How do I transfer files from external hard drive to my new macbook

I am new to apple and just received my lap top today, and i'm pretty clueless. When I connect my external drive to the mac it recognizes it and I see my files however I can not figure out how to transfer them to the hard drive on the mac. Any help would be appreciated I am sure there is an easy solution. Thanks.

Have you tried selecting the files you want to transfer on the external drive and just dragging them to your new Mac's desktop?
lenn

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How do i transfer files an external hard drive to a new macbook pro

how do i transfer files from an external hard drive to a new macbook pro?

thank you. i did that with my old computer, and it saved it as a whole other computer on my new macbook. now if i do the same for the external hard drive, i guess it will save it as another separate computer on the new one. so i guess what i should have asked is, is there any way to copy my whole old computer and external, but have the files integrated into the new mac, so i don't have to log in and out of 3 computers just to use my old programs or to see pictures or movies or files from the past. ??? and i now have the apple tv and i have to turn on my macbook and log into the old computer to see certain old files and pictures or home movies???? there has to be an easier way???

How can I transfer Itunes from external hard drive to a new computer?

Hello,
I had a Dell laptop with Windows XP on it recently crash, but I have everything saved to a Seamagine external 1 terabyte hard drive. I have about 250 gigabytes of media on it, mostly CD's and audiobooks. The setup I had on the XP computer was my Itunes folder saved on the C drive, but I kept all the actual music and audiobooks on the external hard drive, which was labeled the F drive.
After the crash, a relative sold me their three year old Compaq laptop, with Windows 7 instead of XP as the OS. My relative already had Itunes downloaded on it, but when I opened the Itunes on the new (new to me) laptop, Itunes only recognized their (my relative's) account. So, I uninstalled their Itunes and then I re-downloaded Itunes for 64-bit Windows 7. I then opened the Windows Explorer folder so to drag and drop my backed up Itunes folder and library information from the old C drive to the new Itunes folder in the new C drive. But, it wouldn't do anything. It still wanted the password info from my relative's account. It wouldn't recognize my account, even though I had uninstalled and then reinstalled a newer version of Itunes. Dragging and dropping my backed-up Itunes folder from my external hard drive to the new C drive didn't work because it said it didn't have certain permissions or something like that. I think I might have downloaded a newer version of Itunes, different from what I had saved a couple of days ago, which might be one of the problems here, not to mention that I switched OS's from XP to Windows 7.
When I plugged the external hard drive USB into the new laptop no Seamagine manager came up for user-friendly accessibility. I didn't know what to do, so I installed Seagate Dashboard onto the new computer. It didn't do anything for me either. No problem, I thought, I'll just use Windows Explorer to move the Itunes library, and then once I transfer (i.e., drag and drop) the old Itunes folder to the one, all will be as it was. I could then direct my Itunes account to use my external hard drive as the media source folder. I was wrong. It won't let me do that either. It says I don't have permission to do it.
How c an I get my old Itunes library info onto the C drive of this new computer, but keep the 250GB of media files on the external hard drive, just like the setup I had on the old laptop before it crashed? If you can help me, then you will be my hero. I'm scared to death that I've lost my library info and afraid to mess with it too much more for fear of erasing it or, worse, losing the 250 GB of media that is on the external hard drive, which has taken me a tremendous amount of time and money to compile. It is, in effect, irreplaceable. I'm very worried and frustrated. I've been working on this for days, to no avail. You're my last hope. Thank you.

