Transfering files from one Mac G4 to another

[adrian]

A client wants me to transfer files from a Mac G4 (http://pyehac.com/pictures/computer1.jpg) to a slightly newer Powermac g4 (http://pyehac.com/pictures/powermac.jpg).

1) What is the best way to transfer the files/software? (they'll try to find the discs, but I don't think Macs has a registry like Windows does do they?)
2) How much are the cables to do the transfer?
3) any other information/tips?

I'm doing it this Saturday. They want the old computer to be used for internet surfing by the kids, while the more powerful computer will be used for graphics (what their currently doing).

[pzarquon]

Are both computers running OSX? Apple does have a built-in migration tool... though folks say its abilities range from passable to disastrous.

OSX is much better about organizing and containing application data (especially compared to the way Windows apps blow DLLs all over creation), but even so, it's better to just reinstall programs from scratch than trying to copy them over. Various permissions and such are set by the process that might not be replicated in a copy.

As for the user data, that's straightforward enough. OSX organizes directories like UNIX. So you can just move the user's home folder from one machine to the next. You'll definitely want to do a "repair permissions" on all files, though, to make sure everything works right on the new system.

As for how much the cables are... um... maybe you do some research on your own? After all, if this is your business, you should be able to do your job -- or at least pay for the advice you get from others! :D

[manoasurfer123]

you are kidding right adrian :confused:

I guess if I ever start up a business... I know where to get my free labor :eek:
Right here on HT!

[tikiyaki]

A client wants me to transfer files from a Mac G4 (http://pyehac.com/pictures/computer1.jpg) to a slightly newer Powermac g4 (http://pyehac.com/pictures/powermac.jpg).

1) What is the best way to transfer the files/software? (they'll try to find the discs, but I don't think Macs has a registry like Windows does do they?)
2) How much are the cables to do the transfer?
3) any other information/tips?

I'm doing it this Saturday. They want the old computer to be used for internet surfing by the kids, while the more powerful computer will be used for graphics (what their currently doing).
You can do it via firewire....

1 Make sure your computer is shut down and the power adaptor is plugged it.

2. Use a firewire cable with standard 6 pin connectors on each end to connect your computer to another firewire equipped computer

3. Start up your computer and immediately hold down the T key
Your computer shows the firewire disc mode indicator. An icon for your computer's hard disc appears on the desktop of the other computer

4. When you are finished transferring files, drag the hard disc icon of your computer into the trash

5. Press the power button on your computer to shut it down, then disconnect the firewire cable.

voila...

[Konaguy]

A friend of my moms bought a new apple computer, as her iMac was
getting old.She couldn't even get dsl service because the os was too
old, running system 8.6.

anyway, she does have a super disk drive, but floppies can only handle
1mb of data. This computer only has a cd-rom too and usb.I can't fathom
how i'm going to transfer all her files to the new computer.

[tikiyaki]

A friend of my moms bought a new apple computer, as her iMac was
getting old.She couldn't even get dsl service because the os was too
old, running system 8.6.

anyway, she does have a super disk drive, but floppies can only handle
1mb of data. This computer only has a cd-rom too and usb.I can't fathom
how i'm going to transfer all her files to the new computer.

see above post...it works :-)

[kimo55]

what yaki refers to is target disk mode.
very simple, easy transfer method.

http://biochemistry.ucsf.edu/~tech/Support/MacOS9/targetdiskmode.html

i am in fact doing this very thing to an older ibook at this moment. saving all files and reformatting Hd, then loading new osx so it can handle the new java, flash,youtube, etc..

[tikiyaki]

OR...you could always get an external Firewire drive, dump the data on that, then hook it up to your other machine, and dump it from the drive onto that one...of course it takes twice as long, but then, you have all your stuff backed up, which is ALWAYS a good idea....
Sadly, I've learned that lesson the hard way, more than once I may add...

[manoasurfer123]

target disk mode.
very simple, easy transfer method
I was trying to make someone work for their money!

[Konaguy]

see above post...it works :-)

I took at look at the link and read your instructions. But I think this iMac
only has USB. I don't think it has Firewire...Can this be done through USB
?

