How to install software I own on new Mac without Time Machine restore?

Discussion in 'Mac Apps and Mac App Store' started by swedefish, Aug 27, 2011.

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  1. swedefish, Aug 27, 2011

    swedefish macrumors 6502

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    Feb 12, 2008
    #1
    I am about to sell my current Mac and get a new one. My idea was to not restore the new mac from Time Machine but rather to start on a blank slate. However, I am a bit concerned about losing some of my software. For example, if I downloaded and registered software on my current mac (downloaded from the developer's site, not the App Store) how can I get it back on my new Mac without restoring from Time Machine? Are there any particular library folders I need to copy, etc?

    Thanks!
     
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  2. SandboxGeneral, Aug 27, 2011

    SandboxGeneral Moderator emeritus

    SandboxGeneral

    Joined:
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    Location:
    Detroit
    #2
    You should be able to drag and drop the apps you want from the old Mac to an external HDD, flash drive or CD/DVD and then drag them back to the applications folder on the new Mac. You may lose some preferences unless you copy over the .plst files too.
     
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  3. swedefish, Aug 27, 2011

    swedefish thread starter macrumors 6502

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    #3
    Seems simple enough. Thanks for the input!
     
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  4. Mal, Aug 27, 2011

    Mal macrumors 603

    Mal

    Joined:
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    Location:
    Orlando
    #4
    Simple enough unless you have some of the many apps that aren't so well organized. It's entirely possible there will be other files that are necessary.

    If possible, I'd recommend re-downloading and reinstalling the software if possible. Many developers allow this. If not, you can try the above solution, and if things don't work, then contact the developer or try to hunt down the extra files.

    Also, if you wish, you can only restore the Applications from Time Machine, although that may or may not make any difference here.

    jW
     
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