Question about transfering documents to new mac

If i had bought a new mac i was wondering if there was a way to transfer all my music and documents from my old one to my new one possibly through USB or some easy way. Doesnt matter how it gets done but as long as it is safe and easy. please let me know.

This article explains the best way to do it.
Target Disk Mode is another solution.
Either way you'll need a 6-pin to 6-pin FireWire cable.

Similar Messages

  • Question about transferring files from a Mac

    Hi there!
    I want to ask about the new iPad mini (and or the iPad 3) especially with transferring files from a Mac.
    I normally just do the "normal" way of transferring files (.doc files, .mp3 files or .mp4 video files) i.e. via the USB port of my Mac. But is there a faster, easier and a wireless way to do it?
    Please advice.
    Thanks.

    onslaught wrote:
    I couldn't find Dropbox on the Mac App Store but i could find Dropcopy in there.
    Stupid question: will i need to also install Dropcopy on my iPad 3/iPad mini in order for my files to be transferred?
    Yes, it will need to,install it on any machine you wish to use it on.
    also, you should spend some time on the Drobbox website to see how it works. You won't find it in the Mac App Store, but can still easily using it on a Mac.

  • Question about transferring music to new accounts

    OK, so I had all my music on an old desktop that had the iTunes I got when I installed my first iPod. Since then, that computer has started crashing and I eventually just got my own laptop. Before I did that, I lost my old iPod and got a new one (I originally had a firt generation nano, then I got a third generation nano).
    Then when I got my new laptop recently, we installed iTunes on that. Since the old desktop computer was getting old and unreliable, we had our networking guy set up all my music onto my laptop account of iTunes when he set up my laptop to pick up our wireless internet. He did, but now the iTunes on my computer refuses to find any music except what I have bought from the iTunes store on this laptop. By every single one of my old songs is the exclamation point symbol, saying "unable to locate file". Which, of course, I can't do.
    I've checked the authorization and fixed it so this laptop is the only account authorized to play my music.
    Anyone got help for me? Since I got my 3rd gen. iPod nano used off of eBay, I am not covered for Apple's 'phone support' or I could just use that.

    Looking back, I see you have a new iPod (sorry, missed that first time around). Do you have all the tracks on that? If so, then there are third-party utilities that can transfer tracks from an iPod back into iTunes. If you don't have the tracks on your iPod, though, then you'll have to reimport since you don't have any other source for your tracks other than your CDs.

  • Question about transferring to new mbp

    I am a senior in high school this year and have had my macbook since 8th grade and can't even begin to say how much I love it! I am most likely going to be getting a new mbp in the near future for college and had a few questions about transferring files/applications over. I am pretty good with computers and yes I do realize that there is the migration assistant as well as time machine backups. I have kept time machine backups on an external drive ever since leopard and want to know when I get the new machine if I could just do a time machine restore. (Would this method keep the new ilife on the new mbp because I don't have 09) I also also upgraded the hdd from an 80gb to a 320 gb drive and have partitioned it to run win7 through bootcamp. Would win7 and all the settings automatically be transferred as well. In addition I am using virtual box to run ubuntu within osx. I have also downloaded countless applications online and wanted to know how they would transfer over If I don't have the disk or serial numbers to them. It seems it may be easier just to slap this hdd in the new mbp but I'm not sure if thats possible. Again thanks for the help

    Welcome to Apple Discussions.
    If your old Macbook is a Intel based machine it would be to your benefit to use Migration Assistant to get your new MBP up. With MA assistant you have options of transferring information from your Macbook from either Firewire, USB or Ethernet connections. MA will walk you through how to connect the two machines together and ask what data you want transferred. If the Macbook is Intel based and you choose all of the options MA will make a mirror of the settings, data etc.. onto the new MBP. If your old machine is a PPC machine it is strongly advised not migrate items such as applications to the new machine due to possible incompatibilities. MA will also ask if you want to use a Time Machine drive to migrate the data to the new machine so you do have options. If you choose that route remember Time Machine _does not_ back up Windows so you would not be able to migrate that information using MA.
    Your question has been asked many many times, I would recommend do a thread search and you will find some very useful information.
    Regards,
    Roger

