method, are you going to boot the physical to the VHD, or place it as a VM in Hyper-V? I would recommmend Hyper-V, and if this is the case, you will need to build the hyper-V host first, before you do anything with the current
production server.
Which ever method you choose, good luck with the migration. Remember Proper Planning Promotes Peak Performance, so make sure you document all the steps you want to take before you start, this way you know you will have hit everything you want.

Migration from old MBP to new MBP

I am curious. I have set up 10GB of my hard drive on the original MBP for the Windows. In the migration from the original MBP to the new MBP, does the Windows hard drive get migrated over as well?

Gordon:
Welcome to Apple Discussions.
To the best of my knowledge Migration Assistant will Migrate OS X. If Windows is installed in an emulator such as VMware Fusion, it will be migrated, as VMware Fusion is an application that runs in Mac OS X. If it is installed in Boot Camp you will need to clone it separately using a utility like WinClone.
cornelius
Message was edited by: cornelius

Migration from old Powerbook to new iMac

I have just bought a new Intel 20" iMac. I have moved Documents, Applications and Music from an old G4 Aluminium Powerbook (running Leopard) to the iMac but which ever way I do it, be it via Migration Assistant, Wireless or via Ethernet cable, the size of the Hard Disk on the iMac increases by double. I also now have the following very annoying things happening, such as tons of Alias' on my Hard drive, .DS_Store files absolutely everywhere and a Microsoft AU Deamon appearing everytime I restart the iMac.
Can anyone advice me on how to identify the space consuming files, how to get rid of them and how best to get my files, music, photos etc from the old Powerbook onto this iMac.
Kev Bate

Brody,
Thank you. You have saved me from going crazy as everyone (including the Techies at the Mac shop where I bought the iMac) were adamant how easy it was to migrate using Migration Assistant. So I was getting a complex that whenever I brought something across from the Powerbook that the hard drive on my iMac was doubling in size.
I took the iMac back to the Apple shop and they restored the disk back to the original settings. I am now transferring files using traditional & physical means such as external hard drives.
Kev

Migrating from old G5 to new iMac

Hello
At work, as a graphic designer, I use a 5 year old G5 on OS 10.5.8. I am about to upgrade to a brand new iMac and was wondering what the best way would be to go about transferring files/software from the G5 to the iMac.
I have been advised to use Migration Assistant but have no experience of using this software whatsoever, so would appreciate any advice or tips.
At the moment the G5 has a number of accounts set up on it. One is mine, the other is an old account belonging to the last designer I replaced, and one is an account set up by our IT department even though they never use the mac. Ideally I'd like to just have one account for the iMac to stop any confusion or problems (when I replaced the old designer my new account was set up for me by the IT dept and I've had non-stop problems with file permissions/authentification etc ever since).
Will MA get rid of the permission problems I've been having? Do I need to transfer all accounts?
Does MA transfer settings and password info, or will this need to be recorded and re-entered manually?
Would I be better off just transferring everything manually?
If anyone can help it would be much appreciated!
Thanks.

Remove the unwanted accounts from System Preferences > Accounts. Unlock the prefs by clicking the lock at the bottom and authenticating with your admin password. Select the account to delete and click the minus sign at the bottom of the window. You may be asked if you want to preserve the data or completely delete; choose the complete deletion. Do that for both surplus accounts.
BTW, you can only do this if you're logged in as admin user yourself.
When you're happy that you've got rid of all the extraneous stuff, don't use MA. On first boot of the new Mac you'll be offered the option to transfer files from another source (this is Setup Assistant). Connect the two by firewire and choose 'from another Mac'. Continue with the initial setup as prompted.
Note that transferring all your stuff may take quite a long time (hours).
Using Setup Assistant at first boot ensures you get one account with all the correct permissions.
Using Migration Assistant after creating an account can lead to serious permissions problems, duplicated data and other problems.

What's the best way to migrate from an old iMac to a new iMac?

What's the best way to migrate from a 2010 iMac running Yosemite to a new 2014 iMac?

Hello jonfromnorth caldwell,
The article linked below details how to utilize target disk mode to transfer files. This can also be used in conjuction with Migration assistant to transfer your information quickly (the 2010 iMac will appear as a storage device to the new iMac).
OS X Yosemite: Transfer files between two computers using target disk mode
http://support.apple.com/kb/PH19021
OS X Yosemite: Transfer your info from a computer or storage device
http://support.apple.com/kb/PH18870
Cheers,
Allen

What's the best way to migrate from Macbook to Macbook Pro with renting?

Having trouble migrating from old Macbook to new Macbook Pro with Retina Display. It seems I skipped some steps and it looked like it was working over wifi but there were password problems I didn't find out until I quit the process after about 5 hours. How long should it take over wireless? Should I skip that altogether?

