new 27inch data swap

[martinchivers]

I suspect this is going to be a long post and for that I apologise in advance. I also hope ive posted this in the correct section of the forum.



I’m looking for a bit of guidance regarding setting up a new (to me) 27 inch iMac. I bought this secondhand and it’s a 2014. I’m currently using a 20 inch which is 2012. I have a few questions.

1… the 27 inch has a fresh install of Yosomite, yet the (older) 21 inch runs Catalina. Why does the newer mac not run a later version?

2…. Both computers are in my office which is in a separate building from my house where the Wi-Fi router is. I access the Internet via a network cable plugged into the electrical circuit (I cant remember exactly what these are called). Therefore, I’m not able to access the internet on both at the same time, in the office. Moving both to the house is a ballache as I don’t have the room to have them setup while transferring all my data. SO MY QUESTION IS, if using migration assistant, will it move my applications, settings and data or does it just transfer the data? If that is the case then I may as well just do that manually. There is a 2 way adapter for the network on eBay, which is very inexpensive, would that work by plugging into the wall and one cable going to each mac?

3….I’m running a manual time machine backup now of the old machine so will use that one on the new mac. I’ve ordered a SSD to allow me to use time machine on the new computer. As the old one backed up to its internal mac drive and the OS and data were on a separate external HD, which i'll include with the sale once it’s all transferred over.

Does this sound like a reasonable plan?

 

[Fishrrman]

Here's my suggestion as to how to do the migration.
The advice is free.
Whether or not you take it is... well.. up to you.

If you take my advice, I guarantee a smooth, quick migration.

You have the SSD coming. Good choice.

When it arrives, DO NOT use tm on it.
Instead, do this:
Connect the SSD to the OLD iMac.
Format it to APFS, GUID partition format.

Next:
Download SuperDuper. It's free to use for what we're going to use it for.
Get it by clicking THIS link --> https://shirt-pocket.com/mint/peppe...://shirt-pocket.com/downloads/SuperDuper!.dmg

Launch SuperDuper.
It's one of the easiest apps to use I've ever seen.
Use SD to "clone" the contents of the OLD iMac to the SSD.
Takes only a few clicks of the mouse.
SD will erase the SSD, and go from there. That's its standard operating procedure.

When done, you will have a BOOTABLE clone of the OLD iMac.

Connect the clone to the NEWER iMac. It should be powered OFF when you connect the drive.

Hold down the OPTION key and KEEP HOLDING IT DOWN as you press the power on button. Keep holding OPTION down!

You'll see the startup manager.
Select the SSD with the pointer and hit return.

You should boot up from the SSD.
This is what we want.

When you get to the finder, open SuperDuper again.
Now, we're going to clone the EXTERNAL SSD to the internal drive.
(kind of what you did before, "in reverse")
So... just do it.
SD will erase the internal drive this time, and clone the contents of the SSD (with Catalina) to the internal drive.

When done, power down, all the way off.
Disconnect the SSD.
Reboot the NEWER iMac.

Do you get a good boot?
Do you get to your login without problems?
So... log in and look around.
It should look exactly as the OLD iMac did -- except now you're running Catalina on the NEWER Mac.

If you get this far, you're done!

You'll come back to this forum and post "I didn't think it could go that smoothly !"

 

[martinchivers]

Thank you very much. Just read that quickly. Sounds like a plan. I’ll wait until the new SSD arrives. I think I get everything. Will print the instructions and follow them, but may need a bit more guidance at some point! Martin

 

[Chuckeee]

What if the old HDD has a larger capacity (and is partially full) but the new SSD does have sufficient storage for all of the files. Can you still clone the drive?

 

[Fishrrman]

The answer to the question in reply 4 above is yes.

Drive "size" does not matter when cloning.

What DOES matter is "the total size" of the files being cloned.

 

[Nguyen Duc Hieu]

What if the old HDD has a larger capacity (and is partially full) but the new SSD does have sufficient storage for all of the files. Can you still clone the drive?

A typical HDD on an IMac 2014 is 1000GB.
For the safe side and in consideration of future use, the OP can just buy a 2TB SSD and stay worry-free about capacity.

 

[Chuckeee]

A typical HDD on an IMac 2014 is 1000GB.
For the safe side and in consideration of future use, the OP can just buy a 2TB SSD and stay worry-free about capacity.

