HT1661: How to use and troubleshoot FireWire target disk mode

Learn about How to use and troubleshoot FireWire target disk mode
Nickr123photo
Level 1 (0 points)

Q: I am trying to migrate using firewire to a new mac.

When cables are connected and the old mac is rebooted as target disc the new mac cannot see the old mac to start migration. I have update all software. (old mac 10.6.8 and new mac is 10.7) any ideas. The new mac asks: 'make sure both computers are connected to the same network'

iMac (27-inch Mid 2011), Mac OS X (10.7)

Posted on May 14, 2012 10:26 AM

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Nickr123photo

Q: I am trying to migrate using firewire to a new mac.

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  • by Helpstonharv,

    Helpstonharv Helpstonharv May 14, 2012 10:30 AM in response to Nickr123photo
    Level 1 (40 points)
    May 14, 2012 10:30 AM in response to Nickr123photo

    Have you tried using the migration assistant in utilities?

  • by ds store,

    ds store ds store May 14, 2012 10:47 AM in response to Nickr123photo
    Level 7 (30,395 points)
    May 14, 2012 10:47 AM in response to Nickr123photo

    The target disk mode is not working.

     

    Just use a external drive to copy from the old Mac

     

    Screen shot 2012-05-11 at 8.13.19 PM.jpg

     

    Then create the same named user accounts on the new machine, log into each of them and import their respective files manually into their Music, Pictures Movies, Documents folders, should be done a lot faster than Migration over Wifi.

     

    Don't copy 10.6 Library, that's different in 10.7 and now hidden. Don't copy the entire users folder, just the contents of Music, Docs, Pics etc into the same folders on the 10.7 machine. Drag and drop copy, simple and elegant, less issues.

     

     

     

    Programs: reinstall these from fresh sources using the same license codes, delete off the old machine.

     

    Some times you have to contact the developer for a new key for the new machine, the old key is retired.

     

    This method is better than using Migration Assistant, less chances of problems/corruption/slow downs, you'll have to tweak things a bit more again of course, minor really.

     

     

    As you should know you can't use older PPC based programs on the 10.7 machine anyway.

     

    http://roaringapps.com/apps:table

  • by baltwo,

    baltwo baltwo May 14, 2012 10:56 AM in response to Nickr123photo
    Level 9 (62,256 points)
    May 14, 2012 10:56 AM in response to Nickr123photo

    See Pondini's Setup New Mac guide.

  • by Linc Davis,

    Linc Davis Linc Davis May 14, 2012 12:39 PM in response to Nickr123photo
    Level 10 (207,926 points)
    Applications
    May 14, 2012 12:39 PM in response to Nickr123photo

    In the Migration Assistant window, you selected From another Mac or PC. You need to select From a Time Machine backup or other disk.