Using Time Capsule to transfer data to a new machine

I have just taken possession of a new iMac. I need to transfer the data from my old one and wondered if Time Capsule was the most efficient way of doing this.
I understand that there is a transfer utility built into the Mac OS which allows you to transfer data from one machine to another via Firewire, but it occurred to me that my Time Machine might provide a quicker and easier way of doing it.
Any thoughts on this would be greatly appreciated.
Many thanks in advance.

Sir Leicester wrote:
I have just taken possession of a new iMac. I need to transfer the data from my old one and wondered if Time Capsule was the most efficient way of doing this.
I understand that there is a transfer utility built into the Mac OS which allows you to transfer data from one machine to another via Firewire, but it occurred to me that my Time Machine might provide a quicker and easier way of doing it.
I would go with FireWire. Boot the old Mac into "target disk mode" by holding down the "T" key while it is booting. Then connect the two Macs with a FireWire cable and launch the Migration Assistant utility.
If your Time Machine backup is on your network (rather than being directly connected), transferring the data from the other computer over FireWire is probably going to be a lot faster.

Similar Messages

Can I use time capsule to transfer data to new computer?

Is ti possible to pull a backup or parts of backup from Time Capsule to upload to a new mac?

Sure, that is what TM is all about.
Just read the info in Pondini about restore.. he covers all the different angles.. Q14-17 here.
http://pondini.org/TM/FAQ.html
He has a huge amount of really useful info.. from the top menu it covers problem troubleshooting and theory of operation .. piles of stuff.

Using time capsule to restore data to new computer and doing the back-up for the new computer

Hello
My iMac has broken down. Data were saved by Time Machine on a Time Capsule. So the new computer was set-up with things from the Time Capsule. Worked fine. The Time Machine informed me that the backups will no longer be available for the old iMac. That's fine. After everything was set-up on the new one (15" Mac Book pro retina) I wanted to make sure that the backup process for this one was ready to go and as it was done in the past. I have selected the Time Capsule (it's a 500GB that is backing two computers) and as such there is limited space available on it but that's ok since the process is creating space when needed by deleting old backups from 2011 which I don't need any more keeping 1 year history being ok.
The problem I am now facing is that it seems Time Machine consider that the back-up of the New Mac book pro as a new volume - i.e. on top of the one used to set-up the new Mac book (the old iMAc!) and the one for the other computer. Time machine seems to be looking to open a third volume and obviuosly doesn't have the space to perform the back-up.
How can I sort this? Ideally for me after I have restored the data from the old iMac to the Mac Book pro I would like to keep updating the back-ups (originally from the old iMac) with the changes that happened on the Mac Book pro.
I hope I am clear and looking for some tips on that.
Many thanks in advance.
Best
Pierre

You can't do that. This is because the backups are tied to the network adapter's MAC address of the computer you are backing up with. You could "fake" the MAC address but this would make it impossible for you to use the iMac on a network (as it's MAC address would already be being used). Your only option is to delete the old iMac's backups or buy a new TC (best option if you want to keep the backups).

HT5097 connect a macbook to a time capsule to transfer data?

I don't have a Mac, just a macbook. It doesn't have an ethernet port. So, how do I connect it to my time capsule so that I can transfer the data from my old time capsule to the newer one?

Are you accessing the old Time Capsule by Wi-FI? Try hooking the new Time Capsule to the old Time capsule to see if they will both show up in Finder. If so, copy your files across.

Do i need a time capsule to transfer data

ok so this might have already been asked if it has i am sorry and please direct me to the thread where i can get the answer, thanks
so my problem is i am getting a new mac upgrading my macbook to a macbook pro and i was wondering if i need to purchase a time capsule/ wireless internet combo thing in order to get all of my info from my macbook itunes library to the new mac? meaning everything music, videos, etc. even if its not the only way, would it be one of the easiest, because i was really considering getting a time capsule anyway thanks and if i made anything unclear please let me know and ill try to clairify

No. If you have a simple FireWire cable, you will be able to connect one Mac to the other via FireWire Disk Mode. Then use Migration Assistant (During your initial launch of the new Mac) to transfer all of your files over. It should result in a virtually identical setup as your previous Mac.
Here is a KB article on how to set that up.
http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1661
Hope this helps

How to use Time Capsule to tranfer files to a new MBP?

