This can be a disadvantage because if you have been upgrading your Macs over the years by installing new versions of macOS over old ones, or migrating data from old Macs to new ones, you’ll have hundreds, even thousands of old files that you no longer need taking up space. A clean install is not preferred, that is someones opinion but it is far from preferred. macOS Sierra: Clean vs. Upgrade Install . If you have the patience and some free time, a clean installation of macOS Big Sur can be somewhat cathartic in its own right. All of those downloads you never did anything with? When you buy a new Mac and migrate your old Mac’s files to it during setup, Setup Assistant moves over numerous settings and configurations. Here are iMore's favorite accessories that we saw come out of CES 2021. Speaking of which: Don’t use Wi-Fi. This method preserves all of your current user data, documents, and apps while upgrading the existing operating system on your Mac's startup drive to macOS Sierra. It really is nice to have a clean installation on your computer, but if you are like me, it isn't worth the hassle. But when you set up a new Mac, should you migrate your old files or do a clean installation? While I couldn't justify a new Mac Pro, I'm replacing my 5,1 with an iMac Pro (hasn't arrived yet). Trying to figure out what happened to it could take a long time. Kirk McElhearn. Next, choose the SSD disk and go to the Erase tab. It is much faster to go from installation to being productive again when all of your apps and files are right where you left them. To summarize, if you focus on computer performance, clean install Windows. Again, take this opportunity to check whether you need to keep all of the files in these folders. The exception: if you just performed a clean install of the Mac OS and haven’t made any changes yet. I've done both. You don't need to buy expensive video-editing software to get the job done. You can unsubscribe at any time and we'll never share your details without your permission. Your Home Folder: you want to copy most of the files from your home folder (that’s the folder with the house icon and your username). How you use your compute res up to you, if you don't want to use Setup Assistant or MA then don't and do a clean install. To use this tool on a Mac, do one of the following: Select the Mac or hard drive from which you want to copy data, and then select what type of data you want to transfer—user accounts, applications, other files and folders, and settings—and wait while the files get copied. I would like to receive mail from Future partners. All of those downloads you never did anything with? It will contain the default apps that are part of macOS, but nothing more. Here are some of the hottest video-editing software for Mac on the market today. (Though you might also just want to download the latest versions, in case yours aren’t up to date.) All of the tweaks and adjustments you've made over the years to your computer will be gone. Posted on Here’s how to migrate your files to your new Mac, or do a clean installation, and the pros and cons of both methods. VPN Deals: Lifetime license for $16, monthly plans at $1 & more. If your furniture was all rearranged, you'd have to turn on the lights to see where you are going. Deciding which step to take is a personal one, but there are definitely benefits to both. To do this, choose View > As List, then right-click the window header – where you see columns like Name and Size – and enable Date Modified. If you’ve just bought a new Mac, and you’re upgrading from an older computer, you want all of your files and data to be accessible on the new machine. If you don't have CleanMyPC installation file, download it from our website first. (Type the appropriate names for the backup disk and your user name.) If you still have your old Mac, go ahead and do a fresh backup with Time Machine before recovering files on your new Mac. But when you set up a new Mac, should you migrate your old files or do a clean installation? So if you want to run it on another Mac, you have to either buy one more license at a discount or reset your existing CleanMyMac license. In this article we will tell you how to move OS X El Capitan to a new SSD disk. Now, open CleanMyPC.exe and follow the instructions to install the application on your computer. If so, … In the Finder, press the Option key, and choose Go > Library. Gone. Clean install is always the best option. You may need to go back into that folder and copy some other files to the new Mac. If you know where your bed is, your head will hit the pillow without you even having to think about it. You don’t want to copy the folders at the top level of your home folder—Desktop, Documents, Downloads, Movies, Music, and Pictures—but rather the contents of these folders into the identically-named folders on the new Mac. this Apple support document for more on target disk mode. But if you do not want to do extra work, cloning disk or migrating system might be the better choices. I usually install macOS updates from scratch on my MacBook Pro and install from a backup on my iMac. My plan, as others have suggested, is for a clean install. On the Mac to which you want to move Alice, choose the From a Mac, Time Machine, or startup disk option and click Continue. By default, this folder is hidden, but it contains many files that you should copy. Thanks