[tikiyaki]

I took at look at the link and read your instructions. But I think this iMac
only has USB. I don't think it has Firewire...Can this be done through USB
?


Are you sure about that ? I'm pretty sure ALL iMacs have firewire. I could be wrong about this one...I've had older iMacs, but maybe the first year or 2 of them didn't have firewire ?

Check again, cos the ports are very similar looking, but a firewire port has a rounded end as opposed to a USB which is all rectangular.

There is a way to do it via the ethernet port too by using Filesharing.

[Konaguy]

Are you sure about that ? I'm pretty sure ALL iMacs have firewire. I could be wrong about this one...I've had older iMacs, but maybe the first year or 2 of them didn't have firewire ?

Check again, cos the ports are very similar looking, but a firewire port has a rounded end as opposed to a USB which is all rectangular.

There is a way to do it via the ethernet port too by using Filesharing.

This iMac she has is a good 6 years old.The only slots I remember on her
computer were on the keyboard. There may be some other slots elsewhere
but I didnt see them. Thats another bugaboo, no ethernet, just dialup.

[scrivener]

If it isn't older than the first iMacs (the ones in tangerine, grape, and other flavors), I am nearly certain it has a firewire port.

The only thing I can't say for sure is which versions of Mac OS had the first target-disk mode. But I'm sure someone here knows.

[kimo55]

If no firwire, use da USB ports.
Old computer should be connected to new computer and have it turned off.
new computer should be on. Turn old computer on and at chime sound, hold down the "T" key.
You will see some hitech symbol floating around destop of old one. (that is firewire icon) don't worry if no get.
Then on new computer, you should see the old computer's icon on yer desktop. Drag everything that you want to save from old com, to a separate folder you created on the n.c. desktop for the purpose.
best just to drag and drop the HD icon of old o.c. into the folder. It will take a few minutes. maybe ten or so, if it's a few gbs worth of stuff.
Then reformat the o.c. HD using disk utility. Format non unix. Install new OSX. it will take about half hour or so.
Shut down everything. unplug everything from each other.
restart o.c.
o.c. should act like n.c. now!

[kimo55]

The only thing I can't say for sure is which versions of Mac OS had the first target-disk mode. But I'm sure someone here knows.
just did this whole thing to an old white ibook, which was running 10.2 sumpin. It is years old, but recognised target disk mode just fine.

[Bard]

Target disk mode is actually a function of the boot ROM, so it doesn't matter what Mac OS you have installed. I want to remember that it started with the new world G3s (e.g. blue and white) but I'm not 100% sure.

[kimo55]

Target disk mode is actually a function of the boot ROM, so it doesn't matter what Mac OS you have installed.
right. I was using the mac os as an age yardstick, cuz some early macs don't have TDM inherent in the boot rom.

[Konaguy]

If it isn't older than the first iMacs (the ones in tangerine, grape, and other flavors), I am nearly certain it has a firewire port.


Thats EXACTLY what she's got. Its actually blue colored for the record.

[Konaguy]

it will take about half hour or so.
Shut down everything. unplug everything from each other.
restart o.c. o.c. should act like n.c. now!

Mahalo,you've saved me A LOT of grief potentially.
I printed out your instructions. We'll see how it goes.

Is all USB cables compatible. I have one that I'm using
to connect my computer to a printer.

[tutusue]

This iMac she has is a good 6 years old.The only slots I remember on her
computer were on the keyboard. There may be some other slots elsewhere
but I didnt see them. Thats another bugaboo, no ethernet, just dialup.
I have a 6 year old iMac and it has 2 firewire ports on the right side, near the bottom, towards the back. They're not conspicuous unless you're facing that side of the computer.

[Pua'i Mana'o]

groans, gets out external hd and starts to back back back it up.... thanks for the reminder, folks.

[Konaguy]

I have a 6 year old iMac and it has 2 firewire ports on the right side, near the bottom, towards the back. They're not conspicuous unless you're facing that side of the computer.


Is your iMac colored ? If I can transfer files using USB, it will be money in the bank. As I don't have any firewire cables, only USB.

[adrian]

Are both computers running OSX?
Nope, I think their running OS 8 or 9. I guess I'll stop by compUSSR tomorrow (or The Apple Store if I have too)

You can do it via firewire.... <snip>

Thanks for the info. I'll try that.

