Using MBA to access library on old iMac

I want to share my old iMac’s iTunes library with my new MacBook Air (to save space). My iMac is about 5 years old; functional but very slow. Ideally I don’t want to touch the iMac and essentially leave it in sleep, using it as an external hard drive for iTunes and iPhoto. Would this be possible? For example, if I were to download an album from eMusic or Amazon to my MBA; how would I transfer this to the iMac and also add it to its iTunes library without accessing the iMac?
Additionally, am I able to sync my iPhone 4S with my MBA if I’m accessing all the files via my old iMac?
Is this a viable solution or would I be better off investing in a NAS device?
Apologies if this topic has been covered before.
Thank you.

I don't have a TC but I have seen others talking about how they used theirs for their iTunes library (as well as their backup which is not a good idea since then you don't have a backup for the iTunes library, but I digress). I remember asking in an Apple Store about the possibility of using it as a central file storage for multiple Macs, so it isn't hardwired into just using Time Machine. You'd get more complete and current information from somebody who has a newer computer than my 2002 G4.

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Using the Hard Drive from my old iMac

I have just purchased a new 2.8 Intel core 2 duo iMac and was wondering if I could somehow use the hard drive from my old iMac.
What I have done is buy a case for the hard drive from my old iMac thus making it an external. The question that I have is that since it [the old hard drive] is running OS 10.4 will my new Intel iMac even recognize it.
I would like to somehow switch ALL my vast iTunes library from the old hard drive to my new Intel iMac without have to resort to making as many as 15 data disk. If such a thing is possible how do I go about doing so?
Another thing that I would like to do once my iTunes library is on my new Intel iMac is use the old hard drive [since it is 500GBs] as the platform for all my games and my publishing interest. Doing so would allow me to free up space that I could more readily use for other interest on the 350GB hard drive that my new iMac came with.
HOW do I go about wiping the old hard drive clean so that I can use it thus?
Thank you all for any and all help and insight that you might give me.

You might also consider connecting the two computers into a network, and then transferring the files you need, or even keep both computers online and use network sharing to access files from both computers.
In reference to your question, if you extract the hard drive from your old Mac and put it in an external case, your new Mac will read it no prob. (10.4 is compatible with 10.5). The hard drive can be formatted (wiped clean) using Disk Utility application (click Application, Utilities).
In terms of importing files from old to the new Mac, you might consider using using the automated OS X feature to transfer user files from another Mac.

How can I restore files from my old iMac to this new purchased MacBook Air? I am using time machine backup in my old imac.

How can I restore files from my old iMac to this new purchased MacBook Air? I am using time machine backup in my old imac.

Hi,
Try Target Disk Mode
OS X Yosemite: Transfer files between two computers using target disk mode
There is also Migration Assistant.
OS X Yosemite: Transfer your info from a computer or storage device

Transfering photo library from old iMac to new iMac

I just got a new 24" iMac and want to transfer my photo library (~2000 photos) from my older iMac. Is there an easy way for me to do this which will keep all my photos still organized in albums? Or is there no way around it and I will have to reorganize them into albums again?
Any help is appreciated!
-P

Pierre C:
Welcome to the Apple Discussions. Yes, there's a very easy way. Connect the two computers together so you can copy from one to the other and then copy the iPhoto Library folder from the older iMac into the Pictures folder of the new iMac. After the copy is complete I suggest you download and run BatChmod on the iPhoto Library folder with the settings shown here, putting your administrator login name, long or short, in the owner and group sections. You can either type in the path to the folder or just drag the folder into that field. This will make sure the ownership and access permissions are correct for the new library.
One way to connect the two is to connect them with an ethernet cable and create a mini network. Or you can connect the two together with a Firewire cable and boot the old iMac into Target Disk Mode and then do the copy with the new iMac.
Do you Twango?
TIP: For insurance against the iPhoto database corruption that many users have experienced I recommend making a backup copy of the Library6.iPhoto database file and keep it current. If problems crop up where iPhoto suddenly can't see any photos or thinks there are no photos in the library, replacing the working Library6.iPhoto file with the backup will often get the library back. By keeping it current I mean backup after each import and/or any serious editing or work on books, slideshows, calendars, cards, etc. That insures that if a problem pops up and you do need to replace the database file, you'll retain all those efforts. It doesn't take long to make the backup and it's good insurance.
I've written an Automator workflow application (requires Tiger), iPhoto dB File Backup, that will copy the selected Library6.iPhoto file from your iPhoto Library folder to the Pictures folder, replacing any previous version of it. You can download it at Toad's Cellar. Be sure to read the Read Me pdf file.