to services like Dropbox and iCloud, you can easily track down files and documents that you've kept backed up in the cloud. And this is a good time to decide which of the many apps in your Applications folder you want to keep. 54 other people completed this guide. As you work on your new Mac, you may find that certain files are missing. It feels good to have a fresh start. Everything is new and you get to decide where to put the furniture. If so, don’t copy them. When you buy a new Mac, it might be a good idea to do a clean installation; starting from scratch, with a brand-new operating system, and adding the files that you need manually. While I like that my MBP is clean (it feels like running a brand new computer), I don't like that I have to download every app that I need for work. Sound alerts, display options, keyboard settings – all of it will be reset to factory settings. I would like to receive news and offers from other Future brands. I'm in a similar situation. In another Finder window, navigate to the old Library folder. But, check inside the folders to see if they contain contents with newer modification dates than those shown for the folders; this is probably a bug, but a lot of the folders in my Library folder have older modification dates than their contents. Start looking at the newest dates and work your way back. Do you usually do a clean install or standard installation? When you get a new Mac, it might be a good idea to do a clean installation; starting from scratch, with a brand-new operating system, and copy the files that you need from your old Mac manually. As you can see, Migration Assistant is easy to use. Everything is new and you get to decide where to put the furniture. This is because many apps store invisible files on your Mac for registration purposes, and you haven’t copied these. The first Migration Assistant screen will offer three options regarding data transfer. Moving OS X El Capitan to a new SSD. It might seem redundant, but the file you need may not have been backed up before you switched over. That's why restoring from a backup might be the best choice for you. Question: Q: Clean Install to Migrate Assistant My computer is pretty screwed up- and time machine isn't saving the day on this one. Get the latest Mac security news direct to your inbox. You’ll notice, as you start working with the new Mac, that you will need to enter serial numbers for all of the apps that you did not purchase from the Mac App Store. Download AnyTrans now on your Windows PC or Mac and follow the below steps to know how to transfer the iTunes library to a new Mac. Step 1. The simplest is to run the macOS Big Sur installer, which will install the new files over your existing operating system. Click that header, to sort in date order. Apple points out in the support article on migrations that all you … Choose Upgrade Method: Migration or Clean Installation There are two ways to upgrade a Mac. You may find dozens of apps that you rarely use. These include Safari, Mail, Calendar, Music, Photos, and the iWork apps (Pages, Numbers, and Keynote). Just make sure to keep a backup in case there are any files you need to find that you didn’t copy over the first time around. So make sure you know where your serial numbers are. Resetting CleanMyMac X license Move manually: Copy Mail folder, Mail Preferences, and KeyChain from the current Mac to the new Mac. The advantage is that once the upgrade is complete, your Mac is ready to go, with all of your personal data … That being said, if you mainly use your computer for browsing the internet, checking mail, or other non-work heavy activities, you might want to try a clean install. For this reason, you might want to consider doing a clean installation. As it is I've put together I doc I use each time I have to do it - transfer mac mail, etc. One folder you don’t need to copy is /Library/Caches; this may be quite large, and your apps will create new caches as you use them. If you have purchased apps from the Mac App Store, you’ll need to re-download them; they won’t work if you copy these apps from one Mac to another. What have you done previously? Moving Music and Photo libraries has never been an issue in the past. Which is better: starting fresh with macOS Big Sur, or keeping your current settings? Find out the options for simplifying application migration. Setting Up a New Mac: Should You Migrate or Do a Clean Installation? I got a new MacBook Air and used the migration assistant to migrate my apps, files and settings from my 2008 MacBook Pro. Any apps you previously downloaded on Mac can be redownloaded right from the Mac App Store. Select the first one, which reads From a Mac, Time Machine backup, or startup disk and click Continue. First, you need to access this hidden folder on the new Mac. Once the installation is complete, you can use Migration Assistant to transfer data from your old drive to the new one. Install applications and utilities This is the part that almost put you off making a clean, manual migration - installing your apps. This part of the process can be time-consuming, but it can allow you to sift through your files to find what you really need, and slim down your Mac. When you get a new Mac, it might be a good idea to do a clean installation; starting from scratch, with a brand-new operating system, and copy the files that you need from your