Transfering Settings to a New Computer

[acrobat]

i think i'm going to get myself a new Powerbook. however, i want to know what the best way to transfer all my files and settings to the new computer would be. is there a program that does this?

 

[Kirk]

I think Carbon Copy Cloner is the program you are looking for:

http://www.bombich.com/software/ccc.html

 

[mmmdreg]

Nah.. if it's a new computer, it would probably be a bit different software-wise to your old one.. what I suggest is have your new powerbook all factory'ed, connect it to your old computer (ethernet, firewire etc.), and drag the stuff over =P.

If you got software on cd, you may as well reinstall em from scratch.. drag stuff you need from your home folder and appz folder and the /library folder and you should be more or less alright..

 

[blogo]

Running CCC could mess up the system because its two different mac models.

 

[crazzyeddie]

What you want to do is use CCC to clone only your Users folder. The system might have unique software/configuration for the Powerbook, but the Users folder contains only info for your user. Simply dragging stuff over won't work because things like your Keychain are protected from that for security. I have done this and it works fine.

 

[Bear]

Running CCC could mess up the system because its two different mac models.

This is very much the case. 10.3.3 as generally released is build 7F44. The version on the new Powerbooks is 7Gxx. (Played with one at the Apple store).

Now just doing the user folder might be alright. However, just copying the needed files would make things even cleaner. Think of this as chance to get rid of leftover gunk on your computer. Copy what files you need. Other preferences you should start fresh. Mail and Mozilla are a couple of programs you should copy the preferences over for as well as the files. There might be some others, depending on how well you know the program. Calendar for instance, you may need to copy everything or you may just need to copy the actual calendars.

 

[Mord]

What you want to do is use CCC to clone only your Users folder. The system might have unique software/configuration for the Powerbook, but the Users folder contains only info for your user. Simply dragging stuff over won't work because things like your Keychain are protected from that for security. I have done this and it works fine.

it dose work if you keep the same user name, password and keychain password. I did that when i changed my cube's HD and put the old one in a lacie d2 case.

 

[mklos]

i think i'm going to get myself a new Powerbook. however, i want to know what the best way to transfer all my files and settings to the new computer would be. is there a program that does this?

Since this is a brand new machine, I'd just spend the time resinstalling your apps and placing your settings in the correct places. If you try CCC then it could mess things up and you could see disappointing results. After you get things the way you want then I'd make an image and store it somewhere incase something happens.

 

[stoneage]

Reinstalling data

How do you transfer data, apps, files etc. from a data transfer from an old computer to a new one. The Apple Store d/l everything to a folder on my desktop named Data Transfer and I want to know if I can just drag it out of that folder into my new H/D and then throw the Transfer folder away, or what. Also, can I just copy the apps from the H/D into my old User folder. I know these are pretty simple questions, but I have never had to do this. Previously the H/D failed or something catastrophic happened and I had to reinstall everything. For some reason the folks at the store created two new Users on the H/D using mine and my wifes names. I would like to return to the original ID's. Any help would be appreciated.