Hosted by site sponsor WebMate.
White & Black MacBook Q&A - Revised June 10, 2006
To be notified of new Q&As, sign up for EveryMac.com's bimonthly email list.
How do I transfer files from my old Mac to the MacBook?
You have several options for transferring files from your old Mac to your "White or Black" MacBook. Depending on the "vintage" of your "old" system, one of the below options may be perfect for your needs.
Via Firewire & Migration Assistant
If you have a Firewire cable handy and your older Mac is running MacOS X 10.1 or later, Apple intends for you to use the included Setup Assistant/Migration Assistant utility to transfer data from your old computer to your new MacBook.
Apple instructs one to update the firmware on the old computer, connect a Firewire cable between the computers, and use the utility upon first starting your new MacBook. Apple notes that some settings and preferences will not transfer and some applications may have to be reinstalled.
For additional information, please refer to the "Setup Assistant/Migration Assistant FAQ" from the Apple Support Site.
Via Firewire Manually
If you have a Firewire cable and would prefer to start with a "clean install" of applications and settings rather than using the Migration Assistant, the MacBook also can be connected to another FireWire-equipped Mac by using "FireWire Target Disk Mode". In this mode, the other computer simply will appear as a second hard drive on the desktop of the MacBook. According to Apple "to use Target Disk Mode, simply connect the computers using a FireWire cable, then start the second computer while holding down the "T" key on its keyboard."
For additional information, please refer to "How to Use Firewire Target Disk Mode" from the Apple Support Site.
Via iPod
If you have an iPod, it is easy to connect the iPod to the older Mac in disk mode, copy your files, connect the iPod to your MacBook, and copy your files to the new system.
Via Wireless Networking (AirPort/AirPort Extreme)
As all MacBook models are equipped with AirPort Extreme (802.11g), your new MacBook and another AirPort or AirPort Extreme-equipped Mac, can be networked together without the AirPort hardware access point by using "direct computer-to-computer communications" within a range of approximately 50 meters.
For Macs that have 10Base-T or 10/100Base-T or faster Ethernet installed and are capable of running MacOS 8.6 or higher, the first Mac can be added to an AirPort network via a crossover Ethernet cable between the computer and the hardware access point and the MacBook can be added to the same network by the wireless AirPort Extreme connection.
Via Wired Networking (Ethernet)
If you're not interested in using wireless networking, a MacBook also can be connected with a standard Ethernet cable to many other recent models. For older systems, assuming that Ethernet is installed, you can just use a simple crossover cable, or Ethernet cables and a hub, to connect another Mac to the MacBook. Although it has not been updated in quite some time, Three Macs & A Printer covers basic types of wired networking in-depth.
Via CD or DVD
Alternately, if your older Mac has a DVD-R or CD-R/CD-RW drive, it is simple to copy files to DVD or CD, and then transfer them to your MacBook.
Permalink | Report an Error/Typo | Sign Up for Site Update Notices
<< White & Black MacBook Q&A (Main)
Established in 1996, EveryMac.com has been created by experts with decades of experience with Apple hardware. EveryMac.com includes, and always has included, original research incorporating detailed, hands-on inspection of packaging, computers, and devices as well as extensive real-world use. All information is provided in good faith, but no website or person is perfect. Accordingly, EveryMac.com is provided "as is" without warranty of any kind whatsoever. EveryMac.com, and the authors thereof, shall not be held responsible or liable, under any circumstances, for any damages resulting from the use or inability to use the information within. For complete disclaimer and copyright information please read and understand the Terms of Use and the Privacy Policy before using EveryMac.com. Copying, scraping, or use of any content without expressed permission is not allowed, although links to any page are welcomed and appreciated.