How to transfer files Mac To Mac

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Level 1

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How to transfer files Mac To Mac

I have a Mac Pro with a standard internal HD and a second internal HD. I just purchased an iMac to replace it. When I used the Migration Assistant, it copied the standard internal HD but did not copy the second drive's contents. Is there a simple way for me to copy the entire contents of the second internal drive to a new folder on the new machine's HD? I have the two machines directly connected via USB cable but they don't seem to "see" each other.

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Posted on Sep 16, 2019 3:35 AM

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Answer 1

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den.thed

Level 10

92,386 points

Oct 1, 2019 8:28 AM in response to Adamsmithhh

A couple of other options include,

copy the data on the Mac Pro's second HD to an external drive, then plug the external drive into the new Mac and copy the data to the new Mac.
remove the HDD from the Mac Pro and put it into an external enclosure, a drive dock or SATA to USB adapter. Then connect the second HD directly to the new Mac and copy the data to the new Mac. Then simply return the second HD to the Mac Pro.

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Answer 2

dwb

Level 7

33,298 points

Oct 1, 2019 4:09 AM in response to Adamsmithhh

If you don't have a Thunderbolt cable and don't have a need for one, another simple solution is to use an external drive. Copy the contents of the second drive to the external. At that point then it is up to you whether to leave the files on the external or copy them to the iMac. (I've been keeping my media files on an external drive for over 10 years because it reduces the amount of time I have to spend migrating onto a new Mac. Just unplug the external from the old and plug it into the new.)

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Answer 3

rkaufmann87

Level 10

148,534 points

Sep 16, 2019 6:01 AM in response to Adamsmithhh

Sure, please use Target Disk Mode and connect the two together via Thunderbolt for a quick transfer.

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Answer 4

Adamsmithhh Author

Level 1

8 points

Oct 15, 2019 3:29 AM in response to Adamsmithhh

Install all available Apple software updates on both Mac computers. Install any updates for your third-party apps as well.
Make sure that your old Mac is using OS X Snow Leopard v10.6.8 or later.
Make sure that your old Mac has a computer name: Choose Apple () menu > System Preferences, then click Sharing and check the Computer Name field.
Connect both computers to AC power.

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How to transfer files Mac To Mac

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