Old iMac to New iMac

[galaxy7]

My new 2021 27" iMac is on the way. I am replacing a 21" iMac circa 2009. Yes, she still runs and runs like a champ, but obviously she's no longer supported. Some apps and programs I use will not run on her this year. She's dead in the water on High Sierra 10.13.6. And that's fine; I'm ready for the upgrade.

My current computer, the old one, is still in service and runs great. Currently backed up to iCloud and I also have an external hard drive I use solely as a TimeMachine.

I am looking for any tips or trick to make the transition to the new machine. I think I can stumble through restoring the new computer from the drive or from iCloud. We'll see.

My main question today is this...I want to move the old computer to my daughters room. It'll be just fine for her for internet, word processing, and homework stuff. My initial thought is to completely wipe this thing down and restore it to factory, day one settings and let her set it up as a brand new computer. I am going to start looking into how to do that as I know there are some article for that very topic on the apple site. But wanted to see if you guys have any tips, tricks, or advice for the best way to approach this. With it so old and unsupported, I certainly don't want to brick it either.

Thanks everyone.

 

[velocityg4]

My new 2021 27" iMac is on the way. I am replacing a 21" iMac circa 2009. Yes, she still runs and runs like a champ, but obviously she's no longer supported. Some apps and programs I use will not run on her this year. She's dead in the water on High Sierra 10.13.6. And that's fine; I'm ready for the upgrade.

My current computer, the old one, is still in service and runs great. Currently backed up to iCloud and I also have an external hard drive I use solely as a TimeMachine.

I am looking for any tips or trick to make the transition to the new machine. I think I can stumble through restoring the new computer from the drive or from iCloud. We'll see.

My main question today is this...I want to move the old computer to my daughters room. It'll be just fine for her for internet, word processing, and homework stuff. My initial thought is to completely wipe this thing down and restore it to factory, day one settings and let her set it up as a brand new computer. I am going to start looking into how to do that as I know there are some article for that very topic on the apple site. But wanted to see if you guys have any tips, tricks, or advice for the best way to approach this. With it so old and unsupported, I certainly don't want to brick it either.

Thanks everyone.

Really depends if it is an early or late 2009. As she may have issues with software support. Depending on the OS she is limited to. If it is the 21.5 not 20 then it is late 2009. But you may also check that in About This Mac under the Apple menu.

My preferred method for a clean install is to create a bootable USB installer on a flash drive then install from there. I use Diskmaker X. To make the process easier. Then boot off it holding the option key. Wipe the boot drive in Disk Utility and install it.

I'd install the latest OS supported. For the late 2009 that is High Sierra. For the Early/Mid 2009 it is El Capitan. I would note that the late 2009 21.5 works fine for me in Catalina using the DOSDude1 patch.

You could also sell it and get her the 8th gen iPad, Keyboard and Mouse. It may be better for school. Depending on her software needs.

 

[DeltaMac]

2009 iMac would have a hard drive (unless you have replaced that already). It would be a wonderful gift to your daughter to replace the old hard drive with an SSD, a not-too-difficult task on a late 2009 iMac.
Install the latest High Sierra system on that much-faster boot drive.
Your daughter gets an iMac that is better than when it was new.

 

[Fishrrman]

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.

 

[galaxy7]

Really depends if it is an early or late 2009. As she may have issues with software support. Depending on the OS she is limited to. If it is the 21.5 not 20 then it is late 2009. But you may also check that in About This Mac under the Apple menu.

My preferred method for a clean install is to create a bootable USB installer on a flash drive then install from there. I use Diskmaker X. To make the process easier. Then boot off it holding the option key. Wipe the boot drive in Disk Utility and install it.

I'd install the latest OS supported. For the late 2009 that is High Sierra. For the Early/Mid 2009 it is El Capitan. I would note that the late 2009 21.5 works fine for me in Catalina using the DOSDude1 patch.

You could also sell it and get her the 8th gen iPad, Keyboard and Mouse. It may be better for school. Depending on her software needs.

