jstoneob
Level 1 (18 points)
Desktops

Q: Setting up new iMac Question

Aloha, My old iMac died, won't start up, or when it does it just shows vertical lines on screen, or constantly reboots.

I've gone through every attempt to get it running again, but I's finally time for a new machine. I purchased a new iMac, and am wondering if I can set it up using Migration Assistant without using the old machine. Is it possible to use Migration Assistant by just connecting my Time Machine directly to the new iMac?

 

Mahalo for any tips, info.

Posted on Jul 22, 2016 9:00 AM

by rkaufmann87,Apple recommended
rkaufmann87 rkaufmann87
Level 9 (58,174 points)
Photos for Mac
A:

Using Time Machine is one of the preferred methods. Simply connect the old computer TM to the new computer via USB. Then launch Migration Assistant and follow the on-screen instrucitons.

 

Apple explains this in Move your content to a new Mac - Apple Support

Posted on Jul 22, 2016 9:36 AM

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jstoneob

Q: Setting up new iMac Question

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  • Helpful answers

  • by macjack,

    macjack macjack Jul 22, 2016 9:06 AM in response to jstoneob
    Level 9 (55,682 points)
    Mac OS X
    Jul 22, 2016 9:06 AM in response to jstoneob

    It's possible but you wouldn't your old Mac to run into trouble during the transfer. Instead try using Target Disk Mode . Connect Macs with a firewire, Thunderbolt or Ethernet cable follow the steps here, except you are using target disk mode to make the hard drive on your target act as a connected drive. Then use Disk Utility to erase.

    Reset the System Management Controller (SMC) on your Mac - Apple Support

  • by jstoneob,

    jstoneob jstoneob Jul 22, 2016 9:24 AM in response to macjack
    Level 1 (18 points)
    Desktops
    Jul 22, 2016 9:24 AM in response to macjack

    Thanks for the quick reply, but as stated the old iMac is fried, thats' why I can't use it for Migration Assistant.

  • by macjack,

    macjack macjack Jul 22, 2016 9:31 AM in response to jstoneob
    Level 9 (55,682 points)
    Mac OS X
    Jul 22, 2016 9:31 AM in response to jstoneob

    It may startup in Target Disk Mode, you will be using the display from the new Mac.

  • by rkaufmann87,Apple recommended

    rkaufmann87 rkaufmann87 Jul 22, 2016 9:36 AM in response to jstoneob
    Level 9 (58,174 points)
    Photos for Mac
    Jul 22, 2016 9:36 AM in response to jstoneob

    Using Time Machine is one of the preferred methods. Simply connect the old computer TM to the new computer via USB. Then launch Migration Assistant and follow the on-screen instrucitons.

     

    Apple explains this in Move your content to a new Mac - Apple Support

  • by macjack,

    macjack macjack Jul 22, 2016 9:38 AM in response to jstoneob
    Level 9 (55,682 points)
    Mac OS X
    Jul 22, 2016 9:38 AM in response to jstoneob

    Alternatively, you can try using Time Machine backup. The information in this Apple Support Topic.

    https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT202380

    Specifically, this section:

    Copy your backup data from your original drive to your new drive

    1. Open a new Finder window. In the Finder sidebar, click the icon of the original backup drive.
    2. Open a new Finder window. In the Finder sidebar, click the icon of the new backup drive.
    3. Drag the folder "Backups.backupdb" from the original backup drive to the top level of the new backup drive.
    4. Enter an administrator name and password, then click OK to start the copying process.

    Copying your backup data might take some time to complete, depending on the size of your backup.

    Set Time Machine to use your new drive

    1. After the copy has finished, open Time Machine preferences from System Preferences.
    2. Click Select Disk in the Time Machine preferences window.
    3. Select the new backup drive, then click Use Disk.

    Your Time Machine backups are now be saved on your new backup drive.