i've just updated my imac 21.5. how do i transfer files from my old imac to my new imac?

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Simon1892 Author

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i've just updated my imac 21.5. how do i transfer files from my old imac to my new imac?

Help!

I've had an iMac 21.5 for approximately 3.5 years.

I have Aperture 3 (with loads photos) and iTunes etc on my current iMac.

I have just bought a new 21.5 iMac with all the latest upgrades etc.

As of yet I have not even taken the new iMac out of the box.

How do I:

1. prepare the old iMac to get ready to transfer files

2. actually transfer the files!

Also!

Once everything is transferred how do I make my iMac "safe" to sell? I don't want old personal data left on there for someone to have a good old snoop!

My original iMac was not supplied with any operating discs etc. It was all set up and ready to go.

Thanks.

iMac (21.5-inch Late 2009)

Posted on Jan 3, 2014 7:10 AM

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Answer 1

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Rudegar

Level 10

170,730 points

Jan 3, 2014 7:15 AM in response to Simon1892

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

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Answer 2

Jan 3, 2014 7:31 AM in response to Simon1892

Regarding the old iMac. Just delete your USER NAME from the Control Panel. Go into System Preferences - then User/Groups and delete your account from there.

Just a bit of advice though before you do all this, go and buy yourself a remote Hard Drive, they're really good value today and copy off all of your sacred files from your old computer onto the new drive. You could also do the same via the Backup.app

It's well worth doing.... You can easily delay the switch over for a few days and you'll then have a backup disc that you'll start to use again and again.

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Answer 3

Simon1892 Author

Level 1

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Jan 3, 2014 7:42 AM in response to Rudegar

many thanks for the link.

after transferring the files from new to old iMac will they literally just be ready to use (as if on the old iMac)?

same usernames, passwords etc?

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Answer 4

Simon1892 Author

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Jan 3, 2014 7:43 AM in response to Barry Wilbraham1

Hi.

thanks for the reply!

i have an external hard drive that i back my iMac up to every week as i'd be gutted if i lost all my photos!

i'll do a thorough back up right before i start transferring files etc.

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Answer 5

Jan 3, 2014 7:54 AM in response to Simon1892

Yes it's the only way. Particularly if you want to avoid a range war with a female partner who would kill if she lost her treasured pictures. Been there, done it !

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