Moving iTunes library from old imac to new iMac

Hi all
don't know if this the right forum - looked the iTunes forum and there was a similar question unanswered. It's a weird one and I can't work out what's going on.
My wife has just bought a G5 iMac (intel) and I'm helping her move her iTunes music over from her old G4. I've backed up her Music folder on to a portable hard drive using Personal Backup. The full Music folder is on the drive (checked before ejecting).
When I connect the hard drive to the new iMac and open the iTunes library half her songs are missing. I eject the the hard drive and she transfers a few more songs on to her new computer from her iPod. When I reconnect the hard drive and run iTunes - the additional songs are there. We try a few more using the iPod and - hey presto - her library is growing. It's still not complete though.
Each time we connect the hard drive and run iTunes we see the additional songs. But not her full library - even though I know it's on the hard drive. (went back and plugged into the old iMac to make sure. Hope all this making sense).
What seems to be happening is that opening the iTunes library from the portable hard drive only ever shows what's on the computer hard drive. (The new computer is authorised).
There must be something simple that I'm missing. Any help would be really appreciated.
Ian

Hi Ian,
If you wanted the library on the external HD I would have directly copied the iTunes folder from the old computer to the HD, then replaced the iTunes folder in the Music folder of the new machine with a shortcut to the folder on the HD. Should have worked fine. The other option would have been to simply copy from the external HD to the Music folder on the new machine.
Backup software isn't always all that helpful in some of these situations.
Karn.

What is the best way to transfer my iphoto library from old imac to new imac. both have iphoto 9.2.1

What is the best way to transfer my iphoto library from current imac to my new imac. Both imacs have iphoto 9.2.1
os on old imac is 10.6.8. os on new imac is 10.7.2. I want the albums and events to stay intact. I have 4500 photos and 79 videos. 14.9 gb. looking for some advice here. Thanks so much.

Connect the two Macs together (network, firewire target mode, etc) and drag the iPhoto library intact as a single entity from the old Mac to the pictures folder of the new Mac - launch iPhoto on the new mac and it will open the library and convert it as needed and you will be ready move forward.
LN

Is there a way to transfer music from my ipod to a new computer using itunes WITHOUT access to the old computer??

Is there a way to transfer music already downloaded on my ipod to my new laptop, without having access to the original computer with itunes?? It is on my boyfriend's computer and we broke up - not a good option to ask him to use his computer...now I'm worried I won't get all my music back!

Hi,
I don't know if you can help me any further, but maybe you can direct me somewhere that will??
I took your advice from above and went out and downloaded CopyTrans, paid the $20, downloaded everything - it worked beautifully!! Everything backed up and iTunes had all my songs.
Then I guess I'm a huge idiot or just got overzealous, so I plugged in my iPhone, because I had a few purchases on there and thought I could everything in one place on iTunes. Something happened really BAD and all my songs on iTunes deleted and were replaced with the few that I had on my phone, plugged my iPod back in and somehow I must have clicked on the wrong thing and the iPod synced with the iPhone songs! I feel sick to my stomach!! Is everything gone???
I did a "backup" in CopyTrans, but I have no idea where it was saved on my computer - when I go back into CopyTrans it acts like I need to pay again and doesn't show the backup file anywhere.
Do you have any ideas or know where I can go for help - or is it a lost cause?

Cable to connect old iMac as second screen for new iMac

Just bought the new iMac 27" with thunderbolt port. I understand I can hook up my old iMac (24" Mid 2007) and use it as second monitor. My challenge is confirming that, and then figuring out which cable to use.
The manual says the old iMac has a "Mini-DVI video out port", making it sound like it won't accept input. True?
If it will indeed accept input, what cable do I use to connect the two Macs?
If indeed I can't use the second iMac, I'll purchase a separate monitor. What should I look for in monitors that will easily attach to the thunderbolt-only new iMac? I won't be buying the Apple monitor.
Thanks for any help in advance.
Bob

Most new monitors will support standard DVI and VGA connections. Some may support Mini-DVI ports. That's about all I can tell you.
As for other factors I would look at monitor reviews - as many as you can - for the size and resolutions in which you are interested. There are a lot of products out there. You might try first doing a Google search to learn more about the meanings of the various specs the manufacturers provide so you might wade through the smoke and mirrors in search of meaningful information.

