Using Time Machine HD, can I transfer applications to new iMac
I have been using time machine to an external drive for 3 years. I'm going to buy a new iMac in June. When I transfer data etc. using the TM external drive, will it transfer my applications? Many of my apps were downloaded and I don't have discs. Where can I get info on what will and won't transfer if needed.
See #19 in [Time Machine - Frequently Asked Questions|http://web.me.com/pondini/Time_Machine/FAQ.html] (or use the link in *User Tips* at the top of this forum).
As noted in the pink *Transferring Applications* box, a few "complex" 3rd-party apps may not transfer properly, and need to be reinstalled, but that's unusual.
Even the Geniuses don't get a lot of training on such things, and/or may have misunderstood.
Your existing default and ILife Apple apps won't be transferred, unless you've moved them (bad idea).
Other apps you've bought from Apple, and 3rd-party apps will be transferred, but as noted, some "complex" apps may not have everything they need.
See these Apple articles:
[How to use Migration Assistant to transfer files from another Mac|http://support.apple.com/kb/HT4413]. Note: there isn't a separate Apple article for Setup Assistant, but it's similar, and what you want to use, not Migration Assistant.
[Intel-based Mac: Some migrated applications may need to be updated|http://support.apple.com/kb/TS1963?viewlocale=en_US] applies to both Migration Assistant and Setup Assistant.
The web page in my earlier post links to this one for details: [Using Setup Assistant|http://web.me.com/pondini/AppleTips/SetupAsst.html]. Note the screen shot where you can select or omit Applications.
