How do I transfer files from a USB 3 Time Machine drive to a new Mac mini using Migration Assistant?

Don't panic about your data: your files are 100% safe on that WD hard drive.

The error simply means your old Mac was running a newer version of macOS than what came installed on your new Mac mini from the factory. To fix this, you just need to update the new computer before transferring your files.

Here is how to do it in three straightforward steps:

Skip the Initial Setup

On your current screen, cancel the migration and choose "Not Now" (or to not transfer information right now).

Complete the remaining setup screens by creating a temporary user account (e.g., name it "Test" or "Admin") just to get to the desktop.

Update the Mac mini

Once you are on the desktop, go to System Settings (the gear icon) > General > Software Update.

Download and install any available updates so your Mac mini matches (or exceeds) the software version of your backup.

Run Migration Assistant

Plug your WD drive into the Mac mini's USB-C port.

Open Finder > Applications > Utilities > Migration Assistant.

transfer from a Time Machine backup. Your drive will now be recognized without that error message.

During the transfer, if the Mac asks about a conflicting account name, choose the option to "Replace" the temporary user you created in Step 1 with your actual backup data.

Once it finishes, everything will be exactly where you left it. You can finally sit back and enjoy that glass of bourbon

What macOS version made the Time Machine backup...?

What macOS version is the Mac mini currently running..?

It looks like the Time Machine backup was created by a newer macOS version than the Mac mini is running.

If so, update the Mac mini's macOS version and then try migrating from the Time Machine backup.

Update macOS on Mac - Apple Support

Maybe this makes it clearer…

Skip the Initial Setup

• On your current screen, cancel the migration and choose "Not Now" (or to not transfer information right now).
• Complete the remaining setup screens by creating a temporary user account (e.g., name it "Test" or "Admin") just to get to the desktop.

Disconnect the external Time Machine drive and restart the Mac mini.

Then reconnect the external Time Machine drive and try again.

Do you still have the previous Mac that made the Time Machine backup..?

If so and it is still running, then you can also migrate directly from it.

Transfer to a new Mac with Migration Assistant - Apple Support

If your new Mac mini is not seeing the old Mac mini's Time Machine backup.

first try > Time Machine troubleshooting on Mac - Apple Support

Question: When you setup the new Mac mini, did you use the same User Name as the old Mac mini...?

If you did and the new Mac mini is not recognizing or seeing the old Time Machine backups.

then try > Recover all your files from a Time Machine backup - Apple Support

or > Restore items backed up with Time Machine on Mac - Apple Support

If you did not, then you may need to wipe the new Mac mini and start over form ground zero.

to do that, see > Use Disk Utility to erase a Mac with Apple silicon - Apple Support

and then > Transfer to a new Mac with Migration Assistant - Apple Support

RCHart wrote:

The WD has a USB 3 cable that I have reduced down to USB c

beginning to think there is an issue with cabling or some other internal problem?

Test the WD external drive using a different USB-C to USB-A adapter.

for examples:

USB-C to USB Adapter - Apple

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07PDLQ555/ref=sspa_dk_detail_0?

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08Z768LCW/ref=sspa_dk_detail_1?

Then if that doesn't help, call Apple Support.

Contact Apple Support - Apple Support

1-800-MY-APPLE (800-692-7753)

That adapter should work, if it has a USB 3.0 rating.

1) I would test a different USB device plugged into that adapter.

2) I would test the WD drive and cable plugged into a different adapter.

What do you mean, they don't help customers...?

RCHart wrote:

Used the same ID, not knowing that would create an issue.

Using the same user name was the right thing to do.

My QUESTION: Since the Ex~HD is connected to the Mac, wouldn’t it or shouldn’t at least showup on the desktop? Therefore, maybe one could go into the files, duplicate and move to another useable area?

Go to Finder > Settings and make sure the boxes for External disks is checked.

2nd Question: Does Time Machine copy program apps, MS Office for Apple? or Do I have to retrieve those from MS?

Most third-party app’s will need to be reinstalled.

SpiderMac wrote: Here is how to do it in three straightforward steps:

Skip the Initial Setup

That's so great! I guess I don't need to wonder what the "Initial Setup" is, since it is to be skipped.

I loved the book Up the Down Staircase. In the school's daily announcements there was this: "Please disregard the following announcement:" Sounds just like these instructions!

On the other hand, den.thed seems pretty straightforward.

Richard.Taylor wrote:

SpiderMac wrote: Here is how to do it in three straightforward steps:

Skip the Initial Setup

That's so great! I guess I don't need to wonder what the "Initial Setup" is, since it is to be skipped.

I loved the book Up the Down Staircase. In the school's daily announcements there was this: "Please disregard the following announcement:" Sounds just like these instructions!

On the other hand, den.thed seems pretty straightforward.

Hello~ I would double check that and go by what *den.thed* has to say…

~Katana-San~