Solving crash on old iMac

My 1988 iMac crashed when I attempted to connect a printer. It opens with the Happy Mac, shows the OS9 screen with "Disk First Aid cannot repair". Cursor is frozen, does not recognize keyboard or disks so therefor I cannot zap Pram or utilize other normal remedies. Nor can I get to the hard drive to erase it. (I have backed up my files.) I could, of course, transfer these files to the G4 mac I am using now but I like my old iMac and would prefer to restore it to operation.
Any suggestions ?
[email protected]<</div>

Hello,
since you have backed up your entire HD before using any software...
Just reinstall the OS (insert your disk and install without restarting the computer) on top of it, it will make a folder with your old system so you'll be albe to see if there was a trouble on your old system then if it works trash the folder with your old system!
If the problem continue then restart from the CD pressing the C key and install with all the options (zero data - fresh install...) if your computer works perfect then it 's ok and reinstall the software you need.
their is always a solution if their is a bad block ( your computer behave strangely) the structure is damaged, to see this you need to perform a disk utility. (when strarting from the CD before installing the OS open the software utility and then perfom a block check, it's pretty long but then you'll know if its the case!
Many people on this forum advise to use Disk Warior which is good for damaged blocks, i personnaly use Techtool Pro 3 (www.micromat.com) because when there is no damged block it is useful when using it often to avoid damaging your HD. Since i used this problem none of my Hd have been damaged.
That 's it then you can go and live free...
regards

Another old iMac requires upgrade/update

Dear all.
After a year of waiting BT have finally got me on broadband in very rural West Wales!
I own three Macs none of them new. A G4 dedicated to sound recording, An Emac for general web use and graphics. And an 'old' iMac; a charcoal grey' Limited edition with 13 gig HD!! It uses OS 9 .0.3
I need advise Re the iMac. I have two Kids and would like to bring it back into service as a slow web browser etc.
The CD reader no longer works; I may replace it if everything else can be made to work.
I have managed to get iMac on line via BT HomeHub using original 'Explorer'. I can just about get to google search page but most web pages come up as gobbledygook - unreadable characters. (is this a resolvable conflict?)
Therefore I have so far been unable to download any updates.
I guess I need to install OS X? or OS 10.3 ?? But given that I can't download as is, and cant reinstall using original disk, is there another way?
Can I link iMac to eMac via ethernet and get OS X? that way? What else could I/might I have to do to make iMac worth bothering with. I am on very low budget at present so any big expense is out of the question.
I would greatly appreciate any helpful advise. Please use simple, one step at a time, terms since I am semi-technophobe.
Many Thanks Chris 'Bubbapix'

As it happens, I've been dealing with very much the same sort of thing with a Bondi Blue. I can post some links for you if you want to pursue the firmware update and installation of Panther.
I was able to install Panther on the Bondi, and it will run Safari and connect to the internet. However, it has quit twice while trying to connect to You Tube, so I suspect that version of Safari has limits.
Configuring Apple Mail has been a challenge, especially with GMail. It's something I'm still trying to get worked out, but I don't know if it will be possible, as I believe that Google will stop supporting this version of Safari soon. AOL seems to work OK so far.
The Bondi is very slow, almost like dial up. Not sure if your kids would really like it. Yours might be faster, especially if you maxed out the RAM, but I suspect it would still be painfully slow.
If there is any way to sell the iMac for enough to buy something a little more modern, maybe with at least a G4 processor and running at least Tiger, that might be the better course of action if you can swing it.
Shop around for Panther and Tiger and other Macs, and see what you can come up with. Not sure what you could get for the iMac, but if you can get some OS X discs for it, it can be made to be somewhat useable.
When updating the OS on the Bondi before I got it on line, I downloaded the update onto my iBook G4 and then copied it onto a flash drive. I then plugged the flash drive into the Bondi and copied the update onto the desktop and installed it. You might try this to get the OS 9 update if you haven't been able to do it any other way.
Good luck!

