best way to transfer files from old imac

[ohgollygolly]

I have an old iMac from late 2004 with OS X 10.3.9. with quite a lot of files and want to transfer the files to a new iMac 21.5

thanks for any tips as to the best way to do this!

Many thanks

 

[simsaladimbamba]

You could use Migration Assistant or transfer files manually.

Migration Assistant / Setup Assistant information:

Setting-up a new Mac from an old one, its Backups, or a PC
which includes:

• Using Setup Assistant on Snow Leopard or Leopard
• Using Setup Assistant on Lion
• Using Migration Assistant on Snow Leopard or Leopard
• Using Migration Assistant on Lion
• Transferring files from one User Account to another
• Transferring Home Folders not on a Startup volume
• Transferring Applications
• Problems after using Migration Assistant

more information: Apple OSX and Time Machine Tips
​

 

[McGiord]

Boot the old Mac in target disk mode. Connect it to the new Mac with a FireWire cable, you should see the old Mac's Hard Drive as an external FireWire hard disk in the new Mac. Then copy whatever you need.

 

[ohgollygolly]

best way to transfer files from old imac

Thanks

Further question - what type of FireWire cable do I need? The old imac and the new have different ports..

txs

 

[184550]

I used Migration Assistant; it was painless.

 

[simsaladimbamba]

Thanks

Further question - what type of FireWire cable do I need? The old imac and the new have different ports..

txs

Firewire 400 (6-pin) to Firewire 800 (9-pin) cable:

 

[ohgollygolly]

best way to transfer files from old imac

Muchas gracias, many thanks, much appreciated!