Migrating files and accounts via Firewire Transfer method fails

Question

We just bought a new Powerbook and I'm trying to migrate our old pics and docs to the new machine from a G3 iBook.
During the account setup process, I'm asked if I would like to transfer the files..I go through the process of rebooting the iBook in target disk mode (and connecting the firewire cable) and check off the accounts and folders I'd like to move. It says it will take 4 hours for to move the 20+Gb of data. That seems like a long time..but I'm fine with that.
Now for the problem
I hit the Continue button and nothing gets migrated to the new machine - it just hangs there with the status bar looking like a blue candy cane. I've left it like that for 6+ hours hoping something may happen but no luck. I've rebooted both machines numerous times, and it consistantly hangs at the same point.
Any ideas? My guess is the G3 iBook is about to die and having trouble keeping the connection but thats only a guess.
Thanks in advance for the help.

Answer 1

Hi lndshk, Welcome to Apple Discussions.
It may well be a problem with the directory on your G3. Have you run repair disk on the G3:
Repair Disk:
Steps for using Disk Utility
1. Insert the Mac OS X Install disc that came with your computer, then restart the computer while holding the C key.
2. When your computer finishes starting up from the disc, choose Disk Utility from the Installer menu. (In Mac OS X 10.4 or later, you must select your language first.)
Important: Do not click Continue in the first screen of the Installer. If you do, you must restart from the disc again to access Disk Utility.
3. Click the First Aid tab.
4. Click the disclosure triangle to the left of the hard drive icon to display the names of your hard disk volumes and partitions.
5. Select your Mac OS X volume.
6. Click Repair.
If you repair errors run it until no errors found.
If it cannot be be repaired and you need to migrate by hand, here is a list of where your important data is stored ("~" stands for "Home"):
Your data in ~/Documents
~/Library/Application Support/AddressBook (copy the whole folder)
~/Library/Application Support/iCal(copy the whole folder)
Also in ~/Library/Application Support (copy whatever else you need)
~ /Library/Keychains (copy the whole folder)
~/Library/Mail (copy the whole folder)
~/Library/Preferences/com.apple.mail.plist *This is a very important file which contains all email account settings and general mail preferences.
~ /Library/iTunes (copy the whole folder)
~/Library/Application Support/Safari (copy the whole folder)
~/Library/Application Support/iMovie (copy the whole folder)
~/Pictures/iPhoto library
~/Music/iTunes
~/Movies/iMovie
If you want cookies:
~/Library/Cookies/Cookies.plist
~/Library/Application Support/Webfoundation/HTTPcookies.plist
For Entourage users:
Entourage is in Documents/Microsoft user data
Also in ~ /Library/Preferences/Microsoft
internet explorer favorites are in ~/Library/Preferences/Explorer/favorites.html
As for third party applications, you'll have to install them fresh and don't try to change the name of the Home directory without specific instructions.
-mj
[email protected]