Hey guys,
I have recently sold my old MBP, and had all my files backed up with Time Capsule. Now, I want to transfer my files to the my new MBP. What is the best way to do this? What cable can I use? I'd appreciate any information. Thanks.

This may help... Have you already created a user account on the new Mac? Or have you not yet started it? It makes a difference as to what approach you take as described below.
*_Migrating User Data From One Mac to Another_*
*Wirelessly or Directly Connected?* (For AirDisk Users)
Bear in mind that for Time Machine to successfully migrate user data, the backup disk must be accessed in the same manner in which the backups were originally created. Otherwise, the backups may not be visible for migration.
In other words, if backups were performed wirelessly to a hard disk attached to an Airport device, then the restoration will need to be performed either wirelessly, or, for faster speeds, via ethernet between your Mac and the Airport device. On the other hand, if backups were performed with the hard disk attached directly to your Mac, then the restoration will need to be performed with the hard disk connected directly to your Mac You cannot perform backups via one means and be able to access them via another means.
*Using Time Machine Before Initial Launch of New Mac*
Before starting the new Mac for the first time, attach the hard disk that contains the Time Machine backups from the old Mac. (For Time Capsule/AirDisk users: If you will be attempting this wirelessly, ensure that you are in range of your Airport wireless device. Alternatively, for faster migration of large quantities of data, connect your Mac via ethernet to your wireless device.)
Procedure:
Startup the new Mac and begin the setup process. You will initially see the video introduction.
At “Welcome” select your country and then preferred keyboard.
At “Do You Already Own a Mac?” you are asked “Would you like to transfer your information?”
+from another Mac+
+from another volume on this Mac+
+from a Time Machine backup+
+Do not transfer my information now+
Select “from a Time Machine backup” and click “Continue”.
At “Select a Backup Volume” choose your Time Machine backup disk and click “Continue”. (If you are attempting the migration wirelessly, then click “Join...” and select your network first.)
At “Transfer Your Information” check all the categories you wish to migrate over. If you wish your Mac to be in the same state as your last backup, then check everything. If, however, you are only interested in transferring one user account, then click the little disclosure triangle next to "Users". A list of all the previous users will appear. Just uncheck the user accounts you do NOT wish to migrate over. In other words, have only the desired account checked.
Give the installer time to calculate sizes.
Once that is complete, the “Transfer” button will become active and you can click it.
After the migration, verify the registration information, click “Connect” and you are done.
Once the migration is complete use Disk Utility to repair any permissions issues.
*Using Time Machine After Initial Launch of New Mac*
If you happened to initially set up the new Mac using a different username than the username on the account you wish to migrate, then skip to “Attach the hard disk containing...”.
If, on the other hand, it is the same username as the account you wish to migrate over, then do the following:
Go to System Preferences --> Accounts.
You may need to unlock the lock in the lower left to make changes.
Below the pane on the left click "+" and create a brand new Administrator User account on the Mac with a completely unique name - not the name of your own User account.
Now logout of the account you are currently in and log back in using the new Admin account you just created.
Attach the hard disk containing the previous Macs' Time Machine backups to the new computer. (For Time Capsule/AirDisk users migration will be much faster if you connect your Mac directly to the router via ethernet. [See “Wirelessly or Directly Connected” above])
Now go to Applications --> Utilities --> and launch Migration Assistant.
At the welcome dialogue click "Continue." You may be required to enter your Admin password.
For Migration Method chose "From a Time Machine backup or other disk". (Do not choose…
"Full System Restore" unless it is exactly the same Mac you are restoring to.)
At “Select the System to Transfer” choose the hard disk containing the previous Time Machine backups and click “Continue”. Give Migration Assistant some time as it connects to the drive and scans the disk for eligible data to migrate.
At “Select User Accounts to Transfer” put a check beside each account you would like migrate over to the new Mac.
At “Select the Items to Transfer” you can choose to migrate “Applications” over. If an application already resides on your new Mac, only the newest version will be transferred. Additionally, other “Files and Folders” that resided at the top level of your old Mac can be transferred at this point as well. Files from the “Library” folder of your old Mac will always be transferred over unless you uncheck the other two options.
Click “Continue”.
At “Select Computer Settings to Transfer” choose which settings you would prefer transferring to the new Mac. If you want a completely fresh system to start with, then do not check any of these options. This can be helpful if your previous system was experiencing issues.
Click “Transfer”.
If you have already created a User Account on the new Mac and it happens to be named the same as the User Account that is being migrated then Migration Assistant will report,
+"There is an existing user account with the same name as an account you are transferring."+
At that point, you will be able to choose one of the following:
+• Rename the user account you are transferring+
+• Replace the existing user account with the one you're transferring+
+• Do not transfer this user account+
If you wish the new Mac environment to be exactly the same as your old Mac, then avoid selecting “Rename the user account...”. Rather, select “Replace the existing user account...”. It will not be deleted but saved in a new folder labeled “Deleted Users” found in the main Users folder. Click “Next”.
At this point the transfer will begin with a bar displaying the progress. Once completed click “Quit”.
*Full Backup After Migration to New Mac*
Bear in mind that in all cases Time Machine will not continue to backup the previous Macs’ backup sets but will perform a new full backup. This is normal. Time Machine will resume incremental backups after the full backup has completed. To view previous backups, Control-click or right-click the Time Machine icon in your Dock or Option-click the Time Machine menu extra and Choose "Browse Other Time Machine Disks," then select the previous Mac’s backup set. You will enter Time Machine and be able to browse your previous back ups and restore files. [http://support.apple.com/kb/TS1338]
Let us know if this was helpful.
Cheers!

