Restoring to a different kind of machine?

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Level 1

4 points

Restoring to a different kind of machine?

Can I restore a Time Machine/Time Capsule backup to a different kind of machine?

I bought one of the new i7 iMacs that had graphics/screen problems and have now returned it, and am thinking I may just get a Pro to replace it since people are still getting new ones with the same issues. The thing is, I know the drivers, etc. are different, so would restoring a Time Machine backup from an iMac to a Pro (or an MBP, or ...) break it or otherwise fail? Any tips folks can provide would be most appreciated here.

iMac 27 i7 - Returned, Mac OS X (10.6.2)

Posted on Nov 28, 2009 7:19 AM

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Answer 1

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macjack

Level 10

111,174 points

Nov 28, 2009 7:21 AM in response to JiminSF

Why restore it, why not just use Migration Assistant to migrate over?

-mj

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Answer 2

V.K.

Level 9

56,174 points

Nov 28, 2009 7:23 AM in response to JiminSF

you can not do a full system restore to another model computer but you can use migration assistant to import your user settings and applications.
when you first turn on the new computer you get Setup assistant which will give you an option to migrate from a TM backup. you can also do it later using Migration Assistant located in /Applicatins/Utilities.

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Answer 3

JiminSF Author

Level 1

4 points

Nov 28, 2009 8:02 AM in response to V.K.

Outstanding, thanks very much to both of you! (Haven't used Migration Assistant before.) Can it still migrate you from a TM backup if you had FileVault active, assuming you have the password?

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