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Will I lose all my data if my iMac Logic Board is replaced?

Hi, My 27" 2019 Mac is in for repair. They have told me they are replacing the logic board. Will I lose all my data?


[Re-Titled by Moderator]


iMac 27″, macOS 13.1

Posted on Jan 20, 2023 7:28 AM

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Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Jan 20, 2023 8:50 PM

BwiMac wrote:
I just haven't done a full reinstall and have read that the Mac will get a new serial number and thus causes problems when trying to reinstall a back up.

That's not true. The thing to do with a new Mac, or with a Mac that has a different serial number and looks like a "new" Mac, is to use Migration/Setup Assistant to migrate from the backup to the "new" Mac. Of course it will work with a different serial number, just as Migration/Setup Assistant works with a brand new Mac with ... a different serial number.

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Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Jan 20, 2023 8:50 PM in response to BwiMac

BwiMac wrote:
I just haven't done a full reinstall and have read that the Mac will get a new serial number and thus causes problems when trying to reinstall a back up.

That's not true. The thing to do with a new Mac, or with a Mac that has a different serial number and looks like a "new" Mac, is to use Migration/Setup Assistant to migrate from the backup to the "new" Mac. Of course it will work with a different serial number, just as Migration/Setup Assistant works with a brand new Mac with ... a different serial number.

Jan 20, 2023 8:27 AM in response to BwiMac

In that case, I would avoid a TM restore and manually copy files using Finder (re-install Apps afresh). It’s a bit more work, but zero risk. With TM, you also migrate hidden viruses, inconsistencies etc. some of which may have bricked your board, one never knows. I keep my TM leashed at all times (assuming he gets let out of the cage, which is once in a blue moon). You should too. All the best!

Will I lose all my data if my iMac Logic Board is replaced?

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