Transfering file from Macbook (OS 10.13) to Macbook Air (OS 10.14

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Transfering file from Macbook (OS 10.13) to Macbook Air (OS 10.14

Hi, What is the best way to transfer my files from Macbook to MB Air, as the older Mac has an older OS? I can't use Migration Assistant because of the different OS. If I use an External HD and use Time Machine, Would I be able to boot up using the HD if needed? I installed Majave on the External, wanting to be able to boot up / use as a startup disk if needed, but when going to us Time Machine to back up Macbook, it said it would have to erase it. Is there another way to transfer without having to start from scratch with all my preferred settings, software installations with registration numbers set up... etc?

Rebecca

Macbook 2010 - Macbook Air 2015

MacBook Air 13", macOS 10.14

Posted on Apr 11, 2019 9:25 PM

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Answer 1

Top-ranking reply

dwb

Level 7

33,268 points

Apr 15, 2019 8:11 AM in response to rebknell

You can use Migration Assistant to transfer data from a computer with an older OS to a newer one. Migration Assistant can be used to totally restore a computer which would transfer OS, application, and data, but it can also just transfer data, data and applications, or applications.

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Answer 2

rebknell Author

Level 1

9 points

Apr 12, 2019 12:54 PM in response to kaz-k

Oh, that would be so time consuming! And wouldn't take care of all the saved setting, preferences and software registrations. But thanks.

I THINK I figured out the solution.

I erased the external once more and am installing the older OS (High Sierra) Once done I will use Migration Assistant to transfer files from older computer to external. Once Transfered I'l upgarde the External to Mojave then transfer some of the files I need on my newer computer (less storage space on the newer computer so won't transfer the larger files)

Hope that'll work. In the past I've always had some issue or another with the Migration Assistant, so we'll see.

I'll post an update once completed for anyone else having the same question.

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Answer 3

kaz-k

Level 9

51,126 points

Apr 11, 2019 11:28 PM in response to rebknell

Hi,

System Preferences > Share > File Sharing on MacBook is the easiest transfer files to MacBook Air.

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Answer 4

rebknell Author

Level 1

9 points

Apr 13, 2019 2:27 PM in response to rebknell

Yep, that seemed to work, though I was hoping that I could leave all the Apps on the external HD and by transfering over my User files I would just have to plug in External and open the apps to use. It's not working that way. Sigh.

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Transfering file from Macbook (OS 10.13) to Macbook Air (OS 10.14

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