Migration Assistant from a backup disk...

Is it possible upon first booting (or subsequently) to import the user account from a FireWire disk? I mean, it is so easy to import from another Mac with Migration Assistant but is there no similar way to import from a backup disk?
I'v done it the hard way by dragging and dropping the files but it seems like the permissions are always messed up and need time-consuming repair. It is also very difficult getting the preferences to be accepted while the application is already running.
Hoping there is an easy way, because I prefer to wipe the hard disk and install freshly.

no, MA will not understand that. then you'll have to migrate things by hand. check out this [link|http://discussions.apple.com/message.jspa?messageID=6185507] for a list of things to move.

Similar Messages

Why doesn't Migration Assistant recognize my backup disk after rolling back to Mountain Lion from Mavericks?

I rolled back my OS from Mavericks to Mountain Lion and now the Migration Assistant isn't finding my Time Machine backups. Any idea why this is?

One reason may be a different computer name. Check System Preferences > Sharing and make sure your computer name has been the same through all your various OS X iterations.

Possible permissions issue - i used migration assistant from a backup and now i have multiple issues

Hi everyone,
I'd say my techie skills are low to medium so bare that in mind and be gentle with me
So 20" dual core died on Friday. poss psu issue which i will fix in due course. In a fit of extravagance I decided this message from beyond the grave from MR JObs was telling me to buy a new quad core on Saturday morning.
Because old imac was dead i used time machine back up via "migration assistant"
intially it could see the back ups but then seemed to spring to life after 20 mins
Got message saying not all content had transferred but reckon most did except for some safari stuff ( paswords etc).
Then i started to get issues with permissions i think.... asked me for passwords every time i tried to move files between folders or to trash or do pretty much anything.
read something about permissions conflicts when migrating from another admin/home account from and old imac
That when i started to activate my over "confident with technolgy" gene - i set HD permission to owned by "me" instead of system and then applied to all enclosed items
oops
now getting lots of dodgy messages eg every driver on the make brings up eeor message sayuing it was incorrectly installed
ran permissions repair - 25 mins later loads of unexpected acls have been corrected though not all -
still getting error messages about a few which i tracked down manually one by one and, sure enough, are still showing as owned by "me" and not system. Corrected them
Noticed at this point all other .kext files in same loaction have two permissions rows for "system in "get info" window = is this the root of my problem since using migration assitant?
still having issues
software updates won't install via the "software update" function but was able to install a couple of them myself direct from apple website.
back ups won;t back up to drive assigned - just keeps saying T|ime machine could not complete the back up even though there is space on freshly formatted external drive
so guys ..
have just created an unholy mess?
should i reassign "system" as owner for everything and then change foders such as documents and music etc to be owned by "me" or is that tooo simplistic?
should i wait till my old mac is brought back to life and re-do my migration ( since deleted the existing back up from old imac so thats not an option)
should i blame it all on apple and get them to sort it out under warrenty
or should i run naked down the street shouting wibble...
all help gratefully received . MY experience of apple products has been seamless over the years until now and I can't help think I have done some thing bad the wife will never forgive me for
HELP ME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

You may not have created a mess, it's possible you simply don't know where your data is after migrating. Had you followed the Setup Assistant's on-screen prompts when you initially turned on your new system you would be running just fine by now. My guess is you haven't been exposed to Pondini's Lion Setup Assistant tips.
Migration Assistant (MA) and Setup Assistant (SA) are cousins, similar but different. The primary difference is MA creates a new user account which can be confusing to some users. If you successfuly migrated then log out of your existing using account and you should see the new user account. Log into that account then you should see the migrated data. If you do then use Pondini's Transferring files from one User Account to another.
However if you have totally made of mess out of things then I'd start over, this time using the Setup Assistant Tips beginning where he discusses Second Chance.

Confliciting info - Migration Assistant from Time Machine Backup

I want to do a clean install of ML, There are certain applications that I did not want to migrate. I was told that you had no choice, it would migrate all of them.
when using Migration Assistant from a Time Machine backup.
Is this true before I start
Thank you in Advance

That's correct (whether you migrate directly from another Mac, or its Time Machine or "clone" backups). See Transferring Applications for an explanation and possible workarounds.

Migration Assistant from PowerBook 10.3.9 to new MacBook Pro?

