Tommy Bahama
Level 1 (9 points)
Desktops

Q: Transferring data from one mac to another

I have a 2010 iMac and I just purchased a new Macbook Pro and I was wondering if anyone could tell me the easiest way to transfer the contents of my iMac onto my new MacBook Pro.  I am not very technically inclined so if anyone could tell me the easiest and simplist way to transfer the information from one to the other I would GREATLY appreciate it.  Thank you in advance.

Posted on Jul 30, 2016 12:59 PM

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Tommy Bahama

Q: Transferring data from one mac to another

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  • by theratter,

    theratter theratter Jul 30, 2016 1:09 PM in response to Tommy Bahama
    Level 4 (3,907 points)
    Desktops
    Jul 30, 2016 1:09 PM in response to Tommy Bahama

    The easy way is to purchase an external USB disk a capacity at least equal to the capacity of the iMac's internal disk. Partition and format the external disk for the Mac. Clone the iMac's disk to the external disk. Connect the external disk to the new MBP. Copy all your files from the external disk to the MBP. Now, keep the external disk as a backup should you need it.

     

    If all you need are your files from the Home folder, then connect both computers to your home network. Enable File Sharing on the iMac in Sharing preferences. You now can access your files from the iMac and copy them to your new MBP.

     

    If you already have a Time Machine backup for your iMac then you can connect the backup drive to the MBP in order to transfer data. Please visit Pondini's Time Machine FAQ for help with Time Machine. This is an extensive site with most everything you may need for using Time Machine. You will not find a better resource for Time Machine in one location. Due to the passing of James Pondini the site is no longer being updated. Therefore, some of the information may be a little outdated.

     

    How to use Migration Assistant to transfer files from another Mac

    Transferring files from one User Account to another

  • by KiltedTim,

    KiltedTim KiltedTim Jul 30, 2016 4:35 PM in response to Tommy Bahama
    Level 9 (55,026 points)
    iPhone
    Jul 30, 2016 4:35 PM in response to Tommy Bahama

    The above is overly complicated. It doesn't have to be that involved or difficult.

     

    You can transfer your data easily using Migration assistant.

     

    Move your content to a new Mac - Apple Support

  • by babowa,

    babowa babowa Jul 30, 2016 4:42 PM in response to Tommy Bahama
    Level 7 (31,893 points)
    iPad
    Jul 30, 2016 4:42 PM in response to Tommy Bahama

    If you haven't set up the new MBP yet, the easiest method is offered only during the initial setup: While setting up, a screen will pop up offering to move content various sources; one is using the Setup Assistant: it will automatically move everything over. If you use Migration Assistant later - after you've already set up an account - it will move things, but also possibly duplicate files as it will set up a second account unless you choose to replace the new account you just set up. That's fine - you just need to be aware of it so you don't wind up with a lot of duplicates (I did some years back and it took a while to fix it).