I have a Time Capsule with 2tb of storage, and an I-Mac with 500Gb. (which is at capacity) Can I use the Time Capsule to store data in addition to backing up the hard drive?

I have a Time Capsule with 2tb of storage, and an I-Mac with 500Gb. (which is at capacity) Can I use the Time Capsule to store data from my hard drive that I want to access later in addition to backing up the hard drive?

Can I use the Time Capsule to store data from my hard drive that I want to access later in addition to backing up the hard drive?
Yes, but if you move the "original" data on your iMac to the Time Capsule....then the "original" data is now on the Time Capsule disk.
When...not if...the Time Capsule disk has a problem, you have no backups for this data.
Perhaps a much safer plan might be to add an external hard drive attached directly to your iMac. Then, move the data to that drive from the iMac.
Now, Time Machine will back up both your iMac and the external hard drive so you have "originals" on one drive and backups on another. Would that plan work for you?

Can i buy a smaller macbook air (64gb) but use the time capsule for additional data ?

can i buy a smaller macbook air (64gb) but use the time capsule for additional data ?

If you plan to store important "original" or "master" files and documents on the Time Capsule, then you might want to think about a way to back up those files to another hard drive.
Why? If the Time Capsule has a problem...and you have no backups....you lose everything.

I want to transfer files from a Win XP PC to a Mac using Time Capsule via Ethernet connection. Is this possible?

I want to transfer files from a Win XP PC to a Mac using Time Capsule via Ethernet connection. Is this possible?

Sure.. the PC connects by SMB.. the Mac connects by AFP or SMB..
But you can simply share SMB directly from the Mac.. there is no need to copy files through the TC. Go to system preference, sharing, and turn on SMB for the folder you want to share files to / from on the Mac.
Make sure you have a common username and password also helps.
If you have a TC already can you copy files to it via the windows machine??

Hi can I use Time Capsule 4th generation as a back up at the same time between my iMac and HP PC

HI Just bought a 4th generation Time Capsule and after a bit of trouble, I was able to do the following...
1. Connect TC to my modem via ethernet cable
2. Set up my first time Machine from my iMac to Time Capsule
3. Set up my HP PC via ethernet cable to Time Capsule
4. Set up HP Printer Scanner to USB port in Time Capsule, can now print from my PC and iMac using the same printer.
Here is the question...
Can I use Time Capsule (2TB version, not that this should matter, I think) as an external back up for my HP PC, running Windows 7?
I asked this question at Apple Store and they said YES, now I have my doubts as I cannot see Time Capsule as an external drive when I check my PC and computer part there, can see my C drive, D drive (internal backup drive in my PC), E drive (DVD drive) and that is it.
Installed AirPort utility for Windows, have version 5.5 something. I can see TIme Capsule using this at my PC but can I somehow save my HardDrive to Time Capsule, even manually?
Or is the problem that as I started Time Capsule with Time Machine Backup first, it has formatted Time Capsule to support only Apple version, and this is why I cannot see Time Capsule as an external harddrive?
Any help would be appreciated!
I have already an external HD for my Windows PC, just thought this way I could potentially have all the data in one place and also able to use 1 printer...
Many Thanks

Remember Apple Names are not fully SMB compatible..
Reset the TC and do the setup with all SMB naming.. ie.. short, no spaces, pure alphanumeric.
That means TC name eg TC
Wireless name (different for 5ghz) eg TC24ghz and TC5ghz
And hard disk share name.. eg Data
Make sure all passwords also match that convention.. but you can use more characters.. up to 20 or more if you are paranoid. Pure alphanumeric though.
In the file sharing area. set the right workgroup. And it makes life easier turning on the guest account to read and write.
Then in windows explorer simply type
\\TCname or \\TCIPaddress .. obviously you change the names with the actual name or IP.

