Migration Assistant & Target Disc: Deleted User

It appears that the Target disc I migrated to a G4 from an eMac the user was deleted and now no user has permissions to access the library. The apps won't open and it boots into basic mode. Real strange.
Can anyone help.
Thanks.
Nathan.

jeevescat wrote:
Thanks for your reply.
The migration assistant behaved as usual, I've used it countless times, it came up with the list of accounts, in this instant there was only the one, and all the boxes were ticked to transfer all apps, files etc and all data from this account.
At the end of the transfer the computer restarted, but instead of going straight to the desktop, it ran through the account creation procedure.
All data and apps outside of the user folder have been copied but nothing in the user folder. Thats when I noticed that connecting to the old imac in TDM does not allow access to the data in the user folder,
please clarify that. do you mean that you don't have permissions to open that folder? or do you mean something else?
their is only one account which it is set to automatically log into. There are no passwords or security, file vault is not on and all sharing is enabled, access is fine over a normal network connection.
Any suggestions?

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Migration Assistant showing 0.0kb User Profiles

Hi all,
My iMac hard drive recently died, but I have been backing it up to Time Machine to a backup disk, so I'm trying to migrate my user account to my friend's MacBook. However, Migration Assistant keeps displaying these user profiles as having 0.0kb. Why is this? It seems to just hang when I attempt to migrate data. Also, how would I go about migrating just the settings and permissions of the profile, and keeping the rest of the data on the drive?
Thank you for any help
Aaron

Welcome to Apple Discussions!
Was your iMac PowerPC or Intel?

Migration Assistant doesn't respect User Templates

Hi everyone,
I work doing Information Technology support for a small (of about 30-40 people) communications department. We just ordered about 9 computers, and they all came with Lion.
Some people that I work with are very change-phobic, and I've created a default user template that respects what they've been doing for a long time and includes what I need to do my job. The main things I've changed include reversing the natural scroll direction (I know, I know, I like it myself, but like I said, some people I work with are incredibly change-phobic) remote login settings, showing the Library folder, and including default login software (such as new backup software we've decided to deploy at the same time as new computer deployments).
I've found that creating new users on the system respects the user template:
(found at /System/Library/User\ Template/English.lproj/Library/Preferences/).
But when I migrate users (either choosing to migrate settings, or not migrate settings), it doesn't matter, as the OS defaults back to not including the new login software and reverting scroll direction.
I can't hold off much longer in deploying these computers, but I know that I'll immediatly get a lot of requests about how to put settings back to the way they were.
Is there a way to have Migration Assistant respect the default user template (when not migrating settings)?
Best,
Allen

Hi John,
While your link was certainly informative, it isn't really addressing my problem, though I appreciate your response.
I don't know if this may interest you, but you can force the Setup Assistant to run without reinstalling Lion. Just boot into single user mode (command+s), then remove this file:
rm /var/db/.AppleSetupDone
You see, your mac, upon every boot, checks to see if that file is present. Its not really even a file that holds any information (its just a file named .AppleSetupDone). If the file is not present, your computer will run the "first-run wizard," or Setup Assistant.
It's also a trick you can use if you don't have an administrative account on a computer.
Anyway, I'm still hoping I can get answers about why migration assistant refuses to respect the defaults I've set at:
/System/Library/User\ Template/English.lproj/Library/Preferences/
Best, and thanks again,
Allen

How to use migration assistant without creating dual user accounts

I want to use migration assistant to transfer apps, software & files on my macbook pro to my new macbook air. How can I do this without creating two user accounts for myself on the m-book air -- my account from the m-book pro & the one that the air makes me create as soon as I do start-up? Can I just use the same name & password for both? or will that make things go badly awry?
Thanks!

If you have not booted the MBA for the first time and gone through the Setup Assistant, then I would use the Setup Assistant to make the transfer before you even create another user account. However, if you've already created the new user account on the MBA, then create a new admine one with a different username than the account you will migrate. Log into this new account, delete the first account you made, then use Migration Assistant to transfer your account from the MBP.

Migration assistant now seeing my User file only back ups on my time machine, nor am I able to drag the entire user folder to my new desktop.