Hmm, I think we should start over...
Here are the typical layouts for the iTunes folders:
In the image above the red outline denotes the "media folder", that is the folder listed under Edit > Preferences > Advanced. In the standard layout where the "media folder" is inside the "library folder" the iTunes library has the advantage of being self-contained and portable. Since you've lost the "library folder" from your old computer you're going to have to start over so you might as well get organized properly.
If the folder curently holding your media files is called G:\iTunes then rename it as G:\Media.
The support doc How to open an alternate iTunes Library file or create a new one explains how to create a new iTunes library where you want it. In short click the icon to start iTunes and immediately press and hold down the shift key. Keep holding until asked to choose or create a library, click Create and browse to G:\, make sure the folder is going to be called iTunes and click save.
Move the folder that actually holds the media inside the folder G:\iTunes\iTunes Media. We're going to let iTunes reorganize everything (unless you have a collection of .wav files in which case stop and tell me because they require a different approach).
Use File > Add folder to library and select the folder G:\iTunes\iTunes Media. iTunes will search through the whole series of subfolders adding all media files into the library and reorganizing them into the correct artist & album folders.
Again, for data security, you really ought to obtain a second external drive at some point and backup your library to it. Only having one copy, as you have found, leaves you vulnerable to failure. External drives are no less prone to it.
A) Windows uses \ as a folder separator in path descriptions, Mac uses /.
B) Do you have a backup of the iTunes folder that was on drive C:\ or are you simply referring to the location of your media as a "backup" when it really the only copy? If you have a backup copy of your "original" iTunes library you could move/copy that to G:\iTunes shift-start-iTunes to open it, and then I can offer tools or techniques for fixing the links that will be broken becuase the drive letter has changed.
C) Use Store > Sign out and then Store > Sign in to sign into your iTunes account. You will also need to use Store > Authorize the computer to allow playback and transfer of any protected content. If your new library contains protected content from any other accounts then you will have to authorize the computer for those too.
tt2

How do I transfer files from external hard-drive onto Macbook Pro?

How do I transfer files that were put on my external hard-drive (from my old Macbook Pro) via Time Machine onto my new Macbook Pro?

I've already set up my new MacBook (which is Lion, I think the other mac had the snow lepoard version)...so I guess I'll have to use the Migration Assistant, not the Setup Assistant? I know if I do that it'll set up a new user account instead of synching it up like I wanted but that's OK. But when I plugged my external drive into the new mac, it just backed up the mac and didn't give me an option to transfer files. I guess I'll study this link and see if I can't figure it out...thanks for the link! If you have any other advice about specifically migration assistant, let me know...

How do i transfer files from my hard drive to an external hard drive as FAT files? Laptop hard dive is full and I need to clear space.

How do i transfer files from my hard drive to an external hard drive as FAT files? Laptop hard dive is full and I need to clear space.

In Disk Utility use MS-DOS
Try http://www.mactip.net/guide-how-to-format-an-external-drive-to-work-seamlessly-w ith-macs-and-pcs-without-third-party-software/ for additional directions.
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I have deleted my private folder and do not have enough space to reinstall my operating system. How can i transfer files from my hard drive to an USB drive to free up space when the operating system isn't working. or do i need to erase disk?

i have deleted my private folder and do not have enough space to reinstall my operating system. How can i transfer files from my hard drive to an USB drive to free up space when the operating system isn't working. or do i need to erase disk through disk utilities without erasing data (but will it delete my programs such as photoshop, office, creative suite?

Connect the computer to another Mac and put it in FireWire Target Disk mode, or use the Disk Utility to clone the drive or image specific folders with the USB drive as the target. After you've copied off everything you want, you'll likely need to erase the drive and reinstall the applications.
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Use a Thunderbolt to Ethernet or FireWire adapter.
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How can I transfer my files and documents from external hard drive to my new MacBook Air?

I recently bought a new MacBook Air and I would like to transfer my files and documents which I already saved in my external hard drive to this new mac. Unfortunately, I have not been able to do it so far. I tried to drag some files but the rest of the documents cant be transferred.
I appreciate it if anyone could help me in thsi regard.

Describe exactly what you did when it failed and the error message you received that told you it failed. Dragging and dropping files from one drive to another will work. Having said that however, you need to be aware that trying to copy items with the same name will result in a warning dialog box offering several different options including canceling.
To better help you it would also be helpful to know about the external drive. Did you use TimeMachine to back up to that external drive? Did you copy files from another computer to the drive?

HT4889 Transfer files from a hard drive to a new mac?

