Running Sierra 10.12.6 on a 2013 late edition Macintosh Pro. I'm thinking of going up to Catalina on a new Macintosh. I have external HD backup drives on my computer at present. I'm wondering, will the Migration Assistant in Catalina transfer applications and files from an external backup HD? If so, will it pickup the necessary components in the Libraries, for example?
If you have a TimeMachine backup, migration assistent should work fine to move content:
https://support.apple.com/en-lamr/HT204350
Beware of the fact that 32-bit-apps don’t work on Catalina.
https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT208436
First check if you are running 32-bit-apps and go to the developer’s websites to see if you can update them. Also printers can be a problem. Check if you can get a Catalina-compatible driver for your printer or if your printer supports airprint
If you have a TimeMachine backup, migration assistent should work fine to move content:
https://support.apple.com/en-lamr/HT204350
Beware of the fact that 32-bit-apps don’t work on Catalina.
https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT208436
First check if you are running 32-bit-apps and go to the developer’s websites to see if you can update them. Also printers can be a problem. Check if you can get a Catalina-compatible driver for your printer or if your printer supports airprint
I have done such a migration using a SuperDuper ("clone" bootable) type of backup. I just specified the SuperDuper backup disk as the Backup to use when Migration Assistant asked which backup to use for the Migration.
I assume it will work for you since it is a bootable back up. You have nothing to loose by giving it a try. Just be sure to completely follow the Migration Assistant instructions and do not use Wi-Fi because data can be corrupted. Best to use a USB cable between the units. Good luck with it.
No, I have full bootable backups made with SuperDuper. Will such a full backup drive work? What happens with my TimeMachine backups is that after a few months they refuse to backup further and I have to erase the HD and start all over again. So, will a full bootable backup on an external HD, made with SuperDuper work?
I'm not familiar with SuperDuper. I would suggest you to put a new question on this forum: "how to move content from a SuperDuper clone to a new Mac"
I'm sure other people here can give you the information you need.
Keep in mind that 32-bit-apps won't work on Catalina
Thank you for the responses I've received.
Will Migration Assistant transfer apps and files from an external backup HD?
