Why am I forced to use migration assistant to install from TM backup?

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Level 1

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Why am I forced to use migration assistant to install from TM backup?

I'm on a '13 Mac Pro running current version of Monterey, with a Pegasus2 R4 (RAID) backup drive connected directly. If I restart in Recovery Mode, select Restore from Backup, and then select a recent Time Machine backup in the Pegasus (only backup drive), I am told I need to use Migration Assistant install the backup data, which appears impossible when in Recovery Mode. How do I avoid having to use Migration Assistant to access a TM backup on a RAID directly connected to my Mac?

Mac Pro

Posted on Nov 22, 2022 7:07 PM

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Answer 1

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Barney-15E

Level 10

113,398 points

Nov 23, 2022 10:14 AM in response to Jbd45

Yes. If you erase the entire drive, you will have to use Internet Recovery.

if you have a T2 or Apple Silicon, Mac, it is best to use erase all contents and settings, instead of erasing the entire drive.

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Answer 2

Barney-15E

Level 10

113,398 points

Nov 22, 2022 7:36 PM in response to Jbd45

That is how restore works, now. The System Volume is not backed up. If you need to restore the entire Mac, you must reinstall the OS, then use Migration Assistant to bring your data back.

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Answer 3

Jbd45 Author

Level 1

10 points

Nov 23, 2022 7:02 AM in response to Barney-15E

Helpful, but remind me, if I erase the SSD, in the absence of physical media, how do I reinstall the OS, by logging into Recovery Mode after restart and selecting Reinstall Mac OS?

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