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Q: Replace my iMac (2011) with iMac retina. To migrate or to do a fresh install, which is better?

My old iMac (2011) is already upgraded to 10.10.1. It seems running slow now. I got a iMac retina and planned to move everything from old iMac to new one. Please advise whether to use Migration Assistant or to do freah install of all applications and then manually copy all files over. Which way is better?

iMac (21.5-inch Mid 2011), OS X Yosemite (10.10)

Posted on Nov 18, 2014 7:52 PM

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Q: Replace my iMac (2011) with iMac retina. To migrate or to do a fresh install, which is better?

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  • by Kappy,

    Kappy Kappy Nov 18, 2014 8:05 PM in response to APMLEUNG
    Level 10 (271,794 points)
    Desktops
    Nov 18, 2014 8:05 PM in response to APMLEUNG

    I've always been in favor of starting out from scratch. You could get a Thunderbolt to Firewire adaptor, however, and use a Thunderbolt cable. Then you could migrate over a fast connection by using Target Disk Mode. If you have a backup on an external drive, then you can use it instead of the computer. In both these cases you can use Migration Assistant to transfer your Home folder, third-party applications and support files, and system preferences.

     

    How to use Migration Assistant to transfer files from another Mac

    Migration Assistant tips and tricks

  • by Ralph9430,

    Ralph9430 Ralph9430 Nov 18, 2014 8:19 PM in response to APMLEUNG
    Level 6 (18,243 points)
    Apple Watch
    Nov 18, 2014 8:19 PM in response to APMLEUNG

    When I make a change like that I prefer to copy over my personal files. But I don't want to copy over all third part applications. I prefer to move only a few at a time and stick with those that I use most frequently. Once I determine things are still running smoothy I'll install additional apps.

  • by APMLEUNG,

    APMLEUNG APMLEUNG Nov 18, 2014 11:18 PM in response to Ralph9430
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Nov 18, 2014 11:18 PM in response to Ralph9430

    How to copy or move the music files in iTunes and photos in iPhotos to the new iMac? I am afraid of missing any other files, so if there will not be any adverse effect (like may slow down the performance of the new iMac ...), I would rather do a Migration Assistant to move all the things in one go. Am I right?

  • by baltwo,

    baltwo baltwo Nov 19, 2014 4:37 AM in response to APMLEUNG
    Level 9 (62,256 points)
    Nov 19, 2014 4:37 AM in response to APMLEUNG

    Peruse Pondini's Setup New Mac guide. I highly recommend using the Setup Assistant on first boot. Makes the new machine act like the old one, preserving all user info and preference settings.

     

    27" i7 iMac (Mid 2011) refurb, OS X Yo (10.10.1), Mavs, ML & SL, G4 450 MP w/10.5 & 9.2.2

  • by Win355,

    Win355 Win355 Nov 19, 2014 6:00 AM in response to APMLEUNG
    Level 1 (121 points)
    Nov 19, 2014 6:00 AM in response to APMLEUNG

    I have just done this using setup form Time Machine. I still have boot external HD and Time Machine from old computer. Everything works fine. I have also done fresh install in past.  New machine does act like old of course I am removing files etc. I should have done in the past but I do like having everything where it was. I guess this is really a matter of preference