Migration assistant from eMac to Mac Mini?

[Cruciarius]

My parents have an old eMac running 10.4.11. No Time Machine. Can't update OS. They just bought a Mac Mini and I'm trying to use the migration assistant to transfer their apps/files, but the migration assistant on both can't seem to find each other. I assume they're doing it over the WiFi or trying to anyway. I did connect an ethernet cable, but that doesn't seem to make a difference. Normally I do migrations via a Firewire 400 port, which isn't a thing on the Mac Mini.

I feel dumb... tried Google. What am I missing?

Edit:
Think I figured it out. It's because it's PowerPC -> Intel, so they'll have to manually transfer files, not the logins. Unless I'm wrong on this, then by all means correct me.

Thankfully, after all my attempts trying to figure it out, it looks like they don't have much, as far as files go, that they'd transfer. However it's late now, so it'll have to wait until morning.

 

[TonyK]

If it were me, on a system that old, I'd find a way to connect both computers to the network and just copy over documents and other "data" files like images. Export any contacts or calendar items and see if you can import those as well.

Virtually all applications on a unit that old will not be compatible on 10.14. So make a note of any 3rd party applications and see if there are updates available. Probably going to require a cash investment for some items.

 

[mikzn]

Not sure if this would work but you could try cloning the eMac with carbon copy cloner to an external drive and then use migration assistant on the external drive

That would bypass any networking or cable configurations - it would probably help if you have an external drive that has fire wire and USB

 

[Fishrrman]

"Think I figured it out. It's because it's PowerPC -> Intel, so they'll have to manually transfer files, not the logins. Unless I'm wrong on this, then by all means correct me."

Have they already created one or more NEW accounts on the new Mini?
If so, that's going to complicate matters.

Refresh my memory:
What kind of connections are available on the emac?
USB?
That would be a BIG help.

My suggestions:
Use an external USB drive.
Take it to the old emac, erase it.
Download the CORRECT VERSION of CarbonCopyCloner:
version 3.4.7, available here:
http://stage.bombich.com/software/download_ccc_update.php?v=3.4.7

Use CCC 3.4.7 to create a cloned copy of the old emac's internal drive on the external drive.

Take the external drive to the new Mini.
From here it may be possible to use setup assistant or migration assistant to "bring the stuff over".
Or, do a fully-manual migration if you need to.

There are additional considerations, but we must know particulars before going further, particularly as to whether the new Mini already HAS accounts on it.

 

[Cruciarius]

I've transferred most, if not all, their files. One thing I've encountered and currently trying to Google search is the eMac had Address Book. The Mac Mini has Contacts. I knew this prior, but assumed it would be an easy transfer. It isn't. Exported all the contacts the the Address Book on the eMac and brought them over to the Mac Mini. However, when I import them into Contacts, it asked to replace some cards that were already in Contacts. I said yes, but then it just wiped all the contacts from the Contacts app. It can't seem to import cards from Address Book?

 

[Weaselboy]

This is a Mojave Contacts screenshot, but I believe the old version on your eMac will be similar. In the export menu, make sure you export as VCARD and not the other archive option. Then you should be able to merge/import the vcard file on the new Mac.

 

[Cruciarius]

This is a Mojave Contacts screenshot, but I believe the old version on your eMac will be similar. In the export menu, make sure you export as VCARD and not the other archive option. Then you should be able to merge/import the vcard file on the new Mac.

View attachment 831917

I did manage to find that. Oddly enough though, after doing so, the "My card" on the Mac Mini was changed to a random contact info and also none of the groups that were setup on the eMac transferred over. Other than those 2 things, it seems to be ok.

Edit:
Apparently not all info from the eMac contacts make it over to the Mac Mini. My dad is going through his contacts and noticing emails missing from some on the Mac Mini, but are clearly on the eMac. He has 300+ contacts in his list he's double checking.

 

[mikehalloran]

Get a call from Apple Support. I know the issue but having someone on the phone talk you through it will be faster.

Networking with OS 10.4.x isn't very compatible. I still have a G4 which is the same family as your eMac.