Use Migration Assistant To Switch From Windows To Mac

To make the jump from Windows to Mac is not one to be taken lightly, but once you have made the decision and you stick with it, you’ll be a happy camper.  I moved from Windows to Mac, as my personal computing choice, approximately 10 years back now and I really like the way the OS feels and runs.  Don’t get me wrong, Windows has its uses, but I just like Apple’s take on things.  It is a personal choice and don’t let anybody goad you into an argument over which is better.  They both have their good points and bad points, as with most things.

If you are thinking of switching from a Windows PC to a Mac, but are worried about transferring your data, there really is no need to fear.  It is a simple process and if you follow the steps carefully, you should come across no issues.

Migration Assistant Allows A Smooth Data Transfer From Your PC To Your Mac

When you start up your Mac for the very first time, the Setup Assistant will give you the opportunity to transfer information to your new Mac, but if you want to, you can skip this step and transfer your data later on. Mac OS X’s Migration Assistant will let you do this.

Choosing either option will give you the choice to transfer your information from your PC to your Mac, but you need to install Windows Migration Assistant on your old PC before you start to do anything.

The Setup or Migration Assistant on your Mac and the Windows Migration Assistant on your PC will talk to each other if they are both on the same Wi-Fi network. If you want to, you can speed up the transfer process by using an Ethernet cable between the computers.

First of all you need to ensure both systems are plugged into a power source. Next, please disable automatic updates in Windows as the last thing you need is Windows interrupting a smooth data transfer with an available update!  Also you want to disable your Windows anti-virus app.  This is so that your PC doesn’t think that the Windows Migration Assistant is malware.  Next, disable your Windows firewall software; this is because it may block ports which the Windows Migration Assistant may need to access.  And finally, in Windows, navigate to Control Panel > Network and Internet > Network and Sharing Center and select “Change advanced sharing settings” in the left side panel. Expand the “All Networks” section and scroll down to the bottom and ensure the radio dial is checked for “Turn off password protected sharing.”

After that careful preparation, you can now begin the procedure.  Run the Windows Migration Assistant on your PC and start the Migration Assistant on your Mac. Select “From another Mac, PC, Time Machine backup, or another disc” when you are prompted, “How do you want to transfer your information?”  You will now be asked to select a migration method.  You should choose, “From a Mac or PC.” and click “Continue” Now you will see a pass code on both the Migration Assistant on your Mac and the Window Migration Assistant on your PC. Click “Continue” on your PC.  Now your new Mac will scan your old PC and come up with a list of folders to migrate across.

Select which folders to transfer and click “Continue” to let the Migration Assistant transfer the files. When the migration is completed, you will discover that your Mac has created a folder in your Mac’s Users folder. There may also be folders that have appeared in the Shared folder.  Now you have access to all of the information you need from your PC on your Mac!

[Image via lifehacker]

SOURCE: http://www.technologyguide.com/howto/how-to-switch-from-windows-to-mac-and-vice-versa/