Trying to transfer old macbook files to new

I have been searching everywhere for an answer to my problem for hours, with no luck, so please forgive me for posting a new topic about it if it really is out there somewhere.
Here's the situation:
I have a white 13 in MacBook from late 07, my children spilled water on it & fried the power management components, repair is $780 (quoted from Apple). Needless to say, I'm not paying that kind of $ to save my almost 4 year old mac when my husband has a 1 yr old aluminum mac that is virtually unused. I have all the data from my white mac on a WD MyBook for Mac external drive. Thankfully I was able to get it completely backed up before the power component totally failed. I didn't use Time Machine to do the backup, because it was stalling & I was worried the mac wouldn't stay powered long enough, so I used WD's Smartware backup software. My husband's aluminum mac is also backed up on the MyBook.
How do I transfer my backup to my husband's macbook? Whenever I have tried retrieving the backup from my mac it asks if i want to overwrite my husband's mac's info. Does this mean that basically I can't merge both of our backups onto the same mac? I have tried using the Migration Assistant to transfer, but the only backup that shows up is my husbands. My backup is showing up on the WD Software and I have copied a couple of files onto my husbands macbook, but I'm not tech savvy enough to know where to copy everything manually (itunes, photos, library, etc).
My MacBook contained all our music, photos, documents so it is imperative that I be able to transfer my info to my husbands macbook. I would appreciate and help you all can give me because I am at a loss at what to do.

Welcome to Apple Discussions!
I think the only way Migration Assistant can do a restore is either from Time Machine, or a clone backup, or the actual original bootable copy. If the Western Digital backup is not a clone or an Apple recognizable format, it won't work. I would contact Western Digital to verify what format the backup is in.
Message was edited by: a brody

Similar Messages

  • Trying to transfer a large file using new ipod touch.

    I am trying to transfer a large file (17gigs)using my new ipod touch. I got a new laptop and i am trying to get some things on it. I was able to do this last time with my old ipod classic. It would let me copy/paste the file or drag it. But with the ipod touch i can not do either of those. Any help will be appreciated. Thank you very much.
    Message was edited by: usagisailormoon
    Message was edited by: usagisailormoon

    ah really. ok thank you very much.

  • How to use Migration Assistant when trying to transfer from MacBook to a new iMac via Ethernet cable

    I've been trying to transfer data from my MacBook to my new iMac via Ethernet cable and I get to the point of the transfer starting. Then on my iMac the Migration Assistant shuts down and takes me back to my desktop. Any ideas on why this keeps happening?

    Start over, restoring the OS on the new machine, and follow the steps outlined in  Pondini's Setup New Mac guide using the Setup Assistant.

  • How to transfer old synced files to New Desktop

    Moving to new Vista x64 desktop and want to transfer all the previous synced files, dates, etc. to my XP Home desktop.
    Want to download thelatest version of Desktop Software for my 8320 from Blackberry.com.
    1) Which BB DesktopSoftware version works best with Microsoft Vista x64?
    2) What do I need toknow in order to move the previously synced information from my old system? 
    3) Can’t transferapplications, so what application files do I need to transfer from my oldsystem to keep my previous information? For example, assuming I need to transfer *.pst files for when I syncedup my 8320 calendar and contact info to Outlook.  What else do I need to know?
    4) Is this transferprocess listed anywhere at Blackberry.com?
    BlackBerry 8320Smartphone (EDGE WiFi)
    V4.2.2.171 (Platform2.5.0.24)

    Bruno when you use Migration Assistant it creates an additional user. If you want the new machine to mirror the old machine I would recommend starting over, this time using Setup Assistant. The only thing to be cautious about is Applications, as you may know PPC based apps will not run in Lion. So check the old machine's apps to see which are PPC based, they will migrate to the new machine but will not run. If you have any then you will need to replace them with upgrades or alternatives. You can easily check which apps are PPC based on the old machine by opening About this Mac and selecting the bottom selection which brings up System Profiler. In SP click Applications on the left pane and it will soon populate, then look in the "Kind" column.
    If you need help with Setup Assistant I would recommend carefully reading and using Lion Setup Assistant tips beginning at "Second chance....."

  • I moved from an old macbook to a new one.  I copied all my files onto a hard drive.  On trying to setup my mail, i went into documents, microsoft user identities, office 2011 and it shows the database but wont let me select it.  Urgent help pls

    I moved from an old macbook to a new one.  I have installed Office for Mac 2011. I copied all my files from my old notebook onto a hard drive.  On trying to setup my mail, i went into my hard drive and accessed microsoft user identities, office 2011 and it shows the database but wont let me select it.  Its almost as if the file is there but not accessable.  I desperately need to access my old mail.  How do I do this?  I am fairly confident that I copied all files off my old notebook.  Is there a way for me to search for the Database file?  Maybe I copied it to a different location?  Urgent help please.