A friend has just bought a new MacBook Pro. His previous Mac is a PowerBook (G4 1.0 GHz 15" FW800 - Aluminium) still running Panther 10.3.9.
He's asked me to help him migrate his files, settings, apps etc. to the new Mac. I had thought to use Migration Assistant/Setup Assistant to do this, but the manual for the MacBook Pro says:
+"Before migrating, use Software Update on your other Mac. The other Mac should have one of these versions of Mac OS X software—either Mac OS X v10.4.11 or Mac OS X v10.5.6 (or later)."+
Does this mean you can't migrate from a Panther Mac to Snow Leopard using Migration Assistant?
TIA,
Chris Adams.

You use Migration Assistant from the new machine. The old machine needs to be started into Target Disk Mode. Both machines need to be first connected via Firewire cable. See the following:
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 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 am changing to a larger hard drive on my Mac. Can I copy the Aperture library from my backup disk running Time Machine without loosing anything?

I am installing a larger harddrive on my Mac. Can I copy the Aperture library from my backup disk running Time Machine without loosing anything? I am getting help migrating everything else on to the new harddrive, but since copying the 350Gb Aperture library takes a lot of time, I am planning to do that part myself.

I found the following information on Time Machine help about restoring Aperture library from TM
Restoring Your Aperture System
If you buy a new computer or use another system at a different location and want access to the Aperture library, you can install Aperture and then transfer the library from your vault (on your backup disk) to the other computer. If you experience equipment failure or other unexpected events, such as fire or weather-related damage to your equipment, you can easily restore the entire library to your new computer from a backup disk.
HideTo restore the entire library from an external backup disk
Restoring Your Aperture System
If you buy a new computer or use another system at a different location and want access to the Aperture library, you can install Aperture and then transfer the library from your vault (on your backup disk) to the other computer. If you experience equipment failure or other unexpected events, such as fire or weather-related damage to your equipment, you can easily restore the entire library to your new computer from a backup disk.
HideTo restore the entire library from an external backup disk
If you buy a new computer or use another system at a different location and want access to the Aperture library, you can install Aperture and then transfer the library from your vault (on your backup disk) to the other computer. If you experience equipment failure or other unexpected events, such as fire or weather-related damage to your equipment, you can easily restore the entire library to your new computer from a backup disk.
HideTo restore the entire library from an external backup disk
Connect the hard disk drive that contains the most up-to-date vault to your computer and open Aperture.
Choose File > Vault > Restore Library.The Restore Library dialog appears.
Choose the vault you want to use to restore your library from the Source Vault pop-up menu.If the vault doesn’t appear in the Source Vault pop-up menu, choose Select Source Vault from the Source Vault pop-up menu, navigate to the vaults location in the Select Source Vault dialog, then click Select.
Click Restore, then click Restore again.

How to use Migration Assistant from OS 10.7.5 mac to new mac Maverick?

Got a new imac. I'm trying to use Migration assistant from my non-Maverick imac to the new one. I'm told that I have to update my former mac, but it's too old to update to Maverick.
So, how can I use Migration Assitant to transfer files?
Thank you.

The easiest method is to use the Time Machine backup from your old computer and connect it to the new machine. Then launch Migration Assistant on the new machine and use the TM backup HD to migrate to the new machine. DO NOT do this wirelessly, your profile indicates you have a Time Capsule, if you use that for your TM backup then connect it via eithernet to your new iMac to do the migration.

Migration assistant from 10.4.11 to 10.6.7

Looking at some discussions it seems that the migration assistant not working properly from 10.4.11 to 10.6 is a quite common problem. But I can't find a solution. I tried both the wireless connection and the FireWire-option. The migration assistance looks like working very hard for minutes or even more than an hour (wireless), it reports successful migration, but in the end .... nothing has happened. I can't find a single file nor any of my mail accounts being transferred. Can someone provide me with a solution? Many thanks!

Connect the two computers via Firewire cable. Boot the OLD computer into Target Disk Mode by restarting and after the chime press and hold down the "T" key until the TDM logo appears. Boot the NEW computer normally. After it starts you should see a Desktop icon for the disk drive of the OLD computer.
Open Migration Assistant from the Utilities folder of the NEW computer. Use the option to migrate from another computer or disk drive. Select the icon for the OLD computer's disk drive. Migrate your Home folder, Applications, and network preferences.
After it has completed you need to restart the NEW computer and log into the account you just migrated.

Can u use Migration assistant from 10.5.8 to 10.7.2?

My new MacPro is OS X 10.7.2 and my old one is 10.5.8. Migration assistant does not work either from eithernet hookup or Firewire 800. Is there a software patch or update for either box to allow migration from Old OsX 10.5.8 to 10.7.2?

