Migration Assistant claims download source cannot be used because "may be damaged"

Question

Level 1

4 points

Migration Assistant claims download source cannot be used because "may be damaged"

I am trying to transfer data from an iMac running OS 10.13.6 to a brand new iBook Air M3. Both are on the same wireless network, and sitting side-by-side. The Migration Assistant on the MacBook claims that "The selected source cannot be used for migration because the volume contains a macOS or OS X installation which may be damaged". However, I have just run Disk Utility First Aid on the iMac, which received a clean bill of health. How can I proceed?

MacBook Air (M3, 2024)

Posted on Nov 23, 2024 5:51 AM

Reply

Answer 1

Nov 23, 2024 11:18 AM in response to Antifon

Do you have a Time Machine backup of the old Mac? If so, try setting up the new one from that.

Personally, I always set up new Macs from a TM backup.

Reply

Answer 2

Antifon Author

Level 1

4 points

Nov 23, 2024 12:08 PM in response to neuroanatomist

Tried that. Whether the TM disk is first connected to the older iMac, or whether it is connected directly to the iBook by firewire, the result is the same - "The selected source cannot be used for migration".

Reply

Answer 3

Antifon Author

Level 1

4 points

Nov 24, 2024 9:20 AM in response to neuroanatomist

OK, the question of migration is now moot because by updating the machine to OS Sonoma, I seem to have lost administrator status - a major problem which overshadows migration issues...

Reply