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User profile for user: wego4
wego4 Author
User level: Level 1
35 points

Is it best to NOT migrate data from an older IMAC to a new IMAC to start fresh?

My IMAC is 7 years old and nearing legacy status. I am going to buy a new 24 inch IMAC to replace it. If I use migration assistant I can move everything over seamlessly and without any hassle or additional setup. However, my older IMAC has seen many apps come and go and I have concern that the HD is riddled with bits and pieces of code that were left behind. Old Caches, etc. Should I bite the bullet and NOT migrate all my data from my old IMAC and start over? I know I can download files from ICloud and I would intend to do that....including photo library, documents and desktop. But should I reinstall all apps? Or start over? Many thanks!

iMac 21.5″, macOS 10.15

Posted on Jan 5, 2022 10:29 AM

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User profile for user: rkaufmann87
rkaufmann87
User level: Level 10
144,120 points

Posted on Jan 5, 2022 12:29 PM

When you use Setup Assistant part of the migration will ask if you want to migrate:


  • Data
  • Settings
  • Apps


You select what you want migrated and let it migrate. Please follow the steps in Setup Assistant and Migration Assistant to migrate successfully. If you do not have a Time Machine backup of the old iMac then make one!!! If you are not familiar with TM please refer to Back up your Mac with Time Machine and if you do not have a TM EHD many experienced users here prefer the OWC Mercury Elite Pro.

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User profile for user: rkaufmann87
rkaufmann87
User level: Level 10
144,120 points

Jan 5, 2022 12:29 PM in response to wego4

When you use Setup Assistant part of the migration will ask if you want to migrate:


  • Data
  • Settings
  • Apps


You select what you want migrated and let it migrate. Please follow the steps in Setup Assistant and Migration Assistant to migrate successfully. If you do not have a Time Machine backup of the old iMac then make one!!! If you are not familiar with TM please refer to Back up your Mac with Time Machine and if you do not have a TM EHD many experienced users here prefer the OWC Mercury Elite Pro.

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Is it best to NOT migrate data from an older IMAC to a new IMAC to start fresh?

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