Want to switch from PowerPC to Intel. Can I pull the hardrive ro use in new system?

[littleaims]

Hey there,
I have an imac g5 that has a nice size hard drive loaded with Adobe CS3, but unfortunately is running on a PowerPC processor and I want to purchase a new Mac with an Intel processor. I don't have the original disks for Adobe so I have 2 questionable options: Is there a way to copy the software off the hard drive (to an extrernal) so I can reload on it a new Mac with Intel, OR can I pull the hard drive and install it on another Mac running Intel? I need the size of the drive and especially that software so it would be nice to use it on another computer if possible.

Thanks,
Aimee

 

[Eraserhead]

If you are running 10.5 on the iMac you can backup to Time Machine and use that to migrate your data to your new machine, or you can just do a direct migration (probably you can do one via a network cable - or even (though it'll be very slow) wireless.).

See http://www.apple.com/pro/tips/migration.html

Also http://www.google.com/search?client=safari&rls=en&q=migrate+to+new+mac&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8 has a lot of hints and tips.

 

[Badger^2]

Migration Assistant will be your friend, like EH pointed out.

You will want to make sure you have either a FW400 to FW800 cable (check monoprice for deals) or an ethernet cable to make the transfer.

Pretty painless, but it takes some time...

 

[Mavimao]

Yup, just do what Eraserhead said. I did a direct migration from my old sawtooth running 10.4 to a Macbook Pro running 10.5 through an ethernet connection. All of my files and applications crossed over beautifully and without a hitch.

 

[littleaims]

Cool. I'm going to look into that now. I'll post any f/u questions if I have any but thanks for the great advice!