Cloning current iMac to new iMac

[slffl]

I currently have an iMac and it's being backed up to an external HDD through Time Machine.

I just purchased another iMac and would like to basically clone my current one to the new one. Data, settings, applications, etc.

Is this possible? If so what's the best way? Mac to Mac, HDD to Mac?

 

[Jaffa Cake]

When you're going through the set up process with your new Mac, one of the options is to to install a Time Machine backup from an external drive so you could use this method to transfer everything across.

 

[slffl]

When you're going through the set up process with your new Mac, one of the options is to to install a Time Machine backup from an external drive so you could use this method to transfer everything across.

Cool, thanks! I'll give that a try.

 

[patrickmacrumor]

You can use Carbon Copy Cloner (http://www.bombich.com/) or SuperDuper! (http://www.shirt-pocket.com/) to clone your "old" iMac to an external drive and the clone the new iMac from the external drive. Unlike Time Machine, you can create a bootable external disk with Carbon Copy Cloner or SuperDuper!.

 

[logana]

You can use Carbon Copy Cloner (http://www.bombich.com/) or SuperDuper! (http://www.shirt-pocket.com/) to clone your "old" iMac to an external drive and the clone the new iMac from the external drive. Unlike Time Machine, you can create a bootable external disk with Carbon Copy Cloner or SuperDuper!.

Best to clone the drive on your old iMac - although it depends on what the Time Machine settings are - what files are not being backed up etc.

 

[Consultant]

Intel Mac OS installs are machine type specific. You might have some luck if the 2 iMacs are intel macs, or you might not. If you try to clone iMac g5 to intel imac, it won't work.

USE MIGRATION ASSISTANT

If you must backup old computer, boot using OSX disk, use disk utility to make a disk image of old computer. On new computer, use migration assistant to move your stuff over.

 

[patrickmacrumor]

Intel Mac OS installs are machine type specific. You might have some luck if the 2 iMacs are intel macs, or you might not. If you try to clone iMac g5 to intel imac, it won't work.

I did not know that. I've never used a Mac until Apple moved to Intel.