@velocityg4 It's late '09; it's a 21.5 and already on HighSierra 10.13.6. (This was all in my original post, BTW)

2009 iMac would have a hard drive (unless you have replaced that already). It would be a wonderful gift to your daughter to replace the old hard drive with an SSD, a not-too-difficult task on a late 2009 iMac.
Install the latest High Sierra system on that much-faster boot drive.
Your daughter gets an iMac that is better than when it was new.

@DeltaMac I actually think I did do this. The hard drive had to be replaced maybe a year ago. I'm sure I would have gone with SSD, right? Surely they would have talked me into that.

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.

@Fishrrman In step 1 about not using a TM (TimeMachine??); you mean the literal Apple TM, correct? And not the fact that my external hard drive (a WD My Passport for Mac) is referred to and/or set up as a TM?

Thanks everyone.

 

[Phil77354]

The hard drive had to be replaced maybe a year ago. I'm sure I would have gone with SSD, right? Surely they would have talked me into that.

If you don't recall, go to 'About this Mac' under the Apple icon at the top left of the display. Click on the 'Storage' tab. it will tell you if your internal storage is SSD ('Flash' or SSD might be indicated).

 

[Fishrrman]

If you have a time machine backup, use that.
But a cloned backup created with either CarbonCopyCloner or SuperDuper would be better.
Both of these apps are free to download and use for 30 days.

 

[galaxy7]

@Phil77354 It does say SSD. (and there it also shows the external drive, but that just says USB and it's labeled TimeMachine, even though it's not technically an actual Apple TimeMachine)

And also, how does iCloud factor into this? I use it.

 

[DeltaMac]

Time Machine is the backup method built-in to your macOS system. The drive that you choose to use for the Time Machine backup can be named anything. Sounds like you chose to name that external drive TimeMachine. If that is the drive used for the Time Machine backup, then it technically is time machine (where your Time Machine backups are stored, and where Time Machine goes if you need to restore from your Time Machine backup)
All is good...
iCloud comes into play when you have other files that you might have stored on your iCloud. That will depend on the configuration of your AppleID account, and the settings in your AppleID/iCloud. For example, if your internal storage is very small, say 128GB, you might quickly run out of space (depending on what you do), and iCloud can be a lifesaver, as it can automatically move files off your internal storage to iCloud, giving space back to your internal drive. It can do this automatically for files and apps that you have not used recently.

 

[Phil77354]

Given the responses you've received so far, to return to your original questions:

My new 2021 27" iMac is on the way. I am replacing a 21" iMac circa 2009. Yes, she still runs and runs like a champ, but obviously she's no longer supported. Some apps and programs I use will not run on her this year. She's dead in the water on High Sierra 10.13.6. And that's fine; I'm ready for the upgrade.

My current computer, the old one, is still in service and runs great. Currently backed up to iCloud and I also have an external hard drive I use solely as a TimeMachine.

I am looking for any tips or trick to make the transition to the new machine. I think I can stumble through restoring the new computer from the drive or from iCloud. We'll see.

My main question today is this...I want to move the old computer to my daughters room. It'll be just fine for her for internet, word processing, and homework stuff. My initial thought is to completely wipe this thing down and restore it to factory, day one settings and let her set it up as a brand new computer. I am going to start looking into how to do that as I know there are some article for that very topic on the apple site. But wanted to see if you guys have any tips, tricks, or advice for the best way to approach this. With it so old and unsupported, I certainly don't want to brick it either.

Thanks everyone.

With respect to transitioning to the new iMac, I think that @Fishrrman has covered that comprehensively.

With respect to setting up the old computer for your daughter, since you've upgraded the internal drive to SSD, it should be a great machine for a good while longer. I would personally do just what you've suggested yourself, wipe the hard drive completely and re-install the most recent MacOS that can be used (10.13.6 as you stated). Also worth noting is that presumably when the SSD was installed, the technicians would have cleaned out the accumulated dust within the iMac that had built up over time, so that is another plus that should lead to good reliability for a few more years.

