CCC used to back up HFS+, now need to restore to APFS

[cman-uk]

Hi all,

Some assistance required please!

1. I had been running a 2013 MBP and performed regular (complete, bootable) CCC backups to external drive.
2. I then sold the MBP.
3. I am now waiting for a 2018 MBP which will be running APFS.

My concern is the restoration of my HFS+ backup. How should I handle the process?

If I simply copy the files (my documents, images, audio, video, etc.) and applications from my HFS+ drive to the new APFS SSD, will that pose a problem? Will applications open?

Any advice appreciated.

 

[Fishrrman]

The fact that your backup drive is HFS should make no difference at all.
I recommend that you do things this way:

When the new MBP comes, take it out of the box but don't power up yet.

Connect the cloned backup.

Now, press the power on button for the first time.
Begin the setup procedure.

At the appropriate moment, the setup assistant will ask if you wish to migrate from another Mac or drive.
YES, you want to do this, so...

"Aim" setup assistant at the external drive.
Setup assistant will take a look at it, and then present you with a list of choices:
- applications
- accounts
- settings
- data

I would check everything, and then just let setup assistant "do its thing".
It may take a little time, depending on how much was on the external drive.

When setup assistant is done, it should present you with a login screen that looks just like the one on your old MacBook.

Login and "look around".
Do things look ok?

Some older apps may not work.
You'll either need to upgrade them, or delete them -- your choice.

 

[Weaselboy]

If I simply copy the files (my documents, images, audio, video, etc.) and applications from my HFS+ drive to the new APFS SSD, will that pose a problem? Will applications open?

https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT204350

Documents and images you can just drag over if you want, but a lot of apps include others files in the install in addition to the app itself in the /Applications folder.

I would just use Migration Assistant with the CCC clone as the source. I just did this a couple days ago with my 2018 MBP and it worked fine. The HFS+ on the CCC won't be a problem.

 

[cman-uk]

Thank you both for taking the time to respond, and in such clear fashion.

Why didn't I think of that? Probably because I was set on making a 'clean start' with the new machine, rather than inheriting any 'bad' historical system or config files. Hence the initial suggestion of simply copying over my documents, images, audio, video, etc. -- without a full 'system copy'. Given you'e both suggested the same approach, it seems a solid approach.

Some older apps may not work.
You'll either need to upgrade them, or delete them -- your choice.

Really want to avoid bringing over non-working files to a factory fresh machine... Would there be an easy way to identify the 'non compatible' aspects of the exercise, so I can easily remove them?

 

[cman-uk]

I've realised a flaw in the plan!

My CCC backup is on an external USB drive. I don't currently have a USB-C to USB cable, and was planning on using the USB Hub on my soon to arrive 27" 4K monitor to connect USB devices to the MBP.

Looks like I will have to do a clean install then copy files over thereafter with the external drive connected to the monitor which should allow the MBP to see the drive.

 

[Amigaman]

My CCC backup is on an external USB drive. I don't currently have a USB-C to USB cable, and was planning on using the USB Hub on my soon to arrive 27" 4K monitor to connect USB devices to the MBP.

Anker makes an awesome 6" USB-C to USB-A cable.