How to migrate data from old macbook to new macbook pro retina display?

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How to migrate data from old macbook to new macbook pro retina display?

Hi,

I just pulled my new macbook pro (retina display) from the box and attempted to transfer my data from my late 2008 macbook model (has USB ports only) to the new macbook pro. Using my wireless network, migration assistant got hung up when both trying to migrate data from my old macbook, and then again from my time capsule. I'm not a computer expert - I just need a sure fire to transfer my information (including all user data, etc.). I realize I could just reinstall everything onto the new laptop and use a hard drive to move files, but would rather not. If I use a cable would that do the trick, and if so, which one?

Thanks!

MacBook Pro with Retina display, Mac OS X (10.7.4)

Posted on Jul 7, 2012 6:13 PM

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Answer 1

Best reply

Jiri Krecek

Level 4

1,081 points

Jul 7, 2012 6:20 PM in response to goodbonfire

try to connect both to the router via ethernet, instead of using wifi

try the migration assistant again.

low speed of wifi probably killed it

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Answer 2

goodbonfire Author

Level 1

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Jul 7, 2012 6:26 PM in response to Jiri Krecek

The new macbook pro doesn't have an ethernet port, though.

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Answer 3

AnaMusic

Level 9

57,562 points

Jul 7, 2012 6:30 PM in response to goodbonfire

Some Excellent Information here from Pondini...

Setting-up a new Mac from an old one, its backups, or a PC

Transferring files from one User Account to another

Using Migration Assistant on Lion

Migration Assistant tips and tricks

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Answer 4

Jul 7, 2012 6:33 PM in response to goodbonfire

Ouch! I forgot.

I assume forking out the $$$ for the Apple's USB to RJ45 adapter is not an option?

IF you know exactly what you want to move (files only) you could connect to the computer directly and move files over in Finder.

IN system preferences on the old mac enable remote login under sharing section and connect to it from the retina MB in FInder - COMMAND_K will connect to server - try to type the IP address of the old MB

I connect between our macs all the time to transfer large files on our home wifi.

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Answer 5

Jul 8, 2012 9:22 AM in response to goodbonfire

If you have an external USB drive around, you could do a time machine backup from the old macbook and then do the transfer off that backup on the new macbook pro.

Your old machine is a Macbook Air?

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Answer 6

goodbonfire Author

Level 1

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Jul 8, 2012 2:37 PM in response to goodbonfire

Hi there- I ended up using Carbon Copy Cloner to clone my data onto a USB 3.0 hardrive, then used migration assistant to transfer data from the hardrive onto the macbook. I think Jiri... was correct that the wifi options were not working.

Thanks everyone!

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Answer 7

Jul 23, 2012 8:10 AM in response to goodbonfire

I bought the thunderbolt/Ethernet adapter and have both my 2009 MBP and new Retina MBP hooked up directly with an Ethernet cable. Didn't connect via LAN because it might slow down the transfer. Transferring now, and it's about 10x as fast as wifi

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Answer 8

Jan 12, 2013 9:14 AM in response to goodbonfire

Just connect the two Macbooks using USB cable.

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Answer 9

Jul 29, 2014 6:02 PM in response to VolantorMan

Unfortunately using USB to connect two macs wont help much. Wintel machines yes, but not macs. Instead Ethernet, FireWire or Thunderbolt will work just fine, depending on which ports are available on the specific macs. Also, in most cases both FireWire 800 and – above all – Thunderbolt are way faster than any presently available USB standard.

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Answer 10

Network 23

Level 6

12,333 points

Jul 29, 2014 6:24 PM in response to goodbonfire

Good that you got it figured out in a reasonable way. Although wireless migration is supported, there is no doubt that compared to all of the other options available, wireless would be the slowest by a wide margin.

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