I recently bought a new iMac to replace my older one and it seems that when I signed into my iCloud account on the new Mac, my email and Safari data got downloaded onto this new iMac. My question is is Migration Assistant "smart enough" to know not to duplicate this data?
My answer to "How Smart is Migration Assistant" is Not Very.
I don't advise using Migration Assistant after creating the same-named account you wish to migrate. If you wanted the same account, you should have used Migration Assistant in the Startup Assistant before creating the account on the new Mac.
Best to use Setup Assistant on a new Install before you fill out for a new user... or After using Migration Assistant just use the 2nd Migrated account, leaving the 1st one for emergency use.
So, do you mean use migration assistant on a new machine, before putting in your name & Apple ID? Can you even do anything on the computer, before logging in?
Yes, on a brand new Mac or brand new setup, after a couple of steps on 1st boot, like country, time zone, etc, you get a choice to use Setup Assistant or not.
Does migration assistant let you choose which files will be transferred?
Broadly, like import Applications or not, which user accounts, settings or not, so on, not very fine grained.
Thank you, BDAqua, for replying. So, just to be clear, if I understand correctly, your suggested first option entails using Disk Utility to erase the disk and then use Recovery Mode to reinstall the OS and from there use Setup Assistant to start fresh?
I like the idea of starting over clean. I still have full access to my older Mac which is still fully-functional if a bit slow.
The other issue I’d like advice on: as I’ve had this older Mac since mid-2007 and there have been a number of OS upgrades over a 12 year span, do I want to use Migration Assistant to bring over everything, some of which is likely nonessential?
So, do you mean use migration assistant on a new machine, before putting in your name & Apple ID? Can you even do anything on the computer, before logging in? I just got a new one, and am not sure the best way to set it up. I don't want to simply put everything I have on my current one, onto the new one, as I'm sure there's tons of garbage, old apps, etc., on it that I sure don't want on the new one.
Does migration assistant let you choose which files will be transferred?
So, BDAqua, I realize I have additional questions about doing a clean install on my new iMac. Once I erase the disc, it's not clear what needs to happen next? Do I need to shut down the computer at that point and restart, holding down the Option key as the Mac is starting up? Once I've chosen the Recovery HD and chosen Reinstall macOS from the Utilities window, don't I need an internet connection? With a blank hard drive, how will I connect to the internet? Will I be given the opportunity to tap into my wifi network at that juncture?
Thank you for your comment. So, oy vey, what's my second best option?
Yes, I think you have it. :)
Thanks... I think I'll end up just transferring manually, using this opportunity to do some much needed "drive-cleaning", getting rid of all the clutter...
OK, good luck. :)
You shouldn't have to restart since you're already booted from the restore partition, just exit Disk Utility.
It should pick up your Wifi from info stored in NVRAM.
How Smart is Migration Assistant
