Migrating files from Admin to Standard user?

Hello, I am currently using my macbook with my account as Admin. I read in a magazine that its probably best to run in on a daily basis as a Standard user. So I created a new standard user. So far so good. The problem is that all my files are obviously missing from this new account. How do I transfer my files which currently reside in my admin account to my standard user? Ideally, I'd like to move them, as I presume there is no need to have them twice.
Also, will this migration affect my programs and if so how do I deal with this ? Are programs always available to all users?
Last but not least, when using my admin account everytime I have to install a program, it asks me for my password. I cannot remember if this was an option I chose or if this is happens by default (even when logged in as admin). If this is an option, where do I go to change this as I would like to be able to instal progs without being prompted for my password when logged in as admin.
Thxs,

In this situation, rather than transferring all of the files, it is usually easiest to create a new "admin" account, then continue to use your existing account after "demoting" it to "standard" by unchecking the "Allow user to administer this computer" checkbox in the "Accounts" pref pane.
..."will this migration affect my programs and if so how do I deal with this ? Are programs always available to all users?"...
All default applications should be accessible to all users. Any installed by you may or may not be accessible to other users depending on how and where they were installed, and continuing to use your existing account largely avoids that sort of problem.
..."I would like to be able to instal progs without being prompted for my password when logged in as admin."...
In principle, the password requirement should be considered a security feature to prevent unauthorized modification of the system. Consider what would happen if everyone started overriding this feature -- it likely wouldn't take long for Macs to become a significant contributor to the phishing e-mail and spam issue that Windows computers are largely responsible for today, that are a nuisance to everyone on the web.
On the other hand, most user applications should not require modification of system files to install, i.e. they can be installed (via "drag and drop" or otherwise) to a places that the user has "write" privileges to, and should not require authentication. If any unneccessarily request a passord, that is an issue that should be taken up with the developer (which may include Apple, on some occasions).

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Accounts somehow switched from 'Admin' to 'Standard'

Hello !
Somehow my accounts have switched from 'Admin' to 'Standard'.
Using a 'root' authentification, I try to tick the 'Administrate this computer' box, it doesn't work !
Any idea ?

Francis B wrote:
Processing the 'nicl .... -create /groups/admin ...' command, I get an error message 'create: Invalid path'.
I tried to find the /groups/admin directory, couldn't find it...
I have run into this terminology before. I believe that the net info database is a hierarchical database similar to what you would find in a file system. As such the command is referring to the hierarchical database not the file system.
Here is where you find the net info database:
root # pwd
/var/db/netinfo
root # ls
local.nidb/ local.nidb.backupjust_incase/
root #
You may have a corrupted net info database. You can recreated but it is difficult.
Rebuild NetInfo database
I read that you can delete your netinfo database in Mac OS 10.4. The next time that you use your Mac, the database will be recreated. You will have to re-enter all of your users. You may want to pick new userids that do not interfere with your old userids. would back up what you have before trying anything.
http://discussions.apple.com/thread.jspa?messageID=4550428
Here is some good info on working with the netinfo database.
http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=107210
How to Replace the NetInfo Database
http://support.apple.com/kb/HT2600?viewlocale=en_US
From single user mode, you can use the net info commands to work with your net info database. They all are:
mac $ ls /usr/bin/ni*
/usr/bin/nibtool* /usr/bin/nidump* /usr/bin/niload*
/usr/bin/nice* /usr/bin/nifind* /usr/bin/nireport*
/usr/bin/nicl* /usr/bin/nigrep* /usr/bin/niutil*
mac $ nidump
mac $ nidump passwd /
mac $ man nidump
1. to quit type the letter Q.
2. to input, used niload
Robert

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How do I migrate files from MacBook running OS 10.4.11 to new MacBook Pro running OS 10.6? Thanks.

How do I migrate files from my MacBook (specs below) to my still in the box MacBook Pro running OS 10.6? Yesterday, I ran Software Update; it returned the message that all my software was up to date / no updates available.
I am particularly concerned with moving the 7000+ photos in iPhoto. I have photos organized into folders and albums and want to preserve this structure. I use this photo data as part of my lecture content.
Thanks for your help.
Best,
lauri with poodles
(the big standard poodles without the goofy Hollywood haircuts)
Specs - Old laptop
MacBook 13"
OS 10.4.11
2 Ghz Intel Core 2 Duo
2 GB 667 Mhz DDR2 SDRAM
112 GB total disk space
59 GB available
using iPhoto 6.0.6
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2.0GHz Quad-core Intel Core i7
4GB 1333MHz DDR3 SDRAM - 2 x 2 GB
128 GB Solid State Drive

Hi, Lauri. Welcome to Apple Support Communities.
http://web.me.com/pondini/AppleTips/Setup.html
From Ronda with Pomeranians.