Hi,
In addition, please review the link below and hopefully it will help you.
Migrating Hierarchies in System Center 2012 Configuration Manager
http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/gg682006.aspx
Migration to System Center 2012 Configuration Manager
http://blogs.technet.com/b/server-cloud/archive/2012/03/27/migration-to-system-center-2012-configuration-manager.aspx
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What is the best way to migrate PSE6 Catalog (Wxp) to new computer W7, PSE11?

What is the best way to migrate PSE6 Catalog (Wxp) to new computer W7, PSE11? Previous PSE6 recovery (Wxp) after a failed HD resulted in pictures showing but not opening due to connection issues. Had to restore pictures from backup and rebuild the catalog and albums. Found a third party fix afterwards that has no support past PSE8. Trying to make this migration to PSE11 painless.

William47 wrote:
What is the best way to migrate PSE6 Catalog (Wxp) to new computer W7, PSE11? Previous PSE6 recovery (Wxp) after a failed HD resulted in pictures showing but not opening due to connection issues. Had to restore pictures from backup and rebuild the catalog and albums. Found a third party fix afterwards that has no support past PSE8. Trying to make this migration to PSE11 painless.
That's a very common and classical situation :
http://helpx.adobe.com/photoshop-elements/kb/backup-restore-move-catalog-photoshop.html
Just make sure that your backup to the external drive is ok : you should find a 'backup.tly' file in the folder.
Use the PSE11 organizer to restore from the PSE7 backup : the first step restores all your media files, the second automatically does a catalog conversion to the PSE11 format.
Read the note in the above link about restoring from XP to ulterior Win OS. You can also restore to a 'custom' location. For instance in a 'C:\My new library' folder. Make sure that master folder is accessible to all users, and if you want, you can move the catalog (database) itself from that location to the default location : catalog manager, option to move catalogs to location accessible to all users.

I have chosen to fil migrate from old ibook to new MacBook Pro using Time Machine after establishing admin account. I now have two admin. accounts and wish to delete the later one and transfer files manually. I am worried I will loose both accounts. ??

I have chosen to fil migrate from old ibook to new MacBook Pro using Time Machine after establishing admin account. I now have two admin. accounts and wish to delete the later one and transfer files manually. I am worried I will loose both accounts. ??

Use the Office for Mac and ignore using Parallels for that. If you have PC only apps you have to run that are MS Windows only then consider Parallels. Just transfer your main PC, using Migration Assistant. If you don't know how then simply read over Pondini's article called Lion or Mountain Lion Setup Assistant tips and look for the section on migrating from a PC. Millions have done what you are about to, it's far from leading edge these days, if you go to an Apple Store to purchase they will offer this as a service, something you might be interested in.

Cant find my iTunes library after migration from old PC to new Mac

Can't find my iTunes library after migration from old PC to new Mac?

Migration Assistant has transferred itunes content, but where is it on new iMac?
https://discussions.apple.com/thread/3358162?start=0&tstart=0 <<< click here for a possible answer.

Can I install CS6 from old Mac on new iMac using apple's migration-assitent

Can I install CS6 from old Mac on new iMac using apple's migration-assitent?

you may be lucky, but you should expect problems if you do that.
you should properly install your adobe software using the adobe installation files.
Downloads available:
Suites and Programs: CC 2014 | CC | CS6 | CS5.5 | CS5 | CS4 | CS3
Acrobat: XI, X | 9,8 | 9 standard
Premiere Elements: 13 | 12 | 11, 10 | 9, 8, 7 win | 8 mac | 7 mac
Photoshop Elements: 13 |12 | 11, 10 | 9,8,7 win | 8 mac | 7 mac
Lightroom: 5.7| 5 | 4 | 3
Captivate: 8 | 7 | 6 | 5
Contribute: CS5 | CS4, CS3
Download and installation help for Adobe links
Download and installation help for Prodesigntools links are listed on most linked pages. They are critical; especially steps 1, 2 and 3. If you click a link that does not have those steps listed, open a second window using the Lightroom 3 link to see those 'Important Instructions'.

I am trying to migrate from macbook to a new imac and the looking for source keeps spinning

I am trying to migrate from macbook to a new imac and the looking for source keeps spinning

The warranty entitles you to complimentary phone support for the first 90 days of ownership.

HT4413 I migrating from my macbook to new imac. nothing showed up until I turned off the imac but everything I had done previously on the imac disappeared.

I was migrating from macbook to a new imac.
Nothing showed up until I turned off the imac.
When I restarted the imac everythign I'd previously done was gome and the migrated macbook desktop had taken over.
How do I bring back the original imac settings.
Thanks

You can't. When you migrate user accounts, those settings will be used. That's the point of migrating, not to have to reset things Peruse Pondini's Setup New Mac guide for details.
If you want to revert to the original user settings, create an new admin user account. That'll use the default user setup.

Best way to migrate from old MBP to new iMac

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