How to select correct time machine backup for migration assistant

Question

Level 1

0 points

How to select correct time machine backup for migration assistant

We have two MacBooks backing up to one Time Capsule using time machine: let's call them H and R.

I have had to reinstall Leopard on Macbook H and am now trying to restore using Migration Assistant.

Migration Assistant finds the Time Capsule and identifies that there are two Time Machine Backups, but doesn't give an option to select the one to use.

Whenever I click 'Continue' it does the 'Checking time machine backup' (for hours), then brings up the data to restore, but every time it comes up with the data and settings from Macbook R.

How can I tell Migration Assistant which Time Machine Backup I want to use?

MacBook, Mac OS X (10.5.8)

Posted on Jun 19, 2011 2:18 AM

Reply

Answer 1

Jolly Giant

Level 7

25,464 points

Jun 19, 2011 4:29 AM in response to MrGruff

see if this user tip helps. read the complete tip - it tackles your issue as well !

FWIW, i would suggest you use setup assistant rather than migration assistant, even if it means you have to go for the second chance (green box).

Reply

Answer 2

MrGruff Author

Level 1

0 points

Jun 19, 2011 11:48 AM in response to Jolly Giant

Thanks but that link doesn't seem to work ...

Reply

Answer 3

Jolly Giant

Level 7

25,464 points

Jun 19, 2011 12:35 PM in response to MrGruff

http://web.me.com/pondini/AppleTips/SetupAsst.html

Reply

Answer 4

MrGruff Author

Level 1

0 points

Jun 19, 2011 2:46 PM in response to Jolly Giant

Thanks, that link works.

I'll work through those instructions.

Turns out I've been in setup assistant all along (gah!)

Currently it's 'checking time machine backup ...'

So I'll see where it takes me next.

Reply

Answer 5

Pondini

Level 8

38,863 points

Jun 19, 2011 3:44 PM in response to MrGruff

There should be one sparse bundle on the Time Capsule for each Mac, they should both be listed on the Select a Backup Volume window. You'll need to select the correct one.

If only one appears, the other may be damaged/corrupted. Try to repair it, per #A5 in Time Machine - Troubleshooting.

Reply

Answer 6

MrGruff Author

Level 1

0 points

Jun 22, 2011 1:01 AM in response to Pondini

Brilliant. That was it.

I used the other MacBook to run Disk Utility on my backup volume and repaired it: #A5 is bang on.

Then, Setup Assistant saw both backups and let me select the one I wanted. It's now transferring my stuff.

Very relieved and extremely grateful.

Your apple tips should come with every mac and time capsule.

Reply