Clone 2009 imac to 2013

[zalle]

Hi,

I use 2 27" imacs with the exact same information (different locations).

The 2013 is not starting, so I'm going to clone the 2009. I've done it before, but don't remember how.

My biggest issue is: which cable should I use? Mini Display Port OR Thunderbolt? Maybe both would work?

Thanks for any help

 

[roberthallin]

Thunderbolt.

 

[dyt1983]

Thunderbolt.

My guess is that's not going to work well at all on that 2009 Mac. Ethernet is probably the best bet.

 

[redheeler]

The 2013 is not starting, so I'm going to clone the 2009. I've done it before, but don't remember how.

Does your 2013 iMac start up in Recovery (hold down Command-R at boot until the Apple logo appears)? What OS version is the 2009 running?

My biggest issue is: which cable should I use? Mini Display Port OR Thunderbolt? Maybe both would work?

Mini DisplayPort can't be used to transfer data, and a 2009 iMac doesn't have Thunderbolt. You'd need to get a FireWire 800 cable and a FireWire to Thunderbolt adapter.