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Need advice re: Migrating from iMac Mojave to new M1 Mac Mini

L

Ld27

macrumors newbie
Original poster
Jun 14, 2014
17
1
I ordered a new M1 Mac Mini. I currently use an older IMac with Mojave.
I guess I have 3 choices on migrating my data, apps etc.
1. Migration Assistant using my Carbon Copy Cloner bootable disk image.
2. Create a Time Machine backup and use with Migration Assistant.
3. Setup the new M1 with my account, backup user data from iCloud, then manually install apps, photos, etc.

I’m thinking that, even though #3 is probably slower, it may be best since many of my apps are not yet Silicon supported and would have to run through Rosetta.

The older Mojave iMac can’t be upgraded to Big Sur ahead of the migration.

What do you guys think?
Thanks!
 
I never use migration tools. I prefer to start from a clean system instead of bringing weird issues and settings from previous system. I prefer to backup manually my data and put it back on the computer after setup. I manually reinstall only the apps I need at the moment.

iCloud will download stuff on-demand after setup when I really need it. I start a new Time Machine backup after the necessary apps are installed and data is put back where it should be.
 
Fishrrman's "you can do it!" routine for migrating to a new Mac:

If you follow my instructions below, I guarantee a success rate of 98%:
PRINT OUT these instructions and check them off as you go along.

1. BEFORE you do anything else, run a "final" backup on your old Mac. Use an external drive for this. It can be either TM or a cloned backup using CarbonCopyCloner or SuperDuper. I prefer CCC.
I STRONGLY RECOMMEND THAT YOU DO NOT USE TM AS YOUR "MIGRATION EXTERNAL DRIVE". INSTEAD, USE EITHER CCC OR SD. Things will go better this way!
2. Shut down the old Mac and disconnect the external drive
3. Take the new Mac out of the box and set it up on the table. DO NOT PRESS THE POWER ON BUTTON until step 8 (read on). You don't want to begin setup until "the right moment".
4. If you're using an external display, connect the display using the usb-c/VGA adapter/cable that you have
5. Connect the keyboard and mouse if you use them. I STRONGLY SUGGEST that you connect them DIRECTLY to the Mac.
6. If you use a hub, leave it DISCONNECTED for now
7. Connect your backup drive -- use a usb-c adapter if needed.

OK, we're ready-to-go, so let's get goin':
8. Press the power on button for the first time.
9. The new Mac may ask for help "finding" the keyboard, just follow instructions.
10. Begin setup. At the appropriate moment, setup assistant will ask if you wish to migrate from another Mac or drive. YES, you want to do this.
11. "Aim" setup assistant at the external backup. Setup assistant will need a little time to "digest it all". BE PATIENT and give setup assistant the time it needs.
12. You will now see a list of things that can be migrated, such as applications, accounts, settings and data.
13. I suggest that you select ALL of them.
14. Let setup assistant "do its thing". It's going to TAKE A WHILE to move things over. Again, be patient. If you have a lot "of stuff", it will take a lot of time!
15. When done, you should see the login screen. Go ahead and login.
16. Once logged in, things should look pretty much as they looked on your old Mac.
17. You should check all your apps. Some may not run, and may require upgrading.
18. You can set aside the old backup, or ... "repurpose it" to become the backup for the new Mac. I'd keep the old one around for a week or so, at least.
 
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Ld27 said:
I ordered a new M1 Mac Mini. I currently use an older IMac with Mojave.
I guess I have 3 choices on migrating my data, apps etc.
1. Migration Assistant using my Carbon Copy Cloner bootable disk image.
2. Create a Time Machine backup and use with Migration Assistant.
3. Setup the new M1 with my account, backup user data from iCloud, then manually install apps, photos, etc.

I’m thinking that, even though #3 is probably slower, it may be best since many of my apps are not yet Silicon supported and would have to run through Rosetta.

The older Mojave iMac can’t be upgraded to Big Sur ahead of the migration.

What do you guys think?
Thanks!
Click to expand...
Ehmmm... how do you want to boot Mojave on an M1 Mac mini? Hell, even Catalina won't work.

I recommend, that you backup only your data and every application you install as new. You will have less problems in future. Of course most applications allow you to transfer your settings, but do remember, these are x86-Intel programs.

Oh and BTW, do you have any old 32-bit applications on that iMac of yours? That won't work on you new shiny M1 MM.
 
opeter said:
Ehmmm... how do you want to boot Mojave on an M1 Mac mini? Hell, even Catalina won't work.

I recommend, that you backup only your data and every application you install as new. You will have less problems in future. Of course most applications allow you to transfer your settings, but do remember, these are x86-Intel programs.