I have an old iMac Desktop iMac 4,1 will I be able to upgrade to Lion or Mountain lion? I am currently running Snow Leopard

I am looking to upgrade to Lion or Mountain Lion . I currently use Snow Leopard and have an old iMac desktop the Apple ID in the computer says it's iMac 4,1. I am pretty sure this will not meet the system requirements for Mountain Lion but I want to make sure. If it doesn't meet the system requirements what are my options? Hopefully it's not buy a new desktop.

Welcome to the Apple Support Communities
You have an Early 2006 iMac, and this Mac isn't compatible with Lion or Mountain Lion. That's because your computer has got a Intel Core Duo processor, and Lion and Mountain Lion requires a Intel Core 2 Duo processor or later because they are 64-bit operating systems.
Your options are to keep it with Snow Leopard (Snow Leopard is still supported by Apple and it receives some security OS X updates) or to buy a new computer with Mountain Lion

My 7-year-old iMac died. I don't plan to replace it. It is backed up to Crashplan. Is it possible to restore my iPhoto library to the cloud, i.e. iCloud or Dropbox, so that I can access the photos as needed from my iPad or iPhone?

My 7-year-old iMac died. I don't plan to replace it. It is backed up to Crashplan. Is it possible to restore my iPhoto library to the cloud, i.e. iCloud or Dropbox, so that I can access the photos as needed from my iPad or iPhone?

Probably not - but that certainly does not involve iPhoto for the Mac - you need to look at Crashplan support for you options
And iCloud is not a place to store photos so that is certainly not a possibility
If you restore your masters folder out of the iPhoto library you will have all of your original photos to do with what you please
LN

I cannot find my old itunes library. Using new computer but no clue how to access library

It has been ages ( 5 years) since I use my itunes account. All my old computers are dead. Downloaded the most recent itunes software on new computer but when I sign in to my old account info is correct but no library. Any ide how to access and get old library onto new computer?

If you are in the US and if the songs are still available in the store and you use the same iTunes account as you originally used to buy them, then you should be able to re-download them for free : http://support.apple.com/kb/HT2519
If you are not in the US and for any music from your own CDs that you copied, then have you not got backups on, for example, external drives and or CDs/DVDs that you can copy onto your computer and then load into iTunes ?

Old iPod mini with a new iMac using a different iTunes library

I just bought a new iMac (never before owned one). I have an iPod mini with a bunch of music on it that I downloaded from a library on an IBM, which I no longer have. How can I transfer all of the music that is currently on my iPod mini to the library in iTunes of my brand new iMac? I can't seem to find any options that allow me to do this. It looks like I can only erase my iPod memory and replace with the Library on my iMac, which is currently empty. Please tell me that I don't have to re-create a new libray on my iMac.
Thanks for your help.

Thanks for the information. I just got done with the iPod. I was able to use Senuti to dowload all of the contents of my iPod into iTunes and then update my iPod mini's software and reload all of the songs back onto the iPod. It was freakin' awesome!!
You really saved me a huge headache and a boatload of time!!
Thanks again!!!

My Old IMac G5 kaput, its on or seems to be on but its black screen can't do anything, though all my pictures I want and my itunes library...I got a Macbook and do use a Time machine, but can't get to old files,

My Old IMac G5 kaput, its ON or seems to be ON but its black screen can't do anything, though all my pictures and files are there. I want my photos and my itunes library Can't seem to get them. ( I have not been able to share them to my phone or lap top anymore ever since my G5 flipped ) I got a Macbook and got it connected to the Time machine. Trying to Migrate them here from my time machine, but I have not been able to so far. Can somebody help..?
[email protected]
Thank you ;- )

Have you tried restarting or resetting your iPhone?
Restart: Press On/Off button until the Slide to Power Off slider appears, select Slide to Power Off and, after It shuts down, press the On/Off button until the Apple logo appears.
Reset: Press the Home and On/Off buttons at the same time and hold them until the Apple logo appears (about 10 seconds).
No data will be lost.

Using MBA to access library on old iMac

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