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Old iMac to new iMac

Hi everyone,


I see that variations on these questions have been asked but I need it spelled out for me like a child lol so please forgive if these are basic questions.


I currently have a 27" iMac running snow leopard. I am getting a new one this week and have two questions:


1. What is the best (simplest) way to transfer my data, files and applications (basically everything) from the old iMac to the new one when I get it? (step by step please....)


2. When I have done that, how do I 'wipe' the old iMac of all of my data and files so I can give it to my daughter without any of my current info being on it? Basically, if I can give it to her 'like new", that would be great.


Thank you all in advance for your time, knowledge, and expertise.

Posted on Jun 13, 2011 3:47 PM

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5 replies

Jun 13, 2011 4:14 PM in response to yankeegal

1. Connect the two computers using an appropriate Firewire cable. Boot the old computer into Target Disk Mode. Boot the new computer normally. After startup you should be in the Setup Assistant. Proceed through the process until you are given the option to restore from another computer, disk drive, Time Machine backup, etc. Choose the option to restore from another computer, then just follow the instructions.


2. Prepare Your Mac for Sale


Boot from the OS X Installer Disc One that came with the computer. After the installer loads select your language and click on the Continue button. When the menu bar appears select Disk Utility from the Utilities menu. After DU loads select the startup volume from the left side list then click on the Erase tab. Set the format type to Mac OS Extended (Journaled) then click on the Options button. Select the one pass Zero Data option and click on the OK button. Then click on the Erase button.


Note: You can skip the Zero Data option if you are not concerned about removing sensitive personal data from the hard drive. If you choose to skip this part of the process then it is possible for others to recover data from the hard drive. The Zero Data procedure will prevent others from getting access to your personal information.


This process will take 30 minutes to several hours depending upon the size of the hard drive. After formatting has completed quit DU and return to the installer. Now complete the OS X installation. At the completion of the installation do not restart the computer. Instead just shut it off. The next user will be presented with the Setup Assistant when they turn on the computer just as it would if new out of the box.

Old iMac to new iMac

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