HT204350 Migration Assistant is NOT working

Migration Assistant is NOT working - Have tried from from a hard disk and using the Thunderbolt cable. Keeps Looking for Source.
Any ideas? I really want to more on to my new Mac.

That the Migration Assistant doesn't work is a KNOWN ISSUE. Last week I got a new iMac and the old and new couldn't find one another. I called tech support 3 times and spent I don't know how long on the phone. They finally suggested I take them both to an Apple store, which I did today. The Genius knew all about it - said it's a known issue. To "resolve" it he started the old iMac in "disk mode" and then the new one could see it, but that wasn't an adequate fix: After spending over an hour moving the files, they wouldn't have been in their proper folders. I would have had to manually file 6 years worth of pics and files! NFW - I returned the new computer and will make do with my old one until Apple gets this right.

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After a Lion clean install, how do I retrieve my data from external back-up? Following Apple advice for use of Migration Assistant did not work creating similar issues leading to clean install.

After a Lion clean install, how do I retrieve my data from external hard drive?
Following Apple advice I used Migration Assistant which crashed new system twice which is why I had to clean install Lion in the first place.
Is there a sure way of doing it?
I have only a few programs that I will have to install myself and that should not be a problem.
I just want my data, music and photos back where I can use them.

Time machine backups. I went to migration assistant a few hours ago and limited my selection to "users", no need for applications, settings and other files. Stuff started moving over at a fast pace but has now seemed to stall.
I will let it run overnight as there are lots of songs and photos as well as a few movies.
If that does not work, then I will go into TM and try restore. I have restored some things in the past such a mail files and it has worked well.
The Apple fellow at the store told me to go right into TM, he may have had a point. I'll get it eventually.

Migration Assistant does not work.

I just purchased a new MB (OS X 10.6.5), and would like to use Migration Assistant to transfer all the files and users, along with preferences from my iMac (OS X 10.4.11) to my new MB.
Now, it appears that I have option: transfer via FireWire, ethernet, or WiFi. I have tried WiFi and ethernet, and it doesn't work. My new MB does not have any FireWire ports. I will repeat, NO FIREWIRE.
When I connect the two macs directly with an ethernet cable, I get the same thing.
Migration Assistant seems to recognize each other on the two different macs, but it prompts me to enter the pin code twice...after the second time, the MB says "Preparing Information..." and the iMac says "Searching for other computers..."
Then eventually the MB will report "connection failed..."
I have not come across a forum yet that someone hasn't said that you have to use FireWire. Well, that isn't an option for me!!
Someone please help!
I would really like it if I don't have to bring both macs to the Apple store, super inconvenient.
Thanks,
Andy

ajcamm wrote:
I don't have any backups
That's quite scary! If you value your data, you really need to start backing-up regularly, so when (not if) something awful happens to your Mac, you won't lose everything.
Now you have two choices:
Take both Macs to the Apple Store
Get a good external USB HD, preferably at least 2-3 times the size of the data on (or expected to be on) your system. Make a "clone" of the old Mac via [CarbonCopyCloner|http://www.bombich.com> (donationware) or [SuperDuper|http://www.shirt-pocket.com/SuperDuper/SuperDuperDescription.html] (the free version will work for this purpose). Then erase the new Mac's internal HD and reinstall OSX per the green box in [Setting up a new Mac from an old one or its backups|http://web.me.com/pondini/AppleTips/Setup.html], and use +Setup Assistant+ to transfer from the "clone."
Once the new Mac is set up and running, erase the external HD and start making regular backups. Snow Leopard includes +Time Machine,+ an excellent backup app, integrated into OSX. You might want to review the [Time Machine Tutorial|http://www.apple.com/findouthow/mac/#timemachinebasics] and perhaps browse [Time Machine - Frequently Asked Questions|http://web.me.com/pondini/Time_Machine/FAQ.html] (or use the link in *User Tips* at the top of this forum).
Or use CCC or SD.

Migration Assistant is not working (pc to iMac

I just purchased an iMac and want to move my photos and iTunes library onto it. My pc is an XP (pentium iv) and is on its last leg. The device is current with Microsoft updates. Both devices are on the same wireless network. The pc does not respond with the authentication codes when using migration assistant. Any suggestions? I also have a Windows 7 laptop and was wondering if I need to move everyting onto that device and then try migration assistant from that pc. Other than migration assistant are there any other tools to move data onto an iMac.
I have both Window machines backed up to a Seagate external HD, but when I plug that into the iMac it wants to delete all data and reinstall a new operating system.
All of my purchased items thru iTunes have been moved onto the iMac, but I have a few hundred cd's that are in my library and those did not transfer in.
I have not done the up to date program for Lion yet.
Thanks
B

You probably did not follow the directions closely. I would recommend looking over About MS Windows Migration Assistant and even better Pondini's Lion Setup Assistant tips. If you still run into difficulty then you have 90 days of telephone support with AppleCare, now is a good time to use it. You can locate the number by clicking the AppleCare Contact Info link.

When Migration Assistant won't work, what should be done?

