Gina B
Level 1 (119 points)
Desktops

Q: How to connect new IMac to old IMac to transfer files?

I have to connect my June 2010 IMac to a new 2016 IMac to transfer data.  What cable do I need and which ports do I use to connect?

 

Thanks.

Gina

iMac, Mac OS X (10.6.7)

Posted on May 2, 2016 5:02 PM

by dwb,Solvedanswer
dwb dwb
Level 7 (24,053 points)
Notebooks
A:

If you want to migrate your data, applications, and configuration from the old computer to the new computer WiFi is definitely NOT the route to go. Ethernet is a better choice but I’ve not been happy with Migration/Setup Assistant over Ethernet. I’ve seen too many instances where the migration has stalled and had to be started over. (Not fun). However WiFi file sharing is just fine for transferring a GB or two at one time.

 

Since you should be using an external drive with TimeMachine, the best way to migrate to the new machine is to make one last TM backup before you turn on the new computer. Then plug the external drive into the new computer and start it up. During the setup process you’ll be asked if you’d like to transfer data/applications to the new computer. Say yes and select the external drive.

Posted on May 3, 2016 11:38 AM

Close
Gina B

Q: How to connect new IMac to old IMac to transfer files?

  • All replies
  • Helpful answers

  • by Kenichi Watanabe,Helpful

    Kenichi Watanabe Kenichi Watanabe May 3, 2016 11:38 AM in response to Gina B
    Level 8 (38,310 points)
    Mac OS X
    May 3, 2016 11:38 AM in response to Gina B

    You can do it with an Ethernet cable (and the Ethernet ports on the two Macs) and use File Sharing.  You can also connect over WiFi, but the transfer speed will be slower.  If the two Macs are connected to the Internet using a common router, you may already have a connection between the two Macs.  Here's information about File Sharing

     

    How to connect with File Sharing on your Mac - Apple Support

     

    There is also an automated tool called Migration Assistant, if its functions are appropriate for your task

     

    Move your content to a new Mac - Apple Support

  • by Gina B,

    Gina B Gina B May 2, 2016 5:39 PM in response to Kenichi Watanabe
    Level 1 (119 points)
    Desktops
    May 2, 2016 5:39 PM in response to Kenichi Watanabe

    Thanks so much.  I'm getting the new IMac in the next couple of days and learning to know a new one always overwhelms me.

  • by dwb,Solvedanswer

    dwb dwb May 3, 2016 11:38 AM in response to Gina B
    Level 7 (24,053 points)
    Notebooks
    May 3, 2016 11:38 AM in response to Gina B

    If you want to migrate your data, applications, and configuration from the old computer to the new computer WiFi is definitely NOT the route to go. Ethernet is a better choice but I’ve not been happy with Migration/Setup Assistant over Ethernet. I’ve seen too many instances where the migration has stalled and had to be started over. (Not fun). However WiFi file sharing is just fine for transferring a GB or two at one time.

     

    Since you should be using an external drive with TimeMachine, the best way to migrate to the new machine is to make one last TM backup before you turn on the new computer. Then plug the external drive into the new computer and start it up. During the setup process you’ll be asked if you’d like to transfer data/applications to the new computer. Say yes and select the external drive.