Before migrating
- If you are using a portable Mac, make sure the power cable is connected.
- Before performing a migration, use Software Update on both Macs to ensure you have the latest updates for Mac OS X.
- Perform a Time Machine back up from your current Mac.
- Once the backup is complete, open Time Machine preferences in System Preferences, then slide the switch to off.
- If your backup is stored on an external hard disk: Unmount the volume and disconnect it. Then, connect it to your new Mac.
If your backup is stored on a Time Capsule: Make sure your other Mac has a network connection to it. Tip: For a faster migration transfer from a Time Capsule, try connecting your Mac to the Time Capsule via a wired Ethernet connection.
To migrate data from a Time Machine backup
- In Finder, press Command-Shift-U.
- Double-click Migration Assistant.
- Click "Continue" and enter an administrator name and password when prompted.
- Select the "From a Time Machine backup or other disk" option, then click "Continue".
- Select your Time Machine backup disk or Time Capsule (enter the user name and or password if prompted), then click "Continue".
- Select the Time Machine backup you would like to restore (such the most current one you just made), then click "Continue".
- Select Items to Migrate, then click "Continue". Note: The "Continue" button will be dimmed until the "Calculating…" stage is complete.
- A user account sheet may appear if you have a user name on your Mac that is the same user name in your Time Machine backup. You will have to give the username in your Time Machine backup a new username to avoid conflicts. Note: This will create a new user account on your Mac to hold the data from the Time Machine backup. After migration, you can use the /Users/Shared folder to transfer data files the accounts.
- A user account sheet may appear if you have a user name on your Mac that is the same user name in your Time Machine backup. You will have to give the username in your Time Machine backup a new username to avoid conflicts. Note: This will create a new user account on your Mac to hold the data from the Time Machine backup. After migration, you can use the /Users/Shared folder to transfer data files the accounts.
- Migration Assistant will begin the process of transferring the items you selected to migrate. When it is finished, click "Quit" to exit.