Using time machine backup from my Macbook pro to my new IMAC 27

Question

Hi just tried to do a system restore of my time machine back up from my macbook pro to my new Imac 27, and the imac won't boot. Can I use a time machine back up to restore all of my data to my new Imac 27? Any help would be great thanks.
Antonio Medina

Answer 1

It sounds like you've overwritten the new computer's installation of OS X with one that is an earlier and incompatible version. You need to erase the new computer's hard drive then reinstall OS X using the original installation discs that came with the new computer. After you complete the installation you will have the opportunity to use Migration Assistant to migrate your Home folder, third-party applications and support files, and network preferences from an external drive, another connected computer, or an attached Time Machine backup drive.
1. Boot from your OS X Installer Disc. After the installer loads select your language and click on the Continue button. When the menu bar appears select Disk Utility from the Utilities menu.
2. After DU loads select your hard drive (this is the entry with the mfgr.'s ID and size) from the left side list. Click on the Partition tab in the DU main window.
3. Under the Volume Scheme heading set the number of partitions from the drop down menu to one. Set the format type to Mac OS Extended (Journaled.) Click on the Options button, set the partition scheme to GUID, then click on the OK button. Click on the Partition button and wait until the process has completed.
4. After the above process has completed quit DU and return to the installer. Complete your OS X installation.
5. When the installation is completed the computer will restart into the Setup Assistant. When you arrive at the point of setting up an initial admin account DO NOT use the same user (short) name that you have been using on your old system. Choose a temporary name to use such as Test or Temp, for example. At the end of the setup you will have an opportunity to migrate data from your TM backup. You can then migrate the Home folder, applications, network preferences, etc. Just do not do a full system restore, again.
6. When the migration has completed open Accounts preferences. Click on the lock and authenticate. Click on the Account Options button (bottom of the sidebar with account listing.) Change the Automatic Login preferences to use your migrated account. Click on the OK button and restart the computer.
7. Your computer should restart into your old Home folder with all your data. Open Accounts preferences, click on the lock icon and authenticate, select the temporary account you created then click on the Delete [-] button to remove it. Select the last option (immediate removal) and click on the OK button.