How to Copy Old Mac Computer Files to a New Mac Computer
Apple operating system utilities support file transfers from an older Mac computer to a newer one. Macs can transfer data among themselves via Firewire, but computers running OS X can also transfer files over a network connection. Mac OS versions 10.3.4 (Leopard) and later include a Migration Assistant in the Utilities folder located in the Applications folder. Earlier versions provide the Setup Assistant utility. New Mac computers automatically launch the Migration Assistant as part of the initialization process.
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Instructions
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Turn on the Source computer and the Target computer and log on as the administrator for each computer.
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Wait for the Target computer to access the network and double-click the Migration Assistant application located in the "Utilities" sub-folder in the "Applications" folder. Repeat with the Source computer.
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On the Target computer, click the "Continue" button and then type the administrator's password in the dialog box. Repeat with the Source computer.
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Select the option, "To another Mac" on the Source computer and click the "Continue" button.
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Select the option, "From another Mac" on the Target computer and click the "Continue" button.
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Click the "Use Network" button on the Target computer and read the pass code displayed.
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Type the pass code from the Target computer in the dialog box displayed on the Source Computer.
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Click the "Continue" button on the Source computer and type the administrator's password if prompted by a dialog box.
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Select the desired accounts, files and folders listed in the directory for the Source computer that will be transferred.
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Select settings to be transferred from the Source computer to the Target computer (e.g., network, time zone and sharing).
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Click the "Transfer" button on the Source computer and wait for the files to be transferred to the Target computer.
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Click the "Finish" button on the Target and Source computers to close the Migration Assistant application.
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Tips & Warnings
Launch the transferred application files on the Target computer and re-enter the program serial number upon first using the software.
Remember that newer applications on the Target computer will not be replaced by those from the Source computer.
Place both computers on the same desk for easy coordination through the Migration Assistant.
Check the Library folder on the Target computer for a folder named "Incompatible Software." According to Apple, programs known to be incompatible with Snow Leopard are transferred to this program.
Transfer documents and data files from a computer running an operating system earlier than OS X, to reduce incompatible programs (that can't run on OS X).
Plug both computers into the AC outlet to avoid possible interruption from battery operation.