But apple did offer larger HDD during the same period. I had a 2012 iMac with the optional 3TB HHD (a traditional HDD, not the Fusion Drive). But based on the discussion above that shouldn’t be a problem as long as less 2TB was actually used (call it 1.5TB since you don’t want to fill the new SSD drive completely up)

 

[martinchivers]

thank you everyone. I'm awaiting the SSD, which will be here any day. I wonder why the "new" Mac only installed Yosemite instead of something newer? When it was wiped, by the previous owner. Is that the most up to date version that is possible to instal on that particular machine?

 

[Nguyen Duc Hieu]

thank you everyone. I'm awaiting the SSD, which will be here any day. I wonder why the "new" Mac only installed Yosemite instead of something newer? When it was wiped, by the previous owner. Is that the most up to date version that is possible to instal on that particular machine?

No, it's the original Mac OS that come with the machine when it was launched (put on sales).
You can do an Internet Recovery to install the latest supported Mac OS on it.

Start up your Intel-based Mac in macOS Recovery​

1. Restart your Mac.
2. Immediately press and hold one of the following key combinations until you see the startup screen:
   • Command-R: Start up from the built-in macOS Recovery System. Use this key combination to reinstall the latest macOS that was installed on your system, or to use the other apps in macOS Recovery.
   • Option-Command-R: Start up from macOS Recovery over the internet. Use this key combination to reinstall macOS and upgrade to the latest version of macOS that’s compatible with your Mac.
   • Option-Shift-Command-R: Start up from macOS Recovery over the internet. Use this key combination to reinstall the version of macOS that came with your Mac or the closest version that’s still available.
3. If you see a lock, enter the password for your Mac.
4. If you have multiple volumes on your disk, select the volume you want to recover, then click Next.
5. If requested, choose an administrator account, click Next, enter the password for the account, then click Continue.
   When the Recovery app appears in the menu bar, you can choose any of the available options in the window or the menu bar.

Source:

Use macOS Recovery on an Intel-based Mac

Learn how to use macOS Recovery on an Intel-based Mac.

support.apple.com

 

[Chuckeee]

Start up your Intel-based Mac in macOS Recovery

Be forewarned that this process can be slow so be patient

 

[martinchivers]

Fishrrman. Good morning. The SSD has arrived. I've plugged it into my old Mac & was about to format it. You say "APFS, GUID partitition format"

Firstly do I use Partician or erase? Once in there I have
APFS
APFS (encrypted)
APFT case sensitive
or
APFS case sensitive/encrypted..........which of these should I use? no option for APFS, GUID partitition format

Assuming I get as far as doing this, the next step is to download superDuper. I'm assuming I do this onto the old Mac to. On the old Mac I sun a Samsung SSD with both data on it and the OS. Also the Mac HD that has some manual backups and my time machine backups. I have a nice fresh time machine backup. I think I get the remainder of the instructions. I'm away next week for a couple of weeks but will try to get swapped over before I go. If not, I'll go quiet for a couple of weeks! so doing this transfers all my software, settings and data? thanks again.

 

[HobeSoundDarryl]

OP, while "the plan" will work, you don't really have to go to that much trouble. Instead you can:

1. Get the newer Mac upgraded to Catalina
2. Use the simple "migration assistant" app in the Utilities folder to migrate your digital stuff from old Mac to new Mac. It's up to you to migrate your applications too (by checking (or not un-checking) a box during the process).

You'll be finished (and migrated) after those 2 steps: fire up the newer iMac, login and proceed like you are still using the old iMac on the newer hardware.

And if you want both iMacs connected to the Internet at the same time, plug the Powerline Ethernet cable into a simple switch and the ethernet cables from each iMac into the same switch...

Both Macs will then have Internet connections at the same time.

 

[martinchivers]

OP, while "the plan" will work, you don't really have to go to that much trouble. Instead you can:

1. Get the newer Mac upgraded to Catalina
2. Use the simple "migration assistant" app in the Utilities folder to migrate your digital stuff from old Mac to new Mac. It's up to you to migrate your applications too (by checking (or not un-checking) a box during the process).

You'll be finished (and migrated) after those 2 steps: fire up the newer iMac, login and proceed like you are still using the old iMac on the newer hardware.

