Migrating from a backup may be the only option if the old Mac is inoperable or stolen. The old Mac remains fully operational during and after the transfer, resulting in little or no downtime. The Time Machine backup may be on a Time Capsule, OS X Server or hard drive. Time Machine backupvolumes can be used to transfer files to a new computer.Stuck with an old Mac (2002-2008)? You might need a Firewire 800 to Firewire 400 6-pin cable for 1 GB per minute transfers. Use a Thunderbolt to Firewire adapter and Firewire cable for 2 GB per minute transfers.

Firewire was common on older Macs (2008-2011).A Thunderbolt to Ethernet adapter (or USB 3 to Gigabit adapter) adds a network port to Macs that don’t have one. Ethernet is available on desktop Macs, Windows PCs and older Mac laptops.Expect to transfer at least 3 GB per minute. Thunderbolt is the fastest method and is available on all Macs from 2011 and later.

Then click the corresponding bold link below to continue. Check each computer and compare the ports and cables shown below.

Migration Assistant can transfer files several ways. The method you choose depends on the ports, cables and time available. Review the options below and make sure you have everything you need. If you need to move loose files on a disk, contact us for help.īefore you begin, learn how to determine how much space is used on your old computer, as well as the space available on the new one. There is no provision for merging the old user account with anything created before the transfer. You can transfer files from a working Mac, Windows PC, bootable Mac disk or Time Machine backup. Migration Assistant should be run before the user begins working on the new Mac. Left untouched… nothing erased or changed. When you’reįinished, the new computer is ready to use, and the source computer is Is smart enough to copy files without replacing software that’sĪlready present (or newer) on the replacement computer. You can even transfer applications, support files and settings. Settings from scratch. Migration Assistant easily transfers userĪccounts, including the desktop, movies, music, pictures, messages and fonts. You’ll avoid having to set up email, bookmarks, passwords and other Mac, use the Migration Assistant utility. When you need to transfer files from a Mac or Windows PC to another

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