Restoring 2020 iMac from my 2010 Mac mini

[zowenso]

Hello. Ive just upgraded my mid 2010 Mac mini with a 27" 2020 iMac. Im very excited and nervous at the same time lol. The nervousness comes from taking my TM back up from my 2010 Mac mini to the new 2020 iMac. Ill have to call Apple to assist because I don't want to screw up ejecting my external hard drive thats partitioned for a TM back up and then doing the whole restore from back up thing. The new iMac just showed up today and I haven't set it up yet and won't really have the time for the next week or so, but.....

Here is my question. My Mac mini is running macOS Sierra, so I assume thats what on the TM back up. Will the fact that my Mac mini is so old with an older OS be an issue? Will my TM back up bring old stuff onto the new iMac that isnt really needed? Like old programs or anything? I thought I saw a video where the person mentioned checking a box in the restore process that kept certain stuff from the old TM back up from going onto the new iMac. Any help and encouragement is welcome lol.

Thanks, O

 

[glenthompson]

Have you considered using migration assistant directly from the Mini instead of the TM backup? Should be faster. Potential problems are any 32 bit apps.

 

[zowenso]

Have you considered using migration assistant directly from the Mini instead of the TM backup? Should be faster. Potential problems are any 32 bit apps.

Thanks for the reply. I’m not familiar with migration assistant lol. How does that process work? Thanks for the help.

 

[glenthompson]

Instructions for performing the migration.

 

[zowenso]

Instructions for performing the migration.

Thanks. What is the actual difference between MA and TM back up? Dies once give you more? Less? Is there an advantage to one over the other?

 

[Fishrrman]

Is the iMac already set up and running, with a new account?
Or... is it still in the box as of yet?

 

[zowenso]

Is the iMac already set up and running, with a new account?
Or... is it still in the box as of yet?

Yeah, I haven’t unboxed it yet. Trying to get my ducks in a row, so when I get the time I have an idea what’s going on lol Thanks.

 

[Fishrrman]

OP wrote:
"Yeah, I haven’t unboxed it yet. Trying to get my ducks in a row, so when I get the time I have an idea what’s going on lol Thanks."

OK, then, the following "canned post" is what you need.
PRINT IT OUT and then follow along:
=======================
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.

Finally, don't pack away the old Mac for a week or so.
Make sure things are going smoothly with the new one first.