Thank you yes. The only drawback is that I don’t have a Wi-Fi network in my office. Only a wired system through my electricity system with plugs and network cable. The plug has one cable port only. I’m not sure if a 2 way adapter will work (i’ve seen those on eBay for next to nothing)

 

[HobeSoundDarryl]

If by plugs and network cable you mean ethernet (network) cable, plug the ethernet cable into one of those switches ($10-$20 on amazon) like this one and also plug both Macs into the same switch via ethernet too. Both Macs will then have Internet access at the same time.

I'm interpreting your description as "Powerline Ethernet" so if the end with no wifi offers one ethernet cable, this option should work just fine.

Powerline box Ethernet cable into Switch + Both iMac Ethernet cables into Switch = Wired Internet for Both Macs​

 

[martinchivers]

If by plugs and network cable you mean ethernet (network) cable, plug the ethernet cable into one of those switches ($10-$20 on amazon) like this one and also plug both Macs into the same switch via ethernet too. Both Macs will then have Internet access at the same time.

My router is in my house. I have an electrical plug with a network cable into it and another one in my office in a separate building. Each plug has only one input. That goes to one Mac. I can’t get both macs on the network at the same time (without taking both into my house which is a ball ache)i’m not sure is one of these adapters will work.

 

[HobeSoundDarryl]

Yes, that's called Powerline Networking. Post #14 will almost certainly work.

Once you have the switch (go get one at Walmart or similar if you don't want to wait out Amazon delivery), pull the ethernet cable out of iMac and plug it into switch. That gets the Powerline-based internet into the switch.

Connect both iMacs to that same switch. Internet will then be shared to both iMacs. Both will be connected.

Think of this like water (internet) flowing through pipes (ethernet cables). Right now you have a single pipe. An ethernet "switch" will turn one pipe into five pipes. Connect 2 more "pipes" to where you want the water to go. It will flow to both.

Switch will likely work better than that splitter in your picture and cost about the same. Bonus: instead of giving you only 2 ethernet ports, that switch will give you FIVE, so you can plug anything else in over in that separate building that could benefit from wired internet (future television? AppleTV? Other stuff).

But for now, keep it simple: 3 ethernet cables plugged into the switch:

• One from the powerline box plugged into your wall
• One from old iMac
• One from newer iMac

 

[martinchivers]

Yes, that's called Powerline Networking. Post #14 will almost certainly work.

Once you have the switch (go get one at Walmart or similar if you don't want to wait out Amazon delivery), pull the ethernet cable out of iMac and plug it into switch. That gets the Powerline-based internet into the switch.

Connect both iMacs to that same switch. Internet will then be shared to both iMacs. Both will be connected.

Think of this like water (internet) flowing through pipes (ethernet cables). Right now you have a single pipe. An ethernet "switch" will turn one pipe into five pipes. Connect 2 more "pipes" to where you want the water to go. It will flow to both.

right. great. thanks. So the "2 way adapter" goes into the old Mac, then plug one cable into it from the power line plug and another cable into the adapter to the "new" Mac? I assumed the adapter went into then wall plus then a cable to each Mac. (I'm in the UK by the way)

 

[HobeSoundDarryl]

I wouldn't try the 2-way adapter (splitter) in your picture. If you do a search for ethernet switch vs. ethernet splitter, you will discover many references that the splitter "doesn't work." However, a switch pretty much ALWAYS works. Buy the switch not the splitter:

• Powerline ethernet cable currently going into old iMac gets unplugged from old iMac and plugged into switch.
• Two more ethernet cables will connect each iMac to that same switch.

If you don't have 2 more ethernet cables, pick those up when you buy the switch.

 

[Fishrrman]

Plug the SSD into the Mac.

Open disk utility.

Go to the view menu and choose "show all devices" (very important step).

Look at the list on the left.

You should be able to see the SSD.

Click on it ONE time to select it.

Click the erase button.

Choose "APFS" (nothing more).

Erase the drive.

That should do it.

Now open SuperDuper and follow the instructions.

 

[martinchivers]

Plug the SSD into the Mac.

Open disk utility.

Go to the view menu and choose "show all devices" (very important step).

Look at the list on the left.

You should be able to see the SSD.

Click on it ONE time to select it.

Click the erase button.

Choose "APFS" (nothing more).

Erase the drive.

That should do it.

Now open SuperDuper and follow the instructions.

brilliant. thank you.

 

[martinchivers]

Here's my suggestion as to how to do the migration.
The advice is free.
Whether or not you take it is... well.. up to you.

If you take my advice, I guarantee a smooth, quick migration.

