Can I use my old time machine that was used from an old 2010 iMac to retrieve files to my new iMac?

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mystic200073 Author

Level 1

9 points

Can I use my old time machine that was used from an old 2010 iMac to retrieve files to my new iMac?

My old 2010 iMac is ready to retire and I want to retrieve all my files from an old time machine to my new iMac with the retina 5K. I have not started the setup with my new iMac yet but I'm wondering if I can retrieve my files from my old time machine. I will be using a new external hard drive as the time machine for the new iMac though. How can I retrieve the old files from my old time machine if the new time machine is connected to my new iMac? Please help. Thanks much!

iMac

Posted on Aug 20, 2016 9:17 PM

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Answer 1

Aug 20, 2016 9:19 PM in response to mystic200073

Use the migration assistant is the way to go.

Move your content to a new Mac - Apple Support

How to move data to your new Mac using Mountain Lion and earlier - Apple Support

Hope this helps, best of luck to you.

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Answer 2

Kappy

Level 10

362,017 points

Aug 20, 2016 9:21 PM in response to mystic200073

Yes. Do it using Migration Assistant: How to use Migration Assistant to transfer files from another Mac. You can also use Time Machine directly. You will find instructions at Pondini's Time Machine FAQ. This is an extensive site with most everything you may need for using Time Machine. You will not find a better resource for Time Machine in one location. Due to the passing of James Pondini the site is no longer being updated. Therefore, some of the information may be a little outdated.

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Answer 3

mystic200073 Author

Level 1

9 points

Aug 21, 2016 10:57 AM in response to mystic200073

Thanks all for your help! Do I need to setup my new iMac with the new time machine first then process the migration from the old time machine so I can get my files? Or process migration from the old time machine first then setup a new time machine?

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Answer 4

Kappy

Level 10

362,017 points

Aug 21, 2016 12:26 PM in response to mystic200073

Migrate first then backup.

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Answer 5

mystic200073 Author

Level 1

9 points

Aug 21, 2016 10:54 PM in response to mystic200073

Thanks all for your help! Now I have another dilemma I've successfully migrated my old files to my new iMac but I've selected both of the new and old iMac names Now I have 3 different usernanes on my log in (with the guest username). How can I merge my username into one instead?

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