Using Migration Assistant to transfer data, not working

Question

Level 1

13 points

Using Migration Assistant to transfer data, not working

Hello All,

I just got a new iMac running OS 10.11.4. I have an existing MBP mid 2009 running OS 10.9.5. Tried to use Migration Assistant to move the files from the MBP to the iMac. after 3 attempts I don't see the MPB files on the iMac. I've logged out and then in on the iMac and don't see the account from the MBP. What am I doing wrong? I've followed the steps in the Apple manual for Migration Assistant each time. Are there any issues between the two OS versions that won't allow me to transfer the files?

Thanks in advance for your help.

P

iMac, OS X El Capitan (10.11.4), Migration assistant

Posted on Apr 30, 2016 4:13 PM

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Answer 1

rkaufmann87

Level 10

140,550 points

Apr 30, 2016 4:29 PM in response to Peter M

Using Migration Assistant is extremely simple if you follow some basic rules. First Connect the Time Machine Backup External Hard Disk that you used on the MBP to the iMac via a USB cable. Do not connect ANY other way. Launch MA on the iMac, indicate you are migrating from a Time Machine backup and follow the on-screen prompts. It's that simple!

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Answer 2

Peter M Author

Level 1

13 points

Apr 30, 2016 4:55 PM in response to rkaufmann87

Thanks for the response. Using time machine is the best approach? I was connecting the two wirelessly over my wifi. I do have a backup drive that I used Time Machine, so I'll try that next.

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Answer 3

rkaufmann87

Level 10

140,550 points

Apr 30, 2016 6:32 PM in response to Peter M

Yes, using Time Machine is the easiest and most reliable approach. Wi-Fi is slow and as you have found out totally unreliable. There is simply too much data, using Wi-Fi can take a week (no I'm not kidding) if things work perfectly which they normally don't.

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Answer 4

Peter M Author

Level 1

13 points

May 1, 2016 9:04 AM in response to rkaufmann87

Thanks. I was finally able to move the files over to my iMac without Migration. I connected the Time Machine backup to my iMac and move them over manually. I'm still perplexed that the Migration Assistant looked like it was transferring files, but nothing ever was moved over.

Thanks for the help.

Peter

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