clean install - advice needed re: files to keep/migrate from Library folder

[jk73]

Running a new 2021 MBP which replaced my 2016 MBP, which died in May. Luckily, I have a full backup of the old HD.

Since this is a new computer with a new OS and even a new type of silicon, I figured a manual data migration would be best.

Can anyone tell me which, if any, files in Library are vital to avoid data/preferences loss for Photos, Music, Mail, and Messages?

Thanks very much.

 

[Mike Boreham]

Safer to let Migration Assistant decide what needs to move across than guess. IMHO.

I recommend reading this:

Welcome to your new M1/M1Pro/M1Max Mac

 

[jk73]

Does Migration Assistant do that, though? I thought it copied everything.

 

[Mike Boreham]

Does Migration Assistant do that, though? I thought it copied everything.

It may do (I dont know....probably leaves caches and expendable stuff) but my point was that this is preferable to trying to determine which files to manually transfer to a new operating system on a new chip. Especially for your most important data.

My experience is that doing things the mainstream way that Apple expects leads to less trouble. Like it or not this has been an increasing trend in recent years as security measures have come in. Setting things up in our own non standard ways and manual migrations are increasingly risky. All IMHO of course.

 

[zarathu]

Safer to let Migration Assistant decide what needs to move across than guess. IMHO.

I recommend reading this:

Welcome to your new M1/M1Pro/M1Max Mac

I read this earlier in the week. But since I am coming from a very old late 2013 now living in a facility for the feeble, I need to do it using a Time Machine. I did make sure that I was using Apple’s current APFS filing system on the back up, and to make sure that the back drive was brand new. I am still looking to make sure I know of any potential problems before I do it.