Mac question, re: Migration Assistant

[T'Baio]

Has anyone here ever used Migration Assistant before? I'm just wondering if it automatically ports over all my settings from my previous Apple computer, or if I can pick and choose what I want brought over. If I only want my photo library, iTunes library and a couple other odds and ends programs, can I do that? Or will it automatically change all my settings and such?

Thanks.

 

[Small White Car]

It looks like you have some control, but not total control.

http://support.apple.com/kb/HT3322

Like, you can say 'yes' or 'no' to applications as a whole, but not pick specific ones. (I'm just reading the site, I've never used it.)

What I WOULD suggest is NOT running MA when you first start up the new computer. It will ask if you want to, but tell it that you want to skip that for now. Get totally signed in and run all the online updates for the OS. THEN go find MA in the Utilities folder and run it. You can then look at the options it gives you and either run it or say "no thanks" and just quit the program and move stuff manually.

If you want to do it manually, hook them up with firewire and restart the old mac holding the 'T' key while it restarts. Your old computer will become a firewire drive on your new computer.

 

[Bloodwhiner]

Small white car is giving you the right advice.

However if may be easier just to let MA do it's thing and then redo your settings.

 

[Shikarnov]

Also, don't forget that some applications can't be migrated... The Adobe line, for example, will require reinstallation, so make sure you have discs and dmgs handy somewhere.

I also advise you to follow Small White Car's recommendation to install the OS fresh and do all the updates before using the MA.

Good luck!