Migrate Your Data
How to use Migration Assistant to transfer files from your old Mac to your new one.
Copying and transferring user data, accounts, applications, and your Macs settings from an earlier version of OS X is really simple with Apple’s Migration Assistant. In fact, we're pretty sure one of the reasons our Mac trade in program is so popular is because moving your life from one Mac to the next is really, really easy.
We compiled this little guide to help you move your data from your old machine to your new one, so take a moment to read through this document, and if you'd still like to chat with a bright, competent, efficient Mac expert give us a call at 1-888-769-7629. We'll be glad to help.
If you've working with an older operating system.
Migration Assistant supports various ways of transferring your data to a new installation of OS X. Anyone trading in an older Mac will need to transfer data from their existing hard drive - which may very well be running an earlier version of OS X - to a new OS X installation located on a separate machine. This is easily accomplished with Migration Assistant.
You'll Need:
A fully operational installation of OS X.
Depending on the amount of data you need to move, 30 minutes to an hour and a half of your time.
Before you begin
Before performing migration, use Software Update on your older Mac to ensure you get the latest updates for Mac OS X.
If you're using a laptop, make sure the power cable is connected.
To use Migration Assistant, both Macs must be FireWire-equipped or be connected to the same Ethernet or wireless network.
Fire up Migration Assistant
On your new Mac, open Migration Assistant, located in the Utilities folder in your Applications folder.
Read the Introduction screen, then click Continue.
If a dialog appears, type your admin password, then click OK.
Select the Migration Method
Migration Assistant supports multiple methods of transferring data to and from your Mac. In Migration Assistant 3.0 your options are:
From another Mac. Transferring data from another Mac to your machine - either by direct connection or over a network.
From a Time machine backup or other disk. Transferring information to your Mac from a backup disk or another startup disk.
To another Mac. Transfer information from your Mac to another Mac either by direct connection of over a network.
If you’re transferring from your old Mac to a new one, select “From another Mac,” then click Continue.
Connect your Macs
If you are transferring via FireWire, connect a FireWire cable between your new Mac and your earlier Mac, then click Continue. You’ll be prompted to restart the earlier Mac while holding the “T” button. Release “T” when prompted.
If you are transferring via a wired (Ethernet) or wireless network:
- Make sure both computers are on the same local network, or connect them directly to each other with an Ethernet cable if both have an Ethernet port.
- On the computer you are transferring files to, click "Use Network", then click Continue, then click "From another Mac".
- On the Mac you are transferring from, open Migration Assistant, click "Use Network", then click Continue, then click "To another Mac".
- Follow the onscreen instructions to connect the computers via a passcode and transfer files.
Select the hard disks and files you want to transfer
Select the hard disk and user accounts from which you want to transfer, and select whether you want to transfer applications, files and folders, or your Library folder.
Select whether you want to transfer your network, time zone, and Sharing settings, and then click Transfer.
When Migration Assistant is finished transferring files, click Quit.
That should do it. Depending on just how much stuff you’ve got on your old machine it could take an hour or more, but rest assured Migration Assistant is one of the fastest, simplest ways of getting all your critical data on to your new Mac. As always, if you’re experiencing any hang ups just give us a call.