I cannot recover my system on a clean install when I try to either use migration assistant or drag and drop of my backed up user profile. I did not back up anything else. I can see the file on my external drive but migration assitant does not see it as a restore and when I drag and drop the file to my desktop, the system informs me I do not have permissions to transfer all of the files.
What can I do?
Any help would be very much appreciated.
Thanks,
Persol

persol19 wrote:
Yes, there were no system files included. Soley the items that are incopassed within the user file.
Rats. It's awful that Apple doesn't warn folks about that.
Since I am not able to use them as backups, what is the best way to restore all of my previous preferences, calenders, notes, adressbook, etc.?
Would it be best to replace each file in the library of the new machine with the coresponding folders of the new machine?
That's going to be difficult, but is about your only option (assuming you have no other backups).
Part of the hassle is, you have to do it "piecemeal" -- you can't just delete the old home folder, or any of the "default" sub-folders (Desktop, Documents, etc.), and drag in the one from your backups -- you'll get a message about it being a required folder, so you can't delete it.
So you'll have to do it with the contents of the sub-folders.
Make a large pot of coffee.
For future reference, many long-time users consider a good backup plan to start with a minimum of two full backups, via two different apps, on two different pieces of hardware. These should be updated regularly.
For "primary" backups, Time Machine (built in to OSX) is quite good. You might want to review the Time Machine Tutorial, and perhaps browse Time Machine - Frequently Asked Questions.
#27 in the FAQ link has some suggestions for "secondary" backups.

Does Migration Assistant Overstate disc space apps take up?

I purchased an SSD to install Lion on in my Mac pro early 2008.
Having looked at the size of the applications file in Finder it showed 24.7GB's
I purchased a 60GB Vertex2 SSD thinking it would have plenty of space as my User folder would remain on the ordinary disc.
When I use Migration Assistant in Lion it shows the Applications to transfer is over 70GB and so would fill the SSD.
Can anybody help and suggest best course of action?
Is finder right or the Migration Assistant. Is there another way to get the apps across without having to install them all again individually?

BillyoGump wrote:
Can the Migration Assistant work with just the hard drive (connected via usb in an enclosure)
No, you must install Windows Migration Assistant on the PC and connect it to your network (or Mac).
If I need a running machine, is there any work around
Yup.
See the Manually Migrating section towards the bottom of Switch 101: Migrate your Windows files or system to your Mac.

PC to iMac - Migration Assistant set up another user

Dear Mac Users!
Set up my 21.5" iMac last night, set up a new user "Rory" - then downloaded Migration Assistant on my PC to transfer files, music, pics, docs and my iMac has created "Rory1" since I've discovered I should've transfered docs across BEFORE I set up an initial user!
The only thing I'd set up on my original "Rory" mac account was downloading Flash Player and installing my email to 'Mail' - so I've hardly done a lot of configs.
Can I just delete the original "Rory" profile and use the "Rory1" profile that the Mac set up? ( I realise the Mac has done this because my old Windows PC user name was obviously called "Rory" as well).
Or, is it easier to try and get the files (transfered from the PC under 'Rory1') to the original Mac profile of "Rory".
It's only 12 hours since I first went to set the my Mac up so as I said, I'm hardly in that much of a pickle yet - am I?!
Thanks to anyone who replies! Really appreciate your help!
I've joined the Mac revolution!
- Rory
Ascot, UK

Copying folder by folder is fine. Your photos as well as iTunes music and movies are best copied by choosing "Import to Library" and "Add to Library" from their respective File menus, since those programs like to keep their content organized in mysterious ways.
The "guest" account is normal in Lion. There are good reasons for having it but it can be disabled if you desire.
... any other "Top John" housekeeping tips? Or anything handy worth knowing to prevent myself getting in a future pickle?
Oh, many. If you are new to Macs start here: http://www.apple.com/support/mac101/
It may seem remedial to you but it is a good place to start.
There are few absolutes but in no particular order,
Don't bring any preconceived ideas that may be rooted in Windows PCs to the Mac. The Mac is a different world and it is only getting more so.
Aside from periodically running Software Update, the Mac needs no maintenance. Macs are designed to be neglected.
All hard disks fail eventually, which means a backup plan is desirable. Buy an external hard disk drive and plug it in. Time Machine will ask you if you want to use it as a backup disk. You do. Time Machine does the rest so you can continue to neglect your Mac.
Installing software is like inviting someone into your home. A lot of trouble can be avoided by not opening the door just because the bell rings. Trouble comes in the form of "toolbars", "scanners", "optimizers", "cleaners" and similar ilk that often accompanies websites in the form of popup windows or other in-your-face techniques, mostly Flash advertisements. Remember that nothing enters a Mac unless you invite it in by providing your password. Before you grant access to something know what it is, what it does, and how to get rid of it if it starts making a mess. There are no viruses known to infect OS X but malware exists.
As for uninvited intruders, the Mac is very secure. You do not need any anti-virus utilities. OS X is the descendant of a decades old multiuser, multitasking operating system that was designed from its very beginning to keep users protected from malicious interference. Some AV tools are benign, many are harmful, but all are superfluous. Some Windows AV products published by well-known and respected companies fail miserably on the Mac: see point number one. OS X already includes all the virus protection it requires. I recommend nothing more.
Don't panic if something goes wrong. Search here for help but don't necessarily believe everything you read. Knowledgeable participants are usually literate.
Beware of phishing scams. They are getting better all the time. It doesn't matter what computer you're using, nothing can stop you from willingly providing your name, password, Apple ID, mother's maiden name and social security number in order to inherit a fortune left in your name by a deceased Nigerian prince.
Then go about enjoying life without Windows. You'll wonder how you managed to cope all those years.

