Written by: Chris O'Sullivan 11th November 2019

Updated by: TBA

Updated by: TBA



Scenario

User has been logging on to a mac computer, then they get assigned a new mac. 

User has requested existing profile to be copied over from one mac to another.


NOTE: Do not manually create the new user account on the new Mac - the migration process as follows will do all that!!!


Also NOTE: this process needs exclusive access to both computers. The user will not be able to log into either computers while this process is in progress.


Steps to take

  1. Turn on old computer and log in as an admin
  2. On new computer, log in as an admin
  3. Run Migration Assistant on both Macs
  4. Specify on the old computer that you want to transfer TO another mac
  5. Specify on the new computer that you want to transfer FROM another mac
  6. Follow the authentication process
  7. On new computer only select profile of user to copy.
  8. Next window will be a confirmation and an option to promote the user as admin etc. Leave the user as standard user unless you really have a need to.  This window will also advise the temporary password that you will need in order to log in for the first time and still keep the keychain intact. Take note of this password.
  9. Wait for it to transfer data over the LAN.......The process will perform a bunch of compatibility checks and copy the profile. It will take a long time and longer depending on how big the profile is. While it may seem slow it does all the hard work for you - sets up new user, copies files, changes ownership of files, re-homes keychain, etc. 
  10. When it has finished you can log in using the temporary password noted in step 8. The system prompts to change the password at first logon.
  11. Check that everything has been copied successfully and that if user requires any software to be installed.