Yes, but you must use Migration Assistant from the new computer and boot the old computer into Target Disk Mode - Transferring files between two computers using FireWire.
Mac OS X 10.7 Help- Transferring files between two computers using target disk mode
How to use and troubleshoot FireWire target disk mode
OS X Lion- How to use Migration Assistant to transfer files from another Mac
Migration Assistant tips and tricks

Migration Assistant from Time Machine not working, Migration Assistant from Time Machine not working

Hello,
A friend of mine recently bought a new Macbook Pro. I believe it is a 2.8 Ghz i7 model.
Anyway, they wanted to transfer all of their stuff from a 5 year old Macbook (running Snow Leopard) to their new Macbook Pro (running Lion) and they asked me for help. I suggested they run Migration Assistant from a Time Machine backup. They did that last night and everything ran fine until the very end, when they got this error message "Superdrive firmware Update 2.1 is not compatible with this version of Mac OS X." Also, it appears that nothing had been transfered.
Any suggestions?
Thanks!

Thanks a lot both. The thing was that I couldn't find any DVDs that belonged to my new computer, so I just used my old Leopard DVD thinking that it didn't matter which one I used anyway. When you said it did
matter, however, I looked a little closer and found two DVDs in my new computer's box. I'm doing a clean installation as we speak.
Thank you for your help!

HT4889 I just transferred data using migration assistant from a macbook prop to a macbook. I am trying to log back into the user that was on the pro but is now on the macbook with the same password as before, and it says my password is incorrect.

I just transferred data using migration assistant from a macbook pro to a macbook. I am trying to log back into the user that was on the pro but is now on the macbook with the same password as before, and it says my password is incorrect?

Suggest you try the password for the Macbook, not the previous one.

Where are the files saved after successfully using the Migration Assistant from PC to a Mac?

I just used the Migration Assistant from PC to Mac but I can't find where the files were saved? I thought the process was supposed to create a new user account...Why can't I see it on the login screen?
Please help ! I've formatted my PC so I wanna make sure that my files are not lost

Have a read here:
http://pondini.org/OSX/MigrationProblems.html
http://pondini.org/OSX/Transfer.html
Might be better/best to start the thing all over and using the Setup Assistant instead of the MIgration Assistant this time:
Using Setup Assistant on Lion
Stefan

After using "migration assistant" from my old iMac to my new iMac, some tools stick while using Photoshop CS 6 Extended. My current operation system is 10.10 Yosemite. I was wondering if UN installing then RE installing CS 6 might solve the problem. If th

After using "migration assistant" from my old iMac to my new iMac, some tools stick while using Photoshop CS 6 Extended. My current operation system is 10.10 Yosemite. I was wondering if UN installing then RE installing CS 6 might solve the problem. If this is recommended, I would need complete instructions on doing this. I have there serial number for the product.

using migration assistant is problematic.
at this point yes, you should uninstall everything migrated, clean and then reinstall properly using the installation files.
cleaner: Use the CC Cleaner Tool to solve installation problems | CC, CS3-CS6
installation files:
Downloads available:
Suites and Programs: CC 2014 | CC | CS6 | CS5.5 | CS5 | CS4 | CS3
Acrobat: XI, X | 9,8 | 9 standard
Premiere Elements: 13 |12 | 11, 10 | 9, 8, 7
Photoshop Elements: 13 |12 | 11, 10 | 9,8,7
Lightroom: 5.7| 5 | 4 | 3
Captivate: 8 | 7 | 6 | 5
Contribute: CS5 | CS4, CS3
Download and installation help for Adobe links
Download and installation help for Prodesigntools links are listed on most linked pages. They are critical; especially steps 1, 2 and 3. If you click a link that does not have those steps listed, open a second window using the Lightroom 3 link to see those 'Important Instructions'.
window using the Lightroom 3 link to see those 'Important Instructions'.

How can i use migration assistant from a Power PC G4 powerbook?

How can i use migration assistant from a Power PC G4 laptop that can't run 10.5 to a new mini running Lion? Mini's MA says I have to upgrade the laptop's MA but the upgrade requires 10.5 as a minimum
help,please
jan

That is correct. You'll need either an ethernet cable or a firwire cable and a firewire to thunderbolt adapter to connect the two macs together. Here's info on Migration/Setup assistant
http://support.apple.com/kb/HT4889?viewlocale=en_US&locale=en_US

Is there a migration assistent from windows to Leopard?

My new MacBook Pro runs de Snow Leopard... I would like to transfer my files from my PC, but can't find a migration assistent from windows to Snow Leopard... just from windows to Lion...

There is no migration assistant for Windows to Snow Leopard. But you can transfer your files to an external drive that has been formatted FAT32 as the Mac can read and write to a FAT32 formatted drive.

Migration Assistant from a backup disk...

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