Posts: 10,409
Threads: 1,069
Joined: May 2025
Number Two Son is getting a new (refurb) MacBook from the Apple Store. The TiBook G4 that I gave him as a wedding present is having problems (fans don't work, and now HD getting flakey), but assuming he can keep it running, what's the best way to transfer his data files, email, iCal, Address Book, etc.?
Should he use Migration Assistant? My recollection is that MA requires a Firewire connection, which the MB doesn't have. True?
/Mr Lynn
Posts: 2,785
Threads: 169
Joined: Oct 2024
Reputation:
0
He can still use MA with an external HD, burning to a disc, or file sharing over the network.
Posts: 10,409
Threads: 1,069
Joined: May 2025
Monster wrote:
He can still use MA with an external HD, burning to a disc, or file sharing over the network.
Transfer all his files to an external HD first (wouldn't fit on a CD)? But if MA will work over the network, that's probably the best way.
/Mr Lynn
Posts: 32,462
Threads: 3,127
Joined: Apr 2025
Reputation:
0
Migration Assistant can take a while, so that PowerBook is gonna get toasty waiting around with no fan. Since the HD in the older Mac is having problems, perhaps due to heat, I'd consider removing it first. Might be a real time saver if it otherwise would cause continual problems while reading from it.
Migration Assistant is the tool for this job, but it doesn't have much in the way of error reporting if there's a problem anywhere in the chain. It'll likely just say it couldn't be done, without telling you why.
Posts: 5,027
Threads: 266
Joined: Dec 2020
The TiBook probably has Gigabit ethernet, so you could do a Mac to Mac network. But a couple of posters here have indicated that network transfers are less reliable than other methods (although no one gave any details that I remember).
This is one of the examples of there not being a really good substitute for FireWire. Target Disk Mode would have been perfect.
I'd consider getting an external case and removing the TiBook drive as deckeda suggests. USB cases are not very expensive. Removing a TiBook drive is not too hard to do.
An alternative would be to help him a bit to get a 13" MacBook Pro instead of a MacBook. Should be some good deals on the now just previous model with the new ones coming out. Then you could use FireWire (with a FW800 to FW400 adapter or cable).
As to the TiBook's fan, mine only comes on when the processor is working hard. The drive does not seem to set it off. So I wouldn't worry about that during file transfers. Get him to put it on a stand or up on a couple of books if you are worried about that.
Good luck.
- Winston
Posts: 10,409
Threads: 1,069
Joined: May 2025
Putting the TiBook HD in an external enclosure would enable him to copy files—but settings for Safari, Mail, Address Book, iCal, etc.? I guess he could use the Import function on those applications. . .
That's where Setup/Migration Assistant really shines.
Sounds like the easiest solution is to connect the two Macs with an Ethernet cable, if that will work.
When the TiBook overheats, it just (paradoxically) freezes up. He's been keeping that under control by positioning a small portable electric fan behind the computer. The TiBook has two fans, BTW. Apparently they are quite tricky to replace, so we haven't ventured to try.
/Mr Lynn
Posts: 32,462
Threads: 3,127
Joined: Apr 2025
Reputation:
0
mrlynn wrote:
Putting the TiBook HD in an external enclosure would enable him to copy files—but settings for Safari, Mail, Address Book, iCal, etc.? ...
I haven't actually used Migration Assistant where the source was an external drive, but I don't think the options for WHAT to bring over change.
Meaning, as long as you identify the external as being the source, and have chosen to include user files … I'd expect those settings to come over.
Posts: 337
Threads: 13
Joined: Apr 2015
Reputation:
0
I have migrated from an ext drive using migration assistant. But the lack of FireWire did make me choose a MacBook pro for an exta 200 bucks
Posts: 10,409
Threads: 1,069
Joined: May 2025
Another question:
I think his external (OWC Neptune) drive is FW only. Is there a Firewire-to-USB adaptor? I just did a quick search and didn't find one. . .
/Mr Lynn
Posts: 5,027
Threads: 266
Joined: Dec 2020
mrlynn wrote:
Another question:
I think his external (OWC Neptune) drive is FW only. Is there a Firewire-to-USB adaptor? I just did a quick search and didn't find one. . .
/Mr Lynn
No. It would virtually require a computer to adapt FW to USB. He'll need a USB drive, or at least a USB case for the drive in the OWC case.
Good luck.
- Winston
|
