If I cannot use Migration Assistant to transfer everything from one iMac to another, can I use another means?
Please migration using Setup Assistant and Migration Assistant - Apple Community, this is the most reliable method. You haven't provided with anything so specific so it's difficult to give you much help.
Thanks. I used an external hard drive and performed a time machine backup on the old computer, but when I connected to the new iMac and tried the MA process, it wouldn't recognize the external hard drive with the backup on it. It keeps searching for a server.
Well you have not provided much info. Is the newer Mac brand new or was it bought used or given to you? Also what version of Mac OS is installed on each Mac and finally how is the Time Machine External Hard Disk connected to the new Mac. The more info you provide the better!
This newer Mac is brand new. The version of Mac OS on the old iMac is 10.6.8 and the new iMac is 11.5.1. The Time Machine External Hard Disk is connect with a USB 3.0 cable that came with the external hard drive (Seagate One Touch).
The USB cable I used has a USB B connection at one end and a USB A at the other end. The USB cable worked fine when I created the Time Machine backup from the old iMac and the new iMac has both USB A and USB C ports, so I thought the USB cable would work on both iMacs.
I got it from BestBuy (Canada). It's a iMac MXWT2LL/A and I got the Mac OS from clicking on the Apple icon and About this Computer. It said it was Mac OS Big Sur, version 11.5.1. I can perform an update and download Monterey 12.5 if you think this would make a difference.
You must have purchased it as an open box as BB would not sell old stock unless you bought it last year. It is a 2020 27" base model iMac with a 256GB SSD. Nice machine, not a great deal of storage so if your old computer had more than 256GB stored on it you will not be able to use Migration Assistant to migrate to the new computer. That is the first thing to confirm, please tell us how much storage you were using on the old Mac?
Also, when you turned it on the first time did it launch Setup Assistant?
New Macs do NOT ship with 11.5.1, they ship with Monterey 12.4 or 12.5. Where did you get this "new " Mac and when did get it. Also, what are its specifications.
Reason why Migration Assistant won't recognize my older Mac. I did everything recommended above, but neither iMac is able to find the other.
