Duplicate Files while Transferring

Krystal,

You are going about moving your data the hard way!! The most simple and most reliable method is to connect your old iMacs Time Machine backup (or bootable clone EHD) via a USB cable to the new iMac. Then launch Migration Assistant on the new iMac (Applications - Utilities - Migration Assistant) and then follow the on-screen directions.

If for some reason you don't have a TM backup (major error if you don't!!!) then connect the two computers together via an Ethernet cable and use Migration Assistant. NEVER EVER use Wi-Fi for Migration Assistant, this method will take weeks (no I am not kidding) and it will fail. Use the first method explained in this post and your migration should be VERY smooth and not result in any duplicates.

Warning Will Robinson!

When you use Migration Assistant it will not copy files into your account. It will create a brand new account on the new computer. If the account on the old computer is the same name as the account you've already created on the new account you'll get to rename it.

When the Migration Assistant has completed its work you'll have 2 accounts. IF there are any files you've created you'll need to move them into the new account. For just a few use a flash drive or icloud. If there are lots of files come back and we can give you some suggestions. Once everything has been moved into the new account you'll log into it and then delete the old account from the Users & Groups tab of System Preferences.

Well I'm a little jealous, I'm still using my old 2011 27" iMac but intend to replace it next year. Hope you bought one with a SSD and have moved away from traditional HD's. SSDs dramatically improve performance.

BTW, dwb is totally correct. MA will create a second account. If you have not turned on the 2019 iMac then please wait until your adapter has arrived and connect the old EHD before powering up the 2019. When you do, during the Setup Assistant process it will also offer to do a migration. Select yes, if you use Setup Assistant then it will not create a new user account.

Okay, then wait for your adapter and when you have it then connect the old TM backup to the new iMac and launch Migration Assistant then. Until then, please be patient.

If you only need to migrate apps then when you launch Migration Assistant just select Applications.