Transfer some items from iMac to new MacBook Pro

I am buying a new laptop and want to transfer some not all of my files from my iMac to the new MacBook Pro.
When I bought my iMac 2 years ago I just transferred everything from my old Mac to the new one via USB I think.
Again I do not want to transfer everything.
The laptop is a secondary computer to take with us on the road and or my wife can play her games and not try up the main computer.
Thanks in advance,
Greg

Your best bet is to use Setup Assistant when your new Mac first starts up. Transfer your User accounts and some or all of the contents of the home folders (you can't pick and chose individual files, but you can omit some broad categories). See How do I set up a new Mac from my old Mac or its backups? for details. Then you can delete what you don't want.
The reason you should do it that way is, the user accounts on both Macs will then be the same; each account on one Mac will have the same permissions to data for the same account on the other Mac, and other drives as well, such as your backups.

Similar Messages

How do I transfer apps & files from old to new macbook pro

How do I transfer apps, files & settings from old to new macbook pro?

http://pondini.org/OSX/MigrateLion.html

Transfer CS from iMac to new macbook pro

I have a new macbook pro and I want to use that instead of my imac. I need help in trying to trasfer my creative suite from one to the other as I presume there is only one licence per product? Anyway - I bought CS3 on disc but then upgraded to CS5 online. I'm not quite sure how I should attempt to do this. Do I install the CS3 and then try and get the upgrade from there?
Hope I am not being too dumb in asking this. But I am drawing a blank!

I will move this post to the installation forum since you posted in storage and sharing. You willl be better feedback there.

Migrating from iMac to new MacBook Pro

Currently I have a iMac, serial number QP833*ZE5, 2.4 GHz, with Snow Leopard 10.6.2
I will be getting a new MacBook Pro shortly.
What I would like to do is have absolutely everything on the MacBook be a duplicate of what is on my iMac.
And I can do this by simply restoring the MacBook from my stored iMac cloned disk image.
So, my question is "Is this OK?", or are there ANY differences at the System level (any at all) between my iMac 10.6.2 and the new MacBook Pro 10.6.2?
.. or, in any case, would you seriously encourage using Migration Assistant to port from my stored disk image clone? I say "from the stored clone" because this clone is on an external firewire drive which would be connected to the MacBook Pro.
Thanks in advance for answering.
John Love
<Edited by Host>

As a rule, it is not a good idea to try to restore from an older Mac's startup volume (or a clone of it) to a newer model. This is because the newer model may require a later version of the OS to support its newer hardware & the result will be a new Mac that can't start up. (See Don't install a version of Mac OS X earlier than that which came with your Mac for info about this.)
However, from Mac OS X versions (builds) included with Intel-based Macs, it appears that currently at least, a new MacBook Pro should be able to boot from any version of Snow Leopard, so a restore from the iMac running 10.6.2 should be OK.
But keep in mind that Setup Assistant will run the first time you power up your new MBP, & it will offer to run the equivalent of Migration Assistant to copy everything not already installed from another Mac (or a cloned drive of it) to the MBP. Since this will not replace any apps or OS components included on the BMP will older versions from the iMac, but can copy over everything else (except system settings that don't apply & you don't need anyway), it is a good, perhaps even better, option for you.
Besides, you really don't want to duplicate absolutely everything from the iMac -- many of the files on it are just temporary working files, caches, etc. that the MBP will just discard or ignore.

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 to export my mailboxes from Imac to new Macbook Pro?

I am getting a new Macbook Pro 13" today (not sure if it will ship with Snow Leopard). How can I just move all of my mailbox contents, and maybe bookmarks from Safari and other account information over from my Imac Time Machine backup. A few months ago I used my Time Machine from the Imac to move everything over to the new portable, including PHotos and all documents, etc. Is there a way of picking and choosing during setup assistance just a few things.
The other option is whether I can simply export the contents of my mailbox into a file--two accounts--over to the new computer? Can I do the same with the contents of Iphoto and ITunes?
Thanks

See the following:
Folders You Can Move to Your new Mac
From the Home folder copy the contents of Documents, Movies, Music, Pictures, and Sites.
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/iTunes (copy the whole folder)
/Home /Library/Safari (copy the whole folder)
/Home /Library/Calendars (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
For FireFox:
/Home/Library/Applications Support/FireFox
/Home/Library/Preferences/org.mozilla.firefox.plist
Credit goes Macjack for this information.
You can connect the two computers with a FireWire cable and use Target Disk Mode to copy from one machine to the other.

Problems migrating from iMac to new MacBook Pro

I just bought a MacBook Pro and am trying to use MA to migrate stuff from my iMac (Intel, OSX 10.4.11) to my MacBook Pro (Intel, OSX 10.6.3).
Problem is, every time I try ("from" iMac "to" MacBook Pro), my iMac IDs my MacBook Pro and asks for the passcode, I give it, it then asks for the passcode again, I give it again, then it churns away with the message that it's "looking for other computers". On and on and on and gets stuck in this mode.
I'm using ethernet between the two. Tried wireless also. Same issue. Downloaded the Migration & DVD/CD Sharing Update onto the iMac; it's already on the MacBook Pro. Same problem persists.
Any suggestions? (among the ten zillion firewire cables I have, none fits the MacBook Pro, so haven't tried firewire yet).
Thanks.

