nigeln
Level 1 (4 points)
Mac OS X

Q: migration assistant to set up new mac

Have done a time machine back up on an old mac and want to transfer only files in my document folder but not Apps onto a new machine. Both machines use OS ElCapitan Which of the three options do I need to select from Migration Assistant to minimise transferring 'garbage'.

MacBook Pro, Mac OS X (10.7.2), iFinance v 3.3.4

Posted on Jun 17, 2016 12:08 AM

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Q: migration assistant to set up new mac

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  • by darren.s,Helpful

    darren.s darren.s Jun 17, 2016 10:34 PM in response to nigeln
    Community Specialists
    Jun 17, 2016 10:34 PM in response to nigeln

    Happy Friday, nigeln!

     

    I understand you want to be specific about the content to transfer when migrating from an old Mac to a newer Mac. You're in the right place for help.

     

    You'll want to select the top option when migrating: From a Mac, Time Machine backup, or startup disk. Then, follow the prompts to specify the data you'd like to transfer.

     

    In your case, it sounds like you may want to remove the checkmark for the Applications folder. Content from the user folder would then migrate, which includes your Documents folder. If you'd like to be even more specific, click the arrow next to the user account. This will give you access to the drop down menu, where you can select folders from the user account to migrate.

     

    This article on our website describes the process in greater detail: Move your content to a new Mac 

     

    Enjoy your weekend!

  • by macjack,Helpful

    macjack macjack Jun 17, 2016 10:24 PM in response to nigeln
    Level 9 (55,682 points)
    Mac OS X
    Jun 17, 2016 10:24 PM in response to nigeln

    Be sure to use Migration Assistant when you first boot your new Mac. Otherwise you will create 2 Home folders. Choose to migrate all. If you do not want all use the exclusions list.

    Move your content to a new Mac - Apple Support

  • by nigeln,

    nigeln nigeln Jun 17, 2016 10:32 PM in response to macjack
    Level 1 (4 points)
    Mac OS X
    Jun 17, 2016 10:32 PM in response to macjack

    Yep - I have already made this mistake! I think I will start over again using my bootable flash drive and the set up from Time Machine when I set up the OSX instead of the Migration Assistant. Then I will  remove unused Apps from the newly installed HD.

  • by nigeln,

    nigeln nigeln Jun 17, 2016 10:40 PM in response to darren.s
    Level 1 (4 points)
    Mac OS X
    Jun 17, 2016 10:40 PM in response to darren.s

    Thanks for your suggestions. I have decided to start off again from my bootable flash drive And use the Time Machine set up option when reinstalling the OSX. Then I will do a clean up after everything is up and running again on the internal HD.

  • by chris_g1,

    chris_g1 chris_g1 Jun 18, 2016 9:42 AM in response to nigeln
    Community Specialists
    Jun 18, 2016 9:42 AM in response to nigeln

    I'm happy to hear this helped, nigeln! Reply to this thread if you run into any trouble. Take care!