Migration assistant won't transfer user account

Hi
Just used migration assistant to transfer data from a Tiger iMac to a leopard iMac, and while all the files and apps came across it did not copy the user account. I then connected to the host computer via target disk mode and see the user account is not accessible, but it is when connecting normally over a network.
I plan to wipe the new imac and start again, but anyone any ideas how to make the user account visible over firewire and TDM?
Thanks

jeevescat wrote:
Thanks for your reply.
The migration assistant behaved as usual, I've used it countless times, it came up with the list of accounts, in this instant there was only the one, and all the boxes were ticked to transfer all apps, files etc and all data from this account.
At the end of the transfer the computer restarted, but instead of going straight to the desktop, it ran through the account creation procedure.
All data and apps outside of the user folder have been copied but nothing in the user folder. Thats when I noticed that connecting to the old imac in TDM does not allow access to the data in the user folder,
please clarify that. do you mean that you don't have permissions to open that folder? or do you mean something else?
their is only one account which it is set to automatically log into. There are no passwords or security, file vault is not on and all sharing is enabled, access is fine over a normal network connection.
Any suggestions?

Migration assistant created a new user when transferring files from a PC to mac

I just bought a new macbook air and proceeded to transfer my itunes music files from my old PC to my new mac using the migration assistant. I could not find my music files that I had transferred in itunes on my admin user account but later found them on another user acount that I had not created. I was wondering if there was a way to collapse the two user accounts into one or transfer my music from one account to the other? (I tried using an external hard drive but it would not add my music files to the itunes library). Any ideas??

Cattus Thraex wrote:
I agree with the idea of an enhancement request, MA should have some more options if used later, normaly users a curious to log into the fresh system, and transfer data and settings at a later date.
Unfortunately, a "merge" option, where it would add things to an existing user account, isn't realistic. That would work fairly well for such things as documents, where everything is in separate files (although settings and preferences would get a bit tricky).
But not for things like iCal, AddressBook, or Mail, where there are complex structures. Trying to merge those in any automated way would be very complex. Even worse would be 3rd-party apps that Apple can't possibly know how to handle.
One thing that might help would be rewording the "You can transfer information later using Migration Assistant" line at the bottom of the Setup Assistant window:
A number of us have asked for that to be worded differently -- warning that it's much better to do it first, or not to install stuff you're going to need, or something. All to no avail, of course.
Tell Apple what you think here: http://www.apple.com/feedback/macosx.html

Migration Assistant, Target Disk Mode and Bluetooth Keyboards

Wanted to migrate my iMac setup to a new MBP last night. Kept trying to start up my iMac in target disk mode and it would only boot normally not in TD. Finally realized that my bluetooth keyboard was the culprit in that it wasn't connected once the iMac shut off for the restart. Thankfully I had a wired keyboard; plugged it in and migration went as advertised. Nowhere (that I could find) in the Migration Asst. prompts does it mention anything about needing a wired keyboard to restart as a TD. Did I miss something basic? If not, shouldn't Apple make mention of this to avoid confusion and frustration?
BTW, the new MBP rocks!

Yes, that tidbit of info is buried in a support article, as is some other Migration Assistant documentation. But it would be far better if the app had its own comprehensive, searchable Help built into it, just like most other apps from Apple. Note that when you launch Migration Assistant, there isn't even a Help menu, nor are there any question mark in purple circle icons in its windows to offer context sensitive help.
Basically, that's what I requested in my feedback to Apple.

Migration Assistant Target disk blues

Hello,
Just bought a new MacBook running 10.4.6, and launched Migration Assistant to bring over some applications from my Dual-500 G4 Powermac running 10.3.9. As requested by Migration Assistant, I connected the computers using firewire, then started up the G4 as a target disk. The bouncing firewire symbol appeared onscreen on the G4, and an orange firewire disk icon appears on the MacBook (with the G4's name).
Still, the Migration Assistant fails to recognize the disk. And when I click on the MacBook's desktop, attempting to open the drive, the computer freezes.
I contacted Apple, who told me the problem might be that my G4 startup disk is a slave. I reconfigured it, so that it's the master. No luck. I also pulled System 9 from the G4's startup disk (in case the MacBook is somehow getting caught up on the first system it finds, and can't make it to OSX). Still no luck. Anyone have any ideas?
Thanks...

