Need to move my files, data, iTunes, etc from my aging BMP to a shared MBP where I have set up a user account. How do I make the transfer without screwing up the primary account?
MACBOOK PRO, Mac OS X (10.5.1), IPOD
Migration Assistant will not transfer a user account with the same name. It will require that you use a different name, so you will always get a second user account.
If you use Migration Assistant to transfer the data, it will create a new user with your data, so then you will have to transfer the data manually to the user you want, or keep this user and delete the old one.
In this case, it's much better to transfer the data manually if you want to show it in one user that already exists. Simply put the files in the folders where they are in your old MacBook Pro
So, if I'm not locked into the existing account, it may be cleaner to let Migration Assistant create a new account. Should I remove the old account before I start?
You don't need to delete the old account before using Migration Assistant. However, if that user has got nothing you need, you can do it
There is no need to remove your existing account unless you want it replaced by the migrated account. You cannot manually transfer files from a Time Machine backup. You must use Time Machine to restore even individual files. So migrate the old account so that you have two separate accounts.
If you wish to then transfer files from one account into the other you can do that. See Transferring files from one User Account to another. When you have your one account as you want it, then you can delete the other account.
When I'm finished with the transfer, I will have two iTunes libraries. And photo libraries. Can I combine them into one?
You can transfer individual items from one iTunes Library to another, but it is not a simple process. You will need to export from one library and import into the other. As for the iPhoto Library I don't know if you can do anything more than the same.
I have a similar issue transfering files from a MacBookPro to new MacMini. Migration Assistant transferred some files across from Time Machine without any problem, however documents, downloads, iPhoto and iTunes Libraries all have 'no entry' signs against them. Migration Assistant has created a new account so I am wondering how I can transfer and access these files and programs?
Migrating files from old Mac to a "secondary user" account on another Mac?
