How to save Time Machine backup but not migrate to new computer ?

[perryj]

I currently have a 2007 MB, which I'm upgrading to either a MBP or MBA as soon as the new ones drop. I have a question I have my MB backed up with time machine to an external HDD, how can I save all my current info (pictures/files/documents) that are backed up on the external and use the new machine as a clean slate ?

How would I access say the pictures from the old machine once I start using the new one, ( the old machine itself will be sold) so I'll just have the backed up info do I need to do some other type of "save" before I sell the old machine ?
Thanks !

 

[igucl]

I believe you should be able to access the individual files you want by looking at the external drive's directory in Finder. The files are organized by each backup instance. By date of backup, for example. Within each backup instance, the files are grouped in folders, and it's easy to find your pictures etc. within your home folder on the backup.

 

[perryj]

I know I can do this using the machine the backed them up but I didn't know if I can use the new machine to see stuff in the old machines backup folders ?

 

[igucl]

Hmm...I don't see why not. I would expect it to be just like viewing the contents of any external drive.

 

[perryj]

ok, that's what I was hoping

 

[Tumbleweed666]

I currently have a 2007 MB, which I'm upgrading to either a MBP or MBA as soon as the new ones drop. I have a question I have my MB backed up with time machine to an external HDD, how can I save all my current info (pictures/files/documents) that are backed up on the external and use the new machine as a clean slate ?

How would I access say the pictures from the old machine once I start using the new one, ( the old machine itself will be sold) so I'll just have the backed up info do I need to do some other type of "save" before I sell the old machine ?
Thanks !

If you intend to wipe and sell the old machine before you get the new one, I would definitely do a different sort of back up as well, maybe use carbon copy cloner or super dooper, or even a drag and drop, to an entirely different external HD, or if the volume of data is low, burn to DVDs.

 

[Fishrrman]

As one other poster mentioned, I don't think Time Machine is the app that you want to use for this.

I think you would do much better by using CarbonCopyCloner (free) to do a "full dupe" of the contents of the current internal drive to an external backup drive.

Done this way, the files will be easily accessible in "regular Finder format". And a CCC backup is bootable, too (at least insofar as the older laptop is concerned).

Actually, it might also be a good idea to burn the most important files to CDs or DVDs, as well. You always want a second copy of your most-valued data somewhere.

 

[perryj]

Thanks I'll do a CCC also ;-)