Time Machine Backup Drive Transfer from High Sierra to Sonoma?

Hi there! Circa 2017-2018 I had that MacBook Pro with the Touch Bar that ran (High?) Sierra. Unfortunately it had gotten stolen and I was never able to locate it even after all these years. From then on, I went back to Windows/Lenovo.

I have this External Drive that I used to back up my MacBook Pro before it went missing. I used Time Machine. I could never access/edit the files from the drive via my Windows laptop. Fortunately, I am finally going back to Apple! I'm awaiting the arrival of a 2024 MacBook Air M3 w Sonoma. Will this new Mac play nice with the older Backup drive? Will my files be saved? I have a USB-A to USB-C/Thunderbolt cord so I'm not worried about that part. More of a software/access thing. Thanks!

Posted on May 13, 2024 12:33 AM

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dwb

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Posted on May 13, 2024 10:33 AM

After your new computer arrives, connect the drive. The drive is probably a USB A (long flat cable terminator) and the new Macs using USB C so you’ll need a USB A to USB C adaptor or a USB C hub with a USB A port. The link is for examples only, I’m not necessarily recommending those particular products. Also, there are cheaper hubs, the example I’ve provided is a powerful multi-port model which I’ve found useful. You’ll reach a point during the initial startup when you’ll be asked if you want to transfer data. Yes, you do, and you want to use a TM backup. It will then show you the contents of the backup drive. The applications on the old computer are 6 or more years old so most if not all will require updates/upgrades but it’s probably worth going ahead and transferring them. Enjoy the new computer.

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Time Machine Backup Drive Transfer from High Sierra to Sonoma?

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