Migration Assistant repeatedly fails to transfer anything

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Level 1

25 points

Migration Assistant repeatedly fails to transfer anything

Trying to move (after years of waiting to buy a new Mac) from my Mid 2011 iMac (fully loaded) to my new refurbished MBP 14" M1 Pro machine. Migration Assistant repeatedly fails to transfer anything beyond creating a user with my username. I don't have an adapter for Thunderbolt 1 to 3 or 4, so I tried the default Wi-Fi method. I have tons of content and preferences that I would hate to completely recreate everything. HELP!

MacBook Pro (M1, 2020)

Posted on Apr 7, 2023 1:41 PM

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Answer 1

VikingOSX

Level 10

122,304 points

Apr 8, 2023 7:42 AM in response to eMacstudio

Don't assume that all of your settings on that Mid-2011 iMac are still supported in their original format on the newer operating system. Apple and vendors change stuff.

I would get a USB-C to Gigabit Ethernet adapter for the new MBP and then run a Cat5 Ethernet cable between the two Macs. This would eliminate the WiFi fiddling and allow Migration Assistant to run as fast as it can.

Just don't transfer any applications from the 2011 iMac as they may be 32-bit and/or need newer version installations for compatibility with the new operating system.

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Answer 2

Tony T1

Level 6

10,244 points

Apr 8, 2023 5:21 AM in response to eMacstudio

If you have 5Ghz WiFi, make sure that both Mac's are connected to 5Ghz WiFi (Migration Assistant works with 2.4Ghz, but 5 is faster), and both Mac's need to be next to each other (Not sure if Blutooth need to be on)

You may have to purchase a Thunderbolt adapter if you can't get it to work with WiFi

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Answer 3

eMacstudio Author

Level 1

25 points

Apr 9, 2023 9:30 AM in response to VikingOSX

Thanks for the reply VikingOSX. I did exactly as you suggested (USB-C to Ethernet adapter). It ‘worked’ this time, but yes, I’m still having to re-install and update a LOT of content (Apps, sample libraries, settings) that didn’t transfer. 🤪

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Migration Assistant repeatedly fails to transfer anything

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