Migration assistant doesn't work

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Level 1

5 points

Migration assistant doesn't work

Okay, so I have the very new iMac and want to transfer files from an iMac running Leopard (10.5.8). Regular use of Migration Assistant failed three times, each time using up about 3 1/2 hours, then stopping with exactly "18 minutes left." Apple had me download an update of MA for the old computer. That didn't work either. Now I'm trying target mode via FireWire (and using a ThunderBolt adapter) and everything seemed to be working when, four hours into the transfer, with about 22 minutes left, the screen suddenly started showing that I had another hour and a half to go.

So it went backwards. The only reason I haven't given up on this attempt is that the progress bar seems to be moving, ever so slowly. Any ideas?

Mac OS X (10.5)

Posted on Dec 13, 2012 3:45 PM

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Answer 1

rkaufmann87

Level 10

140,532 points

Dec 13, 2012 4:11 PM in response to Je'Be

Exactly what model is the old iMac and have you verified that machine is healthy. If the old machine is bad shape it would be wise to use either a Time Machine backup or cloned backup to restore from rather than using FW Target Mode.

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Answer 2

Je'Be Author

Level 1

5 points

Dec 13, 2012 4:20 PM in response to rkaufmann87

It's an old PowerPC iMac -- white plastic shell, flat screen. (Sorry, can't tell you exactly what model it is because it's still in FW target mode. BUT! It's in good shape, no problems.

I'm thinking now that if this doesn't work I'll change the user account name on the new iMac and proceed again. From reading a little bit on this forum, it seems that the same name -- I did, apparently mistakenly -- could be a problem.

And, btw, I did set up a user account on the new machine only after having failed with MA the first couple of times. I originally went straight to the Setup assistant for help with the migration.

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Answer 3

rkaufmann87

Level 10

140,532 points

Dec 13, 2012 4:30 PM in response to Je'Be

Backup using TM or create a bootable clone. Then use Ma to restore ONLY data files. Your PPC based apps will NOT work on the new system and your setting should be re-created. I suspect the old machine is just too old to compatible!

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Answer 4

mcsound

Level 2

304 points

Dec 13, 2012 4:40 PM in response to Je'Be

So the first three tries using migration assistant it failed at the same point(18 minutes remaining)? Then booting to target disk mode and trying MA again it failed at 22 minutes remaining? What are you trying to bring over in Migration Assistant? Make sure you are not importing any System Settings from the old system(uncheck that box in Migration Assistant).

Sometimes bringing over System Settings from a system that old and running on a PowerPC can cause issues.

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Answer 5

Je'Be Author

Level 1

5 points

Dec 13, 2012 5:59 PM in response to mcsound

So, as it turns out, it seems to have worked! The target disk mode ultimately was successful, even with the old sytem settings being brought over. The music and photos all seem to be there -- I checked file sizes and numbers of items and did a random flip through to see if it all appeared copacetic. Seems good@

Having said that, I will keep the old computer around until I'm thoroughly satisfied that it's all there. And yes, rkaufmann..., thanks for the advice about the old PPC apps. I was aware of that because I've run into it before when switching to a new laptop, but it was a good reminder to back up/cvonvert that data where possible.

But that brings up one more thing: Does anyone know how I can convert an old PPC Palm Destop calendar to something current? I loved that program and would be thrilled to take all my old data over to some new calendar app that will keep the old info in some fashion. iCal seems sort of half-a##ed to me.

Thanks, everyone, for your help. I appreciate your time!

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Answer 6

rkaufmann87

Level 10

140,532 points

Dec 13, 2012 6:07 PM in response to Je'Be

Your welcome. Don't know a thing about that Palm calendar though....good luck. Try Googling to see if there is anything.

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