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User profile for user: ReindeR Rustema
ReindeR Rustema Author
User level: Level 1
107 points

Migration Assistant from USB disk takes too long

Got a new MacBook yesterday, but the transfer of my data takes forever. Should I continue?


Most of the postings I read say 'sit it out'. I started around 4PM, around 6PM it started with what I assume is the last stage:


"Transferring Your Information - This Mac" it says. And a blue progress bar underneath it with some kind of 'flow' effect in it.


I can move the cursor but that is it.


The source for the transfer is a Time Machine back-up on a USB disk. A backup of a 10.9.5 system with many applications. My previous disk use was about 210Gb out of 256Gb. 40Gb photo's, 25Gb iTunes, 10Gb or so Mail and misc. the destination disk in the new MacBook is also 256Gb.


I try Command-L because I read somewhere you can get to see detailed progress like that. Nothing. Yesterday I would still get a sound, now nothing.


In one posting someone said that an install of Ruby of Rails would slow things down. I think I had installed that once. Does it matter?


It is now 10AM the next day, is this normal?


Will report back here.

MacBook Air, OS X Yosemite (10.10.2)

Posted on Apr 8, 2015 12:47 AM

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5 replies
User profile for user: ReindeR Rustema
ReindeR Rustema Author
User level: Level 1
107 points

Apr 8, 2015 9:12 AM in response to ReindeR Rustema

I called Apple. I asked if they could confirm my suspicion that it has to do with how much empty space is left if you compare the size of the original and the destination disk. In my case some 30 or 40 Gb of the 256Gb. Yes, if there is little space left more copying is required, which slows things down.


If I would stop now probably I would go through the same amount of time as now. Plus what remains from here, after 24 hours.


I also asked if something like a command-L keystroke should have brought up a terminal or log screen. Nope. The Migration Assistant is completely closed.


I wonder what all the stages are the Migration Assistant goes through. And if Transferring Your Information is the last one...

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Migration Assistant from USB disk takes too long

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