IMac Migration Tip...Keep it simple!
I just picked up a new 27" iMac......
So I I had to migrate from my old 21" iMac.....
I read everything and ordered a Apple Firewire to Thunderbold adapter.....
Great, huh?
Forget it.....
I endeded spending over $100 chasing down cables....
No good....
In the end my wife comes in and looks over my shoulder....
Honey what's a ehernet cable?
Duh!...
Used THAT and got the job done....
Keep it simple !
Keeping it simple is always a good idea when it comes to computers or troubleshooting but the Thunderbolt to FireWire adaptor should have worked to allow you to boot the old Mac into target disk mode.
If it didn't it could indicate a problem with the Thunderbolt port on the new iMac or with the adaptor. You should get those looked at as soon as possible.
Apple has a no questions asked 14 day return policy. If the port on the iMac has a problem, you should exchange the system.
good luck
regards
Similar Messages
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Macbook Pro to iMac Migration Not Starting
I want to migrate my users, apps, settings, etc from a macbook pro to a new iMac. The process fails to start. I've tried 1) machines joined by ethernet cable (no switch) and 2) Time Machine.
The machine configurations:
Source: MBPro quad core OSx 10.6.8. Upgraded to latest software update.
Destination: iMac i7 running whatever version of OSx they are sold with at Apple Stores. Purchased yesterday.
Ethernet Method:
I turned on the iMac and after answering a few basic (e.g. language questions), I was presented with a Migration dialog. I didn't have a proper firewire cable lying around so I selected the ethernet option and connected the MBPro and the iMac with this cable. The iMac displayed a passcode and said to start Migration Assistant on the source, i.e. MBPro. I started MA on the MBPro and typed in the numeric passcode. The iMac recognized the MBPro and displayed my migration options (e.g. accounts, applications, etc). The transfer button was grayed out while an estimate of the disk space needed was computed. After several minutes of the "preparing my computer" notice on the MBPro, the MBPro said it was ready. The "Transfer" button in the iMac was active.
Clicking on this "Transfer" button appears to have NO effect on either machine.
I let the machines sit for several hours. Still no noticeable change on either machine.
The transfer process does not appear to have started.
Time Machine Method:
Same experience except not the TM drive is connected to the iMac with a Firewire 400 connection.
What is going on?Connect the two computers via Firewire cable. Boot the MBP into Target Disk Mode - Transferring files between two computers using FireWire. Boot the iMac normally. The MBP's hard drive should appear on the iMac's Desktop. You can migrate from it as you would from a disk drive. Also, see:
A Basic Guide for Migrating to Intel-Macs
The Knowledgebase article Intel-based Mac: Some migrated applications may need to be updated refers to methods of dealing with migrating from PowerPC chips to Intel with the Migration Assistant safely. The authors of this tip have not had a chance to verify this works in all instances, or that it avoids the 10.6.1 and earlier Guest Account bug that caused account information to get deleted upon use of the Migration/Setup Assistant. However, a well backed up source that includes at least two backups of all the data that are not connected to your machine will help you avoid potential issues, should they arise. In event it does not work, follow the steps below.
If you are migrating a PowerPC system (G3, G4, or G5) to an Intel-Mac be careful what you migrate. Keep in mind that some items that may get transferred will not work on Intel machines and may end up causing your computer's operating system to malfunction.
Rosetta supports "software that runs on the PowerPC G3, G4, or G5 processor that are built for Mac OS X". This excludes the items that are not universal binaries or simply will not work in Rosetta:
Classic Environment, and subsequently any Mac OS 9 or earlier applications
Screensavers written for the PowerPC System Preference add-ons
All Unsanity Haxies Browser and other plug-ins
Contextual Menu Items
Applications which specifically require the PowerPC G5 Kernel extensions
Java applications with JNI (PowerPC) libraries
See also What Can Be Translated by Rosetta.
In addition to the above you could also have problems with migrated cache files and/or cache files containing code that is incompatible.
