Restoring everything but the OS from timemachine

[NealF]

Hi,

I'm on a Mac Pro 2010. Need to upgrade from El Cap to High Sierra mainly so I can use the latest Final Cut Pro x.

My question is this: Some posts around the web say to do a clean install. If I do that I think I have to reinstall all my apps, passwords, licenses, etc. I think. BIG pain in the butt.

So, if that's true, is it possible to just restore all the apps from the Timemachine backup?

Or should I just take my chances and do a regular update without it being a clean install?

Thanks.

[bayswater]

BIG pain in the butt.

RIght, it is a big pain. Wouldn't be so bad if everything was on the same authorization scheme. I've done clean installs and simple updates, and can't say I've noticed a difference. Why not just do the update? It can run itself while you do something else.

If it doesn't work, you can always do the clean install later. There isn't much to lose. The last time I did a clean install on a test partition, bringing in stuff from a previous setup via a TM backup was one of the options.

[NealF]

Yeah. That's what I'm going to do.

Been going blind reading all the do's and don'ts people recommend. I'm just going for it.
Thanks.

[mikehalloran]

I do not recommend a clean install. If your system is old enough, it flat out won't work. There will always be installers too old. Office 2008 and Finale before 25.4.1 are two that come to mind—there are many others that still run fine but can't install over OS 10.13.

Armchair experts who post nonsense like, I believe you should always... aren't going to be there for the hours (or days in my case) it would take.

As to your question: You can open Migration Assistant and restore everything but System. Select Time Machine as your source.

You would have to restore your passwords etc. as your Preferences won't migrate over.

Do not just copy your work files (Documents Pictures etc.), especially DP and Office. Use Migration Assistant.

Or just upgrade your OS. There may be apps that are no longer compatible etc. Far less time consuming to just deal with it if there's a problem.

[NealF]

I'm convinced.

I've seen posts saying to do a clean install. I'm just glad I posted here. It would have been a mess.
Thanks for the advice.

[dbl]

I've got a new iMac arriving end of the week, so not the same kind of update. I'm guessing Mojave's installed. My assumed plan:

Boot. Hit App Store for updates. Reboot. Follow Mr. Halloran's directions to the letter. Am I missing anything? TIA;

[mikehalloran]

Use Migration Assistant to bring everything over. Most of your passwords and authorizations will remain intact. Not all but the time savings will pay off.

[dbl]

Mr. H,

Thanks quite a bit.

Best, David