I am getting a new iMac 27 inch to replace my 2015 model. I've had increasing problems and it is time for a new model. My current model will not let me empty the trash, does the spinning wheel, is sluggish, and a multitude of other issues. I have been backing it up with Time Machine and have tried to set it back to an earlier time when it was working. I am afraid to use Time Machine to start up my new iMAC and do the migration. Should I just start from scratch? I'm not sure what all will be lost. I have backups elsewhere of my important files. I can probably reinstall most programs/apps on my own. Will iTunes and iPhoto be restored without Time Machine somehow through the Cloud? I have no knowledge in this back up area. I've just always blindly trusted Time Machine to protect my computer. Please excuse my ignorance. I just need help please.
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iMAC Backup or not to new computer
- Thread starter lcalderon
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This is really a decision ONLY YOU can make for yourself.
If you don't want to do a "full migration", then "start over".
But it's going to be more work.
Perhaps a LOT more.
I can only speak for myself, but if I was going to do only a "partial migration", picking and choosing what I wanted to bring over, I'd be using CarbonCopyCloner or SuperDuper to create a cloned, "finder-mountable" backup, and not time machine.
This way you can plug your backup drive into the new Mac, mount it in the finder, then open folders and copy from the drive to the new Mac. Same as you'd copy files from another drive or a flashdrive.
(Note: if you do things this way, you need to go to the "get info" box for the new drive, and set sharing and permissions to "ignore ownership on this volume". Otherwise, you run into permissions problems...)
If you don't want to do a "full migration", then "start over".
But it's going to be more work.
Perhaps a LOT more.
I can only speak for myself, but if I was going to do only a "partial migration", picking and choosing what I wanted to bring over, I'd be using CarbonCopyCloner or SuperDuper to create a cloned, "finder-mountable" backup, and not time machine.
This way you can plug your backup drive into the new Mac, mount it in the finder, then open folders and copy from the drive to the new Mac. Same as you'd copy files from another drive or a flashdrive.
(Note: if you do things this way, you need to go to the "get info" box for the new drive, and set sharing and permissions to "ignore ownership on this volume". Otherwise, you run into permissions problems...)