[tutusue]

Is your iMac colored ?[...]
Nah...it's white! :eek:

Really! :p

[Konaguy]

Nah...it's white! :eek:

Really! :p

As far as I recall her computer is blue colored running system 8.6...(yeah I know
it is ancient :D)

[tutusue]

As far as I recall her computer is blue colored running system 8.6...(yeah I know
it is ancient :D)
I coulda bought a 'colored' iMac but I opted for the color 'snow'. It was refurbished and came with OS 9.

[kimo55]

Is all USB cables compatible. I have one that I'm using
to connect my computer to a printer.
they all should look and work alike, tho if it is old. toss it and get new. many problems stem from old semi worn out connections in these frail things.

[Konaguy]

they all should look and work alike, tho if it is old. toss it and get new. many problems stem from old semi worn out connections in these frail things.

I'm sort of in a holding pattern. I'm waiting for her to call me when her DSL
modem shows up. Then I'll i'll set it up all at once. In short I'll report back
if I run into any problems.

[Konaguy]

It didn't work, but I got her new computer up and running. I may go to
Radio Shack and get a cross over ethernet cable. As the old iMac
has a ethernet port and new Apple has a ethernet port. I was suggested
to transfer files that way.Although I wasn't able to get work either.

[kimo55]

TIME.... to hire a real mac guy.

[Konaguy]

TIME.... to hire a real mac guy.

Well I got the new iMac up and running.. So at least give me credit for that.
Besides that I didn't see anyway to hookup the USB between the two computers.

[tutusue]

Well I got the new iMac up and running.. So at least give me credit for that.
Besides that I didn't see anyway to hookup the USB between the two computers.
Ok...I'm not known as the 'Untechie Tutu' for nuttin', ya know! That said, and with all due respect KG, it's difficult to *not* get a new iMac up and running! If I can do it, anyone can! :D

Ya mean the old iMac doesn't have a USB port? Can't be. Did you locate all of the ports on the old computer yet? Just curious.

[Konaguy]

Ya mean the old iMac doesn't have a USB port? Can't be. Did you locate all of the ports on the old computer yet? Just curious.

Its got USB ports, its just the USB cable I have won't work to connect the two computers. On top that that USB suggestion that Kimo suggested was ruled
unworkable in another forum I posted in. That I tried the cross-over ethernet
cable transfer between the computers. that didn't work, as I didn't have the right cable and didn't configure the TCP/IP right...

[kimo55]

so. did that do the trick doc? or are ya doing it today?


the discs, but I don't think Macs has a registry like Windows does do they?

first; what is a "registry"

[mel]

Are you sure about that ? I'm pretty sure ALL iMacs have firewire.

I'm jumping into this thread rather late, but I know that the real early iMacs don't have firewire. Only USB.

http://lowendmac.com/imacs/imac.shtml

The following website has the specs to all Macs and I have the URL for the iMacs. Definitely the iMac bondi blue models that came out in 1998 don't have no firewire.

http://www.everymac.com/systems/apple/imac/index.html

http://www.everymac.com/systems/apple/imac/stats/imac_ab.html

Port specs
http://www.everymac.com/systems/apple/imac/ports/imac_ab.html

On another note, what I use to make exact copies of one hard drive to another is something called Carbon Copy Cloner:

http://www.bombich.com/software/ccc.html

This has worked successfully for me when making a copy of my internal drive and placing all the contents including operating system onto a blank external firewire drive. This could work if you have a external firewire (going back to the original question on the G4s). Copy all the stuff to external drive on G4 1 and then recopy it back to internal drive on G4 2 after you move the drive from one to the other.

There are USB external drives out there, but I think to go from an old iMac with only USB would be slow since the older computers are USB 1.1. (Most newer Macs and PCs use USB 2.0)....

[Bard]

first; what is a "registry"

It's sorta like an appendectomy. Or that is usually how I feel when trying to deal with it. :D

[idvfilms]

I second the CCC Carbon Copy Cloner! (http://www.bombich.com/software/ccc.html) When I can't "Target Disk Mode" or Migrate..I hit the Triple C.

Good Luck :)