Data Migration Help

[kajravR]

I'm trying to move my data from mid-2013 MB Air to 2020 Mac mini M1 and it keeps cancelling, probably because of a slow wifi connection. Doesn't matter. I'm over it. Can I use Migration Ass't with a cable between machines? If so, will a thuderbolt to usb 4 do the trick? Finally, is it recommended buying cables from Apple, or will a good electronics store have what I need? Thanks. This isn't easy for me, but I'm sure it is for all of you. -Ray

 

[Fishrrman]

What I'd do.

First, I'd "wipe clean" the m1 Mini using the "erase all content and settings" option (system preferences/settings).

This will restore it to "out of the box" condition.
Next, just "let it sit there" for a moment, and go on to the next step.
DO NOT go beyond the "choose your language" step. NOT YET.

THEN...
I'd get an EXTERNAL USB3 drive and connect it to the MacBook Air.
I'd download either SuperDuper or CarbonCopyCloner (both are free to download and use for 30 days -- SuperDuper will be easier for your purposes).

Next, I'd use SD to create a cloned backup on the external drive.

THEN...
I'd connect the external drive to the NEW Mini.
It's now ready to boot for a brand-new setup, so boot it or continue from "choose your language".

Begin setup.
When setup assistant asks if you wish to migrate data, YES YOU DO, so "point the way" for setup assistant to the external drive.

Give SA some time to "digest everything".
SA will present you with a list of stuff to migrate.

I suggest you just migrate everything, so turn SA loose to do its thing.
It will take some time, be patient.

When done, you should see your original login screen as it previously appeared on the MB Air.

Good luck.

 

[Brian33]

Can I use Migration Ass't with a cable between machines?

I believe the answer is "Yes, but..." Certainly the older Macs supported this, and I believe the new M-series Macs do also. However...

If so, will a thuderbolt to usb 4 do the trick?

I don't believe such a cable exists. Your older Mac has a Thunderbolt 1 port, and the new Mac has a Thunderbolt 4 port. It is possible to connect these, using Apple's Thunderbolt 2 to Thunderbolt 3 adapter (around $49) and a Thunderbolt 2 cable. But that would run into quite a bit of money for something you'd probably only use once.

Here's another idea -- if both Macs have an Ethernet port, you can connect one to the other with a typical Ethernet "patch cable". I'm pretty sure that would work.

But if you have an external drive (and you should, for backup), @Fishrrman 's plan would work fine. Also note that if you've been doing Time Machine backups to an external drive, you can use that for Setup Assistant or Migration Assistant.

 

[kajravR]

Thank you everyone for your thoughts and advice. I got the migration done using TM, but realized I now have certain system elements of my old Mac on the new one (e.g., doc menu, screens). Is there a way to reverse this and migrate again without old system files? I'm sure by now you can tell I have only a vague general sense of what I'm doing ! Thank you all.

 

[Fishrrman]

"I now have certain system elements of my old Mac on the new one (e.g., doc menu, screens). Is there a way to reverse this and migrate again without old system files?"

The object of migration assistant is to bring things over from "the old Mac" to the new one, and make it pretty much "look like the old one did" (only on new hardware).

Old "system files" DO NOT get migrated.
After all, you have a new Mac, with a NEW "system".

I'm thinking that whatever you're talking about above has more to do with your personal settings, apps, etc.

What is this "doc menu" that you speak of?
Same thing with "screens"?