Transferring data from old MBP (target boot only) to new MBP

With the exception of the model 1.1 2006 MBP, all older MBPs have Firewire 800 ports. Assuming your 2012 MBP is a retina, there is a thunderbolt FireWire adapter available:

http://store.apple.com/us/product/MD464ZM/A/apple-thunderbolt-to-firewire-adapte r

You can use Target disk mode.

Ciao.

You would be better off removing the drive from the older system and connecting it directly to your new system with a SATA to USB adapter or enclosure and then just copy the data off it you want. No fooling around with other adapters and cables and booting to Target Disk Mode. And one of the SATA to USB adapters comes in handy for all types of things. Even connecting a standard size CD/DVD drive, even if it is the older IDE style drive. Most all the SATA to USB adapter work for both SATA and IDE drive and for both desktop and notebook size IDE drives.

From the bottom of your old MBP, copy the serial number and enter it in the appropriate field in this link.

http://www.chipmunk.nl/klantenservice/applemodel.html

Please post an image of the results.

Ciao.

Yes exactly. With one of these adapter any bare drive, or one removed from an enclosure as the drives in all enclosure are standard drive, can be used as external drive. Make sure you get an adapter that comes with it own AC adapter to power whatever drive you are using. Some being sold today don't come with a separate AC adapter and try to draw the power to run the drive from the USB port. That works with some drive but not all.

As to the iTunes and iPhoto libraries I am unsure how that is done. You would be better posting that question in the respective forums.

But once you have the old drive connected to your new Mac there is nothing stopping you from copying all the data on it to your new system. Once copied over you can then do the importing/merging of the respective libraries.

Dooki-san wrote:

Lowluster-

Wow, I did not know about this adaptor. So in essence the pulled HD will become and "external" drive. Clever.

Last Q: Is there a problem merging iPhoto/iTunes libraries from 10.6 to 10.8 versions? Also, I have the iPhoto library on isolated. What folder, doc, thingy, do I need to pull for iTunes? Is there a library iTunes that I copy? The main goal for is that I don't want to lose the music and apps that I bought through iTunes.

Thanks!

-Dooki

As to the music bought through iTunes that should be available to you on the new system once you register/activate/authorize that new system with your Apple ID/iTunes account.

This is the one I use.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16812232002

They also make them in USB 3 but I have had problems with the USB 3 model I have. So I suggest you get the USB 2 type. Or both if you like.