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Saving backups from Time Machine

Have migrated old Mac to new Mac. Time Machine/Passport is asking '...do I want merge old backups to new... or keep separate...' What are the ramifications of each decision? Don't see any explanation.


Thanks

iMac 24″, macOS 12.5

Posted on Aug 30, 2022 2:10 PM

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Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Aug 31, 2022 1:49 PM

Hi there PaulD_,


Have a look at this information to find out what your options are for your Time Machine backup on your new Mac:


You can move the backup history from one Mac to another, but after the new Mac “inherits” the backup history, you can’t use the backup history on the original Mac.

You’re asked to specify whether you want a new Mac to inherit a backup if you do any of the following:

- Use Migration Assistant to transfer your settings from an old Mac to a new one.
- Use Migration Assistant to transfer your settings from a Time Machine backup of an old Mac to a new one.
- Clone the disk you use to start up your Mac, or physically move it from an old Mac to a new Mac.
- Replace your computer’s main logic board.

If you’re replacing an old Mac and want the new Mac to use the backups from the old one, click Inherit Backup.

If you plan to continue to use your old Mac, click Create New Backup to preserve the backup history and start separate backups for the new Mac.

You'll find these details here: If your new Mac inherits your backup history


Take care.

3 replies
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Aug 31, 2022 1:49 PM in response to PaulD_

Hi there PaulD_,


Have a look at this information to find out what your options are for your Time Machine backup on your new Mac:


You can move the backup history from one Mac to another, but after the new Mac “inherits” the backup history, you can’t use the backup history on the original Mac.

You’re asked to specify whether you want a new Mac to inherit a backup if you do any of the following:

- Use Migration Assistant to transfer your settings from an old Mac to a new one.
- Use Migration Assistant to transfer your settings from a Time Machine backup of an old Mac to a new one.
- Clone the disk you use to start up your Mac, or physically move it from an old Mac to a new Mac.
- Replace your computer’s main logic board.

If you’re replacing an old Mac and want the new Mac to use the backups from the old one, click Inherit Backup.

If you plan to continue to use your old Mac, click Create New Backup to preserve the backup history and start separate backups for the new Mac.

You'll find these details here: If your new Mac inherits your backup history


Take care.

Aug 31, 2022 3:04 PM in response to PaulD_

PaulD_,


That’s a great question. Since you’re replacing your old Mac and want the new Mac to use the backups from the old one, click Inherit Backup. Please remember that once the new Mac “inherits” the backup history, you can’t use the backup history on the original Mac. When you have a free moment, check out the link below to learn more.


If your new Mac inherits your backup history - Apple Support


Thanks for using the Apple Support Communities.


Cheers!


Saving backups from Time Machine

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