I had to zero a hard drive, fortunately all of my data was accessible, and I backed it up on another drive. Obviously did a fresh 10.4 install, and all of the updates so the computer is now up to date.
How can I migrate everything to my new system folder, libraries, etc. I already did the Apps manually. The problem is that I used Desinstaller and accidentally removed panther system components that were still relevant to 10.4.6 (strangely enough).
Now I'd like to get my prefs, app support, and everything else to my new drive so my Applications will function properly (and registered again). Migration Assistant will not work because, while it is on another drive, it only sees my actual system folder that I use as a backup OS on the other drive, not the folder with my old system files that I backed up myself there.
So any programs or applescripts to set this up, so that prefs go into their new spots in the proper folder hierarchy?

if u own or buy a usb hard drive on ur pc find ur itunes folder that hold all ur app music and pictures etc
copy it on to the drive then copy it to ur mac
then open itunes up and c if it has found u data if it has hook ur ipod up
if its not found it u need to copy all data from the folder to the tab in itunes

I'm attempting to transfer files, address book, etc from an external hard drive to my new Mac-mini using migration assistant. The external drive is showing up on my desktop but Migration Assistant is not seeing the drive when searching for devices

I'm attempting to migrate files, address book, maile, etc to my new Mac Mini using an external hard drive and Migration assistant. I followed the instructions on using Migration Assistant to do this but Migration Assistant is not seeing the external drive, which is displayed on my desktop

I've been chasing this problem all afternoon. I had to reformat my internal drive on my MBP and reinstall Mountain Lion Start up assistant wouldn't see my extrnal drive with the Time Machine files on it. After many tries, I skipped the restore there and let the system boot. I could see my external drive from Finder and the files looked OK. I was told to use Migration Assistant and it had the same problem.
I saw a hint on one of these posts that the icon that you see and is label Macintosh HD is actually your backup disk and it is telling you that it has a copy of your internal Macintosh HD. I went ahead and told it to continue and it started to restore my apps, settings, and documents. It's been going for a couple of hours, and is close to being done. I expect to see my old system restored when it is finished.
Wish that Apple would put some type of note that it is seeing the backup. That is most confusing and seems to be a problem for lots of users.
It's been a month or so since your post Did your get it to work?

HT4796 link to migration assistant doesn't work. Where can I find it?

link to migration assistant doesn't work. Where can I find it?

Do you mean the link in the article to Apple Support Downloads? It works for me, now, and should take you here:
If not, try this one: http://support.apple.com/kb/DL1557
Sometimes an Apple server won't find the article you want immediately.

Stumped! Migration Assistant won't work - need to setup new mac asap!

OK, I've been trying to transfer files from my iMac to my Macbook for three days - no luck.
I did a wipe and install on the macbook first. But then Migration Assistant wouldn't work b/c it said the machine i was transferring do had an older OS than the iMac. SO, I reinstalled Leopard on the iMac - but now All my files are in the "Previous Systems" Folder - so when I try to use Migration Assistant - it calculates my transfer files at 0 KB.
Same thing happens when I try it from my latest Time Machine Back up.
I've tried migration assistant with firewire, ethernet and Time Machine. etc, but no luck.
Now, I'm just copying all my files over - but I NEED to have all my mail msgs and applications transferred!
Any suggestions I feel like I've tried everything - I've read many many articles here but I'm getting frustrated and tired.
thanks in advance!
http://discussions.apple.com/profile.jspa?userID=262360

scarchord wrote:
OK, I've been trying to transfer files from my iMac to my Macbook for three days - no luck.
I did a wipe and install on the macbook first. But then Migration Assistant wouldn't work b/c it said the machine i was transferring do had an older OS than the iMac. SO, I reinstalled Leopard on the iMac - but now All my files are in the "Previous Systems" Folder - so when I try to use Migration Assistant - it calculates my transfer files at 0 KB.
Same thing happens when I try it from my latest Time Machine Back up.
What version of OSX is that backup?
And what version is on your MacBook?
It sounds like the iMac and/or backups are on Snow Leopard, and the MacBook is on Leopard. If so, you can't transfer from a newer "major" version of OSX to an older one (but you can transfer from, say, 10.6.6 to 10.6.4, although some Apple apps may not be happy with older versions of their data files).
If the backups are Snow Leopard, update the MacBook to Snow Leopard and do the transfer from the backups, either via +Setup Assistant+ or +Migration Assistant.+ See [Setting up a new Mac from an old one or its backups|http://web.me.com/pondini/AppleTips/Setup.html] (or use the link in *User Tips* at the top of the +Snow Leopard > Installation and Setup+ forum).
The other article is for transferring from a PPC Mac to Leopard or early versions of Snow Leopard.

Migration Assistant does not find My Passport

I have a new macbook Air that I used at work. I would like to have it synchronized with my personal macbook pro. If it is not possible to have them constantly synchronized, I would like at least to migrate to the macbook air the latest backup of my macbook pro that is in my time machine (my passport).
Migration Assistant does not recognize the time machine even if it is plugged in. How can I let migration assistant find it?
Thank you for any information you may provide me!