  • Getting a new macbook, questions about transferring files with Time Machine

    I now plan to switch computers to one of the new Macbook pros. Since I now use Time Machine, I'm planning to just upload the backup to the new computer when I get it. the backups are able to be transferred to a new one for an upgrade right?
    Also, I had to switch hard drives once about 2 years ago, and when I did, the backup DVD I made for my iTunes didn't remember which of my ~2000 songs are checked and which aren't, leaving me to have to do it manually over the course of a few weeks. Will Time Machine do this for me?
    I'm also running Leopard atm, will there be any problems uploading all the info since the new computer will be running Snow Leopard, and the backup was made through Leopard?

    falkner09 wrote:
    I now plan to switch computers to one of the new Macbook pros. Since I now use Time Machine, I'm planning to just upload the backup to the new computer when I get it. the backups are able to be transferred to a new one for an upgrade right?
    Not via a full system restore. You want to use +Setup Assistant+ when the new Mac first starts up. You can transfer directly from the old Mac, or it's backups. See [Setting up a new Mac from an old one or its backups|http://web.me.com/pondini/AppleTips/Setup.html] (or use the link in *User Tips* at the top of the +Snow Leopard > Installation and Setup+ forum).
    Firewire from the old Mac will be fastest, by far. If you use your network, connect via Ethernet cable; wireless will take an eternity.
    Also, I had to switch hard drives once about 2 years ago, and when I did, the backup DVD I made for my iTunes didn't remember which of my ~2000 songs are checked and which aren't, leaving me to have to do it manually over the course of a few weeks. Will Time Machine do this for me?
    It should.
    I'm also running Leopard atm, will there be any problems uploading all the info since the new computer will be running Snow Leopard, and the backup was made through Leopard?
    That's what +Setup Assistant+ is all about; it transfers everything except the old version of OSX.

  • Transferring data to new mac without old one

    I am in Africa and planning to leave my laptop behind and buy a new one when I return to the US. I want to transfer music, pictures, and some documents on pages to my future mac. I currently have a mac notebook that is about 6 years old and I think the most recent software it has is snow leopard. I do not have a flash drive or external hard drive. I have wifi most of the time but it is ungodly slow and spotty. Is there a way to transfer the data without having both the old and new mac next to each other? I would also prefer to find a way that does not require a flash drive or external hard drive because I would have to ship it here and whether it would get here not broken, not stolen, and within two months before I leave is extremely questionable. Thanks for your help!

    Taking out the hard drive is almost as easy as removing he battery! You'll need a small 00 Philips screwdriver and a T8 torx driver to remove the hard drive bracket. Here are instructions. http://www.ifixit.com/Guide/MacBook+Core+2+Duo+Hard+Drive+Replacement/514/1

  • Is App data transfered to my new Mac when I click "Transfer Purchases"?

    I've been using my iPhone on a PC, it died, and I bought a Mac Pro. I am trying to sync my phone to the new Mac. I transferred all my purchases off the phone, synced contacts, notes, and photos. Now I want to enable syncing of Apps and Music.
    I know the Music will be wiped, no problem. And I know the Apps will be wiped and replaced with the apps transfered to the Mac. But what about the App data?
    I've searched the forum but I can't find an answer as to whether or not the App data is transferred off the iPhone when I went through the "Transfer Purchases" stuff. And I REALLY don't want to lose the app data!
    For example I use an app to track my smoking habits so I can cut down on smoking and eventually quit (Down from a pack a day to half a pack in just a month!).
    Any help will be appreciated.

    I'll answer my own question for anyone else that needs the answer.
    The answer is YES.
    I backed up my iPhone first (Right click on iPhone under devices and click backup) and then checked the Sync applications box on the applications tab and synced. It worked.
    I want to thank myself tremendously for all my help! I really couldn't have done it without me.

  • My MBA is being shipped, question about transferring files from old PB

    Hey guys,
    I just ordered a new 13" MBA and am anxiously awaiting for it to arrive... I currently have a 12" Powerbook G4 with 10.5.8 that I use an external drive to back up with time machine.
    My question is this; when I get my MBA will I be able to use the time machine back up to migrate my files even though my old computer has an older version of Mac OS on it?

