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Question

Transferring files to new Mac Pro

Sep 16, 2015 2:31AM PDT

Hi all, this is my first post, so please forgive my naivety.
I want to transfer the contents of my iMac24" mid 2007 to my new Mac Pro 3.7GHz Quad core. The internal SSD is too small to enable me to use my Time Machine backups, so I want to put Apps on the SSD and all other files onto the external drive. Is there a quicker way of doing this, other than just a drag and drop? Would it be easier/better to restore the backup to the external drive initially?
Thanks for any suggestions and advice.

Discussion is locked

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Answer
Normal practice would be to have the OS on the SSD with
Sep 16, 2015 12:10PM PDT

some of the applications, these would NOT be the ones that came with the machine; iPhoto, iMovie, GarageBand, Pages, Numbers, and Keynote.
That said, I doubt you would have purchased a Mac Pro just to run these applications and that you have some hight end apps in mind.

Depending on what these apps are, it may not be just a case of "Drag and Drop" to get them installed correctly.

A little more info on the apps would be appreciated


P

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Mostly photo/video editing usingPhotoshop, Lightroom, GoPro
Sep 17, 2015 6:21AM PDT

others include MS Office 2016 and a host of lesser used apps. My thoughts were there was more than enough room on the sad, so if I could get them on using Time Machine, my main issue would be with data files and their paths, especially iTunes.

Incidentally, I got a great deal on the Mac Pro, which will enable me to set up the iMac for grandchildren to use when they visit.

Really appreciate your thoughts, thanks.

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If I'm not mistaken,
Sep 18, 2015 4:23PM PDT

Time Machine will only replace items from where it got them originally.
You may have to go manual to put the ones like PhotoShop & Lightroom where you want them but you will be able to move their data storage location to an external and change the preferences to reflect that. With iTunes your best move there would be to "Consolidate" your library. Full information on how to move iTunes from Mac to Mac can be found here: https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT204318

Hope that helps

P

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Thanks!
Sep 19, 2015 4:46AM PDT

Reinstalling apps is no real problem, although I might have another go at using TM first as It worked OK when I replaced the hard drive on the iMac. I read the article on iTunes and your advice with that makes it easy!

I'm away at present, but will come back to this thread when I have successfully moved everything-fingers crossed Happy

Thanks for for your patience and advice.

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Might just think again
Oct 1, 2015 4:11PM PDT

because there are too many issues blocking this transfer. I have now had to return my Lacie 1Tb external drive because of a hardware error. I'm now thinking of upgrading the SSD to accommodate my TM backup, which I have already established will reload my apps and network settings onto the existing SSD drive. Yes, there is a cost difference, but I think it will be worthwhile in the long run.
I need an external CD/DVD drive, so I may as well ad the additional (not small) cost of the larger SSD to my upgrade, given I got such a good deal in the first place.

As ever, really appreciate your advice, and will know to look for your posts in the future.

Cheers

Pete

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Sorted (mostly)
Oct 23, 2015 6:21AM PDT

Hi again, apologies for the delay due to family reasons. I decided to upgrade my SSD after all. I did a clean install of Yosemite onto it via Internet, then used Migration Assistant to get data and apps from Time Machine. It all seems OK, even iTunes. The only issue I have with iTunes is when I'm syncing my phone or iPad, it gets to the step where it tries to sync apps, then this message appears; "The was a problem connecting to the server Mac Pro. This file server is available on your computer. Access the volumes and files locally".
Is this something I inadvertently set up when formatting the disk, or is there another explanation?

As ever, your help and advice is much appreciated.

Pete