[X4U] Setting up new G5 (transfer everything from G4)

[Randy B. Singer]

Jim Robertson said:

>I have a "first generation" dual G5 that I want to set up with the software
>and documents that currently reside on my dual G4. Both of the computers are
>Software Update "up to date." I'd like to transfer programs and data and the
>necessary support files. I know that there are cookbook approaches to this,
>but I've searched through MacCentral/Macworld, Macintouch, and my archives
>of the mac mailing lists to which I subscribe and cannot find the recipe.
>
>Can anyone point me to a URL, book, pdf, or other source for the steps?


Use FireWire target disk mode.  This allows you to connect the two 
computers together with a FireWire cable and transfer the files you need 
to transfer as if you were transfering from one drive to another (simple 
drag and drop):

http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=58583

FireWire is fast, so the transfer will go quickly.

Since your new machine is already all set up with system software, just 
migrate everything over except for the system software.

If you want to do tha transfer "right", that is if you want the fewest 
problems, I would re-install all of your applications from their original 
CD-ROM's, and then just transfer over your data files.

You may need some help finding bookmarks files for your browser and 
e-mail archives to transfer over.  If so, you can ask here for where they 
are located.



Randy B. Singer
Co-Author of: The Macintosh Bible (4th, 5th and 6th editions)

Routine OS X Maintenance and Generic Troubleshooting
http://www.macattorney.com/ts.html