I'm having this exact problem myself. I click on the option in Migration Assistant that says I want to transfer data from an external source. After clicking "continue," it just hangs forever. I can see the external drive on my desktop. Any suggestions?

Migration Assistant Does Not See Attached External Disk

I just purchased a MacBook Air to replace an aging MacBook Pro. Both are running the latest Mountain Lion (10.8.3). I want to move my files from the MBP to the MBA using Migration Assistant. I first tried doing this over wi-fi, but when I learned it would take more than 99 hours, I chose to cancel the operation.
So I connected a new Seagate HD to the MBP and configured Time Machine to back up to it. I let Time Machine run all day, creating hourly updates after the initial backup. I then disconnected the drive, attached it to the MBA and rebooted. I ran Migration Assistant and chose to migrate from a Time Machine backup. However, Migration Assistant does not see the disk. Yet the disk is mounted on the desktop, I can read and write to it, and I can see the Time Machine backups. Only Migration Assistant seems unable to recognize the disk.
This isn't the first time I've had problems with MA (see my posting history). When it works, it's terrific - my new computer has all the settings and preferences as the old. My applications are all registered and operational. So I'm very frustrated that I can't get it to work with my new MBA. It really does diminish the experience of getting a new computer. That, plus I don't want to spend days and weeks moving things over manually, re-installing, etc.
C'mon, Apple. Why is Migration Assistant so difficult? I'd chalk it up to user error, but this many times?

So, finally after fourten hours of unattended "migration," I let it continue overnight and in the morning found that the time remaining had not moved a minute. I canceled MA and found that not one iota of data had transferred.
As far as I'm concerned, Migration Assistant ranks lower on the Apple success list than Open Doc, Newton, Pink and Taligent.
Now I have to manually install software I want to use on the MBA, apply licenses, and all the other stuff I would expect from Windows.
NOT happy.

HT4796 Migration Assistant SO NOT HELPFUL

I cannot access the files I transferred using Migration Assistant. I see the folder that got created during the process but the darned red circle with the "-" is there on every folder no matter what I do. I have given my main Mac ID Read & Write privileges. I have tried to drag and drop the PC folder into my Mac folder. Nothing is working. I really thought Apple would have a simple and streamlined process. This is NOT intuitive at all. NONE of the Apple help links are helpful. They explain how to use Migration Assistant but not how the heck to find the data once transferred. Very frustrated new iMac owner. Please advise.

First thing to try is on the new machine that you transferred the files to, open your Applications folder, then the Utilities folder within it, and find Disk Utility. Open Disk Utiltiy and Repair Permissions.

Adobe download assistant will not work on my machine?

Adobe download assistant will not work on my machine. When i try to start it i get a message saying "Sorry an error has occurred. This application cannot be installed because this installer has been mis-configured. Please contact the application author for assistance." Any ideas what to do

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How can I copy programs (iWorks) and files from Time Capsule to my HD manually? The problem is that the migration assistant does not recognize my backup file and the user on the TC. (If I open the TC on finder, it it there though)

How can I copy programs (iWorks) and files from Time Capsule to my HD manually? The problem is that the migration assistant does not recognize my backup file and the user on the TC. (If I open the TC on finder, it it there though)

How can I copy programs (iWorks) and files from Time Capsule to my HD manually? The problem is that the migration assistant does not recognize my backup file and the user on the TC. (If I open the TC on finder, it it there though)

Mail migration assistant did not upload old messages in inbox during upgrad

The mail migration assistant did not upload the contents of old messages stored in my inbox for mail in panther to tiger. It uploaded drafts and sent mail messages and even the husks of the messages themselves into the new inbox but not their contents, not the information contained in the messages themselves. I see that the old messages are accessible via spotlight but only their external identification remains in the new inbox, not what was in them. Is their anyway to rerun mail migration assistant or the mail setup assistant (whatever it may be called) so that it uploads all of messages from my old inbox under panther to the new inbox under tiger? I believe that while running initaially soon after I launched mail for the first time under tiger, the migration assistant for mail quit early, maybe because I had many messages stored in my inbox.
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I am having a similar problem. I just upgraded from 10.2.8 to 10.4.3. It didn't go well (a USB peripheral interfered)and I ended up upgrading while archiving users.
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Thanks

ISO x 10.8.3 migration assistant will not recognize time machine disk

I recently had my computer wiped clean by Apple genius bar. After updating the ISO X 10.8 software to 10.8.3, I attempted to restore files from my Time Machine backup to the computer. Unfortunately, the migration assistant would not lock onto the Time Machine disk, as if it were not there. What can I do to restore my original files back into the repaired computer?
My imac was purchased new in December of 2008 and the back up disc was connected to it in Aug 2009. I think the original operating system was pre Snow Leopard - the only CD I have and dated 2010.

I am conserned about restoring using setup assistant because I need to transfer personal files and applications only.
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HT204350 Migration Assistant is NOT working

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