I need a little guidance. I just purchased a new iMac to replace my mid-2017 IMac because I suspect the hard drive (non-SSD) is about to go. Instead of using an external boot drive, I got a new one. I don't have a lot of programs on this because my wife generally uses it to create documents, browse the web, and look at her photos from that App. I have looked to see if Migration assistant is the way to go, but most advice is not to. Can anyone point me to a step-by-step process for moving my files/photos to the new computer when they arrive? Thank you in advance
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Purchased a New Imac to replace mid 2017
- Thread starter knockem
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Not sure where you getting advice but I've used Migration Assistant to migrate data to new Macs (mine, family and friends) for over a decade w/out any issues. I've had success using Migration Assistant with direct connections between Macs using Target Disk Mode, over networking, or using Time Machine backup to migrate. I recommend you get an external drive and back up the data on your current iMac using Time Machine or other back up solution first before you attempt to migrate.
HobeSoundDarryl
macrumors G5
I -WOULD USE- migration assistant to "move your old stuff" to the new Mac.
Important question:
Do you keep a backup drive ??
The best way to migrate is by using an external backup drive.
The best backup to have is a "cloned backup" created with either SuperDuper or CarbonCopyCloner (both are FREE to use for this if you've never used them before).
A time machine b/u works too, but things may actually go faster with a cloned backup.
Just before the new Mac comes:
Perform a "final backup" from the old Mac to the backup drive.
When the new Mac arrives:
Take it out of the box and set it up on the table, but
DO NOT PRESS THE POWER ON BUTTON YET.
Connect your backup.
NOW press the power on button.
Begin setup.
When setup assistant asks if you with to migrate from another drive, YES, you do.
So... "point the way" to the backup drive and give SA time to "digest" everything (it takes a while).
SA will present you with a list of things that can be migrated.
I suggest you just "migrate it all".
Let SA do its job -- again, will take some time.
When done, you should see your old login screen, as before.
So... log in and "look around".
Good luck.
Important question:
Do you keep a backup drive ??
The best way to migrate is by using an external backup drive.
The best backup to have is a "cloned backup" created with either SuperDuper or CarbonCopyCloner (both are FREE to use for this if you've never used them before).
A time machine b/u works too, but things may actually go faster with a cloned backup.
Just before the new Mac comes:
Perform a "final backup" from the old Mac to the backup drive.
When the new Mac arrives:
Take it out of the box and set it up on the table, but
DO NOT PRESS THE POWER ON BUTTON YET.
Connect your backup.
NOW press the power on button.
Begin setup.
When setup assistant asks if you with to migrate from another drive, YES, you do.
So... "point the way" to the backup drive and give SA time to "digest" everything (it takes a while).
SA will present you with a list of things that can be migrated.
I suggest you just "migrate it all".
Let SA do its job -- again, will take some time.
When done, you should see your old login screen, as before.
So... log in and "look around".
Good luck.