Can I copy all files and apps from my old iMac to a new one using set-up assistant without erasing the old computer?

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Can I copy all files and apps from my old iMac to a new one using set-up assistant without erasing the old computer?

I have an iMac at home that I've been using for my business. I just sub-leased office space and bought another iMac for that. I want to copy all the files from my old computer to the new one (using time capsule) - but I want to continue using all the files on the old computer as well. Does the set-up utility (when I first turn on the new computer) allow this? Or will it erase everything from the time capsule? Btw I have a new time capsule for the new computer.

Thanks.

iMac (21.5-inch, Late 2013), iOS 7

Posted on Oct 11, 2013 8:14 AM

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Answer 1

Rudegar

Level 10

170,742 points

Oct 11, 2013 8:36 AM in response to Jfmkava

http://support.apple.com/kb/HT4413

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Answer 2

WZZZ

Level 6

13,220 points

Oct 11, 2013 8:42 AM in response to Jfmkava

Doing this wirelessly will take a very long time. See this excellent article.

http://pondini.org/OSX/Setup.html

Setup Assistant, not Migration Assistant, is the way to go.

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Answer 3

Jfmkava Author

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Oct 11, 2013 8:55 AM in response to WZZZ

Setup Assistant sounds like the way to go. So when I first start the new computer I'll attach my TC Via FireWire and select it as source. This will COPY the files to my new computer leaving the TC files untouched? I'll then hook up the new TC to the new iMac and return the old TC to the old computer without listing any files?

Many thanks.

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Answer 4

Jfmkava Author

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Oct 11, 2013 8:57 AM in response to Jfmkava

"Without losing any files"

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Answer 5

WZZZ

Level 6

13,220 points

Oct 11, 2013 9:28 AM in response to Jfmkava

I don't have a TC and have only done this through Firewire from a bootable clone on an external drive (old Mac, same difference), but I see no reason why you would lose the files on the current TC. When finished, all my files were completely intact on the external. That said, just to repeat, Wi-Fi will take forever.

But one more thing, before you get started, what OS version is the old Mac?

EDITED: But, to be honest, since I don't have any experience with Time Capsule, nor do I use Time Machine, I can't really advise one way or the other that you will be able to use SA properly from it. The Pondini article doesn't appear to mention it as an option for using SA.

Sorry, I'm wrong, he does mention it.

Time Machine backups on a Time Capsule: use another option if possible. If not, connect via Ethernet cable if at all possible.

It's usually faster to transfer directly from the old Mac via FireWire or Thunderbolt as above, if possible.

On the Transfer Information to this Mac window, select From Another disk

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Answer 6

Eric Root

Level 10

684,039 points

Oct 11, 2013 12:48 PM in response to Jfmkava

You shouldn't lose any files and what you described should work.

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