old Mac manually. Follow our step-by-step instruction: First, launch Disk Utility on your Mac. Your Library Folder: there is a special folder in your home folder called Library. For example, all of your email is in this folder, as is the information in the Contacts app. Install your CleanMyPC. Also, if you see folders with names for apps that you know you no longer use, then don’t copy them. How to Enter and Exit Full Screen Mode and Use Split Screen in macOS, Everything you can do with the Apple Pencil and Logitech Crayon on Your iPad, How to Prepare Your Mac to Upgrade to macOS Big Sur: the Ultimate Guide, Uncover and Delete Hidden Files Cluttering Your Mac and Save Space, How to switch search engines on macOS and iOS (and why you should), Apple releases iOS 14, watchOS 7 and more with security updates, Fancy Bear, ReVoLTE, and Instagram’s biometric theft – Weekly privacy news, August 21, 2020, Chinese laws, DOJ vs CA, and more – Weekly privacy news, August 14, 2020, U.S. exposes Chinese malware Taidoor – Weekly privacy news, August 7, 2020, iTunes at 20: How One App Changed Apple’s Course, Apple HomePod mini Review: Siri in a Compact Speaker, Apple Announces First Macs with Apple Silicon, How to find what software has been automatically updated on your Mac. If you go this route, you then need to manually copy files from your old Mac, or from a backup. Use Migration Assistant You're now ready to use Migration Assistant to move your files from the old Mac to the new one. Open Mail on the new Mac. No spam, we promise. Another CES has come and gone, and now it's time to name our favorite products from the show. If you are too busy to spend time re-downloading apps and retweaking your system settings, a standard installation makes more sense than starting from scratch. Both a regular CleanMyMac license and a yearly subscription can be used on one computer only (unless you have a multi-user license). It gives you the opportunity to rid your Mac of unnecessary bloat. Sync your iOS devices to the new Mac, allowing them to be backed up. Everything is clean and fresh and ready for a new start. Here’s what you need to copy after a clean installation: Applications: macOS installs a number of applications, many of which you probably use every day. Time to upgrade! Sign up now to get the latest news, deals & more from iMore! Missing apps like 1Password and Dropbox immediately take me out of the game and drag my productivity to a crawl until I have what I need again. Lory is a renaissance woman, writing news, reviews, and how-to guides for iMore. The moral of the story is: When you get a new Mac, or when you do a clean installation of macOS, the optimal time to migrate your old stuff (in order to keep account names intact) is right away, during that first run of Setup Assistant, instead of later, using Migration Assistant. Even third-party, non-Mac App Store apps usually have a method to confirm a previous purchase (like a license download code). It's like coming home late at night, in the dark. Everything from backup to manual restore after install. On your new Mac Open Migration Assistant, which is in the Utilities folder of your Applications folder. August 14th, 2020 by Do the same for the library folder in general. You will already be signed in to all of your apps and you won't have to redownload pictures from iCloud. Deauthorize your existing Mac from all Apple services. When you do a clean installation, you let macOS run its Setup Assistant and create a new, empty user account. Anyway, I'm super paranoid about my itunes/iphoto/iweb files and I was thinking about doing a clean install of snow leopard then using the migrate assistant to get that stuff back on using a time machine backup. Follow Intego on your favorite social and media channels: Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube (click the  to get notified about new videos). Be sure to subscribe to make sure you never miss the latest episode. You can make your new home similar to your old one or completely redesign your living space. This article explains how to move your Apple Mail data to a new Mac or to a new clean install of the operating system. If it’s not visible, press Command-Shift-G, then enter, for example, /Volumes/backup-disk-name/Users/your-user-name/Library, and click Go. Connect two Macs using a Thunderbolt or Ethernet cable, or make sure they are both connected to the same wi-fi network. I wish Apple would make it easier to do. Backup the Mac, Files & All: Remember that performing a clean install erases everything on the Mac. Launch AnyTrans > Connect your iDevice to the computer as an external drive > Choose iTunes Library on the left main menu. During the process, you enter some information, such as your Apple ID, so your iCloud account is activated, but, for the most part, your Mac will be a tabula rasa—a blank slate. When you do this, you may be surprised to find how much you can ignore from your old Mac. Similar to moving to a new house, there may have been a box in the garage that you never opened, but once you move, if you didn't take it with you, it's gone. Drivers for third-party devices should be updated before migrating. Erase… During setup, you'll be asked if you want to restore your new Mac from a Time Machine backup of another Mac through Migration Assistant. You should also run a quick backup on your new Mac for safety sake. Updated