lucky9er66

Q: new MBP, how to transfer software/data from old MBP

I'm picking up a new MBP in a few days. I've upgraded in the past but it's been five yrs. What are the current best practices for moving from old to new MBP's?

MacBook Pro, Mac OS X (10.7.2)

Posted on Jan 7, 2013 10:51 AM

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Q: new MBP, how to transfer software/data from old MBP

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  • by OGELTHORPE,

    OGELTHORPE OGELTHORPE Jan 7, 2013 10:52 AM in response to lucky9er66
    Level 9 (52,101 points)
    Mac OS X
    Jan 7, 2013 10:52 AM in response to lucky9er66

    Migration Assistant:

     

    http://support.apple.com/kb/HT4889

     

    Ciao.

  • by Kappy,

    Kappy Kappy Jan 7, 2013 10:59 AM in response to lucky9er66
    Level 10 (270,283 points)
    Desktops
    Jan 7, 2013 10:59 AM in response to lucky9er66

    Use the Setup Assistant in the new computer. First, connect the two computers using a Firewire cable. Boot the old computer into Target Disk Mode. Boot the new computer normally for the first time. You will be greeted by the Setup Assistant. Follow the on-screen instructions until you are asked about migrating from another computer or Time Machine backup. Opt for another computer and go with the instructions. You will be guided to migrating your old computer's Home folder, third-party applications, support software, and system preferences.

     

    Now, this process will take quite some time so be patient.

     

    The following may be useful reading although it is about using the Migration Assistant. This tool is exactly like the one used in the Setup Assistant. How to use Migration Assistant to transfer files from another Mac.

  • by lucky9er66,

    lucky9er66 lucky9er66 Jan 16, 2013 9:13 AM in response to lucky9er66
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Jan 16, 2013 9:13 AM in response to lucky9er66

    Thanks for your replies. In my case I am transferring data from an early 2008 MBP 15" to a 13" MBP. This means that I have to purchase a firewire to thunderbolt adapter for $29 in order to use firewire technology. As I purchased the new MBP online and saw on the features page a picture of the ports available on the 13" i thought that i could use my existing cable. No such luck, the features webpage has an incorrect photo of the ports on the 13". Thanks again for your replies.

  • by iamjaycee,

    iamjaycee iamjaycee Jan 16, 2013 10:31 AM in response to lucky9er66
    Level 1 (20 points)
    Jan 16, 2013 10:31 AM in response to lucky9er66

    Migration assistant or External Drives?

  • by LilyLC,

    LilyLC LilyLC Jan 16, 2013 1:00 PM in response to lucky9er66
    Level 4 (2,743 points)
    Jan 16, 2013 1:00 PM in response to lucky9er66

    See Pondini's excellent advice on Setting up a new Mac from an old ones.... Just follow the links for your situation and you can transfer old to new via wireless (though it may take longer if you have a lot of data).

     

    BTW: Last year, I had your same question. While awaiting delivery of a new MBP, I familiarized myself with Pondini's instructions. I gathered all the info I needed and when the new MBP arrived, the transfer of data went smoothly.

     

    Good Luck!