How to Transfer Data From an Old PC Computer to a New iMac

The easiest way to transfer data from an old PC to a new iMac is via an Ethernet cable.

Transferring data from an old PC computer to a new iMac is an important step for users migrating from Windows computers to Mac OS X-powered iMacs. Thankfully, most of the files stored on an old PC computer can be opened on the iMac with the proper software installed. Transferring data from an old PC to a new iMac is as easy as dragging and dropping necessary data from the old PC to the iMac. You can also transfer data from an external storage medium like a DVD or external hard drive.

Things You'll Need

• PC
• IMac
• Ethernet cable (for direct connection)
• Wireless network (for networking transfer)
• CD, DVD or external hard drive (for other transfers)

Instructions

Via a Direct Connection or Network

1. Connect to the network. With a direct connection, simply connect the old PC and new iMac via a standard Ethernet cable. For network sharing, make sure both computers are connected to the same wireless network.

2. Connect the iMac to the PC. Open the "Go" menu, located near the top of the screen on the iMac, and choose "Connect to Server." In the window that appears, type the network address of your old PC in one of the following formats:

   smb://DNSname/ShareName
   smb://IPaddress/ShareName

   "DNSname" is the name of your PC, as found in the My Computer window of your old PC. "ShareName" is the name of the designated shared folder on the old PC. If on a wireless network, "IPaddress" is the designated IP address of the old PC.

   After entering the network address, click "Connect" on the new iMac.

3. Enter your Windows user name and password on your old PC, if necessary. This will allow you to access and transfer data to the iMac.

4. Return to the iMac desktop. Your PC disk should show on the desktop. Double-click on the volume to open a folder and browse the drive.

5. Transfer files. In the iMac's Finder, simply drag files from the old PC disk to the new iMac disk and drop them in the folder where you want to store them on the iMac.

6. Unmount the PC disk. To help avoid accidental data loss on your old PC computer's hard drive, drag the drive to the "Trash" icon on the iMac's Dock when you are done using it. If connected via Ethernet, you can now disconnect the cable from each computer.

Using an External Drive

1. Copy files to the external disk. If you are using an external hard drive, connect it to your old PC and place the files you want to save in a folder on the external hard drive. If burning a CD or DVD, place the files you need in a folder and burn them to disk.

2. Eject the disk. Remove the disk from your old PC and place it in your new iMac.

3. Drag and drop the files and folders to your new iMac. By dragging complete folders, you insure that the folder organization remains intact when moved to your new iMac.

References

• Apple: Support - Switch 101 - The Great Migration
• Macworld: Migrate data from PC to Mac