Using Time Capsule to host iTunes library for use by multiple user accounts

I have recently purchased my first Time Capsule (2TB, delivered December 2010). I have also recently begun to share a single iTunes library with my partner (ie. we have separate user accounts, but following the instructions found at http://steve-on-sakai.blogspot.com/2009/07/really-sharing-your-itunes-library.ht ml, both of our iTunes apps open to the same library).
I think i've done everything correctly, as everything will work as expected ... once we are able to force our way into iTunes.
My knowledge gap seems to be with my understanding of how Time Capsule and its "Data" folder work.
I've moved our entire iTunes folder into the Data folder on the Time Capsule, and i understand that only one of our user accounts can have iTunes running (that one must quit iTunes before the other user will be able to launch iTunes).
What happens sometimes, seemingly dependant on who has signed into their account first, or who has launched and quit iTunes first, is that iTunes will not launch; we are required to choose an iTunes library. This is easily enough done, except when the Data folder is unavailable to that particular user at that time (indicated by the "do not enter" symbol). I've noticed that disconnecting and re-connecting to the Time Capsule will get around this.
I stumble through these steps whenever possible, but my partner is nervous about having to do all of this when i'm not available.
Naturally, what i would like is for either of us, at any time, to be able to simply launch iTunes without issue.
iTunes preferences on each accounts show that our iTunes Media folder location is "/Volumes/Data/iTunes/iTunes Music", and both checkboxes are checked for keeping the iTunes Media folder organized and copying files to the iTunes Media folder.
I suspect that my problem might stem from the fact that i initially followed the instructions given at the above steve-on-sakai blog post, using our Shared folder. Since then, i have moved everything to the Time Capsule, and i wonder if the Terminal command in Step 7 should be repeated for the Data folder ... but i'm not "literate" enough to know what i'm doing there (but wise enough to know i shouldn't mess around with Terminal if i don't know what i'm doing).
I have spent hours browsing the discussions here and elsewhere, and i can't seem to find anything that specifically addresses my issues. I have learned a lot from my searches, but i felt that posting a new question was my best option. I hope that i haven't duplicated anything.
I hope that someone will be able to fine tune my efforts so that everything will "just work".
Thank you so much, in advance...
Bill.

Jaap74 wrote:
Two things that are not clear
- I think it is not possible to have iTunes running at the same time on two Macs in the discribed setting.
- I think over a wireless connection, it will reduce speed.
Anyone with experience?
I think what you mean is that it's not possible for two Macs to access the same iTunes library (ie. the same collection of media files) at the same time. From my research, this seems to be the case, and that's not my issue.
In my particular situation -- one that i'm sure is shared by many others -- my partner and i have separate user accounts on the same Mac, +entirely sharing a single iTunes Library+ (ie. same media files, same playlists, etc., as if we were a single user) and as long as we remember to quit iTunes whenever we walk away from the Mac (allowing the other to log in and launch iTunes and access our common library), this is not a problem.
And that is when my particular problem arises: when we launch iTunes, we are often asked to choose a Library (a series of navigations that my partner isn't entirely comfortable with), and occasionally the Data folder on the TimeCapsule is unavailable.
As for the wireless connection to our library, this has not so far proven to be an issue. Depending on what other activities are going on at the time (ie. TimeMachine backups or background Internet activity, i presume), i have only rarely experienced brief interruptions in music streaming from the TimeCapsule (<1 second). In fact, last night, we watched a movie on the laptop, with the file streaming from the TimeCapsule, and it only hesitated a few times, and again for less than a second.
Message was edited by: William Mclaughlin

Using time capsule as a wireless storage drive on MacBook Pro with Tiger

I'm getting a time capsule 1Tb for xmas, do I just plug it into one of the ethernet ports on my wireless router/modem? What I plan to do is take all my data (itunes files, invoices, pictures etc) off my MacBook Pro (which only has a 150 Gb hard drive) and use the time capsule as wireless data storage. I will obviously need to back up the original data on the TC to another storage drive. Can I use the usb port on the TC to connect another external hard drive to back up to, or do I need a external hard drive with an ethernet port? And do some hard drive manufacturers ship their drives with software which automatically backs up data from other external drives even when the computer isn't turned on? Thanks for any answers.