If you migrate a user folder that contains any of these items, you may find that your Intel-Mac is malfunctioning. It would be wise to take care when migrating your systems from a PowerPC platform to an Intel-Mac platform to assure that you do not migrate these incompatible items.
If you have problems with applications not working, then completely uninstall said application and reinstall it from scratch. Take great care with Java applications and Java-based Peer-to-Peer applications. Many Java apps will not work on Intel-Macs as they are currently compiled. As of this time Limewire, Cabos, and Acquisition are available as universal binaries. Do not install browser plug-ins such as Flash or Shockwave from downloaded installers unless they are universal binaries. The version of OS X installed on your Intel-Mac comes with special compatible versions of Flash and Shockwave plug-ins for use with your browser.
The same problem will exist for any hardware drivers such as mouse software unless the drivers have been compiled as universal binaries. For third-party mice the current choices are USB Overdrive or SteerMouse. Contact the developer or manufacturer of your third-party mouse software to find out when a universal binary version will be available.
Also be careful with some backup utilities and third-party disk repair utilities. Disk Warrior, TechTool Pro , SuperDuper , and Drive Genius work properly on Intel-Macs with Leopard. The same caution may apply to the many "maintenance" utilities that have not yet been converted to universal binaries. Leopard Cache Cleaner, Onyx, TinkerTool System, and Cocktail are now compatible with Leopard.
Before migrating or installing software on your Intel-Mac check MacFixit's Rosetta Compatibility Index.
Additional links that will be helpful to new Intel-Mac users:
Intel In Macs
Apple Guide to Universal Applications
MacInTouch List of Compatible Universal Binaries
MacInTouch List of Rosetta Compatible Applications
MacUpdate List of Intel-Compatible Software
Transferring data with Setup Assistant - Migration Assistant FAQ
Because Migration Assistant isn't the ideal way to migrate from PowerPC to Intel Macs, using Target Disk Mode, copying the critical contents to CD and DVD, an external hard drive, or networking will work better when moving from PowerPC to Intel Macs. The initial section below discusses Target Disk Mode. It is then followed by a section which discusses networking with Macs that lack Firewire.
If both computers support the use of Firewire then you can use the following instructions:
1. Repair the hard drive and permissions using Disk Utility.
2. Backup your data. This is vitally important in case you make a mistake or there's some other problem.
3. Connect a Firewire cable between your old Mac and your new Intel Mac.
4. Startup your old Mac in Transferring files between two computers using FireWire.
5. Startup your new Mac for the first time, go through the setup and registration screens, but do NOT migrate data over. Get to your desktop on the new Mac without migrating any new data over.
If you are not able to use a Firewire connection (for example you have a Late 2008 MacBook that only supports USB:)
1. Set up a local home network: Creating a small Ethernet Network.
2. If you have a MacBook Air or Late 2008 MacBook see the following:
MacBook (13-inch, Aluminum, Late 2008) and MacBook Pro (15-inch, Late 2008)- What to do if migration is unsuccessful;
MacBook Air- Migration Tips and Tricks;
MacBook Air- Remote Disc, Migration, or Remote Install Mac OS X and wireless 802.11n networks.
Copy the following items from your old Mac to the new Mac:
In your /Home/ folder: Documents, Movies, Music, Pictures, and Sites folders.
In your /Home/Library/ folder:
/Home/Library/Application Support/AddressBook (copy the whole folder) /Home/Library/Application Support/iCal (copy the whole folder)
Also in /Home/Library/Application Support (copy whatever else you need including folders for any third-party applications)
/Home/Library/Keychains (copy the whole folder) /Home/Library/Mail (copy the whole folder) /Home/Library/Preferences/ (copy the whole folder) /Home /Library/Calendars (copy the whole folder) /Home /Library/iTunes (copy the whole folder) /Home /Library/Safari (copy the whole folder)
If you want cookies:
/Home/Library/Cookies/Cookies.plist /Home/Library/Application Support/WebFoundation/HTTPCookies.plist
For Entourage users:
Entourage is in /Home/Documents/Microsoft User Data Also in /Home/Library/Preferences/Microsoft.