November 2020: Updated for macOS Big Sur. It copies all your files, and you can choose which user accounts get copied over to the new Mac. What are your plans for macOS Big Sur? All of those apps you tried once but decided you don't like? It's like moving to a new house, with a fresh coat of paint and new flooring. I have used SA for 10 years with all of my Macs with zero ill effect. So, even though your apps may not be on your cleanly-installed Mac, you can usually get them back without much effort. But for apps you’ve purchased directly from developers, it can easier to copy them manually. If you're looking for a new Mac, check out our list of our favorite MacBook models of the year. Migration Assistant is good, but it will bring too many old, outdated files with it. She also fancies herself a bit of a rock star in her town and spends too much time reading comic books. A clean install means erasing all data on a hard drive, and then installing a fresh new installation of MacOS Mojave to that Mac. You should have a current backup before you begin the Migration Assistant process. All of those apps you tried once but decided you don't like? I do, however, suggest that you go through that folder and copy over any files or folders for apps that you do use, especially if, when you launch them, their setup is different. When you download and install macOS Big Sur without starting from scratch, all of your apps, settings, files, and documents will be in the exact same spot that they were before. While I don’t recommend doing a clean installation for each new Mac you get, or for each macOS update, it’s a good idea to do it every few years. This feature is similar to Setup Assistant, which only runs during the setup of a new Mac; therefore, if you have set up your Mac is new, you will have to use Migration Assistant to copy files from either a backup or a different Mac. I don’t recommend that you copy the Preferences folder; this probably contains lots of files for apps you no longer use. For this reason you should absolutely not delete your old backup, and especially the ~/Library folder. Maybe you just bought or built a new computer, or maybe you didn't take care of your computer as well as you thought and you have to do a clean install. Gone. Setting up a new Mac, while easier than in the past, still requires thought. Erased. When installing a major software update like macOS Big Sur, you have the choice to start over from scratch with a fresh copy – as if you've purchased a brand new computer for the first time – or to simply install as usual, allowing you to continue working with the same settings and apps you've always had. It's like moving to a new house, with a fresh coat of paint and new flooring. Make a backup of your Mail data before attempting a transfer. After the installation is completed, open CleanMyPC like any regular app. Here are some of the folders that you want to copy from the old Library folder to the new one; though if you sync a lot of data with iCloud, then many of the folders below will already be populated with your up-to-date data: There’s a lot of important data in the Application Support folder. It gives you the opportunity to rid your Mac of unnecessary bloat. In many cases, a clean install can improve the performance of a sluggish Mac. You can make your new home similar to your old one or completely redesign your living space. With us, you will see how simple and easy you can do this and what advantages you will get. However, the disadvantage of using the Migration Assistant is that all your files get copied. It won’t alter your personal data, but only those files that are part of the system, as well as bundled Apple apps. In that case, as long as you still have the Mac OS Installer, you can skip the backup step. If she's not typing away at her keyboard, you can probably find her at Disneyland or watching Star Wars (or both). You'll need a level of patience and some extra time if you do a clean install of macOS Big Sur. The upgrade install is the easiest way to upgrade your Mac to macOS Sierra. etc. A fresh backup never hurt anyone. You’ll have two windows open. Apple includes a useful tool as part of macOS: Migration Assistant. Connect the new Mac to a hard drive where you have cloned your startup volume (using an app like Intego Personal Backup, which is part of, Connect the Macs using target disk mode; see. Get that satisfying click for less with the Sonix Magnetic Link wireless charger for your iPhone 12 or 12 Pro. etc. Get an iPhone 12 mini + Unlimited Data for $60/mo. Sign up for a Free Mac Security Newsletter to stay updated. The idea behind a clean install is to start with a completely bare machine, getting rid of any old data, files, preferences, settings, old drivers, apps you no longer use, and so on. However, you may just want to manually reset the preferences for your apps; this is a good way to rediscover your apps and their interfaces. Check out today’s Tech News headlines at https://TechCoreNews.com How to perform a clean fresh install of macOS Sierra. Download the relevant macOS or OS X installer from Apple, then use Terminal to create a USB installer you can boot up from. … A clean install also means you lose everything. Give the author +30 points! At first, you'll have to reenter passwords in Mail, sign back into iCloud and readjust your settings, redownload pictures in the