Unable to restore TimeMachine backup, "this user's data doesn't need to be transferred"

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Unable to restore TimeMachine backup, "this user's data doesn't need to be transferred"

Hello,

I have TimeMachine backups on my old MacBook since years ago, updated recently, I just got a new MacBook and tried to restore from TimeMachine via migration assistant but it always fails to transfer my user data, upon restoring I get a message "this user's data doesn't need to be transferred".

I've tried many times, including re-installing macOS on the new MacBook and also created a new backup from scratch on the old laptop but without success.

Any help here would be appreciated.

PS: I have latest macOS on both old and new MacBooks.

Thank you.

MacBook Pro (2020 and later)

Posted on Apr 11, 2022 7:08 AM

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Answer 1

PRP_53

Level 10

90,979 points

Apr 11, 2022 7:16 AM in response to haithamR

On your new Mac

Select the information to transfer.
In this example, Michael Cavanna is a macOS user account. If it has the same name as an account already on your new Mac, you're prompted to either rename the old account or replace the one on your new Mac. If you rename, the old account will appear as a separate user on your new Mac, with a separate home folder and login. If you replace, the old account will delete and then replace the account on your new Mac, including everything in its home folder.

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Answer 2

haithamR Author

Level 1

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Apr 11, 2022 7:28 AM in response to PRP_53

Hi P. Phillips and thanks for the reply.

This is exactly what I am trying to do, however TM doesn't migrate the user data (as in the example Michael Cavanna ), stating that: "this user's data doesn't need to be transferred"

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Answer 3

PRP_53

Level 10

90,979 points

Apr 11, 2022 7:36 AM in response to haithamR

1 - How Old is Old computer and what version of OS X or macOS was / is on the older computer.

2 - If the new computer is going to be the Apple Silicon M1 Equipped Computer - would suggest Only Migrating the User Account and nothing more.

3 - Apple Silicon with either Big Sur macOS 11 or Monterey macOS 12 Only Support everything 64 bit and there is no workaround.

4 - Issues that may exist on the older computer will be migrated to the New Computer. This would badly pollute the new Original and Pristine installation of the new OS.

5 - Applications, extensions and Software Drivers may or may not even work on the new computer.

6 - IMHO - it would be best to only install new application etc Directly from the Developer or the Apple Apps Store.

7 - Due Diligence on New Applications and make sure they are Monterey / Big Sur compatible and factor in the ARMs CPU of the Apple Silicon Computer

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Unable to restore TimeMachine backup, "this user's data doesn't need to be transferred"

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