Hi - I used an external (LaCie) hard drive for Time Machine with my 2012 MBPro (OS10.13) for years. I used that TM to migrate to my new 2021 MBPro. I'm wondering if I can use that TM like a "repository" - and retrieve individual files as the need arises onto the 2021 Mac - or has the TM drive been "dedicated" for use on the 2012 Mac only. BTW - I still possess and use the old Mac.
Thanks.
MacBook Pro 15″
time machine backup set is specific to a particular Mac. there are TWO ways to proceed:
Hold the Option key while you click on the Time machine icon in the Menubar, and ...
... choose "Browse Other backups"
"Inherit" the old backup as THE backup for the current machine, (or as an ADDITIONAL Backup destination) and and keep using it.
This older article talks about some of the nuances:
time machine backup set is specific to a particular Mac. there are TWO ways to proceed:
Hold the Option key while you click on the Time machine icon in the Menubar, and ...
... choose "Browse Other backups"
"Inherit" the old backup as THE backup for the current machine, (or as an ADDITIONAL Backup destination) and and keep using it.
This older article talks about some of the nuances:
Yes, you should be able to by "Entering Time Machine": https://www.idownloadblog.com/2015/07/11/how-view-and-restore-specific-files-time-machine/
Old but the basics still apply.
And: Restore items backed up with Time Machine on Mac - Apple Support
Thanks for the response. My question became moot when I actually plugged the TM drive into the new Mac. I entered the TM interface but nothing was active. Nothing could be selected. My conclusion is that an old Time Machine drive cannot be used with a new Mac.
old Time Machine drive with a new Mac
