2014 MacBook Pro --> 2018 Macbook --> Macbook M1 - Data Transfer???

[icibaqu]

Hello.
I have an old 2014/15 MacBook Pro that I had as a personal computer. It was replaced by a computer purchased by my work, a 2018 Macbook, which has been operating as both since then. The keyboard on the 2018 died, and my work bought a new M1 Macbook.

I would like to transfer files from the 2014/15 Macbook and the 2018 Macbook to the new M1 Macbook without losing data and the preferences I've become accustomed to (with the 2018), and being able to combine both data sets in one user. Reading, it looks like Migration Assistant would kill all data on the newer computers when transferring, which defeats the point.

How do I get this done?

 

[nothingtoseehere]

Migration Assistant can transfer the rather complete system, including files, apps, preferences etc.

As far as I understand your point, it comes to my mind that you could use Migration Assistant to transfer the system from 2018 to M1. Afterwards, you take your 2014/15 machine and copy the files you want to transfer manually on a stick or an external drive, and then copying them again to your M1 device.

 

[Longkeg]

Moving documents, music, photos, movies, etc. is relatively straight forward. These files are easily recognizable and it’s just a matter of copying from one place to another by whatever means you have at hand; usually an external drive of some sort.

It gets trickier with applications and preferences however. Many live deep within the system file structure and often have indecipherable names. This is where Migration Assistant earns its keep. Your situation is complicated by the fact that you want to combine data from 2 older machines onto a new one. MA wasn’t designed for that so what to do?

I think you’re stuck with having to choose which older machine you want to migrate to the M1. Probably the one with the preferences set up the way you like most. Then you’ll have to manually move whatever documents from the second old computer. Keep in mind you may end up with many duplicate files doing it this way so be mindful of what your moving.

You might want to just do the migration from one computer then use the M1 for a period of time while you determine exactly you need from the third machine. You may find you don’t really have that much to move.

 

[icibaqu]

Thanks. These replies are helpful.

I'm actually doing this for a friend, and the new challenge is that the 2014 has an admin password they don't remember. Also, for whatever reason the computer clock things its December 2017. It's on High Sierra, which could update to Big Sur. But, you're probably right. Get the files she wants off the 2014. Migrate the 2018 to the M1 and move on with life.

(Ps. Also this being my first experience with the upgraded keyboard -Oh man...what an improvement!!!)

 

[Fishrrman]

I'll offer you something to try with the 2014.

You'll need a table to set things on.

You'll need a USBc to USBa cable.

It would help to have an EXTERNAL USB drive. (not mandatory)

How I would set things up:

Get the NEW m1 booted up on the table top.

If you have the external drive, connect that to the m1.

Set the 2014 on the table and open the lid.
Press the power-on button and IMMEDIATELY hold down [only] the "T" key and keep holding it down.
Do you see the "target disk icon" appear?

If so, now use the USBc-USBa cable to connect the 2014 to the m1.

Does the drive for the 2014 now "mount on the desktop" on the m1?

If so, you're in business.

WHAT TO DO NEXT:

(I've never tried the following, see if it works)
Click ONE TIME on the icon for the 2014 drive to select it
Bring up the "get info" box for it (command-i)
At the bottom of get info, click the lock and enter the password for the m1.
Does this "unlock the lock"?
If so, put a checkmark into "ignore ownership on this volume" (sharing and permissions)
Close get info.

This enables you to access and copy files from the old drive, and the copied files should come under the ownership of the NEW account on the m1.

Now, navigate around.
I would try copying the entire "home folder" to the external drive.
If no external drive, I'd copy it to the desktop on the m1. (NOT into the users folder).

Does this work?
If it does, look around and copy any other user-created files to the drive (or to the m1).

Once done, power down the 2014 by holding down the power-on button continuously until it turns off.

Now you have "the essential data" on either the external drive (I'd consider this the best place) or on the desktop of the m1.

The owner has to start "picking through" things to get a grasp on what she wants to save, toss, etc.

Hope this helps.