Mac Pro 5.1 Migration to Silicon Mac

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4 points

Mac Pro 5.1 Migration to Silicon Mac

Yeah yeah, I know, it's quite a leap between the two but having real probs. Migrate Assist won't work ...just will not make the connection - doing my head in after so many attempts. Time machine much the same... won't connect. Tried to copy manually Mac Pro Intel to Mac mini Silicon (as in clean install) via ethernet cables but folders won't copy (shows a ghost 'no go' symbol). Copied HD files onto USB drive (Mac OS Extended Journaled) but same. Weirdly, can open individual files on Mini Mac so something is working somewhere.

I've double checked all disk permission, connections, ID's but still can't transfer files.

Can anyone help. Much appreciated if you can.

Mac mini (M2 Pro, 2023)

Posted on Jun 7, 2023 10:11 AM

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Answer 1

Jun 7, 2023 11:25 AM in response to GerryMH

What was the OS on the old mac?

Three things:

1) Upgrade the OS to be at least El Capitan

2) Make a new Time Machine backup

3) Attempt the migration from the Time Machine - but, VERY IMPORTANT: ONLY migrate the user accounts, not anything else. Old daemons and extensions from an old OS can cause all sorts of trouble on a new Apple Silicon Mac.

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Answer 2

Jun 8, 2023 2:25 AM in response to GerryMH

I once helpe a friend migrate from an old mac to an M1 Air.

She had Snow Leopard 10.6, but we successfully updated to El Capitan 10.11, and then we were able to migrate to the new mac - I am not sure if it was Big Sur or Monterey at the time.

I think that a Time Machine backup from High Sierra (10.13) should work to migrate to Ventura.

What exactly happens when you try Migration Assistant:

a) Starting it from your old Mac

b) Using the Time Machine backup disk?

What error occurs? Or does the new mac never recognize the drive of the old mac?

Please be as specific as possible.

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Answer 3

GerryMH Author

Level 1

4 points

Jun 8, 2023 10:00 AM in response to GerryMH

Replying to my own reply, the clue was in Ventura. Creating a "New Folder" was greyed out, so explored online and realised Mac OS is organised completely different way - which is why I couldn't copy onto the HD (but OK in user folder/desktop)... dugh!

Feel a complete idiot, but hey, got there in the end. Also used iCloud on all Music/Photos etc so all is good. Thanks for your help Luis, and pointing me in the right direction. You're a star!

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Answer 4

GerryMH Author

Level 1

4 points

Jun 8, 2023 1:59 AM in response to Luis Sequeira1

Thanks Luis. Old mac is High Sierra, Mini is Ventura (predictive drop down subject forum menu somewhat misleading). Unfortunately can't get any higher OS on the cheesegrate which answers your point 1 and I don't really want to go down the open core option just yet.

Done a new TM back up on one of the internal HD's as well as external (USB). I've only tried to migrate music, photos, keychain and admin docs but no apps or work stuff.

I suspect this is a file sharing/admin problem between the two OS's. So used to (old) mac just working. I guess security measures in new mac's needs a more nuanced approach.

G

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Answer 5

GerryMH Author

Level 1

4 points

Jun 8, 2023 5:26 AM in response to Luis Sequeira1

Thanks Luis. I shall try both this evening and see what happens as well as a manual transfer. Guess it will be late one!!

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Mac Pro 5.1 Migration to Silicon Mac

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