Using time machine to go backwards on a parallel mac

[1=1?]

I feel like I should be able to do this but want to make sure there is no problems. I have two macbook pros

A - 2014 15" Running Yosemite, configured exactly how I want it, backed up with time machine
B - 2015 15" Running El Capital, configuration is messed up

Can I just restore B to a backup from A and have basically the same computer twice? Is it okay to do that if you're going backwards in OS X versions? This would help a lot!

Thanks!

 

[CoastalOR]

Yes, you should be able to do what you want if using something like Carbon Copy Cloner because it will overwrite B with A.

If you are using Disk Utility then you may have to erase (format) B first then restore A to it.

 

[Weaselboy]

Can I just restore B to a backup from A and have basically the same computer twice? Is it okay to do that if you're going backwards in OS X versions?

That can be a problem if the newer Mac is not supported on the older OS version, but in your case the 2015 actually came from the factory with Yosemite, so you will be fine. Just option key boot to the Time Machine disk then from the recovery screen use Disk Utility to erase the drive then quit DU and restore.