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General discussion

Migrating windows files to mac

Aug 24, 2005 4:39AM PDT

Running
MACmini: Tiger (OSX10.4), Safari
IBMpc: XP(SP2), IE6
I'm switching over to my new MACmini from my old IBMpc and want to know how to migrate my personal files (Favorites, My Documents, Address Book, etc.) from the PC to the Mini. I have a CAT5e crossover patch cable cable but don't yet know how to use it, am sharing mouse, keyboard, and monitor via KVM switch, and use dialup Internet service.
Thank you

Discussion is locked

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Migrating Files
Aug 24, 2005 6:41AM PDT

In this particular case, probably the easiest way to transfer the files would be with the aid of a USB Thumbdrive. 128MB or 256MB should be sufficient.
The Favorites will have to be exported from IE, saved as a file and put on the thumbdrive. My document can just be dragged onto the drive in one swoop. Assuming it is large enough. Bear in mind that to open these files you will need the Mac version of the program that created them. Excel for Excel files, Word for Word, etc. It "might" be possible to export the Address book as a text file from, guessing, OE but that is something you will have to check for.
Once the stuff is on the drive, remove it from the PC and put it in the Mac. Drag the stuff off it into a folder, create one one the desktop to hold them for a while. Open Safari and import the favorites, ditto for Address Book and drag the My Documents to the Documents folder.
Job done, without too much sweat.
The Cross-over cable may not even be necessary for such a few things.
Hope it works for you

P

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Migrating windows files to Mac
Aug 26, 2005 12:11AM PDT

Easiest--and smartest--move I've ever made. Word and Excel are identical on PC and Mac. File transfer is as simple as backing up to a CD/DVD/ThumbDrive or whatever you're using--and copying the material to the Documents folder on the Mac. You're out of luck w/ Publisher and Access files unless you can find someone who can save the data in some generic format. There is a Mac program called Pages that is the equivalent of Publisher, but the conversion is complex, and, in my case, didn't work all that well--it was easier to start over and create new pieces (biz card, brochure, etc.). I don't know a way to move an Access database to the Mac equivalent, "Keynote" is the Mac equivalent of Powerpoint, but, again, there's no easy migration. The easy business card template is in Appleworks.

Have to say that Apple tech support is quick, friendly and reliable. Good luck.

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Access file to the Mac
Aug 28, 2005 8:24AM PDT

I moved my Access files by putting them in Excel and then transferring to the Mac. I then took it out of Excel and into File Maker Pro.

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Neat Trick
Aug 28, 2005 8:44AM PDT

Wish I had thought of it Happy


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