Mac Upgrade Migration preference: which is best?

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Mac Upgrade Migration preference: which is best?

After 12 years of reliable service, I'm finally putting out to pasture my mid-2010 iMac 27' and upgrading to a new Mac Studio.

For migrating all I want and only what I want to the new 'puter, which choice is better:

Pre-sift the old Mac and delete every App, Doc, and old file etc I won't want transferred, or
Upload the entire contents of the old mac onto the new one, and do the sifting & deleting on the newer machine?

My understanding is that there are someSystem and other hidden files that I may not want transferred, but because they are hidden, I won't be able to find/delete them in the purging process.

Also, I have current backups (Time Machine) of the old Mac's contents on a 2TB hard drive external hard, for migration. But is there any advantage to simply hooking the two machines together and forgoing the external Time Machine drive?

iMac Line (2012 and Later)

Posted on Mar 25, 2022 3:53 PM

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Answer 1

Top-ranking reply

Grant Bennet-Alder

Level 10

145,505 points

Mar 25, 2022 4:15 PM in response to Rhythm Earthsong

None of the above.

If you can do so at first run, connect the old computer or its time machine backup drive. Try not to rely on just Wi-Fi, it takes forever and over that extended time, is more likely to develop errors.

It presents a screen and asks where you want to get the new User data from, or do you perhaps want to create new?

This uses Migration Assistant, which is fairly smart about only bringing across stuff that does Not present an obvious conflict and has some hope of running.

if you missed the window at first run, you can manually launch Migration Assistant later, but old and new users may clash. The latest versions of Migration Assistant will allow you to pave over a temporary user you may have created.

Move your content to a new Mac - Apple Support

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Answer 2

Ronasara

Level 6

15,647 points

Mar 26, 2022 10:19 AM in response to Rhythm Earthsong

Here are my thoughts. I would first delete any apps from the old computer that I do not want to transfer. Also, keep in mind that any older 32 bit apps will no longer work on the new Mac, so I would delete them as well. M.A. is very easy to use. Be sure to read and follow its instructions. Basically, the process is as follows.

It is very easy to use. Be sure to read and follow its instructions. Basically, the process is as follows.

You first begin by starting the process of setting up your new computer. You will be asked if you wish to transfer files. Respond YES and follow the instructions you will be given.
You will be told to turn both computers on and activate Migration Assistant in the old computer.
The computers should be connected with a USB cable to facilitate the transfer. Wi-Fi is simply not suited for a transfer of so much data and corruption often results. Do not use it. It can corrupt or lose data.
You will be given several options as to what to transfer. You will likely want to transfer your settings and preferences.
You can transfer all or none of your files. You do not have an option to select certain files to transfer. If you wish to do that, then do so manually.
The old computer's operating system will not be transferred. No data from the old computer is erased.
Allow for up to an hour for the transfer process to complete once you start it.
It should set up the new computer the same as the old one.
Last, you may have to install newer 64 bit apps in the new computer. Some of them may incur a fee for the app's update.

It should set up the new computer the same as the old one.

Enjoy your new Mac.

I hope this is helpful. Good luck.

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Answer 3

Mar 26, 2022 11:56 AM in response to Ronasara

Thanks Ronasara

I like this answer better because you clarify that you only have the option to transfer ALL or NONE of your files from the old computer. That means my idea of purging any unwanted files from my old iMac, first, is pretty much a necessity, if I don't want them to come onboard the new Mac, and don't want to do manual file transfer. Grant's reply missed that.

I DO want to do an automated Migration Assistant transfer, so I'm in the process of deleting all unwanted/unneeded files from the old iMac. I hope I purge them all, because I've heard there are often 'hidden' files...but perhaps Migration Assistant sees and takes care of those.

My only clarification of your 1st two steps above:, you say:

You first begin by starting the process of setting up your new computer. You will be asked if you wish to transfer files. Respond YES and follow the instructions you will be given.
You will be told to turn both computers on and activate Migration Assistant in the old computer.

But isn't my new computer already ON? Otherwise, where did I get the 'ask' if I want to transfer files, and respond YES? Will this turn off/restart my new Mac...is that why you said I will be told to turn on BOTH computers?

Aside from that, thanks for your very complete, step-by-step reply. 👍🏼

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Answer 4

Ronasara

Level 6

15,647 points

Mar 26, 2022 1:24 PM in response to Rhythm Earthsong

I wish to compliment you on giving this process so much thought. You are right to point out that the new computer will already be on. You don't have to do anything further to it. As to those hidden files, it doesn't mean they are in any way problematic. Think of it this way - what's being transferred is data, just zeros and ones. Enjoy the new Mac.

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Mac Upgrade Migration preference: which is best?

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