    Hello mafrerichs and welcome to Apple Support Communities,
    Simplest way is to use Target Disk mode:
    How to use and troubleshoot FireWire target disk mode - Apple Support
    and hook to another Mac and use CCC or SuperDuper and clone your HD to another drive.
    You could also pull the drive out of your MBP and use an external USB case or SATA - USB dongle to hook it to another Mac.
    "MacBook Pro (15-inch Late 2011),... have a 15" 2012 Macbook pro with 2gb of ram, i7 processor"
    That's a little confusing?

  • Best way to transfer files from old Macbook Pro to new one?

    I just got a new Macbook Pro from Apple...YEEEEAAAHHHH! 
    So....
    What's the best way to transfer files from old Macbook Pro to new one?  I know Migration assistant, but is there a recommended way?  I don't want to put do a system restore or transfer everything from the old laptop, but I do want to move important things like photos, music, documents and such over.  Any suggestions on best way to do this?
    Another question, perhaps subquestion.  If I have, say, an older version of iPhoto but a newer version of one on my new Macbook Pro, will it still transfer photos no problem?
    Just looking for hints from the experts so this puppy is set up in the best way possible.

    Just one comment on this:
    ‘If I have, say, an older version of iPhoto but a newer version of one on my new Macbook Pro, will it still transfer photos no problem?’
    the problems are ALWAYS in the reverse way, when you have the newest (or a newer) version of a given app, and wish to transfer its library to an older version.
    Otherwise, see the link to Pondini.
    I have been using Martin Jahn’s iBackup, with which I have become accustomed and works fine. It also makes daily backups. Its advantage over other apps is that you may add whatever you wish to save, beside its default settings (which you may delete or cancel, of course, even if not recommended); it also has a friendly interface and easily customizable. Of course, this is a personal view, you may try other methods as well, or other backup apps. All are good if you are satisfied and correspond to your needs.

  • I've just bought a new mac and I want to transfer the content from my old Macbook to my new. If I have iCloud enabled on both devices, is this simple, or is there a limit to what I can transfer? For example, can I upload word files to iCloud?

    I've just bought a new mac and I want to transfer the content from my old Macbook to my new. If I have iCloud enabled on both devices, is this simple, or is there a limit to what I can transfer? For example, can I upload word files to iCloud?

    iCloud is not the way to do this. You should use Migration Assistant - with this you can transfer your complete User folder from the old Mac including preferences and logins. You will need to connect the two with FireWire or USB depending on the models.
    Ideally you should do this before you set up the new Mac - if you create a user account with the same name than the Migration will have to give the migrated user folder a different name. When you first switch on the new Mac it should ask you if you want to transfer your data, and give you instructions.

  • Best way to transfer old Macbook to new Macbook, both with two hard drives?

    I am waiting for the new Macbook Pro's to come out, and I'm planning to upgrade my original 13in MBP. When I bought that MBP, I simply used Time Machine to copy my old Macbook to the new one. It work well.
    But I've since replaced the hard drive with a solid state drive that houses the application and OS, plus some working files (photos), and I removed the optical drive and installed a large harddrive where I keep the user files.
    I'm planning to order the new Macbook Pro with a larger SSD, and then replace the optical drive with a bigger hard drive, probably the one I currently have in my MBP.
    What will be the best practice to transfer everything over. I want to keep most of what was on my old machine, inlcuding preferences, etc — but I also don't want years and years of junk transfered over. I've gone from Leopard to Snow Leopard to Mountain Lion, and so probably some junk from there as well, and I'm hoping that Mavericks will come with the new MBP.
    Thanks for the help!

    Just one comment on this:
    ‘If I have, say, an older version of iPhoto but a newer version of one on my new Macbook Pro, will it still transfer photos no problem?’
    the problems are ALWAYS in the reverse way, when you have the newest (or a newer) version of a given app, and wish to transfer its library to an older version.
    Otherwise, see the link to Pondini.
    I have been using Martin Jahn’s iBackup, with which I have become accustomed and works fine. It also makes daily backups. Its advantage over other apps is that you may add whatever you wish to save, beside its default settings (which you may delete or cancel, of course, even if not recommended); it also has a friendly interface and easily customizable. Of course, this is a personal view, you may try other methods as well, or other backup apps. All are good if you are satisfied and correspond to your needs.

