Looks like no one’s replied in a while. To start the conversation again, simply ask a new question.

User profile for user: tj-raptor
tj-raptor Author
User level: Level 1
8 points

Should I be using Time Machine?

Hi, as far as I know Time Machine backs up my entire computer. My question is can I pick and choose what I want to restore or is it "all or nothing"? My current mid 2012 MacBook Pro is buggy, glitchy and has a million files on it that I have no idea what they are. The last thing I want is to buy a brand new computer, restore Time machine back-up and turn my new device into the mountain of garbage that is my old device! The only things I want to transfer over are photos, iTunes library and some select documents and files. In this situation is it better for me to just copy those items to an external hard drive and forget using Time Machine all together?

MacBook Pro 13", OS X 10.10

Posted on May 3, 2020 3:05 PM

Reply
Question marked as Best reply
User profile for user: Grant Bennet-Alder
Grant Bennet-Alder
User level: Level 10
126,655 points

Posted on May 3, 2020 3:54 PM

In general use, you you can Pick and choose what to restore.


For a new computer, you MUST be bale to Not restore the old version of MacOS, because it will not run on your old Mac.


The key to selective restore (the easy way) is Setup Assistant/Migration Assistant:



.

View in context

Similar questions

4 replies
User profile for user: tj-raptor
tj-raptor Author
User level: Level 1
8 points

May 3, 2020 4:34 PM in response to Grant Bennet-Alder

Ok, should I create a separate copy of my photos and music just in case I run into issues? I read somewhere that keeping a Time Machine backup and a photo library on the same external drive can cause photo permissions to be altered (I'm not sure what that means but it sounds bad). What if I partition my external drive and have Time Machine backup in partition 1 and photos and music in partition 2?

Reply

Should I be using Time Machine?

Welcome to Apple Support Community
A forum where Apple customers help each other with their products. Get started with your Apple ID.
Learn more Sign up