No idea on TC at all.
And do some hard drive manufacturers ship their drives with software which automatically backs up data from other external drives even when the computer isn't turned on?
Yes & no, the Computer has to be on, but these drives come with several Backup tools...
http://eshop.macsales.com/shop/firewire/
Like on the bottom of this page...
http://eshop.macsales.com/shop/firewire/1394/USB/EliteAL/eSATAFW800_FW400USB

Using Time Capsule and Mac Mini to replace a PC.

I have 4 macs of various vintage in the house and 1 PC. I use the rather robust PC as the server for my itunes library. I'm fully uploaded to iCloud. I'd like to replace this final PC with a Mac Mini but none have a harddrive large enough to accomodate my iTunes library. (about 785G of music and video) Can I use a Time Machine as the storage device for my iTunes library? Can I connect the Time Machine and Mac Mini via Thunderbolt for fast data access? Also, if I can use the Time Machine for storage of the iTunes library, should I consider the iCloud to be my "Back Up" or should I get an additional Time Machine for back up? Also, I use and AirPort Extreme as my wireless router with 2 AirPort Expresses to expand my wifi network. Can I simply add Time Machine to my existing network or will I need to replace the AirPort Extreme with the Time Capsule?

Can I use a Time Machine as the storage device for my iTunes library? Can I connect the Time Machine and Mac Mini via Thunderbolt for fast data access? Also, if I can use the Time Machine for storage of the iTunes library, should I consider the iCloud to be my "Back Up" or should I get an additional Time Machine for back up? Also, I use and AirPort Extreme as my wireless router with 2 AirPort Expresses to expand my wifi network. Can I simply add Time Machine to my existing network or will I need to replace the AirPort Extreme with the Time Capsule?
Don't use Time Capsule for media storage.. it is not suitable and although pressed into service it is a pain. (Time Machine is software backup on the computer and is completely unrelated to the TC).
The problem with using Time Capsule to Time Capsule, is simple.. it doesn't have any software to do it.. The TC is a backup device.. not a NAS. Do not try and use it as a NAS.
You can add a TC to the network without doing much.. just bridge the TC and it will work fine plugged into the AEBS.. but again it is expensive waste. You are buying a router with enclosed hard disk drive and turning off the router.. so all you have is a hard disk which is networked.
If you get a mini use firewire external drive.. you can get 2 or 3 TB fairly cheaply and plug it in. Then back up to a TC if you really want, but any NAS with Time Machine extensions will do the job. Or a hard drive in another Mac made available to the network.

Using time capsule to migrate to a new macbook

i just purchased a new macbook (see specs below). i used time capsule to backup my old macbook which i am now selling. two questions... can i use time machine in migration assist to transfer all the info from my old mac to my new one? if so how? thanks for any help you can give me.

Yes. Or you can simply connect the two computers via Firewire cable and boot your old computer into Target Disk Mode. Use Migration Assistant to transfer your files.
Note that your old username/account name and the one on the new machine cannot be the same if you plan to migrate the entire Home folder.
Also note that the new machine will have Leopard, not Tiger. Do not attempt to migrate the operating system. Restrict your transfers to the Home folder and third-party applications.

How To Use Time Capsule As An External Hard Drive?

I backup my computer onto the time capsule using time machine.
After that I want to have more space on my computer (becasue my hard drive is almost full) (I still want to have my local snapshots and daily backups) so I want to delete some of my files but I still want them on my time capsule and I know after I back my computer the files will be deleted so I go to finder/my time capsule (under shared)/data/my macbook pro/ then I go to my destop and see; 1: time machine backups 2: data... I go to data and create a new file that will contain everything that I wanted deleted off my macbook so the when the next backup comes, I will still have (in data on time capsule) my time machine backups and my deleted things... will this work? why or why not? I heard people saying that you have to choose the time capsule between a external hard drive or with time machine... but will this attempt work with both>???

It will work but shouldn't be done, as the Time Capsule's internal drive may fail at any time. Anything you want to keep shouldn't be on only one drive.
(80321)

Using Time Capsule to transfer data to a new machine

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