HT4413 Time Machine- moving files onto a new mac- compatibility issues?

Question

If you use Time Machine to load files from a mac running snow leopard to a new mac running lion, will everything work normally in lion thereafter on the new mac? It won't try to revert the new computer to snow leopard, will it?
Also, I want to clear off the old computer once I do this (an 2008 Snow Leopard macbook) so my sister can use it for basic internet, etc. What is the best way to do this?
Last question: I have a 2008 Microsoft Office Suite program that I installed in 08 on the macbook. It came with 3 access codes total, and I split it 3 ways with 2 roomies and we each have one access code. If the office is uninstalled on this old computer and I try reinstalling it on the new one, can I use the same code as before or will it think that I am trying to use the same code on two computers? I don't need the program on the old computer anymore and just want to "switch" it to the new one.
Thanks so much for any ideas!

Answer 1

jlkazmiercza wrote:
If you use Time Machine to load files from a mac running snow leopard to a new mac running lion, will everything work normally in lion thereafter on the new mac? It won't try to revert the new computer to snow leopard, will it?
No, it can't revert Lion to Snow Leopard.
Your user data and preferences should be transferred without problem.
Applications, if you elect to copy them over, may need updates to work in Lion.
Some applications won't work at all - those written for use on earlier PPC Macs (the G3, G4, G5 series) won't run at all. That includes Appleworks, Office versions before 2008, and some Adobe Products.
You'll need to replace those applications with compatible current ones that can open the files created in them.
Also, I want to clear off the old computer once I do this (an 2008 Snow Leopard macbook) so my sister can use it for basic internet, etc. What is the best way to do this?
Boot from your grey installer DVD disc 1 (hold down the C key on startup or hold down Alt/option on start and choose the installer disc).
OK the language page (if present). From the installer screen, go to the menu bar and choose Disk Utility; depending on the OS version it may be in the Utilities menu or Tools menu.
Do not click 'Continue' yet!
In DU, select your internal drive in the sidebar (the top item with the makers name and serial no.). Run Repair Disk. If that comes up as disk OK, click the partition tab. Select the partiton from the drop-down above the graphic; 1 partiton is all you need. Go to the options button and ensure that the partition scheme is GUID and the file system to Mac OS Extended (Journalled). Name the partiton (usually Macintosh HD), click Apply.
This next step is optional;
When that's finished, select the new volume in the sidebar (indented to the right below the drive) and go to the Erase tab, select Security options and select zero data (one pass is more than sufficient). Click erase. That will take quite some time; probably measured in hours and dependant on the size of the drive.
(The purpose of this step is to ensure there is no recoverable data left on the drive).
When that's completed, close DU and continue with the installation.
When installation is complete, after the restart ignore the setup assistant and shut down the Mac (you may have to do this by holding down the power button).
The Mac is now ready for the new owner to personalise it as if new.
Be sure to pass on the original grey discs with the Mac, and the SL retail disc if you loaded SL.
You can use the Snow Leopard retail disc instead of the grey discs, but you won't be asked to load disc 2 and the iLife software on it in that case. If you use the grey discs first, you can simply follow up by installing SL over the top to upgrade the system files. It won't affect anything else (leave out the partition and erase steps of course!)
Last question: I have a 2008 Microsoft Office Suite program that I installed in 08 on the macbook. It came with 3 access codes total, and I split it 3 ways with 2 roomies and we each have one access code. If the office is uninstalled on this old computer and I try reinstalling it on the new one, can I use the same code as before or will it think that I am trying to use the same code on two computers? I don't need the program on the old computer anymore and just want to "switch" it to the new one
Sorry, you need to ask in the MS or Office forums for that.