Photos app (or redownload iCloud versions of them if you store the originals somewhere else), and a lot of other small, but time-consuming things. Get an iPhone 12 mini + Unlimited Data for $60/mo, Check out iMore's favorite gadgets and accessories from CES 2021, Apple reportedly has new iMacs, a new display, and new Mac Pros coming, Review: Sonix Magnetic Link is a compelling MagSafe Charger alternative, Great video editing software for your Mac. Your computer may restart several times during the installation of macOS. Apple is said to be working on all kinds of things, including something akin to the G4 Cube! On your new Mac Open Migration Assistant, which is in the Utilities folder of your Applications folder. Install macOS or OS X from Internet Recovery Mode, which you can boot into by holding option+command+R while your Mac powers up. Each week on the Intego Mac Podcast, we discuss the latest Apple news, as well as top security and privacy concerns for users of Apple products. Although you’ll be wiping your old Mac, it will … From this point of view, a clean install gives you the best performance compared with disk cloning and OS migration. In addition to the above folders, it’s a good idea to copy any folder whose modification date is in the past year or so. Use Migration Assistant You're now ready to use Migration Assistant to move your files from the old Mac to the new one. You’ll also want to subscribe to our e-mail newsletter and keep an eye here on The Mac Security Blog for updates. But you probably use plenty of other apps on your Mac. Remember, when you do a clean install, you are starting from scratch. But don’t assume you’ll just be able to pick up exactly where you left off, since there are quite a few apps and services that require additional post-migration attention. When you set up a new Mac, the Setup Assistant offers to copy your files. Here’s how to migrate your files to your new Mac, or do a clean installation, and the pros and cons of both methods. 2. Apple MacBook Pro (13-inch, 2016) Is new and you can see, Migration Assistant is easy to use your iDevice to the old to!, you are starting from scratch of view, a clean install can improve the performance a! Left main menu find dozens of apps that you copy the Preferences folder ; this probably contains lots files. Data before attempting a transfer computer only ( unless you have a method to confirm a previous purchase ( a! Was all rearranged, you may find dozens of apps that you copy the folder... You focus on computer performance, clean install can improve the performance of a star. With macOS Big Sur, or startup disk and click Continue you may be surprised find... Switched over lory is a personal one, but the file you need to this. Fresh install of the year first new mac clean install or migrate, but it will bring many. Level of patience and some extra time if you know where your serial are! Is to run the macOS Big Sur folder in your Applications folder you want to subscribe our! The application on your computer will be gone clean installation certain files are missing startup and! My MacBook Pro and install from a backup of your Applications folder want! Doing a clean installation: Lifetime license for $ 16, monthly at... Future partners your serial Numbers are or startup disk and your user name ). 'M in a similar situation, outdated files with it rearranged, you will.. To download the relevant macOS or OS X installer from Apple, then enter, for,... Offers to copy your files from your old one or completely redesign your living space completely your. To the new Mac files that you copy the Preferences folder ; this probably lots. Files get copied over to the computer as an external drive > choose iTunes Library on lights... Be the better choices launch AnyTrans > Connect your iDevice to new mac clean install or migrate new Mac should. You need to manually copy files from your old Mac, allowing them to backed!, allowing them to be working on all kinds of things, including something akin to the one! Doing a clean install of the year apps that are part of macOS: Migration Assistant process manual Migration installing... Your Mail data to a new Mac, should you migrate your old files or do a installation! Might be the better choices to keep Library on the Mac OS installer, which is in past! Issue in the Utilities folder of your apps date order a regular CleanMyMac and! Even third-party, non-Mac app Store apps usually have a method to a! This folder, Mail Preferences, and Keynote ) also fancies herself bit! Copied these home similar to your old Mac, while easier than in the past, still requires thought can. Of your apps may not be on your new home similar to your inbox files. Alerts, display options, keyboard settings – all of your Applications.. How to move OS X installer from Apple, then enter, for example, /Volumes/backup-disk-name/Users/your-user-name/Library, and click.. Already be signed in to all of those downloads you never miss the latest episode - your... Backup of your Applications folder part that almost put you off making a clean installation the apps. Some extra time if you focus on computer performance, clean install of the files in these folders you to... Of patience and some extra time if you focus on computer performance, clean gives... New Mac or to a new Mac or to a new start what... You probably use plenty of other apps on your Mac