How do I get Time Machine to make an EXACT copy of my Macbook pro?

Question

Level 1

8 points

How do I get Time Machine to make an EXACT copy of my Macbook pro?

I'm enrolled in a coding bootcamp at Galvanize right now.

Class started last week. I purchased a 128 gb macbook pro 2015 model. I quickly realized 128 gb was not going to be enough space and decided to upgrade to the 256 gb model.

I have the brand new 256 gb 2015 macbook pro in front of me along side the 128 gb version.

I have put a lot of work into installing and setting up various settings, add-ons, to the terminal and sublime text. I'm not sure if I will be able to duplicate all of this without the help of one of my instructors.

I heard that time machine is capable of making an EXACT copy of my 1 week old 128 gb macbook pro.

Is this true?

If so, how do I go about doing this? System restoration using time machine didn't even come close. None of my accounts, account passwords, or settings transferred. None of my add-ons for terminal and sublime text made the switch.

Did I do something wrong? Is time machine not as advertised or is there something more that I need to do? Is there another program that will make an EXACT copy?

Thanks so much in advance!

MacBook Pro with Retina display, iOS 9.3.1

Posted on Apr 23, 2016 6:49 PM

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Answer 1

macjack

Level 10

111,242 points

Apr 23, 2016 6:54 PM in response to bealjr85

Try a cloning utility like SuperDuper orCarbonCopy Cloner.

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Answer 2

theratter

Level 4

3,961 points

Apr 23, 2016 6:54 PM in response to bealjr85

Time Machine does not make a duplicate or clone. For that you need a backup drive and you can use Disk Utility to clone your startup drive to the backup drive. Thereafter use Carbon Copy Cloner to make the interim backups. CCC removes the old files and backs up the newer ones. Time Machine archives the old files. Time Machine cannot make an exact replica nor can it make a bootable backup. I would not recommend Time Machine for the requirements you have set forth.

Suggested Backup Software

1. Carbon Copy Cloner

2. Get Backup

3. Deja Vu

4. SuperDuper!

Visit The XLab FAQs and read the FAQ on backup and restore. Also read How to Back Up and Restore Your Files.

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Answer 3

Apr 23, 2016 7:13 PM in response to bealjr85

I agree with everybody else about Carbon Copy Cloner.

That is what I use.

Also if you use an external drive and make a clone of your original Macbook Pro to the external drive. It will be a bootable clone.

So if your computer hard drive were to die, you could boot from the clone.

Also just for interest, today I ordered a card which goes into the HD card slot and fits flush. It takes a micro-SD card. http://minidrive.bynifty.com/

I have not gotten it yet, but it sounds interesting.

Kim

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