Credit goes to Macjack for this information.
If you need to transfer data for other applications please ask the vendor or ask in the Discussions where specific applications store their data.
5. Once you have transferred what you need restart the new Mac and test to make sure the contents are there for each of the applications.
Written by Kappy with additional contributions from a brody.Revised 5/21/2011 -
hi can someone keep this simple for me! my iPhone is due for a renewal. but my old laptop that it is backed up to no longer works! how do i go about saving all my songs pics etc to a new laptop without losing anything? please help!!!
Syncing to a "New" Computer or replacing a "crashed" Hard Drive
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Take a look at this link, https://discussions.apple.com/thread/2079043
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My imac running Lion keeps dropping the Internet. Sometimes just switching the wi-fi off and on corrects this but sometimes there it says no ip address. I have found restarting router sorts the no ip address. Help can I do something to stop this. Thanks simon
Your profile shows you're using SL, but you posted it in the Lion forum. So, assuming you're using Lion, I've seen posts where creating a new Network Location and adding a different named wi-fi connection has help others with this problem.
You can also check your router for firmware updates.
Many posts on this topic. Search forums for other possibilities. -
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Hello @DesCherryBomb,
I understand that you are having issues with your HP 2310m monitor going blank and/or flickering. I am providing you with some steps you can try below:
Step 1. Unplug the power cord from the back of the monitor and the wall
Step 2. Hold the power button down for at least one minute
Step 3. Plug the power cord back into the monitor and then into the wall outlet (not a power bar or surge protector)
Step 4. Press the Menu button on the monitor
Step 5. Navigate to the Factory Reset option and select it
If the above steps did not resolve your issue you can try the monitor on a computer or other device to see if the issue persists. Please call our technical support at 800-474-6836. If you live outside the US/Canada Region, please click the link below to get the support number for your region. http://www8.hp.com/us/en/contact-hp/ww-phone-assist.html
Thank you for posting on the HP Forums. Have a great day!
Please click the "Thumbs Up" on the bottom right of this post to say thank you if you appreciate the support I provide!
Also be sure to mark my post as “Accept as Solution" if you feel my post solved your issue, it will help others who face the same challenge find the same solution.
Dunidar
I work on behalf of HP
Find out a bit more about me by checking out my profile!
"Customers don’t expect you to be perfect. They do expect you to fix things when they go wrong." ~ Donald Porter -
I need help setting up my new AirPort Time Capsule and IMac. I keep getting a flashing amber light. I've tried all the resets
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I am no longer receiving my mail. All my settings are the same and I can send mail. The connection doctor says I am connected, but I am no longer receiving anything. If you can help, I would appreciate it. Keep it simple, please.
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I can't quit iCal on my imac. I keep getting "the server responded with an error" and I need to change my password but I can't even quit it to do it.
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ThanksPeter Stokes 100 wrote:
Simple I was led to believe I could store stuff in iCloud without the need for a Mac thereby making space on my laptop. You live and learn.
You can, iPhones/iPads and Macs work, as do PC's once there is an open account.
This is typical Apple to be honest. The only reason I use iTunes is for my iPod. Perhaps I need to find another mp3 player.
You do not need iCloud for iTunes, I am sorry that you misunderstand but iCloud and iTunes do not require each other.
I'm certainly not paying the inflated prices that Apple charge for their laptops that are quite frankly no better than my Dell.
I've had Dells, they are worth what you pay, no more. -
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Welcome to the Apple Support Communities
If the computer or the external drive from where you are transferring your data is connected with a cable, disconnect and connect the cable. If not, your only option is to turn off the computer to where you are transferring the files, and start migration again -
Migration asst. keeps shuting down
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Starting to get really ****** offTry using Target Disk Mode.
Target Disc Mode -
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This happens the same whenever I try to install.
To my untrained eye the application is not being recognised as an application and I cannot work out how to get it to do that.
My plugin is still showing as out of date.
Is there anything you could suggest. Thanks for your time. -
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