    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

  • Transferring iphoto to new mac

    HI! So I knew I was getting a new macbook pro with OS X 10.9, so i backed up my old mac onto a harddrive with everything that was on it. Now I am looking to put my old iphoto library and itunes library onto my new mac, but I cant seem to figure out how to do it. Also it seems that my iphoto library is about 12.5 gb which seems HUGE???
    any advice would be gladly appreciated!!

    12.5 gigs is not a big iPhoto Library. Mine is more than 300.
    Drag the Library to the Pictures Folder on the new Mac.
    Hold down the option (or alt) key key and launch iPhoto. From the resulting menu select 'Choose Library' and point it at the Library you copied over.

  • Question about switching from pc to mac

    I am going to be purchasing a new computer in March. I am seriously considering switching to a mac. I've owned a mac before and I obviously have my reasons for wanting to go back...however...I've always been a pc and all of my software is pc based...and a lot of them I no longer have the install discs for. I'm a designer and my main concern is losing the ability to use my software, such as Adobe CS4 because I dont' know if it will be compatible with the mac. My question is, is there a way to transfer my software from my pc to a mac without any external hard drives and without having to buy all new software for the new mac? This is going to be the deciding factor on whether or not I go with a mac instead of a new pc. I really could use some input on this. Thanks so much.

    If you've bought your Mac, be sure to exchange your Windows CS4 license before CS5 comes out. Adobe will only do a cross-platform swap on the current version (which I found out the hard way!)
    Take a look here: http://kb2.adobe.com/cps/405/kb405819.html
    I have heard of a lot of folks having trouble getting a cross-platform swap. Also, don't believe anything an Adobe customer support rep tells you. They are either "misinformed" or they flat-out lie.
    Best of luck!

  • I am not able to transfer/backup the cd's I puchased in a physical store and uploaded to iTunes transfered to my new mac

    I uploaded many cd's to my MacBook Pro years ago and since donated to the local thrift shop. I have a fairly new Mac Air now and am giving the 'pro' to my son. I have tried backing up the music in my iTunes library to an external drive and all that seems to have moved over are the purchased songs. Even a trip to our local mac shop did not help as it resulted in the same library transferred. How do I move this music? It shows correctly in  iTunes on the pro but does not seem to want to move off. Am I able to add it to my library on the Mac Air? Is it stored in another location than purchased songs on my old 'pro'?  Thanks for your help, lots of great music there I do not want to lose!!

    Might need a third party utility.
    See the post by Zevoneer here >  Transfer Non-Purchased Songs?: Apple Support Communities

  • Transferring files to new Mac from pc

    Hi, our old PC recently crashed and we have now "seen the light" and bought a new mac. Luckily, we were able to get a back-up of the hard drive of the old PC. I was wondering how to get my music from the back-up discs of my PC into I -tunes on my mac. I have seen lots of posts on new computers, but all seem to tell me to consolidate my old library etc. - which I don't have the option of doing. I tried moving my new music folder (albums I've bought on the new mac) to the desktop and copying the I-tunes folder to the music directory on the new machine, but when i open i-tunes it did not find any of the old music.
    Any help would be appreciated.
    imac   Mac OS X (10.4.7)  

    Found another discussion that answered my question.

  • Transferring iTunes to new Mac - several problems

    I'm upgrading from an old MacPro, OS X version 10.6.8 to a new Mac Mini, version 10.10.2.  iTunes versions 11.2.2 to 12.1.0.   I updated iTunes on the New Mac, and registered the New Mac with the iTunes Store.  I then connected the two Macs and transferred the entire iTunes directory from Old Mac to New Mac.  But:
    (1)  I only see 39 of my 161 apps in the app view.  The missing apps aren't listed at all.
    (2)  My play lists are all messed up - like they're old versions of the playlists
    (3)  All my Apple Store purchased music is listed as "in the cloud" rather than being local and resident on the New Mac, even though all the files transferred
    (4)  My Audible-purchased audiobooks are also not present in the library list even though all the ".aa" files transferred
    Thinking I screwed up, I trashed the entire iTunes directory on the New Mac and did the whole process over again.  And I checked in iTunes Preferences Advanced to ensure the library was pointing to the right directory.
    Help!  I really shouldn't have to re-download all my songs, re-download all my audiobooks, re-download ~130 apps, and rebuild all my playlists.  Please tell me it is something simple.
    Many advanced thanks.

