Optimal Migration Assistant prep/strategy?

[tm3]

I'm soon going to be upgrading from my iMac to a Mini. I've been using Macs since 1987 and have used Migration Assistant ever since it has been available for every upgrade, so I thought about a "clean" install this time instead of using MA but in looking around here it seems that MA is still the way to go.

My question is, what kind of prep (if any) should I be sure to do to the old computer before migrating over to the new one?

Thanks!

 

[chabig]

No prep is required. Just migrate.

 

[Fishrrman]

How old is the Mac you are using NOW?
Is it Intel-based, or does it have an m-series CPU?
What version of the OS is on it?
What kind of backup do you keep?

Please answer ALL questions above.

If your current Mac is an m-series CPU, just connect your backup and run Setup Assistant the very first time you boot up. Your apps are already compatible with Apple Silicon (m-series CPU), no problems.

If it's an older Intel-based Mac, you might do a "modified" migration.
I'd suggest:
a. Create a CLONED backup using SuperDuper, which is FREE to download and use for this job. SD is amazingly easy to understand and use.
b. When the new Mini comes, set it up and connect the backup. Begin setup.
c. Setup assistant will ask if you wish to migrate. Yes, do you.
d. Give SA time to "digest" everything on the backup. It takes a little while.
e. Important step: SA will present you with a list of things to migrate:
- accounts
- applications
- settings
- data
f. I recommend that you UNCHECK the "applications" option, but DO migrate everything else.
(when you migrate the apps folder, it's "all or nothing"... I'd prefer "nothing" right now, and then migrate apps "a little at a time" when I discover "what works")

WHY I make this suggestion:
If it's an older Intel Mac, many of the older apps may not run on the new Mac without upgrades. Some may not be "upgradeable" at all.

BUT... IF you created a CLONED backup, you have a way to check this out BEFORE you move the old apps over.

That's because you can try the apps FROM THE CLONED BACKUP first.
Go into the backup, find the applications folder, and start trying the apps you'd like to migrate, one-by-one.

If they run, then you can either just "copy over" the app (from old applications folder to the new one), or re-install it.

TIP: because you already migrated accounts and settings, you have already "brought over" your account's preferences for these apps, and they should run.

That's how I'd try it.
In fact, it's how I'm going to try things myself -- I just bought an Apple Reburbished Mini from their online store yesterday, waiting for it to arrive next Tuesday. When it gets here, I'll have my older (2018) Mini set up on the left, and the m4 Mini on the right with its own display and keyboard.

I'll get my accounts/data/settings moved over, and then concentrate on applications "individually".

Good luck...!

 

[tm3]

Thanks for the replies!

Please let me know if this info changes what you recommend.

Been using Super Duper for years, and am a fan of it.

 

[IowaLynn]

My only question would center on if OS is the iMac running will be a issue.
ie., software may need to be upgraded.
SuperDuper along with TM is good combo.
Great seeing old timer (?) from '87 era.

 

[Hat Tric]

In system report under Software/Installations you can check if all your installed apps are universal and not Intel only (if possible). Update all apps you can to universal ones. So you won’t need Rosetta.

 

[Fishrrman]

OP:

With a SuperDuper backup you're all set.
Be sure to run "your last backup" on the iMac just before you take the Mini out and set it up.

I'm thinking that most apps that will run under Monterey will also run under Sequoia.
If not, should be upgradeable without too much trouble.

You might consider migrating all your apps at once, and then just weeding out those that don't work.

It's really up to you.

 

[tm3]

Thanks for all the comments! I like simple better, as long as it likely will work OK, so I think I'll just take a hard look at the iMac and delete anything that I no longer use before doing the migration.

Possibly what influenced my question is memories of the Windoze crowd talking about having to periodically "rebuild" their HDs, coupled with knowing that what's on this iMac has been migrated/cloned/passed down along the line from a number of older Macs.

Anyway, taking time to comment is appreciated!

 

[ChrisA]

I'm soon going to be upgrading from my iMac to a Mini. I've been using Macs since 1987 and have used Migration Assistant ever since it has been available for every upgrade, so I thought about a "clean" install this time instead of using MA but in looking around here it seems that MA is still the way to go.

My question is, what kind of prep (if any) should I be sure to do to the old computer before migrating over to the new one?

Thanks!

Lot of overly complex suggstions here. There is really nothing to do except make sure you have a solid backup of all your data.

If the old Mac is very old, then some apps might not work on the new Mac. (Aperture and a very old version of Photoshop come to mind) There is nothing you can do about this, so don't waste time worrying about it. The new "M" Mac can run most all older Intel apps.

Then after migration assistant, let the App Store check if there are any updates.

 

[tm3]

Lot of overly complex suggstions here. There is really nothing to do except make sure you have a solid backup of all your data.

Thanks for weighing in!