Currently, I have a 2012 Macbook pro. I love it, but its kinda slow for me. When I bought my Mac, I didn't realize how much I would use it, so I bought the cheapest 15 inch in from 2012 (2.3GHz 4GB RAM 500GB HD) Now, I'm upgrading to a 15inch Retina Macbook Pro with 2.0 GHz 8GB RAM and a 512Gb HD. A local electronics store said that they will buy my mac for $950 from me, and I said yes. Then, I hooked up a 1TB Hard Drive and let time machine work it's magic.
When I go to buy my new mac, what will I need to do to transfer all of the files from the hard drive?
Also, I have over 150 movies in iTunes that are ripped dvds and 2000 songs from CDs, and I added info and artwork for all of them. Will they all still be formatted with artwork and info when I import them into iTunes on a new mac?
Lastly, will I see a huge power boost in the retina Macbook pro with 8gb RAM and a 2.0GHz processor? or should I save up some more money for the 16GB RAM and 2.3GHz Processor? I'm going to college in a year, so I do tons of email/safari-ing, word processing, itunes playing, and downloading, usually at the same time. A usual day for me consists of writing a document in pages or microsoft word, while listning to music from iTunes, with safari open with multiple tabs, and something downloading to my mac. Thank you for the help, it's tremendously appriciated.

When you first start up the new Mac you will be asked to enter personal information, etc. At some point you will be asked if you want to transfer files from another source, including Time Machine back up. Make sure your back is connected, and just follow the directions on the screen.
All formatting etc. will be intact, since TM makes sure it is.
As for perfomance, the biggest performance boost would be a solid state drive. Have you looked at that option?
And one of the more prevalent reasons for perfomance hit is an over-stuffed start up drive. Mac OS X needs empty space on the start up disk to do its tasks, make sure you give it enough. Take a look at this: http://macs.about.com/od/faq1/f/How-Much-Free-Drive-Space-Do-I-Need.htm

Transfer files from External Hard Drive to PC?

Sadly, my iBook g4 1.2 GHz (2005) is on the fritz (see my other question on Apple Discussions if you're curious as to why) and so I must get a new laptop. Unfortunately, I can't afford any of the Macs available, and so will be purchasing a PC. I have been using a 250GB external hard drive to store my iTunes library (about 25GB, too much for my iBook's 30 GB HD to handle) and as a Time Machine. I need to know how to be able to put all of my music and docs onto the new PC. Would it be best to not use TM and just put everything I want on the external HD and then access it from the PC? Alternatively, I do have a small home wireless network (using an Airport Express)...if that's the better option, how do I use it to transfer files? Any help would be wonderful!

The easiest solution is to erase the external hard drive and re-partition it to use on the PC:
Extended Hard Drive Preparation
1. Open Disk Utility in your Utilities folder.
2. After DU loads select your hard drive (this is the entry with the mfgr.'s ID and size) from the left side list. Click on the Partition tab in the DU main window.
3. Set the number of partitions from the drop down menu to one. Set the format type to MS-DOS. Click on the Options button, set the partition scheme to MBR then click on the OK button. Click on the Partition button and wait until the process has completed.
Open iTunes and de-authorize your computer.
Copy your iTunes library in it's entirety (/Home/Music/iTunes/ folder) to the drive along with any other data you wish to transfer.
See the following about how to convert your iTunes library for the PC:
Macworld - How to transfer iTunes libraries between PC and Mac;
Geek to Live- How to move an iTunes library from a PC to Mac (and back).

How do I transfer files from my hard drive to the MacBook?

I am a new Mac user and I transferred all of my files that were on my PC to an external hard drive in order to transfer them to the macbook. However once I plugged in the hard drive to my mac, I don't understand how to transfer my files over. There's no "My Computer" on a Mac so I don't know how to do it. Step by step instructions please! Thank you so much!!!!!!!!

milkaballet wrote:
Once yes but I turned it off! Oh no! Whats next?
It sounds like you got a prompt like this:
Clicked Use as Backup Disk, then got this one:
and clicked Erase. If so, your data has been deleted (not actually erased, regardless of what the message says, although if a backup got started, some of it may have been erased).
But first let's find out what's actually what.
Open the Disk Utility app (in your Applications/Utilities folder). Click the top line of the drive, similar to this:
then click the line for the volume (indented under the main one):
Report back with the Partition Map Scheme from the first one, and the Format for the second.

