Transfer of files and apps - without overwriting

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Level 1

6 points

Transfer of files and apps - without overwriting

I wish to transfer files and apps from a MacBook (2017) to an iMac27 (2019). I do not want to overwrite the contents / wipe-the-drive on the iMac - rather this would be a Copy and Paste scenario. Be advised that for a couple of the apps the original load files are lost, and or the firm is out of business.

Both run Catalina

The MacBook is continually backed up using TimeMachine. Can I use T/M as a means to transfer - without overriding existing files on the iMac?

MacBook

Posted on Jul 8, 2020 9:11 AM

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Answer 1

MartinR

Level 7

25,334 points

Jul 8, 2020 9:42 AM in response to MackeyBloom

Can I use T/M as a means to transfer - without overriding existing files on the iMac?

Well, yes, you could, but I think it would be too laborious to find & retrieve lots of individual files and there's always the risk of inadvertently overwriting something. See these articles -> Use Time Machine to restore deleted files or older files and How to Restore Date from Time Machine Backups

I think it would be much easier to connect the two Macs via your network and use the Finder. I'd also suggest using Visual Differ to help with this. It's one of the most useful utilities I've ever purchased.

Copying the apps is a more difficult question to answer. First & foremost, if the apps are 32 bit they won't even run in Catalina. I'd try using Migration Assistant but only if you can selectively choose which apps to migrate. I have never transferred apps via Migration Assistant so I'm not sure if you can pick only certain apps to migrate, it may be an all-or-none process.

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Transfer of files and apps - without overwriting

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