    Moving a library: Quick answer if you use iTunes' default preferences settings:  Copy the entire iTunes folder (and in doing so all its sub-folders and files) intact to the other drive.  Hold down the option (alt) key (shift on Windows) and open iTunes.  At the prompt to create or choose a library choose the copied iTunes folder.
    When this is to a new computer put the copied iTunes folder in the default location of Macintosh HD > Users > *User Name* > Music  then you don't even need to start with the option key held down, iTunes will automatically look for it there.  (Make sure there isn't anything already in the iTunes folder there that you want to keep since you will be replacing it with the one you are moving.)
    If you did the above and it did not work then sometime in the past you did something that changed the configuration of iTunes files on your computer.  We will not know for sure what to advise unless you tell us what it was you did.
    Longer answers if for any reason you do not think all library files are inside your iTunes folder (changed preferences settings at some point):
    iTunes: How to move [or copy] your music [library] to a new computer [or another drive] - http://support.apple.com/kb/HT4527 - a somewhat bewildering and not always easily understandable set of options.
    For the record there's this reference for iTunes 11 but it really doesn't strike me as having the specifics you need. iTunes 11 for Mac: Move your library to another computer - http://support.apple.com/kb/PH12168
    2011 ilounge article: Transferring your iTunes library - http://www.ilounge.com/index.php/articles/comments/moving-your-itunes-library-to -a-new-hard-drive/  - An article with good background information (similar to the links above), particularly if you are not sure your media files are all grouped for quick answer above. Unfortunately under the single term "transferring library" it describes two very different moves; relocating just your media (not  really transferring your library and not recommended unless you really need this configuration), and relocating media+database (really your whole "library").  Make sure you understand the difference before electing to move only media.

  • Transferring iTunes to new Mac from Windows

    Hello, My wife and I both have iPhone 4s, and just purchased a MacBook Air, and recently updated to Lion OS. Previously, our iTunes / iPhones was on a Windows XP OS.
    We are having trouble properly running the phones iTunes accounts on the new MacBook Air. I have also tried setting up “Home-sharing” for my home MacBook Air and work Windows XP OS, but seems not to work correctly, so would like to cancel “Home-sharing” on the MacBook Air and Windows and just use the Mac for updating iTunes (podcast).
    We had the same iTunes account for both devices on our home Windows OS, but would like to make separate accounts on the new MacBook Air machine.
    It would be highly grateful to receive advice on how to reinstall iTunes and setting up our phones on 2 different accounts on the MacBook Air. 
    Thank you in advance for the kind assistance.
    Thomas

    I have the same exact question. Why doesn't apple have better documentation????
    Question: how do I move my entire library PLUS ALL THE ASSOCIATED PLAYLISTS/RATING HISTORY/SKIP HISTORY/PLAYCOUNT HISTORY/etc, WITHOUT CREATING DUPLICATES, to my new mac from my Vista machine?
    My situation: Vista machine; meta data saved on my Vista machine hard drive*, but the music files are on an external hard drive.
    Solution: ???. (I'm guessing it's as simple as saving the library meta file to a cd, then put the cd in the mac, and double click the file, and then all that library info would be added to iTunes on the mac .... but then how do you then add the music to the mac so that the library finds each song that it's supposed to find, without creating duplicates, while keeping all your rating history, skip history, playcount, playlists, etc???)
    Thanks so much!!!
    http://www.screencast.com/users/washingtonpondfrog/folders/Jing/media/f2055a75-0 776-46f8-be53-4ab5c4fba397
    http://www.screencast.com/users/washingtonpondfrog/folders/Jing/media/1070b10b-6 c90-4de7-86b9-4fd096d8ed5f

  • Transferring itunes to new mac from pc via external harddrive

    hi
    does anyone know how to transfer my itunes library from my old pc to my new mac without wading through thousands of discs ?
    thank you anyone !?

    Choose Consolidate Library from the Advanced menu in iTunes, copy the folder \Documents and Settings\username\My Documents\My Music\iTunes to the external drive, where username is your account's name, and move it to the folder named Music of the folder in the Finder's sidebar with the house icon, renaming items as needed.
    (23990)

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