How do I transfer data from external hard drive to new computer

We had been using a PC with XP that had four different users and ITune libraries. It was attacked by viruses that got deep in op system and could not be fixed. We purchased a new PC with Windows 8. I had transfered the itune files by copying them from the hard drive to a external hard drive. Is there a way to transfer the files from the external hard drive to the iTunes that I just downloaded onto the new computer. I thought that it would be as easy as copying the files from the external hard drive to the iTunes file on the new computer but this did not work. If I go into iTunes and select copy file from library it will import the file just file but I really don't want to copy thousands of files one by one. However, when I try to open those files I get an error message. We have two iPads and four iPod Touches. Any help would be greatly appreciated!

I found a posted answer from someone else who asked the same question and it worked. It said to copy the entire file that was saved on the external hard drive to the my music folder before ever opening ITunes that was newly installed and it worked.

How to import video files from external hard drive?

I receive an error "You're trying to import a file from a DVD or Removable Media. Please use Video Importer for importing Videos..." however when I try this I still cannot import video files. This is extremely frustrating as we have 32 copies of this software and this is sarting to become a common issue. Please help and many thanks.
Attached is a screenshot...

jasonkmtr
Premiere Elements 12 Mac
A few more questions for now.
Taking your particular .avi files out of the equation, can you import any other format from Add Media/Files and Folders pointed to this external hard drive? What is the format of the external hard drive? NTFS or FAT32?
It is my recollection that AVCHD.avi has always been reported as highly problematic. Yet you seem to be saying that you have no problem importing them in to the project from the desktop with the program's Add Media/Files and Folders/Project Assets to Expert workspace Timeline.
Did you purchase your Premiere Elements 12 from the Mac App Store or from Adobe? If Mac Store, what do you have Adobe Premiere Elements Editor or Adobe Premiere Elements Quick Editor or some variation thereof?
You wrote
A number of users are experiencing this issue - they connect their hard drive, load Elements, start a new project and go to add media (from the ext hard drive) using the files and folders option.
Could you supply more information on this via link(s) which have reported this issue.
Thanks.
ATR

How do I transfer information from external hard drive

I just had the (SeaGate) hard drive replaced on my daughter's Mac. What are the on screen choices after the Welcome Screen? I think my daughter may have clicked the wrong thing because now I seem to be having a problem getting her backed up info from her external hard drive. Any suggestions?

If you used Time Machine to create a backup or created a bootable clone to using either Super Duper or Carbon Copy Cloner please let us know. When you say you backed up please be more explicit. You could have used Setup Assistant to migrate had you created a TM or bootable clone, the on-screen instructions tell you how. If you missed that opportunity you can use Migration Assistant, which is Setup Assistants cousin. Similar but different, MA will create a new user account. You can learn how to by studying Pondini's Setup Assistant / Migration Assistant

How to find movie file from external hard drive in imovie?

i shot 29 gig of video on the road. i imported it into my macbook to the desktop. then i drag and dropped it into an external hard drive. now i have since dragged and dropped the file to my imac at home to work with it in imovie, but imovie cannot find any mpeg or any such movie file. i then tried to put it back to the canon hg10. after i plugged in the canon, i dragged the movie folder to the canon and it imported 29 gig. but the canon does not show any new movie files in the video mode. when i open import options in imovie, no new movies appear. any ideas?

For iMovie to see your file, it must be either on the internal drive, or it can also be on an external drive that is formatted as Mac OSX Extended (Journaled). (Not FAT32).
For the internal drive, your clips must be stored in a folder inside the Movies/iMovie Events/ folder.
For the external drive, your clips must be stored in a folder within the iMovie Events folder at the top level of the drive. Move your files there and then start iMovie, and it should see them.
Message was edited by: AppleMan1958

How do I transfer files from external hard drive to my new macbook

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