Cannot migrate files from old MacBook to new MacBook Pro

I have been trying without success to migrate files from my old MacBook to my new one. The Migration Assistant doesn't work. The new Mac recognizes the old one but the old one cannot see the new one. The old MacBook has OS 10.5.8 and the new MacBook Pro has 10.8.1.
Then I tried migrating from my Time Machine backup, with the external drive still connected to the old MacBook, but it kept telling me I didn't have enough space to copy anything, even when I unchecked everything except my Documents folder.
I went to the Apple Store and one of their "geniuses" told me I could connect the external hard drive directly to the new MacBook Pro and migrate the files from there. That didn't work either; I got an error message about incompatible software.
The genius also told me that I could back up the new MacBook Pro to the same external hard drive with Time Machine that I'd been using and that I'd be able to restore from backups from either computer, but that's not true. I cannot see any backups on the drive except from the new computer. Time Machine does recognize that there is space in use on the drive but will not show me any of the content.
Does anyone know how I can migrate my files, short of copying them to a flash drive and doing it the old-fashioned way? Thank you!

It is possible to merge accounts but it is not easy nor foolproof. The easier solutions:
1. Remove the account made in Setup Assistant and change the username on the migrated account.
See Mac OS X- How to change user short name or home directory name.
See Macworld | Changing the short username in Leopard - use the last procedure, "The Full Monty."
2. Log into the migrated, renamed account and delete the account made in Setup Assistant, then re-migrate your data.

HT1277 Mail has gone crazy. Header's and messages are mixed up. New Mac Book Pro. Migrated files from Time machine running snow leopard. Reinstall or new computer needed?

Mail has gone crazy. Header's and messages are mixed up. New Mac Book Pro. Migrated files from Time machine running snow leopard. Reinstall or new computer needed?

Ok; I'm not sure what you're doing. 36 hours is rather long. Seems like a new migration. Not what I intended.
Here's what I intended: from the newly-migrated and apparently-corrupt environment, create a new user, not related to any existing user, nor any migration-created user, or any other user for that matter. That is, use  > System Preferences > Users and Groups, authenticate yourself by clicking on the padlock, and then click the + and create a wholly new user. Then log in under that user and establish the mail access.
36 hours? I'm wondering if there's an error or an exceedingly slow network here? Or a really, really slow disk? Or a sick backup? (WiFi isn't the path I'd usually choose, either.)
Failing the attempted second migration, I'd try a different tactic. Does your existing (old) system work? If so, I'd bypass the backup and connect an external (scratch) USB disk drive to the (old) sstem and then boot and use Disk Utility booted from the installer DVD disk or boot and use Disk Utility from the recovery partition or booted from a recovery partition created on some other external storage (details here vary by the OS X version and what hardware you have), and perform a full-disk backup of your original internal disk to (scratch) external storage. (Make sure you get the source and target disks chosen correctly here; copying the wrong way — from the scratch disk to your existing disk — will clobber your data!) In esssence, this will clone your existing boot disk. Then dismount the (formerly-scratch) external disk, transfer it over to the new system, and use it as the source of the migration, by performing a fresh OS X installation on the new system.
Target Disk Mode is also sometimes an option for accessing the disk for a migration, but that requires the right cable, and requires systems that have the same external connection; newer MacBook Pro systems use Thunderbolt for this, and older systems tend to use FireWire. And I'm guessing you don't have compatible hardware.
The details here can and do vary by your OS X versions and your particular Mac systems — if you'll identify the specific models and hardware, somebody might be able to better tailor the above (fairly generic) sequence to your particular configuration.

I'm attempting to migrate files from iMac to new MacBook air. The estimated time shown on the display is over ten hours. Is that correct? Is there a way to do it quicker?

I'm attempting to migrate files from iMac to new MacBook air. The estimated time shown on the display is over ten hours. Is that correct? Is there a way to do it quicker?

It's quite possible, since you are using an MBA without Firewire, that it could take that long.
A Basic Guide for Migrating to Intel-Macs
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 4.1, TechTool Pro 4.6.1, SuperDuper 2.5, and Drive Genius 2.0.2 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 Target Disk Mode.
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)- Migration Tips and Tricks;
>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 1/6/2009

I just received my new Mac Mini and want to migrate files from my Time Machine. I assume the old OS is on Time machine and I don't want it to supersede the new Yosemite OS. Do I have to Do anything special?

I just received my new Mac Mini and want to migrate files from my Time Machine. I assume the old OS is on Time machine and I don't want it to supersede the new Yosemite OS. Do I have to Do anything special?

Using Migrations Assistant will only move the data and other things over, it will not bring over a previous version of the Os since the 2014 model can run anything earlier than Yosemite.

How do i migrate files from a imac to macbook pro using an ethernet cable. the migration program asks for firewire and i don't own a fireWire. I do own an ethernet cable though

how do i migrate files from a imac to macbook pro using an ethernet cable. the migration program asks for firewire and i don't own a fireWire. I do own an ethernet cable though

A FW cable would be far faster & Easier, but with Ethernet you need a compatible version of Migration Assistant running on both Macs.