See:
Mac OS X 10.3, 10.4- Transferring data with Setup Assistant/Migration Assistant FAQ
OS X 10.4- Issues migrating to Mac OS X 10.5 via network connection and Migration Assistant
OS X 10.4- Issues migrating to Mac OS X 10.5 via network connection and Migration Assistant
And, selecting Mac Help from the Finder's Help menu and searching for "migrate" should find additional help.
The 10.5 document may still be useful to you since it specifically deals with the dialog you reported. Obviously it is a known problem if Apple has published a knowledge base article dealing with it.

Transfer all music from iphone to new macbook pro

I would like to transfer all my songs from my iphone which was sync with a PC to my new macbook book pro, i have transfered all the itunes purchased songs but cannot transfer all the other songs. I have transfered all contacts etc... to the new macbook, but no joy with the remaining songs. can anyone help?

The conventional way to do this would be to just grab the songs from the PC where they originated. However, if you'd rather pull them directly from the iPhone, you'll need a 3rd party tool such as PhoneView. I hope this helps!

Transfer iTunes Library and iPhone Sync data from old iMac to new Macbook Pro

Hi,
I bought a macbook pro in September last year, previous to this I had an iMac. This has all my music and iTunes stored on it.
Is there a way to transfer my iTunes over to my new Macbook Pro and sync my iPhone as if my phone thinks it's the same computer, so I don't have to restore my phone or set it up as a new one.
Thanks.

harryfromchesterfield wrote:
Is there a way to transfer my iTunes over to my new Macbook Pro and sync my iPhone as if my phone thinks it's the same computer,
Yes.
Simply copy the entire /Music/iTunes folder from old computer to /Music/ on new computer.
See this -> How to move your iTunes library to a new computer - Apple Support

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 have a Power Mac G4 (2004) and want to transfer all my files to a new MacBook Pro 15.4". Can this be done thru firewire cable or do I have to transfer to an external Firewire 800 hard drive first?

I have a Power Mac G4 (2004) and want to transfer all my files to a new MacBook Pro 15.4". Can this be done thru firewire cable or do I have to transfer to an external Firewire 800 hard drive first?

Do it with a Firewire cable (buy a 800/400 adapter if you need it) - the USB transfer takes a much longer time.
Start up your old PowerMac G4 holding down the "T" key, for target disk mode.
On your new MacBook Pro open "Migration Assistant" in your utilities folder.
Connect the 2 computers by firewire cable and follow the prompts in Migration Assistant.

I have lightroom and photoshop cs6 on a windows computer. How do I transfer downloads and photos to my new Macbook pro

I have Lightroom and Photoshop cs6 on a windows computer. How do I transfer these programs and to my new MacBooks pro?

So how do I do it?

How to transfer Address Book from old iMac to new MacBook Pro?

I will soon be getting a MacBook Pro 15" Intel Core i5 with Snow Leopard and want to transfer my Address Book from my old 2003 iMac flat 15" panel running 10.4.11. What is the best way to do that? Is there a particular file or folder that I can copy onto a flash drive to transfer to the new computer? Or can I use my Mobile Me Backup that is on my external drive (or on CD) to do it even though the Backup on the new computer would be a newer version from the older Backup that has the data? I would like to avoid having to use the Migration Assistant if I can, since it looks like that is designed to transfer whole categories of files (like all "files and folders", etc.), which I don't want to do. Thanks in advance for the help.

When I bought my new MacBook Pro, the sales person showed me how to do the V-card method that you suggested. I tried it at home, and it worked. I have been worrying for years about the best way to do this, so was very relieved to find such a simple method. David Pogue in the Tiger Missing Manual also mentioned another tip which I used: he said to select all the address entries you want to transfer (in my case it was all of them) and then just drag the whole lot out onto the desktop. A V-card icon appeared that said: "Name of Person plus 344 others". I then copied that to a flash drive and then onto the new computer desktop. I then dragged it into the Address Book window. As you said it was done in a matter of seconds. Thank you so much!

I uses Time Machine to transfer files and program from old to new MacBook Pro. Aperture doesn't work. Every time I open Aperture the computer need me to key in Serial number. How do I fix it.

Hi There,
I purchased a new MacBook Pro Retina 15". Since I am using MacBook Pro and I uses Time Machine for backup files and program. Store saleman tell me I can retore my existing program and files from old MacBook Pro to new MacBook Pro computer. After files transfer it seem to be OK. But only Aperture has a problem when every time I open Aperture to edit photos, MacBook Pro ask me to key in the Aperture Serial Number that made me so inconvinent. Did any one have meet this problem and can someone teach me how to fix it, Thanks.
Nelson

Either the license files were not transferred or it has to be relicensed.
Remove and then re-install aperture. On an rMBP this should take only a couple of minutes.

How do i transfer files from pc to new macbook pro running yosemite

I want to transfer documents, pictures and iTunes library from Dell pc running Windows Vista to new MacBook pro running Yosemite.

Use the Migration Assistant, or move the files manually through file sharing or an external drive. If you've already set the MacBook Pro up and use the Migration Assistant, the files will be put into a different user account.
(119281)

Transfer some items from iMac to new MacBook Pro

Similar Messages

Maybe you are looking for