  • How to transfer CS6 from old macbook pro to new one?

    how to transfer CS6 from old macbook pro to new one?
    many thanks - is it something to do with deactivation?
    How long does it take for the whole process?

    do not transfer.  install all adobe products (including cs6) using their installer.
    the whole process depends on a number of factors, but generally takes more than 10 minutes and less than 2 hours.  the biggest factor is your download speed if you need to download the installation file(s).
    Downloads available:
    Suite:  CC | CS6 | CS5.5 | CS5 | CS4 | CS3
    Acrobat:  XI, X | 9,8
    Premiere Elements:  12 | 11, 10 | 9, 8, 7
    Photoshop Elements:  12 | 11, 10 | 9,8,7
    Lightroom:  5 | 4 | 3
    Captivate:  7 | 6 | 5
    https://helpx.adobe.com/download-install.html
    Download and installation help for Adobe links
    https://helpx.adobe.com/download-install.htmlDownload 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'.

  • I tried transferring my iphoto library from my old macbook onto my new macbook pro (via external hard drive), but when i open the new iphoto, it seems to have transferred ALL images ever used on my old macbook. so i tried to just del

    i tried transferring my iphoto library from my old macbook onto my new macbook pro (via external hard drive), but when i open the new iphoto, it seems to have transferred ALL images ever used on my old macbook. so i tried to just delete all those images so i could try a different approach to transferring, but the new iphoto won't let me do anything and every time i try to delete anything it crashes (since the image amount is so high).  please help!!
    MacBook Pro, OS X Mountain Lion (10.8.2), iphoto '11, version 9.4.2

    To move an iPhoto Library to a new machine:
    Link the two Macs together: there are several ways to do this: Wireless Network,Firewire Target Disk Mode, Ethernet, or even just copy the Library to an external HD and then on to the new machine...
    But however you do choose to link the two machines...
    Simply copy the iPhoto Library from the Pictures Folder on the old Machine to the Pictures Folder on the new Machine.
    Then launch iPhoto. That's it.
    This moves photos, events, albums, books, keywords, slideshows and everything else.

  • I tried transferring my iphoto library from my old macbook onto my new macbook pro, but when i open the new iphoto, it seems to have transferred ALL images ever used on my old macbook.  now iphoto won't let me do anything to fix!!

    i tried transferring my iphoto library from my old macbook onto my new macbook pro (via external hard drive), but when i open the new iphoto, it seems to have transferred ALL images ever used on my old macbook. so i tried to just delete all those images so i could try a different approach to transferring, but the new iphoto won't let me do anything and every time i try to delete anything it crashes (since the image amount is so high).  please help!!

    See http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1229?viewlocale=en_US - I doubt that it will solve your problem, though. You may want to post on the iPhoto forum - that's where all of the iPhoto experts hang out.
    Good luck,
    Clinton

  • How do i transfer data from my old macbook to a new macbook pro?

    how do i transfer data from my old macbook to a new macbook pro?
    i have an ether net cable will this help?

    I've used Migration Assistant in the past and it's working like a champ. You either want to connect your MBPs using a Firewire cable or have them connected to the same router with Ethernet cabling. Don't attempt a wifi transfer - it could take a whole day.
    Both links provided are good - they both point to various ways to transfer data. I just prefer MA.
    Clinton

  • How do i transfer music from my old macbook to my new macbook pro

    How do i transfer music from my old macbook to my new macbook pro?

    Click here and pick the option which best fits your situation.
    (107482)

  • How do I transfer data from an old MacBook to a new MacBook air?

    How do I transfer data from an old MacBook to a new MacBook air?

    Everything you need to know, right here. Make sure you read through it BEFORE you turn on the new Mac for the first time. This is because the preferred means is using Setup Assistant, which is only available form the first boot.
    http://pondini.org/OSX/Setup.html

  • Just bought a new IPad mini and trying to transfer game center files from Ipod.  How do I do this?

    Just bought a new IPad mini and trying to transfer game center files from Ipod.  How do I do this without losing level progress?

    Restore from your backup of your iPod on your computer.

Maybe you are looking for

  • Where can I buy a charger for an ipod mini 1st generation

    Where can I buy a charger for an ipod mini 1st generation

  • Thread management in servlet

    Here is the problem that i am trying to solve - and get better understanding of issues to look out for. 1) Problem to solve Clients sends an http request to an distributor server. The request contains a list of tasks. Each such task can be sent to a

  • SQL function for adding street, city and postal code.

    I would like to know how to add to my code to display the addresses. Any ideas? SELECT departments.department_name "Department Name", locations.state_province "Mailing Address" FROM departments, locations WHERE departments.location_id=locations.locat

  • How iPhoto treats RAW files?

    I was wondering about how iPhoto 06 works with RAW files. When photos are imported, the program places .NEFs (from my Nikon) into the 'Originals' folder and processed JPEGs into 'Modified'. In the library these photos have a "RAW" keyword and "Nikon

  • Outside-in service implementation from WSDL file for CAF and WS consumption

    Hi All, I'm having one of those weeks and struggling to get my head around a problem I have... I'm working on a CE 7.2 system (with no ESR as it's only a demo at the moment) with an SOA architect to deliver some demo capability for a customer.  The a