Moving data from HDD to SSD

[grandM]

Two years ago I added an internal SSD to my Mac mini. To start out fresh I installed a new MacOS on the SSD. I can still boot into the old MacOS on the 5400 rpm HDD which is slow. I'd like to transfer pictures and other documents from the HDD onto my SSD. What is the fastest and safest way to do so?

I already found out deleting 11 GB on the old HDD takes forever...

 

[SpotOnT]

I would just boot into your SSD. From there you can mount the old HDD and simply drag/drop any files over you want.

If you have a hard time finding the files you want when booted into your SSD, you can always boot into the HDD and mount your SSD instead. Then drag/drop the files over to your SSD.

Assuming you are just trying to transfer pictures and documents (as apposed to profiles and preferences) - that is all you need to do.

 

[Fishrrman]

I would advise doing the following to avoid permissions problems from jumping up at you:

1. Boot from the SSD
2. Click ONE TIME on the icon for the HDD to select it
3. Bring up the "get info" box for the HDD (command-i)
4. At the bottom of get info click the lock and enter your administrative password (the one you use for the SSD)
5. Put a checkmark into "ignore ownership on this volume" (sharing & permissions)
6. Close get info.

Now you can copy just about anything from the HDD to SSD, and anything you copy will come under the ownership of the main account you use on the SSD.

Having said that...
What is it, specifically, that you need to copy?
Something like the iTunes music folder, or the iPhoto library?

 

[grandM]

Thanks. I might have messed up something now. I had access to the downloads but not the documents. I clicked the scroll wheel above the checkbox. I selected the first option changing permissions. Now the fans keeps going. Is this changing all permissions to the SSD's admin now?

The HDD has files I want to keep as pictures, keynotes, Xcode projects. Many in all kind of subdirectories. There is a lot of junk on it too.

 

[Fishrrman]

I suggest you go back and do the "get info -- ignore ownership" trick on THE ENTIRE DRIVE (as I suggested above)...

 

[grandM]

I suggest you go back and do the "get info -- ignore ownership" trick on THE ENTIRE DRIVE (as I suggested above)...

I actually did so but I have access now! Thank you!