Oh and BTW, do you have any old 32-bit applications on that iMac of yours? That won't work on you new shiny M1 MM.
Click to expand...
Ehmmmm.....I never said I wanted to boot Mojave. Read the post.
I was just asking about data migration.
 
Fishrrman said:
Fishrrman's "you can do it!" routine for migrating to a new Mac:

If you follow my instructions below, I guarantee a success rate of 98%:
PRINT OUT these instructions and check them off as you go along.

1. BEFORE you do anything else, run a "final" backup on your old Mac. Use an external drive for this. It can be either TM or a cloned backup using CarbonCopyCloner or SuperDuper. I prefer CCC.
I STRONGLY RECOMMEND THAT YOU DO NOT USE TM AS YOUR "MIGRATION EXTERNAL DRIVE". INSTEAD, USE EITHER CCC OR SD. Things will go better this way!
2. Shut down the old Mac and disconnect the external drive
3. Take the new Mac out of the box and set it up on the table. DO NOT PRESS THE POWER ON BUTTON until step 8 (read on). You don't want to begin setup until "the right moment".
4. If you're using an external display, connect the display using the usb-c/VGA adapter/cable that you have
5. Connect the keyboard and mouse if you use them. I STRONGLY SUGGEST that you connect them DIRECTLY to the Mac.
6. If you use a hub, leave it DISCONNECTED for now
7. Connect your backup drive -- use a usb-c adapter if needed.

OK, we're ready-to-go, so let's get goin':
8. Press the power on button for the first time.
9. The new Mac may ask for help "finding" the keyboard, just follow instructions.
10. Begin setup. At the appropriate moment, setup assistant will ask if you wish to migrate from another Mac or drive. YES, you want to do this.
11. "Aim" setup assistant at the external backup. Setup assistant will need a little time to "digest it all". BE PATIENT and give setup assistant the time it needs.
12. You will now see a list of things that can be migrated, such as applications, accounts, settings and data.
13. I suggest that you select ALL of them.
14. Let setup assistant "do its thing". It's going to TAKE A WHILE to move things over. Again, be patient. If you have a lot "of stuff", it will take a lot of time!
15. When done, you should see the login screen. Go ahead and login.
16. Once logged in, things should look pretty much as they looked on your old Mac.
17. You should check all your apps. Some may not run, and may require upgrading.
18. You can set aside the old backup, or ... "repurpose it" to become the backup for the new Mac. I'd keep the old one around for a week or so, at least.
Click to expand...

Thank you!
 
pldelisle said:
I never use migration tools. I prefer to start from a clean system instead of bringing weird issues and settings from previous system. I prefer to backup manually my data and put it back on the computer after setup. I manually reinstall only the apps I need at the moment.

iCloud will download stuff on-demand after setup when I really need it. I start a new Time Machine backup after the necessary apps are installed and data is put back where it should be.
Click to expand...

Thank you!
I may just do a clean install to be safe.
I can always just add my apps later.
Thanks again!
 
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I just read an article that said new applications were checked to see if there is an M1 version, while old applications used Rosetta 2.

I would want every program that I can use the native M1 version. (I expect to get an M1 machine probably in Spring). Do I need to see if the conversion program updated the programs? Is there another utility that will check all of my programs and update them?
 
After Silicon tells me what version the program on my Mac is, I see which programs are:
  • Apple Silicon: Apps written for the M1 chip
  • Universal: Apps featuring code for both Apple and Intel chips
  • Intel 32: Apps written for the 32-bit Intel processors
  • Intel 64: Apps written for the 64-bit Intel processors
  • Power PC: Legacy PowerPC apps in homage to the original Rosetta
Then what? What does someone do then to upgrade as many as possible to M1, or at least Universal?
 
Howard Brazee said:
After Silicon tells me what version the program on my Mac is, I see which programs are:
  • Apple Silicon: Apps written for the M1 chip
  • Universal: Apps featuring code for both Apple and Intel chips
  • Intel 32: Apps written for the 32-bit Intel processors
  • Intel 64: Apps written for the 64-bit Intel processors
  • Power PC: Legacy PowerPC apps in homage to the original Rosetta
Then what? What does someone do then to upgrade as many as possible to M1, or at least Universal?
Click to expand...
Those identified as Silicon will Run native. Universals will run through Rosetta.
You‘re at the mercy of Apple as to when they will be updated to Silicon.
Most of my apps are either Silicon or Universal. Once Rosetta is installed they all run fine.
Apple will ask you if you want to install Rosetta when you try to run the first app that requires it.
 
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