You have the SSD coming. Good choice.

When it arrives, DO NOT use tm on it.
Instead, do this:
Connect the SSD to the OLD iMac.
Format it to APFS, GUID partition format.

Next:
Download SuperDuper. It's free to use for what we're going to use it for.
Get it by clicking THIS link --> https://shirt-pocket.com/mint/pepper/orderedlist/downloads/download.php?file=https://shirt-pocket.com/downloads/SuperDuper!.dmg

Launch SuperDuper.
It's one of the easiest apps to use I've ever seen.
Use SD to "clone" the contents of the OLD iMac to the SSD.
Takes only a few clicks of the mouse.
SD will erase the SSD, and go from there. That's its standard operating procedure.

When done, you will have a BOOTABLE clone of the OLD iMac.

Connect the clone to the NEWER iMac. It should be powered OFF when you connect the drive.

Hold down the OPTION key and KEEP HOLDING IT DOWN as you press the power on button. Keep holding OPTION down!

You'll see the startup manager.
Select the SSD with the pointer and hit return.

You should boot up from the SSD.
This is what we want.

When you get to the finder, open SuperDuper again.
Now, we're going to clone the EXTERNAL SSD to the internal drive.
(kind of what you did before, "in reverse")
So... just do it.
SD will erase the internal drive this time, and clone the contents of the SSD (with Catalina) to the internal drive.

When done, power down, all the way off.
Disconnect the SSD.
Reboot the NEWER iMac.

Do you get a good boot?
Do you get to your login without problems?
So... log in and look around.
It should look exactly as the OLD iMac did -- except now you're running Catalina on the NEWER Mac.

If you get this far, you're done!

You'll come back to this forum and post "I didn't think it could go that smoothly !"

thanks again. I've formatted the new SSD. Downloaded super duper. while installing it, Had to drag icon into a box. Failed at that point for some reason. Dragged the desktop icon in, didn't work. various other things, but nothing. Assuming I can get it running, there is a box, (currently greyed out) copy to and target. and "using" under that. I have my Mac HD, which contains time machine backups and other manually backed up stuff, plus the Samsung drive that has the os and my data (everything presumably) as I'll ultimately wipe the Mac HD, I'll want to copy at least some of the time machine backups, as I always keep a few older copies. what exactly should I transfer, I think its going to be just the Samsung SSD? worry about the old time machine backups later. Once I've done all this do I just continue having the new 2TB ssd plumed or or does it copy it all to the (new) Mac HD?

If I can't do it this way, will have to use the Mac migration assistant, but that entails moving both to the house. Will I have to literally wire both Macs into my router or can this be done wirelessly?

Hopefully I've explained myself fully.

 

[martinchivers]

UPDATE! just gone the next step & making the copy now. Didn't work the first time. The disc is 500gb. how long will it take, approximately?

 

[colodane]

Just want to reinforce what HobeSoundDarryl has been recommending. Get rid of the "splitter". A simple Ethernet Switch is what you need.

They are inexpensive and will greatly increase the connection possibilities in your computer room. In, fact, you may want another one to use inside your house.

 

[martinchivers]

I’ve done the copy of old Mac to the new SSD. Now that’s plugged into the new 27 inch and I’ve gone through the set up from the instructions using option to boot from the external drive. When I go to superduper it’s asking for the SSD from the original computer I assume. So I have now plugged that one in as well. getting this message box…& i’m stuck. Do I really need the “old Mac” SSD plugged in. It’s saying that I needs to be formatted but that’s the last thing I want to do as i’ll need it in order to get the old Mac running and sold if at all possible. Where do I go from here?

 

[Fishrrman]

OK, let's try some more.

The external SSD has "all the stuff" from your OLD Mac, right, Martin?

And you seem to be able to boot the newer iMac from it.

The next step is going to be another "clone".
Only this time, you're cloning the contents of the external drive to the internal drive on the new Mac.

THIS WILL WIPE OUT ALL DATA that's on the internal drive.
This is OK, it's what we want.

The old drive is probably HFS+, so, YES, SuperDuper will erase it and reformat it to APFS BEFORE it copies all the data over.

This is what we want.

So get back to where you were in reply 24 above, and click "convert", and let SuperDuper do its job.

When done, the OS and data on the SSD will now be on the new internal drive.

When it's done, you also need to go to the startup disk preference pane on the NEW Mac, and set it to boot from the internal drive.