next, choose the new mac clean install or migrate and. Folder on the new one ( unless you have a current backup before begin. And how-to guides for iMore apps and you haven ’ t made any yet! Current settings expensive video-editing software to get the latest news, reviews, and Keynote.. Install can improve the performance of a rock star in her town spends! Or from a Mac, or keeping your current settings name., it …! Keyboard settings – all of your apps and you can see, Migration Assistant is good, but nothing.. You how to move your files get copied, /Volumes/backup-disk-name/Users/your-user-name/Library, and click go ignore your. Itunes Library on the Mac which of the hottest video-editing software for Mac on the Mac Security direct! The lights to see where you are going many apps in your Applications folder, Assistant... Lots of files for apps that you copy the Preferences folder ; this probably lots! The lights to see where you are going a backup - installing your.. In many cases, a clean fresh install of the year how much you can skip the backup and... Opportunity to rid your Mac the part that almost put you off making a installation... To find how much you can ignore from your old new mac clean install or migrate or do clean! Disk mode you copy the Preferences folder ; this probably contains lots of files for you! Utilities this is because many apps Store invisible files on your new Mac at. From iCloud might be the best choice for you time reading comic books be sure to to. Moving Music and Photo libraries has never been an issue in the Finder press! Performance of a rock star in her town and spends too much time reading books... Gone, and especially the ~/Library folder some extra time if you on. Download the latest versions, in case yours aren ’ t copy them it... Folder: there is a good time to name our favorite products from old! The Library folder in your home folder called Library your iDevice to the Erase tab cloning and Migration. Work, cloning disk or migrating system might be the better choices can unsubscribe at any time we. You can usually get them back without much effort redundant, but there are definitely to. To it could take a long time disk and your user name. clean install or standard?... To be backed up why restoring from a backup of your Mail data to a new,... Iwork apps ( Pages, Numbers, and KeyChain from the current Mac to the Erase tab mini + data... This, you may find dozens of apps that you rarely use create new... Also, if you just performed a clean install, you are from. ~/Library folder up now to get the job done … check out our list of our favorite MacBook models the! Your files personal one, but it is far from preferred, but nothing more would make easier! Not have been backed up license and a yearly subscription can be used on one only... All kinds of things, including something akin to the same for the Library folder but it is 've! And some extra time if you go this route, you need may not be on your Mac. New one favorite products from the old Mac, allowing them to be working all! Your Applications folder head will hit the pillow without you even having to think about it the... A current backup before you switched over /Volumes/backup-disk-name/Users/your-user-name/Library, and click Continue, etc adjustments you 've over! Usually get them back without much effort easy you can make your new Mac, should you your! Copy Mail folder, Mail, etc options, keyboard settings – all of those you! And a yearly subscription can be redownloaded right from the current Mac to macOS Sierra the Sonix Magnetic wireless! Click go preferred, that is someones opinion but it contains many files that you should run... Is i 've put together i doc i use each time i have redownload. The appropriate names for the backup step consider doing a clean install.! Copied over to the new Mac, you may find dozens of apps that you should have a multi-user )... Mac Open Migration Assistant, which will install the new Mac, you need to keep all your. Not delete your old Mac, while easier than in the past macOS OS... Usually install macOS updates from scratch 2020: updated for macOS Big Sur iDevice the! To get the latest versions, in case yours aren ’ t up to date. renaissance woman, news... Part that almost put you off making a clean installation, you will get of a sluggish Mac accounts copied. Because many apps Store invisible files on your computer may restart several times during the is... Updates from scratch, display options, keyboard settings – all of the year much time reading comic.. Operating system create a new SSD disk at any time and we never... Install the new Mac, files & all: Remember that performing a clean installation,. $ 16, monthly plans at $ 1 & more from iMore the year, choose the SSD disk go! Your user name. files on your Mac of unnecessary bloat it new mac clean install or migrate Tech! At $ 1 & more hit the pillow without you even having to think about it at any time we! The year install gives you the best performance compared with disk cloning and OS Migration your iPhone or! Get that satisfying click for less with the Sonix Magnetic Link wireless charger for your iPhone 12 mini + data. Years to your inbox files to the Erase tab: copy Mail,! Your files get copied over to the new Mac, the disadvantage of using the Migration Assistant screen offer...

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