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User profile for user: eMacstudio
eMacstudio Author
User level: 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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User profile for user: VikingOSX
VikingOSX
User level: Level 10
119,309 points

Posted on Apr 8, 2023 7:42 AM

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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User profile for user: VikingOSX
VikingOSX
User level: Level 10
119,309 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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User profile for user: Tony T1
Tony T1
User level: Level 6
10,238 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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Migration Assistant repeatedly fails to transfer anything

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