 

[galaxy7]

I would personally do just what you've suggested yourself, wipe the hard drive completely and re-install the most recent MacOS that can be used (10.13.6 as you stated).

Aaaannndddd...this is the part I gotta figure out, LOL. Thanks for all the help everyone. I've recently read through these few articles...

What to do before you sell, give away, trade in, or recycle your Mac - Apple Support

Reset your Mac to factory settings to prepare it for a new owner.

support.apple.com

How to reinstall macOS - Apple Support

You can use macOS Recovery, your computer's built-in recovery system, to reinstall the Mac operating system. Reinstalling macOS doesn't remove your personal data.

support.apple.com

 

[galaxy7]

OK, things went pretty well today guys! Thanks for all your help. My TimeMachine drive worked out OK and all the files I needed were there. Between that and icloud, I'd call it a success.

Only remaining problem is this...I had to delete a ton of old saves off the TimeMachine. My 1T drive was full with backups. No worries, I got everything I needed into the most recent backup, thus I'm covered. I deleted a ton of old backups off the drive to make room. That worked. It moved them to the trash can. But now I cannot delete all those backup's from the trashcan. I get the following pop-up when I try to "Delete Immediately...". Even though the files are gone from the TimeMachine, the space is not there. It's still showing full. What do I do to get all these out of the trashcan and will that clear the room on the drive? Thanks again guys.

 

[galaxy7]

I also rebooted in recovery mode and disabled SIP. It still will not let me delete the trash can via "Delete immediately". I got that same pop-up even with SIP disabled. Currently trying to just "empty trash".

 

[Phil77354]

OK, things went pretty well today guys! Thanks for all your help. My TimeMachine drive worked out OK and all the files I needed were there. Between that and icloud, I'd call it a success.

Only remaining problem is this...I had to delete a ton of old saves off the TimeMachine. My 1T drive was full with backups. No worries, I got everything I needed into the most recent backup, thus I'm covered. I deleted a ton of old backups off the drive to make room. That worked. It moved them to the trash can. But now I cannot delete all those backup's from the trashcan. I get the following pop-up when I try to "Delete Immediately...". Even though the files are gone from the TimeMachine, the space is not there. It's still showing full. What do I do to get all these out of the trashcan and will that clear the room on the drive? Thanks again guys.

They are in the trash and should eventually be discarded. I wouldn't be too concerned about it. Once a file is placed into the trash, the disk space that the file uses is free to be over-written with something new.

From my point of view the only reason to empty the trash is to be a bit more OCD about it, but in the end it isn't necessary.

You should be able to confirm this by checking the available space on your drive.

Another thing you might consider would be to re-initialize the drive you are using for TimeMachine, and start fresh with a new backup since the computer is now freshly set up. If you have more than one separate hard drive then you can do that without worrying about loosing your backup for a short period of time. If you only have one drive that is available to use for this, then you'd have to be comfortable with doing it this way. But the old iMac is now freshly set up and any files requiring backup should be minimal, and in any event the old iMac was set up using the programs and files you now have on the new iMac, so you have everything at hand anyway.

 

[Fishrrman]

OP:

Agree with Phil above.

If the new iMac is set up and running as you like it, ERASE the tm backup drive and "start over anew".

Things will just go better that way...

 

[galaxy7]

Thanks guys, agree with all. Except I will just add this...I agree with what you said about emptying the trash, BUT, it does not show the space reclaimed on my TimeMachine until I empty the trash. As stated, disabling SIP and trying to empty the trash didn't work for me, so I simply reabled SIP and just hit 'empty'. That's working, but it is sssllllllooooooowwwwwww. It's been emptying for a couple days now and we're not even half way there. BUT...with all those backups in the trashcan and the external drive still showing full, if I eject and remove the timemachine, now all those backups are also gone from the trash can. IDK.

I have not reformatted the old computer yet, so I haven't lost anything yet. I'm gonna go with reformatting the drive and start anew!