How do I transfer files through time machine from old macbook to new macbook pro?

If you want to restore all you old machine to your new MacBookPro, simply restart you computer in Recovery mode (Hold option key while restarting), select restore from Time Machine Backup, and select the latest or whatever date you like.

On the other hand if you want your new MacBook to use your old TM back, just inherit that backup using the following command in Terminal:

tmutil inheritbackup {machine_directory | sparsebundle}

You will find detailed instructions for inherit backups here: http://pondini.org/TM/B6.html

I tried to inherit my old backup, and then associated an old TM file per the instructions on the link you listed. However, my computer now doesn't recognize the old backup, and says there is not enough room. I have a feeling things went wrong at the "association" stage. Any ideas? Do I need to re-associate the OS-X volume?

Thank you!

The Pondini site has all the trouble shooting methods for most TM problems. I would suggest you follow the first part of my previous message (Restore from backup.) Everything should be fine after that.

The only issue is that the old backup is from my old computer, which was running 10.6, while my new one is running 10.8.2. If i restore from the old backup, I have to re-install all the software I just got done installing. If I have already inherited and associated my old TM, will it be deleterious to repeat this?

Thanks for your time!

Sorry, I should have said you should assosciate not inherit your old backup. There is a difference. See my post:

https://discussions.apple.com/thread/4572525