TimeMachine restore from MacBook Pro to Mac Pro tower - is it possible?

Yes, you can transfer data from the old computer to the new one using your Time Machine backup, but you don't want to do a full system restore.

When you startup the new computer you will begin in the Setup Assistant from which you will have the option to restore your Home folder, third-party applications, and system preferences from a Time Machine backup. Just be sure to have the Time Machine backup drive connected to the new computer.

When you first log into the new computer, use Setup Assistant to migrate your data. Be sure you are able to access the TM drive with a direct connection or attached to a wired network.

All your user info and information will transfer.

My suggestion instead of Time Machine would be to connect the MBP and Mp together with a Firewire cable before you start the MP for the first time.

Once you start the Mac Pro for the first time it will ask if you want to restore from another Mac. Tell it yes and it move everything it can from the MBP to the MP.

I know this work like a dream for me when I got my new MP.

Allan

You are welcome. Glad I could help. Thanks for the star.

Allan

Okay here is another question, I have a 13" Macbook that doen't have a firewire slot. I have just bought a 15" MacBook Pro. Can I use Timemachine as detailed in an earlier post to install everything from my old Mac to my sparkly new one. Obviously making sure everthing is connected prior to start-up.

On first stratup of the system, it will ask you if you wish to restore from another Mac. If you answer yes, it will allow you to restore from a Time Machine backup.

Allan

Hi Allan thanks for that, the question is now I suppose is should I do it that way. I assume any configuration problems that exist on the current machine will also be there on the new one. Is it possible to just transfer the apps and leave the OS as new?

Appreciate it is all about opinions, and coming recently from a PC world where a reload of the OS every 18months or so just to keep it free of problemswas a norm, thought it might also be revelent here with the Mac also.

Tony

You asked; "Is it possible to just transfer the apps and leave the OS as new?"

That is exactly what Setup Assisant does.

True with Windows reofrmat and reinstalling everything is required. For me while I was working I had support do my Windows laptop evry 6 months. There is no need to do that on Macs. I have been running OS X now for over 10 years and have yet to do that to any of my Macs.

Allan

Great stuff, thanks for your help!

Tony

I don't have the luxury of Startup Assistant – it's hosed. How do I boot from a time machine disk on a Mac Pro?

Time Machine is not bootable. So that is not possible.

Why are you posting on a thread that has been dead for years. You would be much better off starting your own thread and explain your problem in detail there.