What web service & xml will be used for deleting the packged epub/pdf file from Admin Console

What web service & xml will be used for deleting the packged epub/pdf file from Admin Console?
I am able to delete the files from Admin console directy but not able to get which web service is calling on deleting the file from admin console:
Mangal

Hi Jim,
I tired following web service and xml to delete the packaged ebook but it is giving me error instead of response:
Web Service & XML
http://myserver_url/admin/ManageResourceKey
<request action="delete" auth="builtin" xmlns="http://ns.adobe.com/adept">
<nonce>" . $nonce . "</nonce>
<expiration>'. $expiration .'</expiration>
<resourceKey>
<resource>resource_id</resource>
<resourceItem>1</resourceItem>
</resourceKey>
</request>
Error Message
<error xmlns="http://ns.adobe.com/adept"
data="E_ADEPT_DATABASE http://myserver_url/admin/ManageResourceKey
Cannot%20delete%20or%20update%20a%20parent%20row:%20a%20foreign%20key%20constraint%20fails %20(`adept`.`distributionrights`,%20CONSTRAINT%20`distributionrights_ibfk_2`%20FOREIGN%20K EY%20(`resourceid`)%20REFERENCES%20`resourcekey`%20(`resourceid`))"/>
Magal Varshney

I need indesign cs6 becasue I am migrating files from pagmaker. Can I download a trial version ?

I need indesign cs6 becasue I am migrating files from pagmaker. Can I download a trial version ?

Here is the direct Adobe page.
http://helpx.adobe.com/x-productkb/policy-pricing/cs6-product-downloads.html

After migrating files from iMac to new macbook pro my macbook is now called iMac in device listing

I purchase a new macbook pro and migrated files from my iMac all the files moved and everything is good except now in finder under device my macbook is now named as my iMac. can I change this?

Go to System Preferences click Sharing and change the Computer Name.

How do I migrate files from a power pc mac to a macbook air?

Has someone successfully migrated files from their old power pc based mac (no airport card) to a macbook air? If so, please explain step-by-step instructions how to do this w/ wired connection method. I know that the newer macbook air only has USB 2.0 ports. What simple connector and adaptors would I need to accomplish this task? My old or source computer is a mac mini w/ the latest 10.4.11 OS that it can run. Thank you.

Your cloning idea is a good one, however he can use Setup Assistant to migrate rather than Migration Assistant. Pondini has written an elegant article on how to effectively use it in Setup Assistant tips. If the OP clones and uses Setup Assistant his transition should be seamless. He may have applications that are not designed to run on Snow Leopard so I'd recommend only migrating his data and manually installing Applications once he has determined the ones he has on his PPC machine will run on Snow Leopard. If they will not then he has the option to update individual apps.

HT4889 Migrating files from OX 10.4.11 to Mavericks

I am pretty much a computer dummy and don't want to mess up. I just purchased a imac running Mavericks. My old computer is a Power Mac G4 running OS 10.4.11. Is there anything special I need to know about migrating files from such an old computer? My second question is, is there drivers available for a Laserjet 5000 series printer for Mavericks? I don't see a link on the HP site.

Hi, I've been struggling with this all evening for a friend. I've not succeeded but will share some info which I hope will help:
To migrate between Macs you need to use MA (Migration Assistant), (Applications > Utilities) but when attempting to migrate from 10.4.11 to Mavericks it will tell you that you need to upgrade your version of MA. The problem is that there is no upgrade available, even with the latest version of MA for 10.4.11 it will give you the same message.
To get a more recent version of MA you need to upgrade to OSX 10.6. This is available from the apple website for $19.99 (£14.99)
http://store.apple.com/uk/product/MC573Z/A/mac-os-x-106-snow-leopard
In order to install Snow Leopard you must have at least 1GB of RAM on your Mac otherwise Snow Leopard won't install.
To find out how much RAM you have click on the Apple icon (top left), click "About This Mac" and on the pop-up check that for Memory you've at least "1 GB".
"512 MB" will not work. If you've less than 1 GB you'll need to buy more RAM.
If you manage to upgrade to Snow Leopard then I hope Migration Assistant or Time Machine works for you!
Good luck!

I can't migrate files from my old imac to a new one.

I can't migrate files from my old imac to a new one. I'm using a firewire 800 to a thunderboldlt adapter, my new imac doesn't find the source. Would a usb 2 to usb 2 work?

Did you put your old iMac in Target Disk mode? You need to do this to use Migration Assistant to transfer your files to the new iMac.
Hold the T key while your old iMac is starting up to start up in Target Disk mode. After doing this, your new iMac will detect it as an external drive, so now you can transfer your files through Setup Assistant or Migration Assistant. See > http://support.apple.com/kb/HT5872?viewlocale=en_US

Migrating files from Admin to Standard user?

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