HT3231: Migration Assistant tips and tricks

Learn about Migration Assistant tips and tricks
hayden2899

Q: I have recently migrated all data from a MacBook Pro to a new iMac, is there any way to have the data stored under the main user for the iMac rather than run the 2 separate user (iMac and then separate for the old MacBook data)

I have recently migrated my old MacBook pro to a new iMac. Im am wondering if there is anyway to merge the 2 users created so I have access to all my data and application from the old system, rather than switching between users.

 

Thanks for you help,

 

H

iMac, iOS 6.1.4

Posted on Jul 20, 2013 6:14 AM

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Q: I have recently migrated all data from a MacBook Pro to a new iMac, is there any way to have the data stored under the main user f ... more

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  • by mende1,

    mende1 mende1 Jul 20, 2013 6:17 AM in response to hayden2899
    Level 10 (93,307 points)
    Desktops
    Jul 20, 2013 6:17 AM in response to hayden2899

    Welcome to Apple Support Communities

     

    There are two ways to do what you want:

     

    1. Using the Shared folder.

     

    2. Using an external drive.

     

    The Shared folder method is recommended if you haven't got an external drive. The Shared folder can be found in /Users and it's a folder where all users can read and write in, so you won't have any problem transferring your files from one to another user. Just access to this folder in a Finder window and copy or drag your data of the account onto it (you must be logged in the account with the migrated data). Then, log into the other user and copy the data to the user's folders.

     

    The external drive process is the same but copying the files to an external drive.

     

    After transferring your files, you can delete the transferred user. Open System Preferences > Users and Groups, choose the user you want to remove in the sidebar and press the - button

  • by Eagle Owl,

    Eagle Owl Eagle Owl Jul 20, 2013 8:24 AM in response to hayden2899
    Level 1 (35 points)
    Jul 20, 2013 8:24 AM in response to hayden2899

    Don't forget that there is a hidden "Library" folder in each of the user home directories. There may be important data in there that you don't want to lose.

  • by babowa,

    babowa babowa Jul 20, 2013 9:08 AM in response to hayden2899
    Level 7 (31,893 points)
    iPad
    Jul 20, 2013 9:08 AM in response to hayden2899

    Did you use Migration Assistant? If so, you will have two accounts - the new one and the old one transferred over. If you use Setup Assistant when first setting up your new machine (only available at that time), hook up your old machine, and follow the instructions, your old account will be transferred and become you current account.

     

    You can still do this - if you want, but a bit time consuming - by starting over and using the recovery option on your new iMac, pressing Command + Option + R while restarting, choosing Disk Utility to wipe your drive, and then have it reinstall. Once the download is finished, you'll be presented with the startup/set up windows and can use Setup Assistant.

  • by Tigervision,

    Tigervision Tigervision Dec 11, 2013 9:12 AM in response to babowa
    Level 1 (14 points)
    iTunes
    Dec 11, 2013 9:12 AM in response to babowa

    Can someone please give me some advice!

     

    I have a 2009 MBP - running 10.7.5. 

    I have ordered a new rMBP (with Maverics of course) and want to transfer over my old MBP stuff to this new one.

     

    My questions are:

     

    1.  Is this best to do this right at the begining using Setup Assistant or wait until the new rMBP is up and running and then use migration assistant later?  Sounds like if I wait, I will create two different acounts - which I don't want.

     

    2. I thought the new rMBP has to have the latest software installed to get best results... how would this happen if I use set up assistant right from the get go (i.e. how will new rMBP get any updates first)?

     

    3. Million dollar question.... when you name your home folder... you only get one chance right?? Will this name be coppied over to the new rMBP home folder or will I have a chance to name it separately?

     

    Really appreicate any help!

    Thanks.

  • by babowa,

    babowa babowa Dec 11, 2013 10:50 AM in response to Tigervision
    Level 7 (31,893 points)
    iPad
    Dec 11, 2013 10:50 AM in response to Tigervision

    1. Absolutely use Setup Assistant - if you use Migration Assistant, you will wind up with two accounts and will need to weed out/move a lot of stuff. Setup Assistant will move your account over so you'll wind up with one; wherease MA needs to set up a new one because you have already created one during the setup.

     

    2.  The OS and system software will not be ported over.

     

    3.  Your Home folder will be named by the system and will have the name you input as your name during setup. Here is some info on how to change it:

     

    http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1428

  • by baltwo,

    baltwo baltwo Dec 11, 2013 12:36 PM in response to babowa
    Level 9 (62,256 points)
    Dec 11, 2013 12:36 PM in response to babowa
  • by Tigervision,

    Tigervision Tigervision Dec 11, 2013 1:05 PM in response to baltwo
    Level 1 (14 points)
    iTunes
    Dec 11, 2013 1:05 PM in response to baltwo

    Thanks very much.

     

    As a novice user, I read the links above, and this kind of stuff scares me a bit lol.

     

    1. So I am still not entirely clear.  When I open my new rMBP... will I get a chance to name my home folder BEFORE I start Migration Assistant?  Or will MA take my old home folder name from my old MBP and use that in new rMBP (I really don't want this - Ideally would like to name it myself before MA does its thing).

     

    2. Also, when I connect with 'eithernet'... do I use Cat 5 or 6?  I have several cords laying around, and I have no idea what they are... 5e, 6, etc?  Does this matter?

     

    Thanks again.

  • by babowa,

    babowa babowa Dec 11, 2013 3:26 PM in response to baltwo
    Level 7 (31,893 points)
    iPad
    Dec 11, 2013 3:26 PM in response to baltwo

    Thanks!

  • by baltwo,

    baltwo baltwo Dec 11, 2013 3:52 PM in response to Tigervision
    Level 9 (62,256 points)
    Dec 11, 2013 3:52 PM in response to Tigervision

    1. So I am still not entirely clear.  When I open my new rMBP... will I get a chance to name my home folder BEFORE I start Migration Assistant?  Or will MA take my old home folder name from my old MBP and use that in new rMBP (I really don't want this - Ideally would like to name it myself before MA does its thing).

    Use the Setup Assistant and after migrating, use the link I posted to change the home folder's name.

    2. Also, when I connect with 'eithernet'... do I use Cat 5 or 6?  I have several cords laying around, and I have no idea what they are... 5e, 6, etc?  Does this matter?

    Doesn't matter. Details on the hookup are in http://support.apple.com/kb/HT5872.

  • by Erichko,

    Erichko Erichko Feb 24, 2014 6:18 AM in response to hayden2899
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Feb 24, 2014 6:18 AM in response to hayden2899

    I have a similar question.

     

    I used Migration Assistant to transfer the data from my 2007 Macbook Pro to my 2012 iMac and it created the two separate users. It seemed convenient as the separate computers could be used simultaneously, and if I recall, the MBP an the user account related to it on the iMac seemed to be in sync with each other (ie, downloaded files appeared on both systems).

     

    The 2007 MBP is now lifeless and unused ( thanks to the perennial expanding battery issue suffered by that vintage MBP. We're expecting delivery of a 2014 MBP in the next week or so. Also, I have a new battery on order for the 2007. The plan is to NOT migrate the 2014 MBP to the iMac, but I want to wipe out an reformat  the 2007 MBP completely and dedicate it to low end a/v duty (think glorified portable DVD player).

     

    Will wiping out the 2007 MBP affect the user account on my iMac?

     

    Also, if it won't affect the MBP based user account on the iMac, is there a way to merge them all together into the main user account? Is it similar to the process above?

     

    Sorry if this is confusing