Unable to restore Time Machine backup of Sonoma to iMac

Question

Level 1

5 points

Unable to restore Time Machine backup of Sonoma to iMac

A day ago I updated to Sequoia and my computer has been unusable since. Apps won’t open, random crashes and so on. Reasoning Sequoia is not for my iMac I attempted to reinstall from a Time Machine back up of Sonoma. Following helpful advice from people here, I started in Recovery mode, navigated to my TM back up to discover Migration Assistant is required to install that back up. I have attempted to do so numerous times now. Through endless spinning beach balls and typing in my password, Migration Assistant is “setting up” for 15 minutes or so, disappears and I’m back at the log in screen. Any advice much appreciated. My 4th attempt whilst I’m typing this, thanks

[Re-Titled by Moderator]

iMac 21.5″, macOS 15.1

Posted on Nov 13, 2024 1:53 PM

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Answer 1

den.thed

Level 10

82,540 points

Nov 13, 2024 7:47 PM in response to Ozzie Rick

Going back to an earlier macOS is not an easy task.

You have to completely Erase the iMac's internal drive and Reinstall Sonoma.

Then start a new Sonoma setup and migrate from your Time Machine backup before it was upgraded to Sequoia.

To be honest, your best bet is to forge ahead and sort out what is wrong with Sequoia.

To do that, EtreCheckPro is an excellent tool for finding and sorting out problems.

Download and run the free version of EtreCheckPro, from > https://etrecheck.com/en/index.html

Then post your Report, as per > How to use the Add Text Feature When Post… - Apple Community

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Answer 2

rkaufmann87

Level 10

144,096 points

Nov 13, 2024 8:29 PM in response to Ozzie Rick

+1 You should figure out the problem with Sequoia. By chance do you have ANY of the following types of apps installed?

Antivirus apps
Cleaning apps
VPN apps
Security apps
Maintenance apps

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Answer 3

den.thed

Level 10

82,540 points

Nov 14, 2024 5:52 AM in response to Ozzie Rick

You're welcome.

Again EtreCheckPro is an excellent tool for finding and sorting out problems.

Download and run the free version of EtreCheckPro, from > https://etrecheck.com/en/index.html

Then post your Report, as per > How to use the Add Text Feature When Post… - Apple Community

Reply

Answer 4

Ozzie Rick Author

Level 1

5 points

Nov 14, 2024 1:28 AM in response to Ozzie Rick

Thank you for the input. The only non native app I have is Photoshop Elements 2023. Oddly enough, since this morning and a few restarts, the computer seems stable so your persevere suggestion is the one I’ll take. Many thanks

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Answer 5

Ozzie Rick Author

Level 1

5 points

Nov 14, 2024 1:30 AM in response to den.thed

Many thanks, the computer is mysteriously behaving itself so hopefully I won’t need to do anything radical. Regards

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