Time Machine: How do I restore my entire user account (all my personal files)?
NOTE
Do NOT create a new user account with the same name as any user account you plan to restore. (If you already did, back up any files from that user, go to the User pane of System Preferences and create a new administrative user with a unique name. Then log in as the new administrative user and delete the user account with the duplicate name.)
If you want to restore your user files but not system software, you can use Migration Assistant.
- While connected to the Internet, run Software Update from the Apple menu in the upper left corner of your screen. Install everything available and restart your computer if required.
- Connect the external hard drive with the Time Machine backup to your computer.
- Open Migration Assistant from Macintosh HD /Applications/Utilities. Enter your administrative password if required.
- Under the migration method choices, choose From a Time Machine backup or other disk.
- Select the external hard drive containing the previous Time Machine backups (it may take some time to scan the disk.)
- Choose which “User Accounts” you would like to migrate.
Published March 24, 2009 12:00 PM
Last modified on November 25, 2011 12:35 PM
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