data migration assistant

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Level 1

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data migration assistant

Just for my curiosity and knowledge, I heard that there is a lot of issue in using Data Migration Assistant between previous Mac Models to the new MacBook. From an hardware or software stand point what are the real reason why consumer are having issues in migrating data? It is the new CPU? It is the USB C port? Or what? There is a good article from Apple that recommend to transfer via WiFI and everything should work. But again, what are the technological reason why so far, right now, it can not be done via Ethernet or Thunderbolt cable?

Thank you

iPhone 5s, iOS 8.1.3

Posted on Apr 30, 2015 12:14 PM

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Answer 1

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Lanny

Level 6

13,183 points

Apr 30, 2015 3:27 PM in response to fabio168

But again, what are the technological reason why so far, right now, it can not be done via Ethernet or Thunderbolt cable?

1st, using Firewire Target Disk mode is off the table, because there are currently no USB-C to Firewire adapters or USB-C to Thunderbolt adapters.

2nd, you could use Ethernet, but at minimum you would need a USB-C to Ethernet adapter, or a USB-C to USB and a USB to Ethernet adapter. Plus you might also need an additional USB to Ethernet adapter, if your old Mac doesn't have an Ethernet port.

The easiest approach, other than doing it by WiFi, would be to backup your old Mac to an external drive with TimeMachine or a cloning software (something you should be doing anyway) and then use the external drive with a simple USB-C to USB adapter as source for the new MacBook's migration.

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