Question about "Your computer restarted because of a problem"

If it truly is a hardware problem, obviously they cannot be passed on to your new computer.

If it's software that is causing the issue, then it depends on how much information you migrate to your new computer. First tip is to use Setup Assistant after starting your new Mac for the first time when it first offers to do migration for you. If you establish a new account before doing so, it will almost always cause issue going forward.

See Move your content to a new Mac. If you are able to fix whatever the software problem is before you migrate, that would be your best solution. If you can't then you need to be careful about what you choose to migrate. If the problem is with a third party application, then you should not migrate them, rather install them all from source. If you believe the problem is cause by old settings that you previously migrated or installed a new OS X over, then you probably will not want to include "Computer and Network Settings". That will mean you will have to manually restore any settings you have changed and may need to provide license numbers for some third party software. You will probably want all your user files, especially if you have the same problem on your old computer when logging into a second (preferably new) user account. Your other choice here would be to drag all the files you need from your old computer using the Finder.

You may be able to confirm a hardware problem by running the Apple Hardware Test which will be located on Applications Install Disc 2 that originally came with your iMac. Ignore the first part of that document as it does not apply to older Macs.

An Apple Tech has access to the Apple Support Diagnostics test which is more thorough. Your model is considered to be "Vintage" which means that depending on where you live there may or may not be parts available for you to have it fixed. Apple may be able to give you a fixed fee for that which will allow them to fix everything they find wrong with it. You can decide at that time whether to cut your losses or have it repaired.

Use your original install discs and run Apple's Hardware Test in extended mode 2-3 times back to back. If you don't have the disc take the machine into an Apple Authorized Service Provider and they will check it, don't take it to an Apple Store, it's too old and they will not repair it.

Assuming you have backed up the old computer using Time Machine or created a bootable clone, when you turn on the MM for the first time it will come to a point where it ask if you are migrating from another Mac. Select yes, connect the backup via USB and follow the on-screen instructions to migrate your data. This is the fastest and most direct method of migrating. DO NOT use wi-fi or ethernet.

You must reboot from the disk by holding the "C" key down when you restart with the disk in the drive.

rkaufmann87 wrote:

don't take it to an Apple Store, it's too old and they will not repair it.

Actually, it depends on where you live. Some countries and states require Apple to extend support beyond "Vintage".

Mirsky wrote:

Regarding the Apple Hardware Test: please see above. I wasn't able to run it.

Make sure you have the correct disk in the drive when you reboot. It may have a different name than what it says in the instructions. It will say either Apple Hardware Test or AHT on the label.

MadMacs0 wrote:

Actually, it depends on where you live. Some countries and states require Apple to extend support beyond "Vintage".

Yeah, well good luck with that!

rkaufmann87 wrote:

Yeah, well good luck with that!

As a resident of California I can honestly say I speak from experience. Vintage and obsolete products.

MadMacs0 wrote:

rkaufmann87 wrote:

Yeah, well good luck with that!

As a resident of California I can honestly say I speak from experience. Vintage and obsolete products.

Yup, me too. Four generation native Californian.