Ableton Forum

If I buy a new computer, say an iMac, currently have macbook pro, can I transfer all programs, vat instruments, plug-ins, libraries, etc.. without having to re-register any thing.?? How to do it?
Do I just backup onto external HDD via Time Machine and then when I get my new iMac, can transfer everything??

some of your stuff will probably need re-authorization after the migration, as some copy protection schemes are based on various hardware identifiers, which will be different on the new machine. it's also a good idea to check if any of your software can be de-authorized on the old machine if you aren't planning on keeping it.

444pio wrote:If I buy a new computer, say an iMac, currently have macbook pro, can I transfer all programs, vat instruments, plug-ins, libraries, etc.. without having to re-register any thing.?? How to do it?
Do I just backup onto external HDD via Time Machine and then when I get my new iMac, can transfer everything??

You must use cloning software if you want to Xfer all your programs without having to re-register everything. This includes cloning your OS and all your Programs to a dedicated "OS" drive then you can use an extra drive for Streaming Audio/Project folders, a drive for Samples/VSTi, and a drive for Video/Misc. media. This way your system will operate cooler and faster seek times and low latencies.

miekwave wrote:You must use cloning software if you want to Xfer all your programs without having to re-register everything.

a full migration from a Time Machine backup has more or less the same effect. cloning isn't going to guarantee that things don't need re-registering.

also, whether or not a clone will work depends on the models of the Macs you are cloning, and the versions of OS X. in some cases, a clone from another machine will not boot a different model Mac.