Try this link
http://www.whoi.edu/CIS/services/desktop/macintosh/howto/filetransfer.html
You can also try it the other way start up the new mac in target mode and drag your file from the old mac. open the firewire icon and mac a new folder and drag and drop the file you want into the folder so its doing it the other way putting files onto it not taking them off the macbook

HT2518 Migration Assistant set up new user to which I don't have access to any of the files!!!

I tried to transfer my PC files using Migration Assistant. It set up another user and when I try and go to that users files, it says that I don't have permission to access them. What do I do now?

I'm going to assume the consolidating files does not work due to hard drive space limitations.
Since you're moving to Windows 7, have you tried using the Windows files and settings transfer utility? That will move everything for you to the same location on the new computer, it also allows some control over what actually gets moved.
Alternatively, if you know the location of all of the media, it can be manually moved by copying it from the old computer to the new computer in the same location.
Also, using the Apple article on moving the library, take a slight twist on what it says. Move the iTunes library to the external drive, update the settings in iTunes to reflect the library being on the external drive, then consolodate it.
The options are endless for moving the library... it simply takes a little effort to make it happen and possibly a twist on existing "standard" methods depending on your unique situation.

How to use migration assistant when the same user account name is on both computers

I want to migrate all my info from my MacBook to my new (to me) MacBook Pro. I've already set up a user account on the new MBP that has the same name as the user account on the MacBook that I want to migrate.

Snags40 wrote:
In both cases the UID for my primary User Account is 507
507? That's odd; usually the first one created is 501, then 502, etc. Could you have gone through 6 accounts?
Since I've migrated thru several Macs to get to the current state on the old MacBook, I suspect the UID has changed.
That could explain some of it, if you used Migration Assistant instead of Setup Assistant. It would have taken a lot of migrations and user accounts to get to 507, I'd think.
I still have the Powerbook that preceded the MacBook. How can I determine the UID on 10.4.11? The right click on the Account name in User Accounts doesn't show that value. I'd like to see if UID has changed going from 10.4 to 10.5.
Good question. I skipped Tiger, and don't recall earlier versions, but this article may help: http://hints.macworld.com/article.php?story=20051022175850619&query=change%252BU ID

Migration assistant will it delete my new profile and info?

I bought a new mac several months ago and in my eagerness I set it up. after a few months I realised I needed quite a few files from my Time machine I had from my old computer. If I do a migration assistant, will it erase all of the things I have since put on the the new computer (movies, music, files etc). Confused, I cant find an answer to this anywhere.

No, it won't erase anything.
But if you transfer one or more user accounts, they will be separate from your existing accounts -- it cannot "merge" the data into an existing account. See Using Migration Assistant on Lion for the gory details.
Depending on the circumstances, you may be able to restore selected items from the backups, via the "Star Wars" display. To see the backups for a different Mac, you'll need the Browse ... option, perTime Machine - Frequently Asked Question #17.

Migration Assistant did not move user, now Keychains by the old user

There are a lot of posts about migrating to Leopard but I didn't find this particular issue:
I used the Migration Assistant after finishing the installation on my new MacBook (10.5.6). I set it to move one user account, software, documents and everything else (save networking preferences) from my old PowerBook G4 (10.4.11).
Instead of moving the user, it moved everything from that user and put it under a user on the new MacBook. That is to say, it did not create a new user on my new machine which would have had the name of the old user. Now everything is there and seems to work fine, but the Keys still carry the name of old user.
Has something gone wrong or is that the normal way fro Migration Assistant to do things? Is there a problem having the Keys under a different name from the user name?
(I noticed that when I first put Migration Assistant to work during the installation process, it did move entire users, so that the user account would be identical with the old machine in my new machine. However, due to problems relating to Intel and non-intel software I had to reinstall the system, after which I proceded according to what I explained above.)

Jyrki:
I have been using a Mac for twenty years because I considered it simple. But if one has to resort to procedures like described in the link you provided, one might as well use a PC...
That's interesting. I, too, have been using Macs for 20 years, and I found the procedure moving from PPC Mac to Intel to be very helpful. I had a very smooth transition, and I feel right at home on my new Intel Mac. Everything is exactly where it was on my Pismo, and it's great. Incidentally, I once thought of getting a PC and my youngest daughter, whom I raised on a Mac, scolded me soundly
cornelius

Migration Assistant & Target Disc: Deleted User

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